The girls

I promised Ada that before I see her again, she would have a starring role on a blog post.  She deserves one because she managed to survive four days in a row with me last weekend.  Being a most agreeable child, she tolerated my constant chatter, goofy suggestions for activities and Tom Sawyer attitude toward the chores. 


We're making brownies for our nice neighbors. (Check out the sunshine.  A little afternoon gift.)


Off we go to nice neighbor house



A daunting hill for the less hearty


The chickens follow her everywhere (wouldn't you???)


Taking care of business, snacks for the hens


Snacks for the dogs



Break time for Ada.  She looks so grownup in this picture......



Nearly the end of Day #1.  A nice soak is good for the soul -


On Day #2 we invited cousin Brady over for the day. 


These two are a matched set and played so well together, it was a joy to witness:)


Here's Ada showing Brady exactly how to climb the daunting hill -


Such a sane combination of children.....



Best buddies.  Be still, my heart. 

Day #3 isn't pictured here, but I actually got brave enough to take a grandchild to mass with me.  It was a wise choice to take the likes of Ada.  She behaved perfectly, loved the music, and charmed everyone lucky enough to be sitting by us. 

In the afternoon we checked out the fancy new library.  Did I say library?  The entire 3rd floor is preschool heaven with a few books thrown in for atmosphere. 


Day #4 started out with a haircut at our favorite place. 


And then a trip to the toy store.  She is very serious about her shopping cart and selective about what goes in it.  It took quite a long time to decide which dozen things should go home with us, heh heh. 



And then some playdough cookies while we're waiting for DAD and MOM and JUDEY to come rescue her.  They may have been on a fabulous adventure of their own, skiing in Park City, Utah, but I never have to leave home because adventure runs right through my front door.  Ada, my little star, thank you for the best weekend.  I missed you the very instant you waved goodbye from your carseat. 

Wrapped up and tied with a bow

A LOT has happened since I last posted a blog.  December was seriously busy, but that isn't news to anyone.  Sadly, I didn't always have my little camera at the ready so the bulk of the action was not recorded in photo-form. 

The month started off with a very funny experience.  I decided it was time to sell my little Volkswagen.  So, after having it detailed and shined up and posted on Craigslist, I got ONE CALL which resulted in ONE SALE.  The funny part is that the one call was from former Oregon Congressman, Les AuCoin.  He is retired now and living in Bozeman, Montana. He was so excited about his new purchase that he and his wife drove all the way across 2-1/2 states to pick it up.  They were the NICEST people and we bonded immediately.  It was as if we had all known each other forever.  There is nothing like new friends to push fresh air into your heart.  We have communicated by email regularly since the day we met. 


I'll miss my little VW buglet



Here we are, my old car and my new friend:)

Back to kidville, we had a number of nice days and sleepovers, coupled with all the holiday hype.  This is little Drew.  There's nothing quite as beautiful as that first-thing-in-the-morning-fresh face:)


A nice shot of Brady in his he-man undershirt -


Brady was so excited when all the outside lights came on magically at 4:30 in the afternoon!  We had to bundle up and take our umbrellas go outside in the dark to get an overview. 


Santa and his reindeer were my Dad's idea and he always mounted them on the deck rails at the house in the orchard in The Dalles.  Santa has lived in Astoria for the past 10 years and now he lives HERE!  (It's that "shortest straw" method of deciding where he lives:)


Ada.....all dressed up to go feed the chickens


Ada, all wrapped up after her bath, just like the little gift she is.


Christmas Eve craziness!





Then on December 29th, the Miller family came together to celebrate the holidays and a year we will never forget. 


A family, hanging together, like snowflakes that cling.


Ada with her Ama who was visiting for the holidays from New York


Cousins Jude & Justus, so happy to see each other


And then....on the last day of 2012, Clark County experienced very cold temperatures and this beautiful covering of snow.  The trees were amazing and each eensy weensy little branch had its own blanket.  It remained cold enough all day to keep the view going:)


So today is the first day of 2013 and don't you wonder what is in store?  New beginnings are always exciting and this day is no exception.  Happy New Year to all those I hold dear.