Camping in Yellowpine, Idaho - Harmonica Festial

We had a wonderful time camping in Yellowpine for the three day Harmonica Festival. We saw some real talent and also met many interesting people. We thought we would never get there, the road seemed so long but when we arrived we were pleasantly surprised to see many campers, tents, and people all over the place. It was estimated that 4,000 people were there. Young and old, people having a good time, many up there to party and then us who were bike riding, playing with the kids, and listening to good music. Yellowpine is a tiny town of 40 people who have a harmonica contest once a year and raises money to keep their little town alive. Please see next post for our Yellowpine People Shoot 2008.

Departing Boise, Bridgette, and Babies....

We made it into Boise on Wednesday evening and Thursday morning we were on our way to the Boise Zoo. Bernie gave each one of the kids an icecream right after breakfast on the way to the zoo. We only see them occasionally and it's a grandparents unwritten rule to spoil the daylights out of them (as long as they behave). They are great kids and we had fun. Levi even petted a legless lizard and we got to see many of the animals fed. I love this warm weather. Bridgette and Chad were having their golf date, massage appt, and night away at the hotel for her birthday gift from Chad while Mary and Marty Poppins were in town.

Our Motorcycle Trip from Chugiak, AK to Bellingham, WA

We left our home on Saturday and it was gray and overcast but our spirits our hopeful that the sun will come out. We arrived in Tok, AK where we met up with some friends and had dinner and found lodging for the night which consisted of a charming little cabin complete with outhouse and Coleman heater. We laid out our sleeping bags and had a good rest. From Tok, we traveled on to Haines, Junction where we were ready to call it a day. We passed through a terrible rainstorm where Bernie lost his $100 sunglasses. We went back to find them but couldn't. The wind was howling and it was pretty chilly and I was thinking of the song "I Will Praise You in the Storm." God protected us and gave us safety. The road is under construction most of the way and so it's slow going not to mention like 45-48 degrees. In Haines Junction, we found a cute little cabin complete with heat and a bed!! The bathroom was across the parking lot and we had coin operated showers. On to Haines, AK to catch the ferry so back into the US we go. I think I was so cold wondering how I could warm up. I had all my good cold-weather gear on but my hands were frozen. We warmed up as soon as we got into Haines where we went sightseeing. We saw a black bear first yesterday and then a grizzly on the way into Haines. We caught the ferry and got set up with our tent on the deck of the Columbia. The ferry is awesome with great accomdations. There are informational talks by the Forest Service about three times a day as well as sightseeing unending. There are whales which run alongside us. We have met so many interesting people but mainly hang out with the motorcycle crowd. There are about 15 others whom we have befriended from all over the US. God has certainly blessed us.

SUE'S SURPRISE 50TH BIRTHDAY PARTY...

Hat's are off to a successful surprise birthday party for Sue. Everything worked out wonderfully and so, mission accomplished. Thanks to all you who made it a big success for our lovely lady friend Sue. I think we all had a great time. Sue is definitely a Proverbs 31 woman who is after God's own heart. She is a dear friend to me and has been my friend since 1984. Here are some pictures of one beautiful lady.

I Went to a Garden Party...

Here we are at Dawn Cowan's house in Wasilla who is a Master Gardener. Her yard is in full bloom and we had a lovely brunch outdoors. The kids all had such a good time., Who needs to go to the Palmer Fair when you have a inflatable house, swingset, swimming pool, all in your backyard? It's a child's wonderland.

June 2008 Family Photos

More wonderful grandchildren pictures as well as children pictures of the Alaskan vacation. We had a blast. The large group picture is one of the entire wedding party at Peter's Creek rehearsal dinner the night before the wedding.

Chris and Dorothy Vann Wedding - June 12, 2008

More Pre-Wedding Photos

Here are some more pictures of when the whole gang arrived. The last picture is of Carsten holding Greta, Emme, Levi and then Finn. We had a fire almost every other night in our backyard after cooking out. We so enjoyed every bit of time with our loved ones. Sometimes, it was a bit of a challenge to keep the home running smoothly with meals, transportation, and sippee cups separated. We all have great memories of time spent with family and, course, the reason for coming to Alaska was for Bernie and Angie's wedding. It was awesome! God is to be praised!

Family Photos of pre and post Wedding of Bernie and Angie

Here are some photos of our beautiful grandcherubs the week before the wedding. Adam, Natalie and Greta got to Anchorage first. Adam was "the man" who built our sturdy wooden swingset to keep the kids having fun. He had Kyle and Bernie Jr. as his assistants and Big Bernie to help him move it into place. Here are Greta and Finn getting to know one another. Don't let Greta's size fool you. She can definitely hold her own.