Growing up in the Grange

Well, to say it has been a while is a little crazy, so I won't say it. I just wanted to post the family Christmas picture and promise more info to come later. I hope everyone is doing well...our life is crazy but so much fun!

Fair Trip

We went to the Central Washington State Fair a couple of weeks ago. There were rides, games, exhibits and tons of food. We go on the first day of the fair every year and get the bracelets for unlimited rides.

This year I tried out the Drop Zone. Where you go up really slow, then when you get to the top you DROP! It was fun and a little scary.

We tried something new this year called Bubble Bay. You get into a big bubble (ball), they fill it up with air, and then you roll around in the water. I was attempting to stand up the whole time. Shelby just rolled around. Mom said we looked like hamsters.

They have a huge slide at the fair. Dad, Shelby and I raced down the slide. It was so much fun. We went on it about ten times.

Our Camping Trip

This is a picture of Lake Easton during our camping trip in September. We had a wonderful time and it was very peaceful, relaxing and a much needed fun break.

This is a picture that Lexi took on our hike around the lake. It shows how late our camping trip was this year.

This was a beautiful island that the sun was shining on and reminded us of how peaceful camping can be.

The clan with their walking sticks. Dad's is a little big, but we thought it looked good with his outfit.

School is underway at the DeVore household. We are excited and looking forward to a great year. The blog will be updated this year, I promise. I am actually going to have the blog be part of Lexi's school work this year. That will mean weekly updates, so stay tuned for a great year of photos and info on our lives. Have a great school year everyone!!

The snow finally came to Yakima

After a week of weather in the single digits, we finally warmed up enough to have snow fall. We got as low as 1 degree and did not go above 20 for over a week. Then the snow came falling down. We got about 6 inches in one night and it stayed around for about a week.

We are hoping for another flurry before Christmas. It would be so nice to have a white one.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

Christmas in Seattle

We got together with Rich and Cathy and the kids in Seattle this weekend. It was so nice to get to spend some time with them. Grandma and Grandpa came over too. This is the first time in a long time we have been able to have a Christmas dinner together.

Shelby and Lexi had a huge surprise.....Aunt Cathy got them the exact dolls they wanted. She did not even talk to mom about it (or so they think). We are so covert with our email and facebook that we can send each other to the exact store to buy the exact thing they say they want in November. And surprise, it is what they get for Christmas! We are so sly! HA HA

They have been so excited to play with these dolls. They have some porcelain ones, but they are afraid they will break, so they don't play with them too much. You should see them now....we say it is time for bed and they ask if they have time to get their dolls ready too. Julie (Shelby's doll) and Chrissa (Lexi's doll) have to do their hair at night so it will be beautiful in the morning.

I had to include this picture because Grandpa just looked so excited to get this doll, but really he was just unwrapping it for Lexi. I think he has a "santa" aspect to him as well. Thanks family for making this a great weekend even though it was short. Merry Christmas!

Pictures with a great big tree

The girls were able to have some pictures taken by this big Christmas tree. It was very bright and beautiful.

Lexi was dressed up for her recital and Shelby was looking festive in her green shirt and new jeans.

Shelby was very excited because she got to wear her new boots with her new jeans.

Lexi is looking all-grown-up and I don't like that very much. But aren't they both beautiful?!