Happy Birthday Dayna!!!

Today is my twin's birthday!!! Happy Birthday Dayna! This picture was taken in my grandmother's back yard in Cathlamet, Washington when we were about two. It has always been my favorite picture of us (Dayna is on the left and I am on the right). I love how it captures how special having a twin is. Dayna has always been so good to me and my family and I just want her to know how much I appreciate everything she has done for us! I love you, Dayna and hope you have a great day!!!

Things That Have Been Happening Lately...

I have not been the most faithful blogger lately. I apologize. This summer has been so busy and I must confess that blogging has not been my top priority. I will have to repent and get back to being a more dedicated. In the meantime, here are some quick updates on our family.

1. I guess the biggest and most exciting news is that Christopher is engaged! His cute fiance is Samantha. She is perfect for him. She is a tiny little thing that does not seem to have a problem putting that big boy in his place. He absolutely adores her and they seem very happy. They plan to be married on November 20th in the Salt Lake Temple. We are actually heading out to her home to meet her parents later this evening. I can't believe that I have another child getting married just five months after Tara. The love bug has definitely caught the Williamson children...and it seems to still be spreading :)

2. School has started once again. It is strange to have only two children in school (outside of college). I was thinking the other day that the last time that I had only two children attending school was 1993. As much as I miss our relaxed summer schedule, it is nice to get back to early morning routines.

3. My Dad is feeling much better. He has been struggling with prostate cancer and after a complete physical, it was discovered that his fatigue is from type 2 diabetes, not just the cancer treatments. His sugar levels were through the roof and now that he is getting everything under control, he is gradually feeling like his old self again. After our visit to see him earlier this summer, I was thinking he would not be around too much longer. How fortunate we are that this is not the case!

4. I have been back on the hunt for dead people. After taking the summer off to spend with the kids, I now have the time to resume my genealogy. I cannot believe the things I am coming across. There is no doubt in my mind that many people on the other side are anxiously awaiting their temple work. I am just about ready to submit more names and I hope to have another day at the temple with all the nieces and nephews to do begin the ordinances.

5. Soccer season has begun once again. Emma had her first game yesterday and did awesome! She scored all three of her teams goals. They ended up loosing the game in a nail biter 3-4, but they certainly gave it their all. They are playing in the 11-12 year old league this year and her team consists of all 11 year olds. The team the played yesterday had girls that were all 12. With that being said, they played GREAT!.

6. I have been continuing my service mission at the Mount Timpanogas temple. I serve once a week for three hours tending to the grounds with some amazing woman. I love this calling! Not only is it peaceful working in the Lord's garden, but I love the relationships I have built with these incredible ladies.

7. Our computer had some unforeseen difficulties and Greg did his magic once again and this time "created" me a new computer. He used a rather old computer that does not even have a port for my camera. Thus the reason for the absence of pictures on this post. He is working on getting me an adapter so that I can get back to using photos!

Hello!!!

I was sitting up in my room the other night when Jenni came in the back door. The first thing she did was to yell out "Hello???" This made me smile. Every time one of the kids comes home it has somehow become a tradition for them to holler out "Hello???". Now that I am a stay at home mom, I have noticed that each of my kids loves knowing that either Greg or myself is home. It is funny that it doesn't matter how old they get, they still want to know that we are close by. This greeting is always quickly followed by a chat that usually takes place on our bed. How lucky we are that all five of our children still love to come and share their day, dreams, concerns, disappointments and joys with us. I know that they are all growing up quickly, but I hope that the days of "Hello" never disappear.

Oregon Trip 2009-Part 3

Everytime we visit Astoria, there are always a few food places we have to hit. Our all time favorite is Fultano's Pizza. I forgot to take any pictures while we were there (I was more focused on the food), but this is hands down the best pizza you will ever eat. I have yet to find anything that comes close. The sauce and thin crust make this unique and worth the 14 hour drive. Myself and all three of my siblings worked there while in high school and it is just part of the Garrison history. If you ever get the chance, go to this pizza joint and order a Mona Lisa.....to die for!!!!

Mark and Lezlie also introduced us to "Mo's" in Cannon Beach. This place is now permanantly on our list. It is situated right on the beach overlooking the famous Haystack Rock. In the picture below you can see it in the background. If you love clam chowder, this is the place. The food coupled with the atmosphere makes it a fun place to take the family.

Not Bad For An Old Man :D

While visiting at Young's River Falls, Mark could not resist the chance to relive his childhood and jump off the side rocks. Not bad for pushing 50...He still has it!!!

Oregon Trip 2009-Part 2

When I was a teenager, Young's River Falls was a fun place to visit. Now when I visit Astoria, this is a must see for our family. My kids love this great swimming hole. Not many people know about it and that makes it even better. Mark, Kirk and their families joined us for a great afternoon of fun. My Dad was able to make it too and with the help of Mark and Kirk he made the steep trek down the hill to the falls. Years ago Mark had made steps to get to the falls easier for his Eagle Scout project. However, years of use have deteriorated them and getting down the hill is quite an adventure in itself.

Mark brought down his grill and a canopy with lots of camping chairs and we had a pleasant afternoon watching the kids enjoy themselves and eating hot dogs. There used to be a rather large tree that had branches that hung out over the water and on one of the branches was an amazing rope swing. But the large storm the northwest had a couple of winters ago took the tree down. We were rather disappointed that the tree was gone, but we still managed to have hours of fun.