A bridal shower for Nikki

Today we attended a bridal shower for Nikki Larson, my dear, future daughter-in-law. The event was held at the home of a Larson family friend, and there were about a dozen of us there to celebrate Nikki's upcoming wedding to our son, David. The top picture is of Nikki and me, the middle picture is of daughter-in-law Beka, daughter Sarah, and daughter Hannah. The bottom pic is of Nikki playing a shower game in which she had to correctly guess answers to questions about Dave that he had secretly provided answers for. For each time Nikki guessed incorrectly, she had to put another piece of gum in her mouth. I think the picture was shot when she had about 8 pieces to chew! It was a very fun time, and Nikki and Dave received many very nice gifts. Can't wait for the wedding!

OK, so what/who is this, anyway???

I have decorated our home for the fall season, and I gathered some acorns to go with the Indian corn and fall leaves I have placed here and there around our house. This morning I noticed that four of the acorns have little holes in them, and tiny piles of "sawdust" gathering on the surface of the table they are laying on. Is something and/or someone living in my acorns? Is this common, or I am just special??? Are there any aspiring scientists out there who would like to hazard a guess? Should I leave these acorns in my house, or will I definitely regret it if I do???

A few more pictures from Colorado

Here are a few more pictures from Mark's adventure-filled, four-day weekend in Colorado. First, another shot of Maroon Bells, the famous mountains near Aspen, with just a dusting of fresh snow. Next, a shot of the log home my brother Doug's company is constructing just outside Aspen, and finally, a pic of the three brothers-in-law. As they say, "a great time was had by all."

Hanging with Grammy and the brothers-in-law

Mark returned home yesterday afternoon from his four-day weekend with his mother-in-law and his two brothers-in-law. They had a great time, as Mom spoiled them with fancy meals and fancy digs, all in the lovely setting of Aspen, Colorado.

Ben's Big Bull

Over the weekend, Ben shot this 6x6 bull elk with his bow. He, along with his brother Dave, and Phil Kelley, were hunting in the Aspen area, and actually got two elk! So, a very successful hunt, and enough meat, according to Ben, to last "about nine years." You'll have to ask Ben for the whole story regarding the hunt, but we heard that the guys were up until 3:00 a.m. packing the animals out of the woods. Sounds pretty exciting to us parents!

Of Snickers and Beans

I guess you can tell just how fascinating one's life is by what one blogs about. Thus, you can tell that we are VERY interesting people, since we blog about the food we eat. Today, for instance, Hannah stopped by the house, and was telling us about this salad (or, should I say, "salad") she made yesterday with some of her friends. Of course, Hannah and I had to make it, too. So, for all of you cooks out there, get ready for the recipe: cut up three or four granny smith apples into small chunks. Place in bowl. Add an EQUAL amount of cut-up Snickers bars. Then add a whole container of Cool Whip. Mix it all together, and Voila! There you have it - salad! :-) And you thought college kids didn't eat healthy food. Well, think again! The other picture is of the bean soup I made a couple of days ago. Why would I share this picture with the world? Just because I want to, so there! :-) It was very delicious and nutritious, by the way... And Sarah - if you are reading this - you can see the new paint color in the kitchen!

Don't you just love old yearbook photos?

This picture of Mark and me was taken in the fall of 1973. We were newlyweds, having married that June, and we were both juniors at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California, when this picture was taken for the college yearbook. Good times! :-)