Spring!

I thought since it was Spring it should be time for a hike, right? (And maybe time for Di to change this background) So I went out to my favorite trail to see how it looked after a long hard winter. Well, it's not Spring on the PCT yet! At least not in the San Gabriels. Actually, it's getting pretty close to the time when the thru-hikers start at the border. They usually start in late April and come thru Wrightwood in May. Let's hope they can see the trail by then!
Do you know what posthole-ing is? I'm not referring to the hole the above PCT trail-marker post is put in. I mean when you are walking on snow and your leg breaks thru and you sink 4 feet into the snow. It's pretty awkward to get out because your other leg is still up on top. And then you have to be very careful that your shoe doesn't stay in the bottom of the hole when you take the "post" out. Yes, I am very familiar with this as you might guess. You'd think I would have the sense to turn around, but no, I had to go on for a mile or so. I'll just say this; there are now many new postholes on the PCT.

I could see tracks that someone had gone before, so I knew where the trail was. But I could also tell by the tracks that he had an ice ax and crampons. And he must have gone in the morning when the snow is hard after freezing over night. I wasn't so lucky, or so well equiped. But I did get my first hike in for the season! The mountains are calling and I must go!

252

Mom's Chili

We had a nice Ward activity the other night. It was our annual chili cook-off and adult pinewood derby race. I didn't have time to do both a car and chili, so, of course, I chose food. I used my Mom's recipe. She passed away a couple of years ago at 91 years old. I have many fond memories of hanging out in the kitchen to grab some nibbles as she cooked. I once asked her if she liked to cook and she said "well, I like to eat, so I guess I like to cook too." When she was 67 she decided to write down all the favorite family recipes and some stories and put them in a family cook book to give to us kids for Christmas. It is the favorite thing I have to read and remember my Mom. It's better than a photo album because it is in her words and in her hand writing. Well, my Mom's recipe won "Best Overall" at the Ward dinner. It's nothing fancy, just good ol' ranch chili. But I like it and I guess others did too as I made over a gallon, and it was almost all gone. Several have asked for the recipe, so here it is. (If you click on the image it will enlarge, and just for the record, I used diced tomatos, not tomato sauce, and the "heat and eat" method for the beans!)

Christmas Holidays 2009

Our Christmas holidays were pretty terrific this year. We were able, over the space of a few days, to see all of our children and grandchildren.

We started early Christmas morning, joining Tyler and Tanya and their kids as they woke up and hurried downstairs to see what wonders Santa had brought them.

By looking at Taylor and Andy, you can tell where the Christmas tree was!
Happy kiddos as they check it all out!

Ashlyn and Grandma J. Happy together!

Then, 2 days later, my family gathered at our house for festivities.

Here is my 88 year-old Mother, with her Italian beret my brother brought her, opening some of her loot.

The newset member of the Boylin family is Jeffery. Here he is..enjoying being Santa.

The next day Jerry and I flew to Vancouver Washington to see our daughters and their families.

The opportunity provided itself for a minor upgrade to get this car. Of course. Why not?

This time I even drove it once.

The kids visited Teri Le and Rob's 'Urban Farm' and Allie thought it was pretty terrific. Here she is getting the food for the chickens.

We went to a really great place 'The Great Wolf Lodge'to play and see everyone. It is a wonderful lodge, complete with a HUGE indoor waterpark.

I had to post this picture of Jerry. He and Allie went down these slides unnumerable times..and this shot really made me laugh!

This is the wave pool. We had a lot of fun in here. I am sure someone we know and love is in this picture...somewhere! It did get a bit crowded, but we still had a great time!


We had Christmas once again at Amy and Quinn's house.

Teri Le was surprised with this gift..it was significant to us, as she had one for her 8th birthday, loved it and was going to show Granny and Grandpa and dropped it. Now we have replaced it a 'few' years later.

Opning the new Wii game from Uncle Tyler and Aunt Tanya and cousins.

We spent an afternoon together with the older cousins. We went to an indoor bounce house place...the kids were hot and sweaty by the time we were done.

Here's Dylan, Makayla, Danielle, Allie and Michael!




We had a great trip to Washington...two of our families for the price of one!!

Here we are with all of our grandchildren who live in Washington.

We love you, each and every one!

Mary Kay

Check out Tanya's post on Mary Kay
http://jorgensonclan.blogspot.com/

Troop 159

Check out the new blog for Troop 159 in Wrightwood.

http://troop159wrightwood.blogspot.com/

Allie May is 4 years old!

Can you say " I am a happy girl?' Grandma and Granpa lovin' our number 6
Note the hair. It was amazing!


Allie May is beautiful! And here...she knows it!

This is by far one of my most favorite pictures of Allie. Can't you just feel her sweetness? I can, and wish I could see her more often. Maybe now that they are moving to the Western side of the U.S. we can make that happen!

It was Thanksgiving Day in 2005 when the cutest little girl arrived. She was surprising with her full head of dark hair!! It was fun to watch that grow out and see her blond roots...now she has the prettiest strawberry blond hair!

AllieMay, Grandpa and Grandma J really love you...and traditions says we get to take you to Disneyland now that you are 4...so hurry and come to California!!

Our # 5 turns 5 today!!

5 years ago today, this little angel joined our family. Since she has lived near us all of her life, we have had so many fun times together:
We have gone to her dance recitals, soccer games, Grandparents Day at kindergarten, Primary Programs and fun places like Disneyland, Sea World and Leg land.

Her laugh, smile and bubbly giggle has brightened many of our days!

She is a charmer, a gret big sister, a wonderful daughter and baker!

She is ALWAYS happy when she is swinging!

We love you Taylor Marie and are looking forward to many more adventures with you!