In Loving Memory

In loving memory of Rob's Grandma Mae. Grandma passed away on March 27th, after a 3-month battle with pancreatic cancer. Natalia wrote this poem on the day Grandma passed away:

My Great Grandma Mae brought joy to each moment
Every day she got to live she would give us happiness
She would share her care to others
We will always grieve that you had to leave Great Grandma
Remember Great Grandma, we will always love you
Great Grandma on earth forever you will not live,
but as long as I live I will remember you.

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Holidays everyone!

Our family "vacation" this year was homebased from our Lynden home. We did a couple day trips including riding the ferry to Friday Harbor (San Juan Island) and riding the Amtrack train to Seattle. We had wonderful weather throughout our time together, so that was a real bonus. Wonderful to see the cousins have such a good time together!

The girls watching the ferry approach Friday Harbor

A friendly seal the girls decided to sit on

Our ferry

Johanna playing with Isaac

Charlee loves the water! Can you tell???

Grandma with Isaac on the pier in Seattle

Hanging over the docks, looking for sealife!

The view from the other side :-)

The boys needed a picture too, since our family is still a bit girl heavy!

Family time

Gramma's funeral was a beautiful and special experience, a wonderful tribute to a wonderful lady. Funerals are one of life's opportunities to see family and friends that you haven't seen for ages and Gramma's was no exception. Every one of Gramma's children(4), grandchildren (12) and great grandchildren (17) were at the funeral! Here are a few pics from that day.

The "Harvey" family

All the Carlson Cousins

Some of the great grandchildren, running when called for a picture!

Sweet cousins, enjoying the river

And turned to give the camera a smile...

Remembering Grandma

We are remembering and missing Grandma - she faithfully finished the race last night. "Jesus Saviour, walk beside me, till the homeland greets my view..."

Cape Disappointment - Memorial Day weekend

We spent an awesome Memorial Day weekend camping at Cape Disappointment State Park. It is at the mouth of the Columbia River, where it meets the Pacific Ocean. The park had tons of hiking and biking trails, 2 lighthouses, Lewis & Clark interpretive center, great beaches - what more could you ask for? We loved it! Can't seem to get the pics in order, but here they are!


Cape Disappointment Lighthouse - the oldest continuously running lighthouse on the west coast - began operating in 1856.

A cove we hiked to and explored

A really BIG tree!

The Astoria Bridge over the Columbia - a whopping 4.2 miles long! Wow!

Northhead Lightouse - we got to go up inside this one!

Beach time

Our home away from home

Views!

Northhead Lighthouse - 111 yrs old

Sunset

Cloud formations

Sisterly love

Driftwood frame

Remembering

We remember, with love...

A New Cousin!

We are excited to welcome Brooklyn into our forever family - we attended her adoption party on May 2nd!

Double Digits!

So, I am only a month late, but here's a few pics from Natalia's 10th birthday!