Snowmobiling at the Hunting Cabin, Tonasket, WA

Last week Neil and I, and our friends, Ken & Marian Russ, spent 5 days up at the Hunting Cabin near Tonasket where we enjoyed snowmobiling, relaxing and "roughing it" (no running water, no lights, no indoor bathrooms, and cooking on a wood stove.)

On Thursday, Van and Lisa Hockenberry, with daughters Ellie & Tori, came by to visit, and later joined us for dinner at friends, Denny & Jeanie Hughes. Van & Lisa attend the same church we do in Roslyn, and also have a recreation place near the hunting cabin.

The Hunting Cabin on a cold, frosty morning.

The Trotnik Ranch near the hunting cabin. Lots of rolling hills where we could ride our snowmobiles. It was such a fun time.

Neil & Kenny relaxing in the sunshine out in front of the cabin. As you can see, the weather was great....

Neil, Ryan & Jon Snowmobiling

Last weekend two of our sons, Ryan Dewey & Jon Weddle, came over to go snowmobiling. They both wanted to go up to Gallagher (a rough ride to 5500 feet), so after packing a lunch, Neil & the boys headed up to the mountains. They had such a great time and came back full of stories! Here are a few pictures of their great day.


Jon, Neil & Ryan waiting at the bottom of the hill. There were lots of people at Gallagher, so they all had to take their turns to climb the hills.

The weather was great! Jon shows how he takes a break during a fun day of riding

This is some of the beautiful scenery you can only see while Snowmobiling. This is looking down on Fish Lake. A views like this is what makes snowmobiling such a wonderful sport.




Almost made it! Jon didn't quite make it up the steep hill. His 1990 Yamaha snowmobile is 19 years old, but he showed he could have just as much fun, go just as fast, and 'almost' climb as high as the expensive sleds. All three of our boys are tremendous riders and can go places on a snowmobile I would never think of attempting. They have all been riding since their early teens. Don't kid yourself, they still would have a hard time keeping up with Neil...



The day's over and the guys are waiting to load their snowmobiles to head back home... They look a little tired, don't you think?

Gracie

Gracie is the youngest daughter of Melissa & Ryan Zdenek, and our youngest grandchild. She is 7-1/2 Months Old. Look at that red hair! She sucks her two fingers, instead of her thumb. A little Love Bug!

"Happy Birthday, Payton"

This fall, Melissa & I made a "Happy Birthday" Banner for her to hang at the girl's birthday parties. It turned out really cute... She has it hanging in her bay window for Payton's birthday

Last Friday we ventured over the pass to help celebrate Payton's 3rd Birthday. We went to the Zdenek home early to also exchange Christmas gifts. They were unable to make it over during the Holidays because of the bad weather, and Melissa's Grandfather was very ill. After exchanging Christmas Gifts, we had Payton open her Birthday presents, and then went to Claim Jumpers in Lynnwood to meet other family and friends for a party. It was a great evening! Payton was the "Bell of the Ball". We can't believe she is already 3 years old! What a cutie!

Payton enjoying her Birthday dessert at Claim Jumpers

Earlier this year, BaPa made Payton a refrigerator and stove out of wood (similar to ones he made for Melissa when she was a little girl). So, for her birthday we gave her pots and pans, dishes, and even fake food for her 'little kitchen'. One of the gifts (I think it was her favorite) was a mini-microwave oven. It has a timer, a turntable that actually goes around, lights up, and beeps when it is done. Of course, it doesn't really cook anything. Here's a picture of Payton with her kitchen, and playing with the Microwave.

BaPa reading Payton a story while we were waiting for Ryan to get home from work