In early December we went up to our friends, Dick's and MaryKay's house near Rocky Point. They live next to the Winema National Forest, and we took our permit (which MK got for us) and tramped around the woods looking for a suitable Christmas tree. After admiring (at least the tops) of a number of trees, some as tall as 25 feet, we finally found a wonderful tree that was just the right height. I cut it down, and then Dick and Dick carried it down to the house, where we subsequently wrapped it and put it in our van for the trip home.
On the 11th of December, I reached a milestone (oops, almost said millstone!), having achieved the ripe old age of two-thirds of a century. In honor of this, and because I'm always posting all these pictures of everyone else, I give you a panoramic view of the subject himself. OK, OK, I promise to never do that again.
When we went back to Benicia before heading back to Oregon, Ian and Fiona demonstrated their new abilities. Not as good as their Great-Uncle David, but working up to it.
The day after Christmas, Mark and Darla arrived from Eugene, and Evan, Laura, Ian, and Fiona arrived from Benicia. We had a bountiful day after Christmas dinner. The presents couldn't wait too much longer. Here's Ian with his first, along with Fiona concentrating on hers, while Mark and Darla enjoy the moment. Grammy and Fiona take a short break to check out some new books. A bit later, Fiona and Ian are interested in Evan's new book. Then Laura checks out things. Without a doubt, the one present that garnered the most interest was the scavenger hunt that Stephen was required to engage in; here he has deciphered the first two clues (with help from Ian and Fiona) to find the first installment. Here he is close to finding the last clue, and at last, the final booty. A little later, Ian and Fiona are showing off two more books. Finally, Ian and Fiona get to the final presents. Here's Ian on his new play table (Grandad has a bit more work to do on it before delivery). Fiona was happy with her new red barn made by her Grandad (that's me).
After the rest of us had some lunch, one contingent went after-Christmas shopping, while the rest of us did something useful and went to the ScienceWorks Hands-On Museum. They have many interesting hands-on exhibits. I got this picture of Ian, Einstein, and Fiona. Fiona enjoyed the sand painting. Mark, Darla, Ian, and Fiona built an arch out of foam blocks, illustrating the concept of a "keystone". Outside Ian and Fiona climbed climbed and crawled around a bear and her cub. Back home, Ian, Fiona, and their dad relax in the hot tub.
On the 28th, we went up toward Mt. Ashland to do some sledding and sliding. Only got a few pictures. Here's one of unquestioned poor quality of Evan and Ian. This one of Laura and Fiona is considerably improved. Then there are a couple of in-between shots of Evan and Laura one, and Evan and Laura two.
It was a great Christmas holiday season. We look forward to the new year.