Catch Up

I have been meaning to put this picture up of Ryan. He played tennis for the local middle school and had a great time. He qualified for the A Team and played in the District Tournament in May, taking 3rd in his bracket. He loves to play tennis for fun, and this is his first time competing in a sport. He was a real gentleman on the court and had FUN at every match -- even when the wind was blowing at 35 miles an hour. Ah, spring tennis in Idaho!

Hello Spring!

It's spring again at Payne Acres! We spent Saturdays in February and March in the orchard pruning the trees and now we get to sit back and enjoy the blossoms. It won't be long before we are back in the orchard thinning fruit and chasing off the naughty robins who invade our cherry trees.

In March, we had to say goodbye to a good friend who loved to be in the orchard with us. We sure miss our dog, Yogi! But we now have a new responsibility...6 orphaned kittens to feed. It has been a lot bigger job than I anticipated. I have new respect for any mammal that gives birth to anything that comes in multiples! It's a good thing kittens grow so fast! Would anyone like to adopt a kitten -- cute, cuddley, hand-fed!

A Good Year

This year has been a truly great and blessed one. We have added another member to our family -- Emily! Aside from always wanting another daughter -- there are many perks that I have discovered in adding a child through marriage.

1. I didn't have to go through another pregnancy;

2. She has already been through puberty; and

3. She comes with a college degree!

Emily also has the sweetest personality and takes great care of Brandon. Kate always wanted a sister, too! I hope you all enjoy the Christmas season, and have time to enjoy the wonderful blessing of being part of a family.

Another Quilt Off the Frame...

Happy day! I finally finished Jeff's "Chicken Linen" quilt. After much collecting of fabric (the most fun part) and cutting, sewing, and all the rest...the quilt has made it onto his bed. This has been about a 2 year project, not including the collecting time. Now, to the rest of the unfinished projects that were more fun to start than finish!

A Visit to Our Nation's Capital

On September 11th, we left Idaho on a jet plane to visit our Nation's Capital. We actually were able to spend 8 days in Washington, D.C.; and Rich's itinerary didn't leave much undone. We saw just about every national site -- along with a few other memorable moments riding on D.C.'s metro system. Despite all of the security checks; long days of walking; security checks; and more security checks we had an excellent and well-planned trip.Here are the kids in front of the Lincoln Memorial. (Sunday, Sept. 13th 2009.)

Walking across the bridge from Arlington Cemetery toward the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument. (Sunday, Sept. 13th 2009.)

Touring the Capitol Building. (Sept. 12th, 2009.)

A day spent at George Washington's Virginia home, Mt. Vernon.

Jeff in front of the Washington Monument. (Weds., Sept. 16th, 2009.)

Here we are in front of the White House. We were able to get a tour of the White House, thanks to our trusty Senator, Sen. Crapo, and his efficient staff. They only show a few rooms and then escort you out the front door. We did have the "privilege" of seeing the family dog out for his morning walk, escorted by his very own Secret Service Agent. Very glamorous!

Here we are with my Great Aunt Ruth who lives in Maryland. She is so fun! We went to lunch and she was the first to blow off her straw wrapper at the kids. Of course, my kids followed suit. Rich and I were definitely the oldest people at the table!

And They'll Live Happily Ever After...

Brandon and Emily were married on April 18, 2009. It was a lovely ceremony, performed by Rich, and they were and are so happy together. We couldn't ask for a more lovely daughter-in-law. Now Kate has a sister and she's very happy about that.

Making the Most of Ski Season

We have had the most wonderful time skiing this year -- even taking time to go as our P.E. credit on Fridays in February! The views from Bogus Basin have been spectacular, and it seems that each time we have gone we have had a wonderfully sunny day. And even though our truck broke down in the ski lodge parking lot this past Friday, we were blessed to be able to have our truck towed home (YEAH for TRIPLE A); and catch a ride with some friends who were skiing, too. (Thanks Matt and Kristie!) LIFE IS GOOD...just see for yourself...

Jeff zooms down the hill!

Jeff and Ryan skiing at Bogus Basin.

Kate practicing some skills for Dad.