Is it Christmas already? It seems we were just celebrating New Year's 2011! With worries about jobs, families, politics, it's nice to remember that some wishes come true...
As Kyra's 8th birthday was approaching in March, she asked her mom if she was going to have a party. Jocelyn was running out of evasive answers, when one day she told Kyra to pack her suitcase and that Grandpa was going to pick them up. When they arrived at the airport, Kyra said "We're going on an AIRPLANE?!" Surprise #1. Surprise #2 was when Auntie Amanda, Kyra's dad Martin, and I met Kyra and Jocelyn at LAX. Then there were the LARGE freeway signs indicating our destination, providing a clue: D-I-S... It wasn't until checking in at the hotel, and seeing two guests with Mickey Mouse ponchos (yes it was raining in LA!) that Kyra starting jumping up and down and exclaiming "I'm going to Disneyland!!!" We had the most exhausting and fun 3 days. Kyra even had a princess makeover. I think she'll always remember that birthday/
Tim and I went on several kayak trips this year; a weekend in February was spent exploring the rivers in the Mendocino area with the Petaluma Paddlers. In the summer we went on two night trips to see the spectacular bioluminescence on Tomales Bay, one of the trips was a campout, complete with the morning rescue crew bringing mimosas for brunch!
In the spring, we received a surprise call from my cousin, Fred Joslin, from Utah, who was working in the Bay Area. He spent some time with us, reviewing and scanning documents, piecing together family history, and reminiscing about events from far too many years ago. His dad, Doug Joslin, 94, passed away August of this year, the last of my parents and their siblings to go. As May approached, Amanda scrambled to finish her photo projects and classes at the Academy of Art University. Family and friends attended an exciting (but long) graduation ceremony at the Cow Palace in SF, and we had a gathering here afterwards in which the living room was transformed into a photo gallery. Hmmm, I see an opportunity there for some extra $$$.....We're really proud of her work and hope she keeps up with it. Amanda is working at Petaluma Health Center, and gets away periodically for some mini trips. For Fourth of July, we secured a campsite in California's gold country. Jocelyn, Martin, Kyra and 2 yo Lily, along with Amanda, Tim and I had a great time splashing in the American River, panning for gold, touring caves and (sorta) playing badminton. They even presented me with a surprise birthday cake!
Lily and Jackson, now 3 and 13 months, are changing so fast! Lily started a Montessori school this fall, and keeps us laughing with her antics. Jackson, 1 year old on November 5, is toddling around, smiling most of the time. In September Lily turned 3, celebrating with a gymnastics party with friends and family, followed by a (kiddie) pool party! Some of the grandmas and grandpas had to be rescued from the foam pit at the gym, but the zip line was a hit with everyone. Mom and Dad - Terry and Lauren - are busy with juggling jobs and parenting. Terry earned a promotion at Medtronic, and Lauren is doing well teaching music in a middle school. Her students love her! They did get away to go camping, and visit the Cal Academy of Sciences, which the kids loved. Jocelyn and Martin are also busy with work and squeezing in some fun things to do with Kyra. After some frustrating bureaucratic delays, Jocelyn received her licensure as an LVN. She is still working for a local hospice, and she's continuing her studies for RN. We continue to be inspired by and proud of her perseverance and care of her patients. Kyra is blossoming as a 3rd grader, wanting to learn everything, and active in Girl Scouts. She had her first day camp experience in August and had a blast. Recently she accompanied Grandma and Grandpa to an outdoor Christmas event, held at a ranch nearby. We made wreaths, and a local choir sang carols and pop song. Before we knew it someone let Kyra use her drum, and she sat in on percussion for 2 hours, jamming first with the choir, then with another band. A budding drummer??
A highlight this fall was a Southwest trip - hence the card photo. Tim and I camped in Great Basin, Bryce Canyon, Zion and Death Valley National Parks, and visited Grand Staircase of the Escalante, and Kodachrome Basin. Did I mention photography? Tim is rarely seen these days without at least one camera hanging from his neck, and was in heaven. (I took a few pictures, too) We camped until we left Bryce, ahead of a huge storm, so in Zion found ourselves at the Amber House B&B, getting to know our transplanted Lithuanian hosts. We had a great time hiking, taking in the scenery, meeting people from all over the world, and enjoying quirky finds along the way, such as the restaurant that serves "the best buffalo burgers in the world." We both REALLY needed that vacation!
Also in October, we spent a weekend with our friends Bob and Karen at a cabin near Mt Shasta, hiking, relaxing, and even trying out the hosts' dirt bikes! (Briefly, since neither of us had ridden for 35 years) No bones broken!
Tim is very busy with work, doing web-site design on the side, and serving on the design review committee for the city of Cotati. These are mere distractions from his on-line Pentax group and other photo workshops, outings and groups. More than once I have trooped along with him on a sunrise shoot of something. I am also busy with work, visiting with our grandkids, trying to keep up with our garden, and playing music once a week in a local community band. We had many fun times with friends and family this year, and are so grateful for them, as well as for our jobs!
We wish you a bright season, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year - and here's looking up to 2012!
Tim and Sharon Morgan and Family
Email: Tim - or Sharon -
We're on Facebook, too (except Tim).