The Great Gathering

Mother's 80th birthday brought dear ones from their far-flung places (also from just across town and Orange County) like Hawaii, Utah and even Azerbijan (note: Stan flew over to the U.S. for surgery, but while in Salt Lake, decided to jet down.) So wonderful to celebrate this marvelous people person who has been so much a part of our lives: our mom, gma, g.g. (great-grandmother), sister, aunt, friend. Exciting, too, that after the huge birthday party , Mom kept celebrating her decades by buying herself a new car!! (Well, new to her.) Many thanks to all who made the party such a success--invitations, music, flowers, program, etc. Special thanks to Derek and Hillary for the wonderful video program and to Randy and Gaye Haar who helped with its projection on to a giant screen and also made copies for family members.
Another wonderful highlight was the arrival of Jocelyn Kaila on her first trip to the mainland (such a sweetie!) and the blessing of Andrew Jeffrey by his Great Uncle Steve. Fun to spend time with Becky and Royden & Mom in La Quinta....Enjoy the pics of parties, a cache of cousins, farm adventure, baby blessing , brunch that followed and Mom and her new Lucerne. Gatherings are a reminder of how wonderful it is to be part of a family. I am so well pleased with your accomplishments! Love you all so much. Mom

Road Trip

We traveled 3700 miles and took in four national parks... Our all-time favorite was Bryce Canyon, Utah. Spectacular red and orange cliffs with the most amazing giant sculpted rock formations by the thousands, called Hoo Doo's. They look like a gathering of the ancients, frozen in time and waiting.....Ray drove most of the way (I took over for about 100 miles) and I navigated. We passed through awesome country, including Star Valley, Wyoming, where many of my Clark ancestors homesteaded. We stayed a fun couple nights with Natalie's family(it was a kick to play Appkes to Apples and Moods with Jeff Williams and friend, also in town) and then with my Aunt Becky and Uncle Royden. I was able to stop and see where Dad is buried at Wasatch Lawn in Salt Lake. Peaceful setting......Jackson Lake Lodge offered spectacular views of the Tetons. We hiked around pristine lakes, saw moose and deer. I talked Ray into hanging in there to see Old Faithful blow in Yellowstone. Do not make reservations for Yellowstone Lake Lodge. Beautiful lake but the bed was dreadful. We couldn't sleep and left one day early...Cold in Yellowstone, but wonderful weather everywhere else. Awesome stay at the Salish Lodge overlooking Snoqualmie Falls in Washington. We took some fun hikes, went sailing in the Sound, strolled through Pike's market, visited a marvelous aquarium, ate salmon at Anthony's Pier 66 overlooking the water and Etta's.....Fun to visit Del and Pauline, Ray's sister, in Welches, Oregon, and then spend the night at Crater Lake lodge overlooking the lake on the final leg home. The lake is the most unearthly deep blue. A full moon that night and glorious sunrise over the water. Happy to be home again and so excited that tomorrow all my beloved posterity are coming for Mom's 80th birthday celebration. Ray and I feel refreshed, despite so much driving. Fun to spend all that time together. One of our best getaways.