Last Day of November!

Up early this morning to start decorating the house for Christmas. Here it is the very last day of November! I wanted to post some pictures of our very fun Thanksgiving before I say good bye to this month. For the last few years, we have been going to a wonderful buffet at Salty's on the Columbia River. Now before you turn up your nose, this restaurant puts on a fabulous dinner! Everything is wonderful...oysters on the half shell, crab, shrimp,steelhead, traditional turkey fixings, salads, pastas, prime rib...just to name a few goodies. Then there's never ending Mimosas and the dessert bar. All with a gorgeous view of the Columbia River. Don't you love the turkey place card holders that Ava made for us? I'm saving mine!

The day was just beautiful! Here is some of the gang, waiting for the Wirth family to arrive. We invited LaVonne's kids Juliana and Johnathan who live here now, from Montana. We like to call them our kids, on loan. Kelsie, our other daughter joined the fun too. It's nice to invite those who don't have family or a place to go for dinner! Cute bunch of kids plus the "elder" Jim! Funny new name from Chris.

Our Montana kids (on loan)  Juliana and Johnathan. Aren't they the cutest couple? They just make me laugh.

Kelsie and Gina have been friends forever! We like to call Kelsie our other daughter...always a pleasure Miss Kelsie.

Oh, our Miss Ava is growing up! I love this picture. Notice her earrings...a gift from last Easter. She is such a cutie pie.

Two handsome dudes! Otto got passed around a lot and he loved it. Notice his little pants and socks are off. It did get a bit hot in the restaurant.

Auntie Gina and Otto...looks like he's a lady's man. He just snuggled right in with her!

Jimmy and his SIL Eric. Note the bunny ears on top of Jimmy's head. Yes, we were all having a good time!

Looking good for new parents! Angie and Chris, so cute.

Grandma Linda finally got a turn to have the baby. He is always moving and always adorable. He's such a good baby. Love ya lots my Otto!

Jimmy with his other SIL. Chris is serious about cracking that crab. One of Chris' favorite phrases is
"whatever" and can't you just see he's thinking that as he's eating that crab? Let him eat Jimmy.

Look at Otto's face! He got to sample a bit of food and that boy likes to eat! His mommy was such a picky eater. I don't think she's going to have any problem with him.

Well, we all had a fun time together. Otto crashed as we were about to leave. I think we all felt this way.

It was such a great afternoon together. Just wanted to post some pix for my blog so I can remember the day and be reminded about being thankful for these blessings of friends and family. I hope you all had a grand time too.

On to Christmas now...I'll be decorating our little home the next few days. 

Looking Back on Easter Sunday on Easter Monday!

The weather on Easter Sunday was so warm and nice and really unbelievable. The temperatures reached near 80 on Saturday and Sunday. The Easter Bunny left this sweet little metal bunny cart on my table with some gift cards for two fabric stores. I guess that rabbit knows how to please Lady Linda! Just in time for an upcoming retreat.

My friend Nancy stopped by my house to wish me a Happy Easter and she left a large basket filled with lots of gardening fun items-gloves, seeds, and tools.

I thought it would be really fun to put together a fun STORK Easter basket for Angie and Chris. They are collecting Stork items for their baby shower. It turned out really cute.  I wanted to thank my friend Erica at Golden Egg Vintage helped connect me with Laurie's Etsy site E is for Ethel. I ordered a set of 4 vintage blue stork candle holders that are so cute. When Laurie found out my big plan, so sent me some extra stork goodies. Wasn't that so sweet! I love Etsy people. Thanks so much for your kindness and the treats Laurie.

I love the stock ceramic planter. They are collecting them and didn't have a stork planter! Yeah for mom finding one in Troutdale.

Of course Ava had to have a basket too filled with lots of fun stuff! Her she is in her Easter dress off to find the eggs that Jimmy and Linda got to hide in her backyard. Perfect weather for the hunt!

It was so warm after the hunt and the sun was shining bright in the pretty backyard, that her daddy filled the swimming pool and then had some fun with the hose! Chris was so warm, he had an umbrella out to provide some shade! True Oregonian!

Ava and her Grandma Kathy. Grandma's are always ready with a nice warm towel when needed!

After the backyard fun, we headed off to Salty's Restaurant on the Columbia River for Easter Sunday late brunch. Jimmy found the crab and oysters.

Miss Ava enjoying her dinner with the family...lots for a little girl to choose from.

YUMMY....Jimmy found the chocolate fountain~chocolate and fresh strawberries!

Chris and Angie taking looking pretty content and happy!

Great picture of Grandma Kathy. Everyone was having a great time...no cooking for these gals this weekend! As you can see we were all having a fun time together. Hope your family had a great time too.