A Special Gift from Greatmother

Back in 1984 Greatmother (my Grandmother Seelye) and her sister Anna Bell Taber (Auntie Bell) wrote this note to us:

Gretchen & Kirk,

In these "reclining" years we ruminate on life. God has been with us all the way, and we've constantly thanked Him for all of you. The sad days and tears have drawn us closer together.
The five grand children brought us great joy--four sweet girls [Luanne, Robin, Gretchen, Jeri Lynn], started by just one boy [Randy]. As these lovelies chose their mates our happiness increased. Five weddings to share, and guess what happened?
Babies came and our hearts o'er flowed for each. And here, today, we have our family complete. Fourteen great grands for Anna Bell and me! [Heather was yet to come]
We think ahead to all the years we won't be with you, and we want to leave our blessing on Lo! the Next Generation!! We've made blankets for you to lay away for your First Grandchild!!
Lovingly,
Grandmother & Auntie Bell (Christmas 1984)

What a special gift & legacy! Heather read it for me, as I knew I would not make it through without crying. Not too many dry eyes on this one!

Christmas Eve

Our two beauties!

Hanging out with the air gun

We had soup in bread bowls and hor'devours. (I'm not going to look this up in the dictionary!)

Two of my favorite men!!

Eloise (Chris Jensen's mom) & Dick were out from Ohio

Anders squeezed in between Philip & Jeff!

Wyatt inspecting his new cousin

Love this one!

The shepherds looking intently at Baby "Jesus" & sucked their thumbs

Aww, so sweet!

Heather read them the Christmas story and then we sang Happy Birthday to Jesus.
Here the boys are blowing out the candles.

Then we sang Christmas carols

Daddy & his popcorn!

I gave Abby two board books for the baby

Heather made this beautiful arrangement for Grandma's newly decorated bathroom. I gave them new towels & Robin gave them a new towel holder with pegs & TP holder.

Robin & her "Camp Grandma" flag & "Seelye Girls' Get-away" photo album
We all had a great time! So fortunate to have such a loving family. :)

A Weekend in Cambria-Circle Bar B Ranch, Cambria Pines Lodge, Harmony

Kirk heard about taking Refugio Road from Hwy 1 over the mountain to Los Olivos, so this was our chance to do it. It was a beautiful route and we discovered Circle Bar B Ranch on the way. It has 18 cabins, serves 3 meals a day and has stables. We ate our lunch here.

The fall leaves were gorgeous!

The road was paved and gravel. Supposedly the bridge was washed out,
but we never encountered it.

After checking into our room at Cambria Pines Lodge, we went to Moonstone Beach to see the view. It was an extraordinarily clear day, as we saw the sparkling water and Channel Islands on our way up.

And, of course, we stayed for the sunset!

Our suite had a fireplace in the bedroom and the living room!
Here's Kirk relaxing in our room.

We stopped in Harmony and visited the glassblower shop and pottery shack.

The trip home was beautiful too! Morro Rock was so clear!

The vineyards had all turned autumn colors and were gold, orange and red!

This is out of order, but shows the steep pathway from the Lodge down to the village. On our way back up, we were in a downpour and got completely drenched! Good thing we had two fireplaces to use to dry out our clothes!
We had such a wonderful time!!

Thanksgiving

We spent the afternoon and evening at Mom & Dad's after we went to LAX to pick up their friend, Jaya Raj from India. The traffic wasn't bad and we got back in time for dinner. :)

Here are Dad & Uncle Elmer visiting before dinner.

Here's Grandpa J, (Chris' dad) visiting from Ohio with his new grandson.

Mom & Robin getting the delicious buffet ready

Jeff is a total "kid magnet!" They love him!! Here he is entertaining Anders, which he did most of the evening.

Jensen Family-Three Generations

"Everyone look at Lars"

"Everyone look at Anders!"

This one wasn't posed-it just happened. :)

Seelye Family-Four Generations