Bright, Cold, Happy Crush

Family & Everywhere

Everywhere. Christmas.
I'm still recovering from the amazing time we had so here are the pictures that have me still dreaming.  As I'm still believing my brains are on vacation!
Tacoma Backstein Fiesta by Photographer Bryndi.

 I love this time and place and people who've embraced me.

The Man Named Royce

The Sweets Named Paige 

AND then we Surprised the Shawvers in Idaho, my very ol' fashioned Family Christmas, which hasn't happened in a while. Courtesy of the Uncle Mark I'm lucky to have.

 Cousins are instant friends at Grandma's.

{I could only love this picture more if it were identically me with one of mine.}

Cousin Noelle was truly an excellent sport at having to share with us en yuled surprise. She did so well! We loooved playing with all the Shawver girls. Girls rule here, you know.

Sloane, Noelle, Danielle, Allison, Mercedes

 For the record, it was splendid. Plus, Jake surprised me, too: a copy of this very blog in book form. He is sneaky! It's an inch thick. Who knew I had that much to say... it takes a little effort not to use the internet generally to soap box opinions, hot button the issues, quibble the what-have-you, etc. This is a happy little blog chugging along quietly, moving forward at just the pace family members grow.

I'm happy to report everything was still cozy when we got Home, our tree was still green and fresh in the "cold storage" that became our house, and reflected about our friends Everywhere. My very best for your goals and aspirations in the New Year. Thanks for sharing your holiday spirit with us, too. I couldn't say enough.

Checking It Twice

I'm impressed with how well my girls seem to be picking up on the tradition that is Santa. I mean, they are seriously educating themselves. High marks, good questions already, and all that.

They frequently rehearse: "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" and it only all lapses when someone  "accidentally is freaking out."
I haven't done anything but nod (call me a sap, but I hope I can believe to keep it up in a couple of years).

I mean, I can get excited when we spot Santa at the same intersection or is standing in line at checkout. {...Maybe they are loggers. Or retired fishermen, you know. I don't know...}

Cauliflower Cheddar Soup de Jure

I've already told the girls that not all are Santa, he has people dress up and help him because he is so busy getting presents ready. Makes good sense. They don't seem to be wanting to ask probing or jinxing questions where presents are concerned, anyway.

But note to self: I need to check it. Twice, if necessary. Cool it. Keep my mouth shut, or I'll  give myself  get a lump of coal surely!

Happy as a Clam, Cozy as a Chowder

We headed on down to Copalis and Roosevelt beaches after Thanksgiving.

"Girls at Dusk"

Because what could be better after stuffing yourself that day, than having a good seafood dinner with the same family who saw {glut} at your worst?

This is our stow-a-way. He gets 15 clams per day, too, you know.

It was cold, but not raining. And we for sure caught dug our limit.

These girls look very proud indeed. I mean, I'm super impressed.

What are you doing Allison? Oh, cleaning up clams I see. (Cutting up playdoh has really paid off...)

Mad skills.

Boy, I tell you what, you teach someone to fish, you really feed them for a lifetime. So thanks infinity, Frank!

...And how's everyone else possibly doing? The breakfaste galleria  is in same room as the cleaning tables.
Okay, then.

Then we make chowder. Not yet? Oh, lets do more cleaning and prepping, then. That's a lotta of clams.

And then the next night we had everyone for fresh and delicate clam chowder, very fresh. TASTY. And with Seattle sourdough bread.

We're practically Italian.
But after all you've seen ...I'll save our family recipe for another time.
Hey, youse welcome.