Grandma's Fireplace

Grandma has added another stocking to the fireplace. Can you guess who?

Toronto and Niagara Falls

I accompanied Christina to a conference in Toronto. Our first time to Canada. We had to travel half way across the country (and into another) to finally see fall colors.

A trip to Toronto is not complete without stopping by Niagara Falls.

We were both amazed! Quite a view from the Canadian side.

Christina was very excited to get the chance to wear her winter coat. You may notice the little poppy flower pinned on her, it was for Canadian Remembrance Day (Veterans Day).

Driving around Niagara we came across this beautiful little area known as Niagara-on-the-Lake. Amazing colors.

OK, another must see while in Toronto is the Hockey Hall of Fame. Tons of great exhibits.

"The Great One"

Unable to confirm if this was the "real" cup. Sir Stanley's cup may have been on tour.

Picture of the Flatiron Building in downtown Toronto.

View of the CN Tower from the Harbor.

Beautiful Harbor in Toronto.

A Festive Texas Halloween

Well, here she is....Looks like someone swallowed a pumpkin ;-) The long awaited baby bump. 6 months along.

After the nightmare that was the Broncos game this past Sunday we thought we would brighten up the mood by making yummy caramel apples and carving some pumpkins.

Here is a close up of little Sonia getting in the action, she loves sweets. Sugar really gets her moving.

Step one in the caramel apple process....Dip apple in caramel.

Step two, cover with more sugary goodness....

Oh, and what caramel apple is complete without bits of Oreo, Reese's, and chocolate chips. And to set the mood right we were sure to have The Nightmare Before Christmas on in the background. Classic.

Finished products. We tested for quality afterwards and they passed with flying colors.

Finally, on to our annual tradition of carving up some pumpkins. Obviously not exciting enough for Maddie there in the background :-)

Well, that's it. This time next year we will have a little 8 month old baby girl to share in the fun. We love the fall, even though it doesn't really happen here in Texas. Although this is the time when everyone can finally be jealous of our constant mid 70 degree weather.

Rachel Gets A Car!

Rachel was busy doing homework, when all of a sudden she is tossed a set of car keys!

Dad receives a really big hug. He has work-readied the Tacoma truck and has officially moved out of the Subaru.



Really, really, it's mine?

Rachel looks a tad bit happy! We plan on not seeing her much at all. She spends more time at the high school than she does at home.

Becky's 20th Birthday!

Becky and Joy

Party fun with Grandpa!

Becky and boyfriend, Nick

Rachel's Induction into NHS

On September 21, 2011 Rachel was inducted into the National Honor Society. Membership is based on scholarship, leadership, service and character.

This is Mr. Paricio, one of the faculty advisors for NHS who is also Rachel's Physics teacher. Prior to taking the photo I said, "stand tall and proud". This comment was directed at Rachel. However, Mr. Paricio replied, "I'm standing as tall as I can!"

Becky's new apartment and new apartment mate

Her apartment mate has a name, Katie. She is a junior in Education and has her head on straight. Click on photo to enlarge. Click on that photo to enlarge again.

Bill and Marlys took Becky and Katie out for dinner at the Olive Garden in Greeley.

Becky has a walk-in closet. The new queen size mattress on her bed is brand new.

The girls share this kitchen.

They share the living room, the furniture is in excellent condition.

The entrance to Becky's apartment building.

Rachel Gets Her License Aug 19th

After having a permit for 1 year to the day, Rachel passes her driving test with flying colors! She now admits she would have loved to put duct tape over the mouths of her Mom & Dad at times, as they instructed her on the fine art of driving. She logged with her parents far more than the 50 hours of daytime driving and 10 hours of night driving required. Yes, she did take the van that night to Missy's house to watch a movie with friends. Of her first solo drive, "it was lonely!" :)

Nothing like a slice of pepperoni pizza to help celebrate independence day with Mom & Dad.

Rachel's 16th Birthday Party

A rainbow for Rachel. What a perfect reflection of a perfect day. Happy Birthday, Rachel!

Our silly girl. In other words, the many faces of Rachel Gregg.

Our glamour queen! What a party!

More of Rachel's "people".

Rachel can gaze down the table and see all the people she adores!

Nick (Becky's new guy) and Becky participating in a game of balloon wrestling.

Doug starts cooking for the big event. Will a dozen hamburgers and fifteen brauts be enough? Jim in charge of lawn set-up,

Tom's new home

Stopped at a Wendys on the way from Utah to Denver. This is the crew that rotated driving the U-Haul and Tom's Explorer truck. Trip went well. May click on photo to enlarge. May click again to enlarge more.

The theater area and the little table that Tom uses for his laptop.

Tom's books and desk for his desktop computer. One of his reading chairs and part of his bed also shows in this view.

The "bed room" area.

The libray, desk and exercise machine.

Theater seating with the TV on the left of this photo. Tom did all the arranging and placing of his furniture.