We arrived a little late but, were thankful to have been able to arrive at all given the snow storm that was pounding Seattle. We had to wait an extra hour or so outside to catch our bus to Dupont...we missed the warm weather right away!
This is Jeff trying to stay warm while we waited
The next morning, we spent some time getting re-acquainted with our nephew, Charlie, and our new niece, Greta. Charlie and Jeff started playing right away. Although, Charlie called Jeff "Daddy" for most of the week. The Tobler boys do all look alike...
Reading his big truck books...
Greta and her Grandpa Tobler
Charlie loved being on Jeff's shoulders and really loved when he got a hold of his "coke."
We went on a nice hike down to the Sound. The girls slid through the gate...
The boys went over... (Clark needed a little extra help)
It was cold but very beautiful!!
On the "beach"...
We couldn't go anywhere in the car so, we went for a few walks.
We made another graham cracker house. This time we went for the skyscraper.
We decorated sugar cookies (they didn't last long!)
Jeff liked to build fires in the outdoor stove
We spent a couple of evenings singing karaoke
Kyle wanted to have a more classy reunion. So, at his request, the boys dressed up for dinner.
Jeff and Clark in their Christmas ties (Thanks Dad & Betsey!)
The boys and their off-spring...
Charlie loved to rough-house! There was a lot of wrestling and "bombs away."
Charlie spread his cold germs successfully. Jeff's still sick...
Christmas Eve, we had a nice steak dinner (Jeff was an excellent cook)
and did a "living nativity." I think this was one of the highlights for me. Kyle directed it and had it all set to music.
Our director...yes, he's in all black spandex :-)
The shepherds and their "lamb"
Jeff was a shepherd
I was a wise woman
Jan was the angel
On Christmas Day, the Aldersons (Kim's family) kindly had us to their beautiful home in Enumclaw for dinner. The way up the mountain was treacherous and we all got stuck. Charlie learned a new phrase as we watched from the window as the boys tried to free the cars, "stuck in the snow."
Jeff dug through the ice and snow so the cars could get some traction on the steepest part of the drive
Bob had to get the tractor out to pull Kyle out of the ditch
But it was worth it. It was a picturesque place to spend Christmas!
On our last day there, the Alderson's had us back to their house for the shooting we didn't get to on Christmas. Jeff was so excited to be able to shoot clay pigeons right off the front porch.
It was a great trip and we're so thankful to Kyle and Kim for having us!
