Day 7: Putting away the Christmas decorations

I guess this technically should have been done on Thursday but we have been preoccupied with wedding preparations around here! Today we took down the tree and packed away our eclectic collection of tree ornaments. Noah is already looking forward to getting them out again - he wishes it was Christmas all year round.

Day 6: Wahclella Falls

SO hard to choose a picture today. The children and I went for a hike to Wahclella Falls in the Columbia Gorge with our friend Sarah, a new hike for us, and just spectacular. After the hike, we visited Bonneville Dam and the Fish Hatchery - it was a wonderful day out!

Day 5: Dress fitting

Some things are planned long in advance, other things are unexpected. A sweet girl at our church asked David yesterday (Wednesday) to marry her and her fiance this Sunday. So, unexpectedly, I am helping to organize a wedding in four days! It is pretty exciting - and incredibly moving to see our church community jump right in to pull this off. Two wonderful ladies offered to lend their wedding dresses, another two ladies will do hair and make-up, another is getting flowers, another bringing the cake. I think the bridesmaid will wear the dress I wore as maid of honor for my sister's wedding. I took this picture this afternoon in my living room as Kamoera tried on the borrowed dress for the first time.

Day 4: An important reminder

We are loving having Harry in our family - he is a perfect little kitten! We hope that he will remain an indoor cat, so Anna carefully made a sign for both our front and back door, reminding people to check on Harry's whereabouts before leaving the house. For those who have been following the Harry story, his beautiful sister Hermione has gone to live with our dear neighbors and friends just down the street, which makes us (and them) very happy.

Day 3: Thank you letters

I am a stickler for handwritten thank you notes, much to my children's despair, BUT I tried a new approach today and we got them all done this morning - and done well, I think.

Day 2: New running shoes

New year, new shoes, much less calf muscle pain and a "personal best" run this morning!

Day 1: Acolyte

Johnny actually served as an acolyte at church for the first time last Sunday, on Christmas Day, but unfortunately, he had to leave the service half way through as he became unwell. Today he undertook his duties beautifully.