Crazy kids!

Arrick and Eva, my sweetest pup!.....

[Ian in the Squeezing goat stance, don't ask...

Ian's sailing "bumper sticker" during the regata!

Ian's......feet....He ASKED me to take this picture!

Arrick last St. Paddy's day. HA, He wishes he had real beer! In his dreams![Photo]

Fotos from Washington

My nephew Chris on an outing in the park!
My sister Deedra and her son, my other favorite cute nephew Chris at the park

The Dudes! Eddie, my brother and Chris, Chillin'.

Who's the cutest baby?? Naturally, Chris!!!

Charlottesville in the Autumn

The Colors of Fall

The colors were beautiful and bright in Virginia!

Off to pick some apples

Charlottesville from the apple orchard!

Peaceful countryside

The gardens at Monticello

Monticello, the Home of Thomas Jefferson

Halloween!

This Halloween wasn't up to our normal antics. I had a huge audit at work and didn't really make it home in time to completely dress up the yard. Still, I did manage to assist the guys in preparing for the little trick-or-treaters!

I'm not really sure what Ian was going for here but I think he did a great job!
He's ready to head to the party! We're off to pick up his "friend" and have a spooky, good time

Sweeney Todd the Demon Barber hands out candy! His accomplice was running a bit late, baking no doubt!

mmmmmm meat pie anyone!?

Meanwhile, back at the party, Ian and his friends enjoy a flick, Nightmare before Christmas after a wicked good time hanging out with friends! Apparently, camera's were not the "cool"accessory at the party! Ian and Andrew with their friends.

Visting Family in Washington

After I finished my residency in Spokane, Dad and Jane came to get me so I could spend a few days in the Tri-Cities, my hometown. The land between Spokane and the Tri-Cities is beautifully unique transitioning between the foothills of the mountains to the valley's wheatlands. It was dark when we began our journey so I didn't get to take any photographs.

My dad and Jane spend a lot of time outdoors and up at their Cabin in the mountains. They are particularly proud of their toys! Jane's is much fancier than Dad's though. She has the cool camo paint motif! This picture was taken in their back field.


This handsome devil is my oldest nephew, Nick! He's a cutie! He's my favorite 16 year old nephew! His pa is my brother, Russ. Nick came to see us in Virginia not too long ago. I hope he gets to come back out some time soon!

This rascal is one of my brothers, Russ. It was his birthday, the big one! 40! He doesn't look too bad for wear! Yes, you guessed it, good looks run in our family! This was taken at Dad and Jane's house.[Photo]

This folks, is my dad's pride and joy! His Harley! Clearly I'm not used to photographing works of Harley art and didn't get the entire bike in the frame! Please forgive me. Dad grow the lambchops or extensions to his "stashe" as a final touch to his riding gear!

We stopped for breakfast and check out these biscuits! Ian LOVES biscuits and gravy...he'd be in 7th heaven with this food!! Yummmmmm!!!

Our trip to the Pass and Northern WashingtonDad and Jane took me to meet Eddie, my other brother and my Mom in Ellensburg, WA. On our way we stopped at a scenic overlook to view the terrain. I snapped this picture of some of the beautiful desert flowers as well as some quiet looming giants.

Above to the right is Mt. Rainier and below is Mt. Adams. There was a haze in the air, other wise typically they show much clearer

Here is a comforting sign at the rest stop!

My dad trecked down the on ramp to take this shot for me. Glad they posted that it is monitored. I wonder who they monitor, people or snakes!

Mountain Pass and ski resort[Photo]


One of many mountain views I took in on our way to the Seattle Area


We stopped at the summit and ski resort, but most interesting was the rest stop where we stopped for a diaper change, we found some horseback riders, resting at the rest stop!


Here he is! The newest nephew!Christoper Edward The Cutest 11 mos old nephew!

Isn't he a doll?! In this picture he's just at 11 mos and knows what he likes his aunt Kim! Grandma (my mom) warned me that he didn't take to strangers really quick but Chris and I hit off rather well![

Since I was still on east coast time, I got some one on one time with Chris as he's an early riser and his mom (my sister Deedra) had to work![

Chris and Uncle Eddie (my other brother) hang out in the floor for some play time!

A trip into Seattle!I just had to take this picture! We stopped in to visit with Amy and her family. Amy and I attend Gonzaga together. Since they live north of Seattle, we met in Seattle for a quick "hello!".



[Photo]Seattle from a distance! Just imagine that behind one of those big ole buildings is the space needle! [Photo]For some reason I didn't take as many pictures of family this trip! I'm getting better with photographs but will get the chance when I return to Washington in May of 09!11/9/08 by Kimichris

Washington State; A Trip back to Spokane and Gonzaga University

Washington State in September


Though I was born and raised in Washington State, it has been 6 years since I was last in the Evergreen state! This trip, I was alone. With the boys in school and John at sea, I boarded an airplane to Spokane, WA for my residency class at Gonzaga University. Arrick was a toddler the last time I set foot on campus, so I was thrilled to be going back.


My trip to Washington would begin in Spokane but I would venture over to the Tri-cities to see my family there, then on through the mountain passes to see family in Seattle! I was particularly excited to see my 11 mos. old nephew, Chris! So much to teach that boy in such little time! In addition, I'm hoping to see one of my college friends, Amy and her family if schedules worked out right!So the adventure begins!


Upon arriving in Spokane, I was disappointed to learn that my rental car I had reserved, was not available. The kind woman at the desk was quick to offer me an alternative, 20008 Mustang! What luck and how ironic! When I last lived in Spokane, I drove a 1965 Mustang! It was meant to be!


Driving up to G.U. memories flooded back to me and I felt as if I'd see Amy or Jen at any moment! Some of the same old issues came to me quickly, parking sucked! I was fortunate to find a spot a block away from Ole' Lincoln Dorm. The setting for many a good time and much studying!

Lincoln House- Much studying took place within these walls! That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

Many of the old buildings were still just as beautiful and there were many a new building in place now too. The old houses across the street from our dorm were gone and in their place stood a beautiful education building. The Crosby Library is now the Crosby student center and the library is a large building now filled with many a computer and classroom and of course, books!

Desmet Hall. An all male dorm. I have no idea what goes on in these halls. Seriously. Well, I did have my first martini within this hallowed dorm. Of course, we were all of age! Really.

Nuns no longer occupy Welch Hall, and it's a dorm now. That was wierd for me to see but I double checked just incase Nuns were now wearing jogging shorts sporting ipods on their morning jogs! Security is now located in its basement. That seemed logical to me since Desmet Hall was the site of many a gathering right across from Welch Hall! Ahh, the memories!

Gonzaga University's stately entrance,with St. Als right next door.

The wall.The wall is a message board for all students to be informed of official gatherings and events taking place on campus!

Gonzaga University is a Jesuit University
Gonzaga's University Hall. We called it the Administration Building back in the day!

My time at Gonzaga was too brief. The class was incredible and I didn't doubt one moment that the knowledge I have received there would be second to none. This view of Gonzaga's campus says it all for me.

The Spokane River from a bridge on my way into Riverside Park!

The otherside of River Front Park. A fountain welcomes people into the park from the business district.

A giant slide in the form of a wagon! Looks like fun huh? Yup, it is!


The clock tower in River Front Park. The clock tower reminded me it was nearly time for class. I walked all over the city. Just like during my undergrad days!

Northern Spokane Country. There are a multitude of lakes around Spokane. Spattering of evergreen trees and fields in the foothills of the mountains lies north of Spokane.

Preparations for Graduation and Eagle Ceremony Preparations for Graduation and Eagle Ceremony

Arrick our oldest son is to graduate June 13th. The robe is hung up and steamed of
creases. The cap fits. (He has a big head) The announcements were mailed a while ago and he has already received some wonderful cards from family and friends. He's excited and filled with some anxiety as I suspect many a graduate has experienced. He'll be fine. He will enroll in college in July and has lofty goals to achieve! Somehow we were a glutton for punishment and decided to have his Eagle Ceremony the day after graduation! Actually, his dad was at sea and it just worked out that way. He achieved the highest rank in February, the ceremony is just for fun! Those invites have been sent, the food will be ordered this weekend and the church has been reserved! It's much like a wedding reception...oh wait! There is a rehearsal as well! It'll be a lovely afternoon with family and friends! My dad and step mom are flying in from WA to spend the events with us. Many friends are invited to share this proud moment with us. Ian (our youngest son) will begin his final leg of the journy to Eagle this summer. Whew! He has his project all t hought out, he just needs to write it up for approval!
After all of the festive events, we'll head to DC for a few days to show Dad and Jane the sites. We'll be spending one of those days at the NRA museum. A Mecca for Dad and John! We will fly out Wednesday to spend four days in Charleston, SC! I'm sooo excited and in much need of a vacation! We always stay in old town Charleston so it's heaven to be able to walk a block over to the market, we're a block away from the water front and it's heaven! 6/4/08 by Kimichris