Portland Color Run

The "KR and friends running group" made a new stop on their circuit with the Portland Color Run. They did the 5K. For some reason only known to Portlanders, they throw buckets of powdered chalk on the runners. You would think that would not be good for their health; but what do I know? They made a stop at the beautiful Portland temple (one of the most beautiful, in my opinion) and then picked up their tickets and free gear on the 28th. The race was on the morning of the 29th - there was the carb-up, the race, and then a "required" stop at Voodoo Donut. 

The Cobra

At the reunion mentioned in the prior post, we were shocked to see "the cobra" on display as a memento of the traditional white elephant dinners that were held in the Lake Forest Park Ward for years. We had wondered what happened to the cobra. Evidently the last holders of the snake had kept it after the dinners were no longer held and even fixed it up to its former glory. And there it was. The cobra is made of plaster, with some interior wire supports. It is quite heavy actually. It has red jewels for eyes. It was one of the favorite items that people always traded for - it was an honor to host the cobra in your home for a year until the next dinner. Our connection to the cobra began when one year Kristi had the coveted final pick. The final pick could select any of the white elephants, some of which were desirable items. Mike wanted her to select the box of chocolates. She instead, shocked him, and chose the cobra. From that time forward, we brought it to the dinners and always tried to retain possession. At the reunion, we asked who was currently in possession of the snake and were told Keith and Jean Smith were the ones who had ended up with it and Keith had done the repair work. To make a long story short, we asked Barbara Bradford if she could drop a hint that we would like to have it back someday, if possible. Well, it is currently proudly displayed in a place of honor in our home. The cobra makes it full-circle.

Twins' Birthday Party

These Wenatchee birthday parties seem to be all lumped together in September. What cute kids. And they are four already! I had to add Jones and a picture of his unique sitting style, with the hook leg. 

 

Seattle Interlude

We spent a couple of bonding days in Seattle (September 21st-23rd) attending various events. Jon & Cher went to Victoria for a few days while we watched the kids. On Friday, we went to the Inglemoor-Woodinville football game at Pop Keeney Field, which has been remodeled to add a new grandstand to the east and a new concession area. It is a very nice facility. Inglemoor got thumped.

Saturday was full of soccer games. I went downtown to Will's game, while KR sheparded the rest of the kids to a party and three games! Just like old times - it brought back a few memories. In the evening we took all of the kids to a reunion for members of the wards that have attended meetings in the Lake Forest Park building to celebrate the building's 50th year in operation. It was good to see so many old friends.

Emmett's Birthday

We had the privilege of attending Emmett's birthday party and it was a rousing affair. He is such a fine young man! The concept of family is underrated in today's world.

  

Ella Sleepover in Puyallup

Several months ago we caught a concert by Jackie Evancho on PBS and noticed she was going to play the Puyallup Fair. KR decided to spend the day at the Fair with Ella and take her to the concert, as Jackie and Ella are close in age. At the time the tickets were booked, the dates for our chapel dedication were not known. Later, we discovered we had a conflict. So KR put up her display at the building and headed over to Seattle early on Saturday morning the 15th, going to Ella's soccer game, then heading to the Fair and the concert. I took down her display Saturday night. Ella and KR stayed in Puyallup Saturday night and then KR drove to Wenatchee in time for the Sunday dedication meeting on the 16th. Story of our life. By the way, they had a great time.

New Church Building

The open house and dedication of our long-awaited new chapel was a great success. We had many people from the community tour the new building and look at the various exhibits that had been set up by the Ward and Stake organizations - below is the Young Women room assembled by KR and others. The best thing about the new building is that it is minutes from our house! It was officially dedicated on the 16th.

Westridge Neighborhood Party

We hosted the Westridge fall social in our backyard on September 11th and had a great turnout. The air was smoky from the fires and a bit chilly, but the warmth of friendship and the yummy food kept us all smiling. We have great neighbors. Also, there is a more unified feeling in the area of late, due in no small part to our current HOA officers (one of which is, of course, KR).

  

Wenatchee Fires

We flew into Wenatchee on Horizon Air late in the evening of September 10. We had heard that a terrific lightening storm had ignited hundreds of small fires along the backside of the Cascades from Tonasket to Quincy. Some were being fanned by the winds into larger fires. We were a little shocked as we flew over Cashmere on our landing approach and viewed the flames right at the edge of Wenatchee. You could also see various other small fires from Blewett Pass to Highway 2. Little did we know at the time that we were in for two months of fire and smoke as some of the smaller fires joined to make much larger blazes. The smoke got so bad at times that we fled the area to get a break from the foul air. Mark & Laurel's neighborhood was on high alert for evacuation several times as the fire went back and forth along the western edge of the foothills. The picture below is from the night of the 10th looking south across Highway 2 from the southern end of our street.

St. George & Springville V

As we headed north, we were able to see the Springville kids start school. Ethan is now officially a kinderkid! Our favorite activity is to bond with our grandchildren. They are growing up too fast.

St. George & Springville IV

Well, things were going well until the "Night of the Sharp Metal Pieces". KR was putting up a shelving unit in the garage and I heard a loud clattering noise. She had dropped one of the metal supports, the corner caught the edge of her heel just right, and, well, you can see the result. Seven stitches and some pain pills. I am just glad the police didn't pass by and see the blood trail while she was at the hospital. It looked like a murder scene.