Christmas 2009

Front porch. Garland is hiding the extension cords wrapped around the entry way.

Front yard with Christmas tree, deer, and stars to line the sidewalk.

It was freezing outside and very late by the time we finished. I have gloves and a hat on.

Redecorating the house Fall 2009

My bedroom decorated with blue and brown paint (inspired by Catherine's favorite colors).

I spray painted the bedframe lavendar to match the pink walls.

Grandma Val commissioned the painting above the bed. I accented the room is light blue and brown with flower stencils.

The picture above the bed is a family portrait taken 6 years ago. This room is blue and yellow. It is obvious I only know how to do one design-straight lines. I also made a cover for the sewing machine to match.

October 26, 2009 Elle's 19 years old today!

Elle's been wanting Cheesecake from Tahoe Joe's for some time so her birthday was the perfect excuse to endulge in this deeeeelicious dessert. It was fabulous!

Aunt Jana began living with us a few months ago. She loves any dessert, "It's my favorite."

Yep, my favorite too.

Happy Birthday Elle!!!!!!!!!!

2009 October General Conference with Wilsteads

2009 brought a new way for us to view General Conference-computer with internet access-LDS.org.

Breakfast filled with tons of bacon for the bacon mongers.

Between sessions we played and painted and played some more.

After conference we watched movies.

It was a wonderful conference and terrific time with my darling granddaugters.

Visiting the Texans- Fall 2009

Jarod picked me up from the airport and he drove me to my favorite spot in the whole world for lunch (no pun intended). You guessed it... Whole Foods. The corporate office in located in Austin, Texas; am I lucky or what! Not only did we eat a fabulous lobster bisque we bought deeeeeelicious desserts to enjoy with Megan and the children. They were simply devine and exquisite in design.

I also enjoyed visiting Carly's dance lessons. She of course was the best dancer among the group.

It was also fun to visit Jarod's work. I went a little crazy buying toys and clothes. Too fun for me.

His smile is worth a thousand words. I just had a marvelous visit.

Emmerson and Ashley married July 29, 2009

A match made in heaven....


Emm and Ashely wait for the judge, he was 10 minutes late.

They were married at the Visalia Courthouse by the Honorable Judge Vortman.

It was a sweet civil ceremony. Steve and I were privileged to be their witnesses.

Ashley 19 years old, Emmerson 21 years old, Karon 52 years young, Steve 54 years younger

We went to Tahoe Joe's Stake House afterwards. It was a memoriable event.

Isla Belle Wilstead- July 7, 2009

Karon 52 years old, Clarissa 28 years old and Isla 4 weeks old. Being a grandmother is the greatest gift from God. I'm grateful to have another three generation picture.

Classic Kaela in her contagious smile (Kaela 4 1/2 years old).

Poor little Isla is smothered with loved. Ava's giggle is the best!

Clarissa's radiance increases with each baby.

2009 Coast Trip with Wilsteads

Easter weekend 2009 at the Coast

The Wilsteads came to the coast with us. We stayed at the Residenc Inn


Kaela became the official door opening, perfecting the key and green light.

Cannery Row was great fun. Toll House and Bubba Gump Restaurant were among our treats for the day.



The infamous 17 mile drive was as breathtaking as I had hoped.








John Steinbeck made Salinas, California bright spot for the coastline. He become famous and wealthy after he published The Grapes of Wrath.

Ava loves to laugh and get others to laugh with her.

Monterrey Bay Aquarium was the highlight of the weekend.
I thought Josh would love this picture of Nemo.

Sunglasses and umbrellas -who could ask for more? (Especially inside the aquarium!)

It was a beautiful weather all weekend.



The Jelly Fish display was my favorite. Ava loved getting wet with the plastic fish. She didn't like wearing the yellow apron to prevent her from becoming totally drenched with water but to no avail.

It was great fun at the aquarium. I'm looking forward to return trip.