Marriage Retreat at Whistler’s Four Seasons Resort
10 May 2010 Leave a Comment
in friends, Travel, Willie and Steph
Over Willie’s birthday weekend we had the opportunity to make our 3rd trip to Whistler with our church. Here are a few pictures…
Lunch on the way up with Kaases and Hawkinsons
Willie and Steph up at Whistler
Back side of the Four Seasons
Lunch with friends
More friends at lunch in Whistler Village
Willie and Keith inhaled an insane amount of nachos (all of it!)
At dinner with long-time friends
With many Olympic sights around Whistler removed, we made our way off the beaten path to the Whistler Sliding Centre.
A view down the luge track from the ending point where the athletes climbed out and did interviews.
Memorial for Georgian luger - along with the wall that was quickly erected to prevent further incidents at this spot.
Official room of some sort
Willie and Steph by the results board up at the end of the race. (The finish line was actually at the bottom of the hill.)
Mariners vs. Yankees 8-15-09
17 Aug 2009 Leave a Comment
in Family Outings, friends, Sports, Starlight
Well, they couldn’t pull out a win for us but it sure was an experience to attend a Yankees game at Safeco Field! Once again, thanks to Starlight Children’s Foundation, we got to take the family to the ballpark for a super fun game. And this time, the Johnson family got to join us.
The beautiful, Safeco Field
Monopoly money rains down onto the field and into the dugouts when "Pay-Rod" (aka Alex Rodriguez) returns to Seattle.
This was the first game at Safeco in 10 years which featured former teammates Ken Griffey, Jr. and Alex Rodriguez. The phenoms played together for the M’s for the better part of 5 seasons (1995-1999).
What has caused all this Yankee commotion?
That's right, Jordan!
Griffey!
Griffey!
Griffey!
Rally caps and cotton candy!
And this is what it looks like when Griffey strikes out...
Oh well, we had a ton of fun anyway!
Mommy and Bekah
Keith and Kim Johnson
The Bodger Girls
Stephanie’s weekend away
18 May 2009 2 Comments
in friends
The Chorus, on our special island: Steph, Linda, Denna, Cheryl, Sherice, Denise, Shannon & Laurie
Each spring, my accountability group schedules in one weekend away to relax and enjoy one another’s company.
We got more time this year than usual, leaving Friday morning and not returning until 8pm on Sunday. Fun!
Our first stop on the way up to our final destination of Camano Island, was the outlet mall where we spent numerous hours perusing the stores north of Marysville.
Taking it upon ourselves to stimulate the economy.
After dinner at Boston Pizza, we traveled the rest of the way to the Island and our friend Laurie’s parents’ “cabin”. Several years ago it actually was a cabin but a couple years ago it was destroyed and a beautiful, new home built in its place.
The Timmerman's Camano Island "cabin"
The weather was absolutely gorgeous. Here, Laurie chats with Sherice and Denna.
After a relaxing morning, some sun bathing, reading and minimal responsibility, a few of us went out (not to Target this time!) and found a couple thrift/antique shops to wander through. As we headed back to the house, we ran across a few signs advertising a dance that night. How memorable would that be?! Now to convince the other half of the group that it was a good idea to go check this event out between the hours of 7 and 10.
Following a yummy dinner of fish tacos, we headed out the door in our shorts, capris, and tees to check out what kind of dance was happening on this lazy, little island. The signs gave us no idea if we were heading to a square dance, formal dance, or something in between. We laughed so hard as we headed to the “Senior and Community Center” of Camano Island.
Unsure of what they'd find, Shannon and Linda head into the Center.
It was semi-formal! And $15 per person! With a live band!
We observed for a little while as it became clear that skilled, partner dancing was NOT something we'd be able to pull off.
So, we goofed around. Denna tries to dip Linda.
Figuring we’d invaded as much as we could, we headed back to the house for an evening of encouragement, sharing, and games.
These 3 goofy girls gave Sherice and I a lot to laugh about as we returned to the house!
Sharing the love before we headed home, well, back to the outlet mall. What a GOOFY bunch!
Catching up…
18 Apr 2009 Leave a Comment
in Birthday, Easter, Family Outings, friends, Mariners
Saturday, April 10th through Tuesday the 14th were crazy busy days. There were events for each of the kids, multiple parties (4 on Saturday alone!), Easter, Mariners preparations, and oh, my birthday, before Opening Day at Safeco Field arrived on Tuesday. It was all very fun, but exhausting when the adrenaline finally could taper off Wednesday evening.
Bekah at ballet with Sarah Huber - 9th grader from church working on a school project. Aren't they darling?
Easter eggs. These are actually all raw! Willie didn't want the dye to go to waste so he and Ashley colored every egg we had in the house!
Our annual egg hunt at the Mansfields. These are the kids of the ladies in my Bible Study. Only a few are missing...
The kids at church Easter morning. He is risen!
Bella & Bekah - too cute not to post.
Almost time to head onto the field for Mariners Opening Day 2009!! (4/14)
We were really THAT close to the action! Willie with the balloon arch and Keith Johnson to his left.
I'm on the field, too!
Done on the field, now way up to our seats.
Now back home at Safeco, Griffey's 1st at-bat. He was all business after this - and even got a hit! So exciting to have him back in Seattle.
My friend, Ede, even gave me a birthday greeting at the game! What fun!
Facebook, a stadium full of 50,000 fans, and these screens came together so that my long-time friend who I only run into every now and then & I actually interacted. She knew I was getting a b’day greeting because I’d said so on Facebook, and later in the game, she got on the big screen during the 7th inning stretch dancing time. Even amongst 50,000 people, God has a funny sense of humor to connect people!
Mariner’s Fanfest
08 Feb 2009 1 Comment
Each year, the Mariners hold an event at Safeco Field called Fanfest. Willie and I have been interested in going for a couple years but each time the cost has been prohibitive. This year, we went! And on January 23 not only did we “go”, we went for free and to the ‘coveted’ Season Ticket holder event from 5-7 pm. The daytime event, open to the public, is attended by thousands and each activity within the park is accompanied by a considerable wait time. Thanks to our church friend, Kent Oliver, we had a blast with friends at this fan-oriented fest.
We had free hot dogs, cookies, pop, water, and Cracker Jacks prior to seeing Mike Blowers interview the new manager. Then we headed to the activities around the park: throwing in the bull-pen, hitting off the tee in the outfield, catching a pop-fly in the outfield, touring the visitor’s clubhouse and hitting in their batting cage, as well as a tour of the M’s clubhouse (posh!). Between the fun activities and the even more fun friends we attended with, it was a ‘date night’ to remember for Willie and I!
Willie & Steph in the dugout - Fun! The benches were heated!!
And thanks to Ede Fitch, our friend and Mariner employee, for numerous freebies for not only our family but the Johnsons and Williams’ as well.
Fred and Brayden Williams with our new team manager!
Fred gets ready to deliver as a reliever
Willie - faster than the speed of light
Keith and Willie heading onto the field
The way they live in the Diamond Club
Mikayla Johnson
Brayden Williams
Keith, Willie, Fred, Kim
Kent Oliver
Guess who took her eye off the ball?
Keith hammers one
He put one up onto the concourse
pop-fly time
Yep, that's the dugout!
Brayden the peanut dude
Peanuts!
Locker for Beltre
Cool centerpiece
Moosy Mikayla
Christmas Eve with the Mansfields
27 Dec 2008 Leave a Comment
in Celebrations, Christmas, friends, Holidays, kids, Snow, Winter
- Cheers!
The Mansfields came to our house this year for our annual Christmas Eve celebration. Willie made dinner of Enchiladas, beans, salad, chips, salsa, and smoothies. It was quite a hit with the kids – and the adults, too.
Once dinner was over, we were hoping the kids would put on a 1st Christmas show for us, but we never could talk them into it. Instead, the adults chatted and the kids went and played as they sort of contemplated the show. They got as far as finding a baby Jesus and manger, but got slightly side-tracked when they turned Katie into a reindeer… Maybe next year.
- Rachel, Willie and Ashley just hanging out
- Katie and Bekah
The Boys
Jordan and Bekah
The Bodger kiddos
- Jordan, Bekah, Ashley, Katie, Rachel and Matthew
- Silly!
Hmmm...
- Mansfield gift
Bodger gift
- Pile on Willie
- Happy Birthday, Jesus!
Once we’d sung for Jesus and had our dessert, we all settled in to watch Miracle on 34th Street as snow continued to fall. John had to leave early to run media at the Christmas Eve service. When it was time for Sherice and the kids to leave… Sherice, who isn’t a fan of our driveway on a clear day, really experienced the best of it!
- Willie went out to check on Sherice and found her spinning her wheels. He grabbed a shovel and started digging.
- It took about 15 minutes, making church impossible, but eventually they made it out!
Merry Christmas!
Annual Christmas Party
21 Dec 2008 Leave a Comment
We may have had to be picked up by our good friends, the Sessions, in their big truck, but we made it to the annual adults only Christmas party at the Mansfield’s last night. Good food is always a part of the night, as is lots of laughter. This night delivered. Not only did we have fun together, but as the snow continued to fall it felt like we were at a mountain chalet with all our friends and a roaring fire. Absolutely glorious.
Gotta love all those men in the kitchen!
This year’s dinner theme was Asian, and everyone brought something to prepare and share.
Willie, Linda, Brent and Sherice all prep their dinners
Although neither of the next two pictures are great and there are definitely some bad shots a some people, I love that Mick is cracking up over something at the far end of the table in both pictures!
Dinner is served
No matter where we are, if it's my camera, Willie still can't keep his eyes open. Do I put him to sleep?
After dinner is finished, cleaned up a little and the mixed table arrangement has settled into a girls end and a guys end for some conversation, it’s time for the gift exchange.
Greg tries to decide what to do with his gift. A new cooler!
The always-photogenic, Keith & Shannon Sessions
The gang: Tenos, Gilberts, Sessions, Mansfields, Bodgers, Beavers, & Michaels. Love these guys!
I am sure it is Keith saying something interesting. (Linda, Denna, & Brent)
Cheryl, Linda and Shannon share some Christmas love
What greeted us at the end of the party. Just like a mountain retreat!
Thanks for another great year, friends, and for hosting another great party, Mansfields!
Trunk or Treat
04 Nov 2008 Leave a Comment
in Church, Family, friends, Holidays, kids
Each year on Halloween our church holds what they call Trunk or Treat. At this event, nearly 25 vehicles are used as candy distributors where owners ’pop their trunks’, decorate them in any fashion (hoping to perhaps win a prize), and allow all the kids to go around and collect their goodies. Inflatables, face painting, carnival-type games, food, and hay rides are also available.
Laura Ingalls Wilder, made with love by Mommy
Our All-Star
Our Pirate
This year, when our good friends Bill and Leah announced they were moving back to Ohio, I came up with the idea of going as them on Halloween. Bill and Willie are both bearded red-heads and Leah and I are both tallish brunettes. We even have a group picture at a marriage retreat where Bill and I are out of the picture because we are photographing and with Leah and Willie standing next to one another I’m not even missed!
Whistler Marriage Retreat 2007
Here’s another one I love of Willie, Bill and Leah:
Camano Island - August 2007
So, Willie and I just couldn’t resist representing these friends at the place we’d met a couple years ago. Since Bill had been on staff at church, and well-loved, it was perfect. Being huge Ohio State Buckeye fans, we borrowed ‘some’ of their gear and posed. Except that I got sick and didn’t get to participate. But Willie went with it:
Willie, as Bill Montgomery, he won "Most Original" Trunk!
Midwest trip: July 3, Day 14
12 Sep 2008 Leave a Comment
in friends, Midwest 2008, Road trips, Travel
Well, I’m almost done posting about our trip – what a bummer. It’s been so fun to relive it…
We left Chicago the morning of the 3rd at 10:00 with our destination for the day being Vicksburg, MI – just outside of Kalamazoo; 171 miles away. Our friends from Chicago were heading to her parents’ house on Indian Lake for the 4th and we accepted the invitation to join them for the festivities and arrive home a day later than first planned. However, we didn’t consider the traffic patterns of the Great Lake area or that many people would be getting away early for a long weekend. The traffic was horrendous and what should have been a 3 hour trip took us SIX; so we didn’t arrive until 5pm local time (Eastern). We didn’t even realize we would be passing into the 4th timezone until we arrived there. However, it was fun to then be able to say we’d traveled through 14 states and all 4 timezones! Now, that is a roadtrip!!
We stayed at the Nazarene Camp and Conference Center across from Heidi’s folks’ house. The guys went to get fishing licenses while the ladies took the kids to the park. Jordan had a great time playing soccer, while the youngest Ellis kiddo, Jeremy, jumped from a toy and hurt his foot. Following dinner, the guys went out fishing in the boat while Heidi, myself, and the kids fished off the dock, talked, and read.
Heidi’s brother (Darren), Wayne, Cole, and Willie head out on Indian Lake
Heidi and Ashley try for some fish – no luck
Midwest trip: July 1, Day 13
01 Sep 2008 1 Comment
in Family, friends, Jordan, Midwest 2008, Road trips, Travel
Our destination for today was Chicago’s Hilton Suites Oakbrook Terrace, 499.92 miles away – 8 hours 1 minute driving time. (It was kind of funny that the hotel was located on Drury Lane. Made us think of Shrek: Do you know the Muffin Man? The Muffin Man? Who lives on Drury Lane?)
Willie & the kids head toward the Arch
Attraction for the day was the St. Louis Arch – Gateway to the West. I couldn’t wait to see this sight; what a piece of history! It was gorgeous. Once we were into St. Louis, trying to follow the GPS’s directions to the parking was more than a little challenging! Roads were closed all over the place due to flooding of the riverfront streets themselves. It was neat to drive along the cobblestone streets. Finally, we found a parking lot and walked through a park, along a lake and near the Mississippi River to reach the base of the Arch. There was a big, slow line for the security checkpoint before we entered the Museum of Western Expansion. Bekah threw a nice little fit while we were in there, tossing her sunglasses on the ground – then forgetting them. I have come to the point that I will not clean up her messes when she chooses to throw a fit!
Arch of Westward Expansion
The museum was very beautiful; full of stuffed replicas and interactive displays. It was particularly interesting to me that there were no labels on actual artifacts so they could be viewed for what they were.
Covered wagon within Museum
Wow...
It was very evident that the Mississippi was very high and my curiosity led me to ask a park ranger just how high the River was… TWELVE feet above normal, just a couple feet below the “Hundred Year Flood” of 1993.
“No Parking” signs were just barely visible, and street lights lined what must typically have been a pretty riverwalk.
The Mighty Miss...
No Parking?!
On to Chicago – which I was super excited to reach!! I had an idealistic view of Chicago and couldn’t wait to get there. (Although I very rarely watch Oprah, there was something about her show that made Chicago seem very appealing to me.)
One of the purposes for our trip was to visit our friends, the Ellises, who had moved to Chicago 2 years ago after being the music ministers at our ‘old’ church – Aurora Nazarene. What a fun reunion at Giordano’s Pizzeria! It was so good to see Wayne, Heidi and the kids. We all went back to the hotel so the adults could chat and the kids could swim. Yay! Jordan was very brave and went into the water without an adult.
Caitlyn, Cole, Jeremy & Ashley
Bekah jumps at her comfort level
Go Jordan!
