Before the Storm

There are about 50 people out dancing to XBOX in my living room at Rainbow right now, and I am on Dorthy duty while she sleeps in the bedroom on the waterbed,  so I decided to blog.  Chelle and her family got in last night from Vermont, so I am pretty sure it will be a nonstop party from now until they return home on the 3rd. 

Paula and I had a wild week related to the firm.  Last Saturday, we did the Portland holiday party, complete with Santa and about a million kids. 



Rob Fotheringham was Santa this year.  Really fun to have him interacting with the kids.



That afternoon, we flew to Salt Lake with Paula's mom, did the Salt Lake dinner with the staff there on Monday evening, and argued a Summary Judgment motion.  While there, we drove out to see Thuan's former wife Jane and their son Carl.  It was a beautiful day with incredible views of Timp from downtown Lehi. 



Carl was decorating the tree, and I got to help him.  I also got a chance to help him collect eggs from their hen house. 







On Friday we flew early to Boise, visited with the staff there, and flew home through Seattle where we got stuck on the ramp with a plane malfunction and had to change planes.  Got home about 3 am!



Yesterday, drove to Longview to buy a truck, picked up Chelle's family at the airport, and partied at Chuong's house. Serious Grandkid action.



Didn't take Ander's long to engage his cousins with the Pokeman cards.



Birding lately has been limited to just around the loop here on Rainbow, but some fun birds nonetheless. 

Varied Thrush





Golden and Ruby Crowned Kinglets

 



Downy Woodpecker



Anna's Hummingbird







And our mystery critter.  What is this fairly common bird?  First grandchild to get the bird wins $10!



Fox Sparrow



And a beautiful little House Finch



So here it is just 9 days to Christmas.  The river is up, and we are snug in our home.



I keep thinking about the blessing that this home is.  Paula teaches the grand kids piano lessons here and teaches them how to cook at the same time.





Just a parting shot of Chuong's little family.  Really fun.




Peace.