2009 In Review

It has been quite a year for the Wenatchee Anderton Clan. Lots of good things to be thankful for and we hope that all of you daily thank your Heavenly Father for the blessings He showers upon us. And we thank all of you for the good decisions, prayers, and hard work you contribute to the progress of all members of our family. Just think of what has happened in the last 12 months. Mom has a nice new car she REALLY likes. I have been able to travel to Utah (11 TIMES!!) to help care for my Mom and Dad and visit family. Jon graduated from his Merrill Lynch program and is now an official big shot. Both Jon and Cher continue to chip away at their class list for further college degrees (Mom and I will ALWAYS heartily support the desire of ANYONE to further their knowledge and education). Will was baptized a member of the Church. Mark & Laurel bought and moved into a new home AND got the surprise of their lives with the addition of a triplet. Mike graduated with a degree in a field he enjoys AND found a great job he likes during a time of tough job hunting. Mike and Amy bought and moved into a new home. M&M settled into their new home and city, and have been introduced to life's greatest joy and challenge (at the same time) as new parents. Katie was rewarded with the Fast Track and can see the end of her college degree on the horizon, has a nice new car, and a nicer new Love. Whew - it takes your breath away! We pray that 2010 will be as good to us.

Christmas - 2009 Edition

Traditions - I never grow tired of them. The Christmas season is my favorite time of year and it isn't even close. School Christmas programs, the lights and Christmas tree, sharing our feelings about Christ, and the gift-giving (one on Christmas Eve, thank you). The way KR organizes the front room on Christmas morning, the staging of the walk down the stairs and into the front room, and lots of pictures. Secret Santa, Grandpa Merrill's and Jon's birthday parties, movies, and Championship Bingo. Christmas pajamas, nativity sets, lunch at Gustav's, reading books, and dress up. Trashing Grandma's toy room, mattress games (including the always-scary spider), Schweppes Bitter Lemon, and the perilous "Hoops of Death". Snow storms, the miniature Christmas city, the sledding-hill toy, puzzles, and Sweet's Orange Sticks. I love it all. Pardon the number of pictures - there were just too many good ones to choose from. One complaint though, the person that invented the doll that really poops, should be shot.

Twilight - Is the End of the World Near?

One of KR's friends in Wenatchee rented the local theatre for a private showing of New Moon, the latest "Bite of Forks" movie, on the afternoon of its opening day, and invited KR (among many others) to attend. Here she is with several of her fellow vampire posse. I didn't go - I think the whole concept sucks.

Thanksgiving Memories

We spent a memorable few days home with KT and her boyfriend, John Maughan, enjoying Thanksgiving with friends and family. Some memories: 1) KT & John reading the Ensign, 2) Mark & John checking out the competition in the Turkey Bowl, 3) Mike carving up KR's wonderful turkey, 4) KT & John steelheading on the Methow, and 5) cleaning up the leaves!

Morgan, Orem & Halloween

KR and I spent nearly two weeks at the end of October and beginning of November in Utah painting and otherwise preparing the Orem condo for rental, caring for my parents, and continuing to help Mike and Amy settle into their new home. Amy found a very nice young couple that are going to lease the condo for two years, so that has worked out very nicely. We repainted top to bottom and put in new carpets, so it should be good to go for the near future. It has been a long time since I painted for such a long stretch - just like riding a bike I suppose. I enjoyed being with Olivia and Ethan for Halloween - never a dull moment. 

Pictures: 1) our hard work in the condo, 2) front door of Mike & Amy's new place, 3) Olivia & Ethan, 4) Olivia, Ethan, Isaac & Lucy ready for some candy, and 5) Buzz Lightyear hoarding his candy from Grandpa, looking for chocolate.

Chasing Autumn Leaves

We had a wonderful autumn get-away (October 12-21) in New England with Ric & Sharon after leaving Houston. We had sun, rain and snow, and enjoyed the changing leaves. Why are there so many Dunkin' Donuts' in New England? We crisscrossed New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island seeing the sights, eating good food, and having a great time. Some of the highlights:

New Hampshire

White Mountains and Saint-Gaudens NHS

Vermont

Barre Granite Quarry, Woodstock, Brigham Young Memorial and Joseph Smith Birthplace

Massachusetts

New Bedford, Norman Rockwell Museum, Lizzie Borden House, Cape Cod, Freedom Walk, JFK Library, Museum & Birthplace, John Adams NHP, Minuteman NHP, Saugus NHS (where KR's ancestor worked as a prisoner of war) and Salem NHS