Farwell to our Minturn family...

Friday, October 24, 2007

Today we drove our Minturn family to the airport so they can fly back home to Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Boy, do we hate to see them go. Our time together was filled with wonderful conversations, reminiscing, sharing family photos and lots of laughter. Plus, our trip to The Chinese Garden in Portland.

Front row: Aunt Virginia and Uncle Bob (far right).

Second row: (Third person in) cousin Nancy and her husband next to her, David.

After they boarded the plane, my cousin Cindy and her husband John treated my mom and I to lunch at Standford's located in the airport. It was a great way for all of us to catch our breath and reflect back to their visit with us.

Now, I guess it is time for me to get back to work

looking for a job.........Wish me luck!

A family day trip to the Chinese Garden in Portland...

www.portlandchinesegarden.org/
Wednesday we all went to the Chinese Garden in Portland...
Included were Uncle Bob, Aunt Virginia, cousin Nancy, Cindy and her hubby John, Jan, mom and I. Although it was a very misty and rainy day, the garden was beautiful...... My batteries were going out on my digital, so I wasn't able to get as many pictures as I wanted to, but these pictures give you a brief idea of how beautiful the garden is. I want to return to the garden in the spring or summer too.


It's like looking into Alice In Wonderland........

After our tour, we went into the teahouse. (picture above) I had cranberry/orange tea and teacakes (macaroon cookies). It was very nice to sit and enjoy our tea and cookies, visit and get warmed up again.

More family time.........

We are enjoying a wonderful dinner at my brother Gary and his wife, Jan's house. An evening partaking in a delicious dinner and wonderful conversation together....

My nephew Matthew, John, Gary and Richard...

My Uncle Bob and Nephew Daniel...

My sister-in-law, Jan, cousin Nancy and Aunt Virginia...

My cousin Cindy and my mom sitting on the couch....

Meet Jake's girlfriend Catherine and her family....

Jake and Catherine at her family home in Mesa, Arizona


Jake, Catherine and Catherine's daughter, Taylor
at Vito's resturant in Phoenix, Arizona


Catherine and her sisters, Cristen and Janee (pronounced Ja-Nay)


Catherine's mom, Janee, Jake, Catherine and Taylor at Vito's resturant

UPDATE ON JAKER'S.... Jake is having a great fall term at Arizona State University. He really enjoys his classes and LOVE'S the warm weather (in the 80's). For a fun class, Jake is taking guitar. When he is not working hard in his classes and doing homework....can you guess where he spends his leisure time at? With Catherine and her family. They love him and have welcomed him into their family. It makes me feel good that he has an extended family there....

Jaker's will fly home for Thanksgiving and again for the winter break. He will arrive home on December 19th and we are looking forward to having him home with us. Also, Catherine is coming on December 31st and we are excited to meet her and have her meet Jake's family. She will be here to help us celebrate Jaker's birthday (January 1st) and will fly home January 3rd. Jaker's will fly back to Arizona on January 6th. : (

October brings family visiting from Tennessee

Front row: Aunt Jenni, my brother Gary and Uncle Bob
Back Row: Mom, cousing Bruce, cousin Nancy and her hubby David
My Aunt Jenni, Uncle Bob, Nancy and David are from Oak Ridge Tennesee.
We are having a wonderful time catching up on family news and pictures!

August family beach trip with Jaker's and family...

Before Jake leaves for Arizona State University...

The whole gang enjoying the beach...

Back Row: Brother Gary, Jan and me
Front Row: Jake, Dan (& Raffi), Grandma, Matt & Lena

We had a wonderful time at the beach...

Grandma and the boys, Lena & Raffi

Sister-in-Law Jan and Dan

More family pictures at the beach...

Nephew Dan and Raffi

My nephew Matt and girlfriend Lena
(and Raffi the cat).