VC

It’s been years and years and years since we had been to Virginia City so it seemed like a mid week trip might be nice.

We didn’t expect it to be so so cold in September. . . there were traces of snow (whine whine whine)

To explore the town the right way, we figured we should know where we were going and what things were . . . so we found a map. 

But we couldn’t carry that with us!  So we stopped by the visitor’s center where we found more information than we wanted. 

We left on our own map!

I got to put images in my mind of places I’ve heard of for years but didn’t really know what they looked like.

There were historical markers all over the place!

but there were also A LOT of places we didn’t want to go visit (most of which were not picture worthy)

and there was no avoiding my very least favorite big Reno event . . . Street Vibrations in which motorcycle riders take over the roads and everything else.  (Who knew there was a special event in Virginia City on this very day?  Obviously not us!)

It was a great day and a great way to spend our family anniversary.  We had another county adventure and spent time together . . . and we managed to leave before the crowds got too big.

Creeping. . .

Here and there I come across pictures of Allie off at college.  I’m certain I didn’t have nearly as many adventures as she seems to. . .

Or I check out photos of my favorite grandbaby . . .

Or I wish my son wasn’t hiding with no sightings to be found.
I sure miss having my kids (et al) around. *sigh*

Merry Christmas!

As tradition dictates, I took a picture of the “kids” as they got up.  Thrilled would not be the best word to describe their opinion of the matter . . . but pictures I did take.

They didn’t seem to mind opening up their stockings for find what goodies Santa had brought them. .

Our packed schedule required us to move directly on to present opening. . .

David was delegated the job of passing out the gifts. 

We tidied ourselves up and headed to Reno.  We had bought tickets to see Les Miserables before taking David back to the train station for his ride home. . . something about work the next day. . .

We were so grateful that he was able to come spend a few days with us, even though we no longer have a bed for him!  The couch isn’t so bad when you get to leave with presents!

Change of Seasons

One of the hardest parts of children growing up is holidays.  While we’d love for them to part of OUR festivities each and every holiday, it’s more important for them to form their own traditions.

It was our first Christmas without Jennifer.  Yes, she was gone on a mission one year and the previous year, she was married but brought her husband home with her.  But this year it was different . . . not in a bad way, but somewhat bittersweet.  Their little family was celebrating on their own.

However, we did take GREAT joy in having Allie and David home. 

Paul needed to shovel before fetching David from the train station. . .

David and Allie hadn’t spent much time together though they live in the same state.  What better way than to put a jigsaw puzzle together.

David endured the picture taking, while Allie embraced it. 

David is determined to beat Paul at arm wrestling so every visit includes a few rounds. . .

I’m not even sure who wins, but it’s always lively.

Nothing does this mom’s heart more good than the sounds of her family enjoying each other’s company.  It makes for the best holiday memories. 

So Thankful :)

We invited some friends over for Thanksgiving. . . otherwise I probably would not have decorated.

Better yet, Allie decided at the last minute to come home.  Some of the extra bonuses are that she knows how to set a table and I didn’t have to do all the dishes.

I am so grateful that she came home.  Holidays is a time when it is NO fun to be an empty nester.