My trip to Washington and Alaska

I'm finally well enough to sit and update a little about my trip. I must say that this was a first for me to be away so long from my kids and Craig. I tryed to have things together for Craig to help him with managing the kids and the household while I was gone. Not that he couldn't do it, just that every little bit helps. Mikayla was a real little mom while I was gone. She helped cook the dinners and keep the house tidy. Craig did a wonderful job with school, homework, laundry etc... I had a wonderful visit with my dad (Washington) for four days and then off to cousin Laurie's (Alaska) for 6 days. Laurie and I had a blast just visiting. We did a few things here and there but most of all just enjoyed getting reacquainted since she has been in Alaska for most of my adult life. Here are some picture of my trip...

A Visit with dad at his new digs in Gig Harbor Washington

My cousin Laurie's in Wasilla Alaska

Her home was just lovely.

Laurie and I headed out for Hatcher pass for a little road trip before going to Corrie and Stan's for dinner.

I wish I had Craig's camera with me. I could have gotten some beautiful shots.

This was taken at the visitor pull-out at the base of Hatcher Pass. So pretty with all that snow.

Well, end of the road for us... We turned around at this point and headed back down.

When we came back from our little excursion, Laurie and I went to Laurie's niece's (my cousin) house for dinner. I have to say, We sure have allot of good cooks in this family!!! Corrie did a wonderful job with dinner and the hospitality.

From the left: Makaria, Thekla, Stan, Nadia, Corrie, Irene, and Patrick.

Test later! Kidding!

Just to prove I was there! (for Craig you know!)

The kids had made forts so I had to check them out of course. First up is Patrick's...

The girls had one too...

When Laurie goes to see the kids she likes to go to her favorite kitchen shop and get something for them. Her brother (My cousin Dick) built this cute playhouse for the old owners of the store, and it is still there as you can see. The name Carrie's house is for his daughter. Isn't it cute? My kids were jealous!

One of the days Laurie and I stayed home and played in her sewing room...

Great things come out of LOR LOR's sewing room! We made Alaskan print Aprons for Mikayla and Savannah. Reversable! I'll post a picture later of them wearing them. They loved them...

Time to go!

Catching Up!

Well I have some time today to catch everyone up with our lives. Craig and I stared our furlough

day today and will be off every 1st and 3rd Friday of the month without pay...
Thanksgiving was nice. I hosted the dinner at our house. We had my mom, brother, Mark and Kristi & kids and had Turkey with all the trimmings. Christmas was fun and I hosted again. We had my mom, brother, sister Debi and our friends Bill and PJ. I had a Prime Rib with all the trimmings. For New Years, Mikayla, Savannah, Craig and I played games until midnight then toasted in the new year with cider and noise makers, then off to bed! The New Year brought sadness to our lives with my cousin losing her husband, me losing my best friend and my father fell ill and was in the hospital. Well, my father is home now and I take off Wednesday the 11th to go pay a visit. I will stay in Washington until the 15th, then its off to Alaska to see my cousin Laurie until the 21st. I will post pictures of that trip when I can. Here are pics from the holidays.

Yummy!


Kid's table.

Christmas at the Baillie's

Back in action

Hi everyone. Well its time for me to get back to posting. 2008 was a busy year and I got lost in it around Christmas time. The new year got off to an emotional note with my cousin losing her husband, me losing my best friend and my father was in the hospital. Well, the healing has begun and my dad is home from the hospital. I will try to update with photos from Thanksgiving on... The girls are doing great. Mikayla tested for chair position in band and is now 2nd chair. We are so proud of her. Savannah is doing very well in kindergarden and she loves it. Craig and I are facing some challenges with living in a broken California! Our governor has made an executive order to furlough all State employees for 2 days a month with out pay. With Craig and I both working for the state that equals approx. 10% each reduction in our pay. OUCH! The order goes to court on January 29th for a judge to decide if the governor has the legal means to do this. Guess I better dust off the board games, its going to be a long year if he gets his way...