The Henriksons

2012-01-18T00:22:00.000-08:00

Sunday we got up to a bit of snow. Not enough to keep us from going to church or having the missionaries to dinner. On Monday we got a bit more. Enough for Luke to make this snowman!
But most of it melted and the snowman fell down.

Today we had a snow day from school and got some more snow. Actually is snowed off and on all day here.

Rob came home early and Sam barely made it up the hill. It looks so pretty and is actually sparkling! We are suppose to get more tonight! We have a little over 4 inches now. We shall see! Millie

Family pictures

2012-01-06T13:13:00.000-08:00

You may recognize this picture from our Christmas cards this year. I did make the scarves!! I was planning on making one for each of us but only got 4 done. Rob is wearing Isaac's green one I made for his birthday. Maybe next year. The idea was to wear them when we go caroling. I only have three to go! I loved our red house in the background and the red leaves on the tree. Here are some others we looked at.

In front of the barn door. I think Rob is talking and I look a bit scared!

Standing in the field. Yes this is our view from the patio. Is it not beautiful? We are so blessed to live here.

One side of the chicken house. Once again Rob and I look a little stern.

The other side of the chicken house. One of the few pictures where Rob is actually smiling. I do have some really great looking kids! And they are good sports too.

If I were to choose our card picture today, this would be the one. I had it made into an 8x10 to hang in the living room. Just looking for the right frame. I am thinking black. Next...the fun photos!! Millie

The last of Christmas

2012-01-04T14:10:00.000-08:00

I know, I am still doing Christmas! This year with Christmas being on a Sunday we decided to do things a little differently. We usually get up and do the Santa and stocking stuff and then have Rob's family down to have hot cocoa and yulacaca (Swedish Christmas bread). Then we open presents. Later we head to the Eisenhauer's for dinner and then to the Henrikson's for dessert and opening more presents. But this year we had church at 11:00 and Rob had to be there at 10:30. So we decided to not open our presents until that night. That way we could get up, have the cocoa and yulacaca and get ready for church without it being a big rush. Most of us agreed to this. Luke was very vocal about how awful it was!! So we went to church and then to the Eisenhauer's and then to the Henrikson's. Around 7:00 that night we got home. We all got into our Christmas pjs and commenced to open our gifts.

Here they all are waiting! Luke is way in the back. This was hard for him. He wanted us to do everything fast because he thought if we hurried fast through everything, time to open the presents would come faster. Then he had to wait while I found the camera and take a picture!

In the middle of it all.

Rob and Isaac looking over Rob's new cd.

Isaac and David looking at David's new cds.

Sam got a pickle in his stocking. Hannah and I found these at Winco. We could not believe they actually sold pickles separately in these little plastic bags!!

The aftermath!!

Luke scored with a star wars lego battle ship and a lego game and a lego encyclopedia of star wars lego characters, a new vest and hat. It was really fun. The ones (except for Luke) who did not want to wait to open the gifts said we should do this every year. Instead of coming home at the end of the day to the mess of gift opening and not being able to play or use their things all day we had the anticipation all day of waiting and then we did not feel that let down feeling that every thing was all over. It lasted all day and we had such a happy filled feeling all evening too. It was nice to go to church and feel the spirit of the day. I wish Christmas was on Sunday every year. Millie

The feast

2011-12-31T13:05:00.000-08:00

We all met at Grandma's house for Christmas dinner. Orey is always in charge of cutting or should I say carving the meat. After he was done, he and Rob had time to chat while waiting for the gathering for the prayer. There is Julie in the background with her mickey mouse apron and her big sinclair mug of pop!

Here is the spread. We had turkey and ham. Rob made the funeral potatoes. There were Lorna beans and stuffing and corn blob. And of course sugar rolls. We can not have a gathering without sugar rolls.

Tables were set up in the family room and there was room for all. There were about 32 of us.

Mom, Renny and Katie. It had been a long day already I think for Renny!

This Lorna and her friend Scott. He came with his daughter Tabitha, who happens to be a Jr. at Battle Ground just like David. But they did not speak to each other!! Teenagers!

Another picture of Renny enjoying his lunch. He had the Christmas music going and was guarding the radio because some of his family were tired of Christmas music!

Luke ate a sugar roll. I believe that is all! Courtney is in the back and it is Teaghan with her back to us.

Jesse stayed with us in the background playing a game.

Ike's family with Orey's family way in the back by the window.

Somehow Grandpa always ends up at a table full of kids! Sydney and Robbie were also there.

We had a great time and it was relaxing after the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Katie made some really good pies for dessert. These family get togethers are so much more enjoyable than they use to be. Maybe we have all grown up some! Millie

Off to Grandma's House

2011-12-31T00:51:00.000-08:00

On Christmas we went to church and then came home to change. Then we were off to Grandma Julie and Grandpa Frank's for Christmas dinner. Here are Sam and David ready to go!

Hannah managed to get a picture with each of her brothers. Here she is with David.

With Sam. (As you can see in the background we have quite a mole hill problem going on!)

With Luke and the new hat Hannah bought him.

With Isaac.

And even with her Dad!

I got a picture with David, not sure why. And seem to have missed the memo that we were all wearing blue to Grandma's. I wore my new red fleece I forgot I bought until putting out the Christmas things.

And here they all are. What a great looking bunch! Next will be the pictures of the crew at Grandma's. Millie

Christmas Eve

2011-12-29T22:49:00.000-08:00

Sam and Oliver got a long smashingly! He is a really cute and good. So is Oliver!!

Waiting to eat!

What happens when they think the camera is off them!

Waiting to light the tree from the front.

And from behind!

We each put a candle on the tree, and Rob lights them. We turn off all the lights and sing Silent Night. It does not last very long because Rob worries about the flames and we quickly extinguish the candles.

We then open our gifts from Santa's elves and surprise they are new pajamas.

Even mom and dad got them!! Then it is off to bed to await the arrival and Santa and Christmas morning! Millie

Our Expected Christmas Eve Guests

2011-12-29T22:24:00.000-08:00

On Christmas Eve we have people over, usually family of Rob's, and do a potato bar and put on a nativity play. We draw parts (this year we did do a little casting of particular parts, Luke really wanted to be a wiseman! And we had the perfect Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus.) This year I was the camera person and Carol was the narrator.

Hannah, Stina, and Luke (what a surprise) were our wise people! And I must say we have not had such pretty wise ones before!

Sam was our angel and did a magnificent job of it even tho his halo was a little eschew!

Jeff and David were our shepherds (obviously from the blue clan of shepherds) and Mom was our sheep!

Rob was the innkeeper who looked a little native american and Isaac was our donkey when on all fours.

Shelia was Mary and Owen was Joseph.

And little Oliver made his debut in our production as the baby Jesus. He is so cute and laid in the little manager so well until he hit himself in the head with one of his gifts! We love watching the video after and tend to rewind back to previous years and remember those who were with us before and see who has changed the most and grown. It is really quite fun. I look forward to seeing who will be with us next year! Millie

Unexpected Christmas Eve Guests

2011-12-28T23:25:00.000-08:00

When we came home from a trip to town on Christmas Eve we had some unexpected guests in our backyard.
Isaac thought he would try to catch one. He did not succeed. It may be because he was wearing my slippers! and could not run.

They belonged to our neighbor across the street. Now we know why the chicken crossed the road! We have better bugs I guess! They ate and clucked about and then went home. Millie

A special day for Renny and Katie

2011-12-27T22:42:00.000-08:00

I wish I had a picture for today. We went to the temple with my little brother Renny and his wife Katie. It was their first time through. It was a very special day to be in the temple. My mom and dad work Tuesdays so everyone knew them. And we kept seeing people we knew. Renny's bishop and his wife and the couple that taught them their temple prep classes came from Redmond to be with them. I am so proud of Renny and Katie. They have come a long way and worked hard. I look forward to going back to the temple in April with them as they are sealed to each other and their children. What a blessing the gospel is. What a blessing it is to have a temple near. What a blessing it is to know our families can be sealed together and be literally forever families. Millie

Gingerbread house building.

2011-12-26T16:20:00.000-08:00

The Monday before Christmas we had the Hardy family over to build our versions of gingerbread houses. Sam says they are really graham cracker houses. We put all the candy and stuff on the table and let them commence building.

Everyone goes about it a bit differently.

Here is Luke's creation. He thinks more is better. (Don't know where the hat showed up from but he wears it non stop!)

Hannah and David with their creations. We used chocolate grahams for the first time this year to add a little contrast.

Raelynn with her masterpiece. She did a lot of landscaping!

Ainzlee with her house. She went simple after her first one fell down.

Isaac with his house and his little out house on the side.

And then there is Sam. He always takes the longest but always comes away with a beautiful house. We all are amazed with his creativity.

Here it is up close.

Stu had a bit of trouble with his house this year.

He made a little baby Jesus which he gave to Raelynn to put in her yard.

And here they all are together. Our little neighborhood. Well done everyone. Millie

Rob had a birthday!

2011-12-14T13:04:00.000-08:00

So, Rob had a birthday on the 2nd. It was a super busy week. It was ward temple night and we were going (I don't know why the Bishop thinks he needs to be there but he does, so I support him in that!) Saturday was suppose to be our ward party but it got bumped to the next week, making it possible for us to go to the Skyview Jazz festival and watch David (his band took 2nd). Sunday was impossible with tithing settlement and the first Presidency Devotional. So, finally on Monday the fifth we celebrated his special day. Unfortunately the camera batteries went dead and we only got these 3 pictures.

Naturally we got one of Stu enjoying the enchiladas.

Rob opening his gifts. We did give him a hard time that he was not sitting on the floor next to the birthday basket. His mom gave him his Dad's hat he bought while in Sweden on their mission.

And this picture of most of the group. Not sure what is happening with Sam here! Happy Birthday Rob!! We love you lots. Millie

Do you have one of these?

2011-12-10T15:19:00.001-08:00

Hannah's FarMor gave her one while she was at BYU-I and it came home with her. You press the little button in the back and it boils your water really fast. When the water is ready the button turns off. It is perfect for hot cocoa. We love it and use it every day. If you are a big hot cocoa fan this is for your!! I am looking for one for when Hannah goes and takes it with her! Millie

2011-12-07T20:42:00.000-08:00

I signed up to give blood for our stake blood drive. I have not given blood for three years because the last few times I went my iron was too low and after a day of drinking a ton of water so I would be hydrated and making a million trips to the bathroom, they wouldn't take my blood. So I decided to make sure my iron was up.

This is my new favorite breakfast. Someone said eat cream of wheat, it is iron fortified. So I did. I like my cream of wheat with a little butter and brown sugar.

Then I remembered the frozen blueberries in the freezer. WOW! The blueberries cool off the hot cereal and the hot cereal defrosts the blueberries. It is amazing! Oh and my iron was up and I did not drink all that water for nothing and I was able to give blood. That always makes me feel so good. It is the best gift to give. Millie

2011-12-05T22:14:00.000-08:00

Last Thursday we went to Barnes and Noble to watch David in the jazz band. It was a fund raiser for the high school. So we loaded up in the car, met Hannah part way there and met Rob there.

On the way we were stopped at a light next to this car. It is a toaster!! You got to love it.

Isaac and Luke and Hannah in the back seat!

David gets very excited and really into the music as you can see. Notice his feet! Could he be more relaxed?

And as you can see Luke really enjoys a good jazz band!

He did enjoy posing with the school mascot the tiger. Luke kept calling him Tony!

Then we went to the Festival of the Nativities. Hannah and David enjoyed themselves.

Posing in the stable with Luke the donkey. Sam was there but I personally did not see him. He was in the chapel listening to a choir seeing with some friends.

Luke as a wiseman. They have a room with nativities that kids can play with, and can dress up and take pictures. They also have a room where they can make an ornament. There was a room with nativities from all around the world.

The gym is set up with beautiful scenes and lots of nativities. I think I can make some of these!

Of course the lego nativity was one of our favorites.

This was a teeny tiny nativity. See how small it is next to Luke's finger.

And this is a kind of creepy nativity (if nativities can creepy) done with frogs. I personally do not understand nativities made out of animals. We saw a black bear, polar bear, cat, dog and two frog nativities. We also saw at least 5 snowman nativities.

Arlee had a part in putting together this scene on the stage. I want some of these stars and this sheep. (I kind of have a thing for sheep).

I just loved this scene with the shepherd and sheep. It was a great evening and a great way to continue with our holiday season! Millie

Decorating the tree.

2011-11-30T08:00:00.000-08:00

For family night we decorated our Christmas tree. It started out like this.

The first thing to tackle is the lights.

And it can be a difficult task. I checked all the lights days before and threw away those not working. (And what is that all about? They work when you take them off the tree and carefully store them away. Then you take them out and you have 3 strands that don't work. It is a mystery along with where the socks go!)

I try to get the lights on during the day when no one is around. I will admit I am a bit (okay, alot) anal about the lights. It takes me forever to get them on. And even tho I checked all the lights before hand, when I went to put them on I had more strands not working. I had to make a trip to the store to buy a few more! We have I think about 1000 lights on the tree. Then we went to put the star on and the lights were out in that!

So this year the star is not lit up. And even tho Rob had cut more off we still could not get the star on the top. So we tied it on with this ribbon. Then the beads went on. And as pretty as it looks we can not leave well enough alone.

Next come the ornaments. (You got to love this shot of Isaac!)

And even tho they try to get away with putting on just their five or so ornaments, Mom keeps handing them more things to put on, glass balls, icicles (I am not sure how to spell that word), family favorites and so on. Some of the ornaments ended up in interesting places, and hanging in interesting ways. Thanks David!

Sam stuck it out and helped out until Mom declared it finished. (He was heading out to YA to play volleyball.)

Everyone gets in the act, even Rob. He gets to hang his favorites, the little elf we got from my mom the first year, the blown glass ornament we got from Maudie and Rick, and our first Christmas ornament.

Almost there!

And then come the pictures in front of the tree. It makes you wonder why we do this because you can not see the tree with everyone standing in front of it! (I know the star looks a little off kilter. It looks great when you walk in the door. But not so good from straight on. May have to move it.)

I love it when it is all done! What a great start to our holiday season. Now I just need to get the rest of the fall stuff put away and the rest of the house decorated. Yikes! Millie

Getting the Christmas tree.

2011-11-29T20:34:00.000-08:00

So, we went to get our Christmas tree. It was a beautiful day. Not raining, not real cold. Just a nice day for looking for that perfect tree. It seems every year one of the kids gets in one of these tree nest things for a picture! This year it was Luke.

Sam and David looking for that perfect tree? Or not!

The kids all loved this tree. I do not know why we did not get this tree. It looks lovely in the pictures. Maybe it just seemed to soon. And it is pretty skinny on top.

Everyone has their favorite tree. Luke's was too small.

Isaac's was a little taller but still not quite it.
Okay, this is a nice tree that David picked but you have to admit it is the wrong color! We kind of like the green ones.

Sometimes it gets a little confrontational and you have to take the saws away from the children.

Isaac cut down the tree we found for Far Mor.

Hannah cut our tree down.

She was very proud of herself.

This is my job, push the tree to the side as they cut to help them along! I know I look like I put on a few pounds over Thanksgiving, but I am carrying the camera, my phone, extra gloves and car keys in my jacket pockets!

The two lumber jacks!

This is where our tree once stood!

Here are the boys waiting for us to pay for the tree. They don't really mind this part because the girl in charge of the tree farm is really quite cute!

Here are the trees loaded in the truck. And the boys putting up with mom and posing with the trees.

Here is the tree the first time we brought it in. It was touching the ceiling and we were unable to put the star on.

So, Rob took it back out and cut off a little more. Now it fits. We always have the tree in the house for a day or two before we decorate it. Sometimes it looks so nice it makes me wonder why we put all that stuff on it! But put stuff on it we will! Right now it smells so Christmassy! Millie

More Thanksgiving pictures!

2011-11-26T09:47:00.000-08:00

Tommy playing something with Luke looking on.

Kathi had us all put on name tags with our name and a word that started with the same letter to describe us. Here is David looking through a dictionary to find the right word!

Julie finally getting her food. She is usually the last because she is watching over her sugar rolls. This year I am happy to say we did not have a burnt batch!

Stina and Dale chatting over their dinner.

I love this picture of Rob's mom Barbara and his Aunt Fran visiting as they ate.

Of course we have the pictures of Hannah with her bros. Here she is with David.

And her she is with Isaac.

Rob and Sam.

Millie and Hannah. I was magnificent Millie and she was Helacious Hannah. I don't think she minded so much until she looked up the meaning of helacious!!

Luke and Kurt. Got to love that hat!

Sam and David.

Carol, Julie and Kathi hanging in the kitchen. Julie's famous sugar rolls are pictured in front of Carol. Yum!!

Rob and the questionable drink. It was a mango drink with a raw ingredient (can't remember what it was called, started with a K) and the label said it was full of love. It tasted like it was full of alcohol! So he threw it away.

Tommy plugged in and Caleb.

The boys always have a pinecone was outside. Not sure what was happening here with Caleb. Obviously not his best picture!

Frank handing out the project he and Julie have been working on for Christmas. Each family got one. I would have taken a picture of mine to show but I don't have one yet. We were not expecting Cindi and Arlee so mine went with one of them. I have been assured I will get one!
Then I will post a picture.

I thought this was a picture of David and Sam playing the piano at the school while we were cleaning up. But it is a picture of them playing the piano after we got home. Millie

The people!

2011-11-25T09:52:00.000-08:00

This year we had more people than ever come to our Thanksgiving Feast! It was great fun. It begins with everyone bringing in all the food. And this year Kathi (Rob's cousin brought name tags, which was a great idea!)

This was the cool boys table! Valerie and Stina were also sitting there.

Another cool boys table! With Chase in the background. Kathi also brought place mats and napkins in holders for the tables. She added some class to our party.

Henriksons in front, Hemmingers and Lee Soder in back.

Bobby John's (we still call him that!) and Jeanne's families. Plus Steve Taylor with his back to us!

Courtney and her fiance here. It was a surprise to us all. His name is Keith and the wedding is planned for April 28.

Grandpa Frank and Ike's family.

This time Jerry and Lee and Deb in front and the Henriksons in back! In the left is the food line.

Orey and Peg and family. It was fun to have Robbie and Sydney there.

And an added surprise. Cindi and her family showed up in time for desserts. Yes that is Ben with a girl!! Arlee and Stu and the girls were also there. Our final count was 52!! It was great to be with everyone. Thanks everyone for coming and for all the fun. Millie

Oh my the food!

2011-11-25T09:29:00.000-08:00

Once again I failed to get pictures of our Thanksgiving feast! And believe me it was a feast. We had an table set up for just the desserts and another for the salads and appetizers. Then we had the main buffet area with the turkey, ham, potatoes, gravy, dressing, veggies, and rolls. Of course mom's sugar rolls were a hit, they always are.

We were in charge of one of the turkeys. Here it is still in its bag and full of stuffing. Does not look so big here. It was a 20 pounder.

Also did cranberry relish. It is just so pretty. Maybe not so much in the picture!

We also did 10 lbs of mashed potatoes. Yum!

A cherry pie that sprang a little leak but was still very good.

And a couple of pumpkin pies. I tried to be creative and do the little pumpkins around the edge and in the middle. The other one had little turkeys. Just made for extra crust! Oh well. It was great eating with all the other food! We all got way too full! I always think I will not have to eat again for a few days but seem to be hungry later that night and have to have another piece of pie and pull out the left overs! Will definately need to do some extra walking today! Probably at the tree farm looking for the perfect tree!! Yay!! Millie

Happy Thanksgiving!!

2011-11-24T12:53:00.000-08:00

I know this is a picture from last year's feast, new pictures may come tonight, more likely tomorrow! Hope you all have a happy Thanksgiving and have the opportunity to reflect on all you have to be thankful for. Millie

I am thankful the leaves are all gone!

2011-11-23T19:33:00.000-08:00

Yes our tree is finally bare! Yea! No more raking. We are so happy. We have had 3 days of almost non stop rain. And not the light little showers you may be thinking of. We are talking downpour, water running in the streets rain.

Isaac and Luke are tired of being in the house all day so they built a shelter with the tarp and put the picnic table under it!

It is a little saggy here because they need to dump the water off it! They played and carved sticks and enjoyed being out side even though it was raining. It was nice to have them out side for a while! Millie

It is coming!

2011-11-22T00:14:00.000-08:00

Yes, Thanksgiving is fast approaching. And we are excited here! Once again we are gathering at the old red school house and have invited both sides of the family. We currently have 42 people coming! If all show this will be our largest group yet. The turkey is in the fridge thawing. Cranberries have been purchased. And we are still trying to decide which pies to do, pumpkin is a given and Hannah is going to try a s'more pie (of course, you know how Hannah loves a s'more). Just can't decide on what kind of chocolate creme pie to do and should we pull out our blackberries and do a pie with those. Decisions, decisions! Looking forward to getting together with the families and eating good food!! If you are still undecided where you are going and looking for a group to join come on over! Millie

Camera phobia or just shy?

2011-11-13T00:18:00.000-08:00

For some reason Isaac does not like to have his picture taken. Hannah loves to have her picture taken and tries to include him.

Rob can't get him to agree to having his picture taken either! Luke on the other hand has no qualms about having his picture taken.

He will try to walk out of the picture before you can take it.

And do a quick dodge the other way.

Seems he is not the only one. Here is David trying to hide.

And Hannah behind this pillow.

And Luke doing a quick back turn. Maybe they are just tired of showing up on the blog! Millie

The new camera

2011-11-11T16:37:00.000-08:00

On Hannah's birthday she bought the family a new camera (she has been feeling guilt since she was the one holding it when it broke. Cameras on trampolines, not a good idea) so we don't have to guess what we are taking pictures of any more. But we do need to practice a little. This first one came out a little blurry.

Now that's better. Hannah and her FarMor and Rob and his mom! And an actual picture without laundry or something else piling up in the background! I do have some uncluttered spaces in my house! Millie

Oh ya, Halloween happened!

2011-11-08T07:47:00.000-08:00

Luke is our only one who still trick or treats. This year he was a mad scientist. Pretty simple to put together. Seeing as he is the only one who trick or treats you would think he was the only one in costume. But you would be wrong.

Many hours were spent putting together this costume. Sam's YA group went to the dance together as Peter Pan and his group. Next year he could go as Robin Hood with pretty much the same costume! It was a really amazing costume complete with pan flute (which Sam made) and dagger and pouch of pixie dust (and phone holder. Who knew Peter Pan had no pockets!) He was really liking the leggings!

Then for work they had a western theme so he went as a cowboy of course. And looked mighty fine if I do say so myself.

And here we have our Jack o lanterns! It was a good Halloween. We finished it off by celebrating David's b-day. Millie

Birthdays!

2011-11-07T08:08:00.000-08:00

This last week we celebrated David and Hannah's birthdays. David was on Monday and we celebrated after Luke got back from trick or treating with enchiladas for dinner. Hannah's was on Thursday but due to an overload of things on that day that could not be rescheduled we celebrated on Saturday in between soccer games and wedding receptions with Hawaiian haystacks.

David opening his gifts, while sitting in his new chair.

Hannah waiting to open her gifts. She had to wait two days but not sitting in that chair the whole time!

David blowing out his candles on his funfetti cake with rainbow chip frosting a family favorite. Do not be fooled and get the funfetti frositng, it must be the rainbow chip frosting. (I am not sure why we must always have the laundry in the background.)

Hannah blowing out her candles on her Too Much Chocolate cake! It is a devil food cake mix, chocolate pudding and mini chocolate chips! And it is delicious. (Once again the laundry in the background. We have got to pick a different place to do the whole blowing out the candles thing!)

Happy Birthday David and Hannah!!! We love you guys mucho! Mom

A girl and her family!

2011-11-06T17:32:00.000-08:00

Hannah and Luke on Halloween.

A rare picture with Isaac. He is a little camera phobic.

Hannah and David leaving for Jamba for their birthdays!

Hannah and Sam.

Hannah and her Dad.

And Hannah and her Mom. Okay it was late and the end of a long day and busy week! Millie

And so it begins, again.

2011-11-04T13:32:00.000-07:00

This is the second time we have raked the leave this fall. We got 5 piles this time.

And this is what the tree still looked like!

And the next day this is what the yard looked like. We have now raked 5 times.

And the tree still looks like this. Yes we loved this tree during the family reunion when we could all gather under it and enjoy the shade. It just seemed to be a gathering place. But each fall we do kind of curse the tree and its many leaves. Even worse are the sticky little helicopter things that stick to everything. Oh well. With the good comes the bad. Just a little opposition in our lives. I am off to rake once again! Millie

2011-10-29T12:10:00.000-07:00

Last night was our annual Halloween party. We were missing a couple of our regular couples.

One was the Cobabes (here they are last year as a cat and hairball). They were at the airport picking up Jodie's parents who were getting home from their 18 month temple mission. Yes parents returning are more important than our party, but just barely! They were missed.

Also missing were the MacDonald's (seen here last year as tourists). They were at their senior son's (who happens to be the quarterback) final football game of the year. So, I guess kids also trump the Halloween Party as well they should. We hope to see them both next year.

Here are Rob and I as sick and tired. Oh ya, that was last year's costume!!

Here we are in this year's costume, as, can you guess? Yes we are candy corn. I know but it was simple and easy to put together.

Here are Carol and Bryon as the mad chef's. I don't know if they were actually mad but this does look a little crazy. They brought meatballs that were to die for.

This was the best costume of the evening. The Reese's (new to our gathering) came and occupied. It was perfect for the time and political climate. They were fun to have here.

The Hollingshead's came as sumo wrestlers. Gary was a sumo wrestler after being on the biggest loser! Loved Kelly's chunky salsa! (That had nothing to do with her costume!)

The Scherette's came as the corner and his dead body. Here we have John holding Tammy's liver! They were a little late but it was okay because they brought dessert, creme puffs and nutella!! Yum! We had a lot of fun playing Funglish one of my new favorite games. Rob and I decided on next year's costume while cleaning up!! Can hardly wait! Millie

2011-10-27T15:43:00.000-07:00

I found so different sized jars in the basement and thought it would be fun to fill them with candy to use as a Halloween decoration.

I got gummy worms and chocolate eyeballs and of course candy corn and those peanut butter candies that come in black and orange paper.

The problem is as soon as I put the candy in jars and put it out it always disappears. And within a few days and sometimes a few hours the cute display is all gone. So this year I glued the lids on to the jars. I must admit this was not my idea, it came from Hannah. It was funny the first time each of the boys tried to open the jars! David has managed to get a few of the lids off just to see if he could. The others think the lids are still glued on and leave them alone. And the candy is still there except for the peanut butter eyeballs because I could not find a lid that fit the jar! Happy Halloween! Millie

Not as easy as it sounds!!

2011-10-25T07:30:00.000-07:00

I saw this blog a while back where they took plastic spoons and made a wreath. It looked pretty cool and they said it was really easy. After the family reunion I had a bunch of clear plastic spoons from costco left over so I thought I would give it a try. It seemed like a simple idea. But what I found out was that my spoons were too nice. The heavy kind you can actually eat with are not good for this project. My wreath kept popping apart. I would get it all glued together and come back later to find it in pieces. My family got blamed for picking it up or dropping something on it. Finally I had it all together and I spray painted it a cool copper hammered metal color and hung it up. The next day I went on a field trip with Luke and when I returned I found this.

Only part of the wreath was still hanging up.

The rest was laying in the herbs.

This was what I had left. I had to apologize to my family because apparently the spoons were too stiff and heavy and it would not stay together and popped apart on its own. I was a bit discouraged. Then I thought I would give it a try with some cheap spoons and this is what I got.

You have to remember that my camera is broke and I can not see what I am actually taking a picture of! This one I did to resemble candy corn with orange, yellow and white spoons purchased at walmart and winco. I love it.

This is another one I did with just white spoons. Total cost $1.50 including the ribbon. I do not know why I like these so much. I am saving spoons to do a candy cane one for Christmas. If you use cheap spoons they really are quite easy and go together in about 30 minutes. It takes 48 to 50 spoons and a glue gun. I may give it a go with my left over forks. Not sure how that will look.
We shall see. Millie

I love tomatoes!

2011-10-03T23:10:00.000-07:00

Hannah brought home tomatoes from the family she works for. We sliced them up to go with dinner. Are they not beautiful. I love fresh tomatoes right off the vines. I can't seem to grow them but people all around me seem to be able to and are always ready to share. And I love the different colored tomatoes. These were almost too pretty to eat, but not quite! Millie

2011-09-28T12:30:00.000-07:00

Okay, I know what you are all thinking. It is the end of September, school has been going for 3 weeks now. What happened to the Annual Henrikson Back to School Fashion Show? We did have one. I have just got around to putting the pictures on the computer and so, put on your favorite dub step or dove step ( I am not sure what the exact name of this group is but the boys love it and it is constantly playing in our home) sit back and enjoy.

Even tho Sam is not going to school he wanted to get into the act. Here he is in the latest in uniforms for the assisted living care giver.

Sorry the pictures may seem a bit off center or parts of people are cut off. During the family reunion the camera got broken and you can't see the screen. So it is pretty much just guessing what the picture will be. It does add a little fun to the whole thing. Here's Luke in his first outfit. He is sporting the button up shirt over a favorite t shirt.

Isaac in his orange tiger shirt and front faded jeans.

Luke going for the end of summer look with kacky shorts and a super hero t. Also wearing his new back pack.

Isaac showing off his new belt! And his new haircut. Hannah helped with the fauxhawk look.

David in his Espana soccer shirt.

Sam in his new long sleeve striped shirt and new jeans which did not make the picture.

Luke busting a move in his collared shirt and jeans.

Isaac going a little more dressed up with a button up collar shirt.

David sporting a rock band shirt with his black skinny jeans and new shoes.

Sam wearing a new western style shirt with his american eagle jeans bought off the clearance rack.

Hannah was in charge of changing the songs for each outfit and boy and announcing the whole show. We were at stake temple night and she helped the boys put it all together for us when we got home.

Here's the crew. We love this family tradition and it is fun that even tho the kids are getting all grown up they still like to show off their new clothes and it lets Luke have the fun of doing the fashion show without having to do it alone! I love these kids. Millie

One of my favorite people.

2011-09-25T20:09:00.000-07:00

I think President Uchtdorf is a rock star. I am not kidding. Hannah and I went to the Relief Society broadcast last night. Our stake put on a light supper, Hawaiian hay stacks, one of my favorites and Cindy Cheney made her curry chicken to put on it, another favorite. They had this platter of desserts at each table and they were very good. It was fun to see friends and visit with people you don't see all the time and meet some new sisters. We put together these cute little gifts made out of little disposable diapers for a humanitarian project. But the very best part of the evening was President Uchtdorf's talk. I loved every minute of it and it was like he knew all the things I need to hear at this time. I just sat there after words feeling like prayers had been answered and I know where to go from here. I am really pumped for General Conference this next weekend. Can hardly wait to hear what I need to hear!! Millie

I am not ready.

2011-09-22T12:54:00.000-07:00

Since school started we have finally had some summer! It has been warm and sunny (except for last weekend, which was okay because we really needed the rain) and like summer should be just in September. I finally have tomatoes turning red and they taste so good. So needless to say, I am not ready for this......

fall and pumpkins! Tomorrow is the first day of autumn. I usually love fall and love to decorate for fall but cannot seem to get into it just yet this year. I barely put my red, white and blue stuff away in time for book club. (Our book for this month is The Dry Grass of August, see I can not put summer away yet!) I think part of it is we had a really good summer. We had a lot of fun at Weiser. The boys were busy with camps and trek and such throughout July. In August we had a really great family reunion. It was amazing that we had such a good time and no one killed anyone. We loved having Maudie and Rick here and Jeanne and Bob and their families. And Pat and Sonnalee and Edrea and Bo. We had a fun day at the beach and several fun weinie roast. So you can see why I am not ready to let go of it all. To help I have decided to try and make a new wreath to add a fall touch! I will let you know how it goes! Millie

Why is it.....

2011-09-18T19:45:00.000-07:00

....my children range in ages from 22 down to 9 and yet we can still really enjoy a play structure?
We had a picnic at a park and got to to spend some time just playing.

The swings are always a big hit no matter your age obviously.

I love this. It looks like Isaac is tipping over the slide with Luke on it. I am pretty sure he is not and it is just an optical illusion.

David got stuck in a tire!

Hannah having fun.

Luke thinks the slide is a big skate board.

Not sure what Isaac is trying to do here!

Oh, this is how you do it.

Going back up for another try.

Sam showing off.

Luke making it to the bottom.

Some people are very cautious....

...and very slow.

And some people can't wait!

We were trying for a Christmas card pose. They were mostly yelling at me to hurry!

I am pretty sure we will not be using these for our Christmas card! But we had a lot of fun. Just shows you are really never too old for a slide! Well I guess if you can't get to the top you are too old and we have not got to that point yet! Millie

Some fun Seaside shops!

2011-09-12T13:09:00.000-07:00

When we went to the beach we spent some time walking on the streets in Seaside. Here are some really fun shops we found.

So, we go by this window and see this. Yes it is a big long piece of fudge.

Of course it came from this store!

We saw this guy standing out side this building with this big long lizard on his shoulder.

And he was hanging out at this place, Sam's seafood cafe and Luke's lizard lounge! Fun huh?

And in case you were looking for a gift, here we have the World of Gifts. How handy is that!

And here is Rob outside of Rob's! Lots of good fun. Millie

Hats, hats, and more hats.

2011-09-08T12:24:00.001-07:00

Whenever we are in Seaside we go into this little hat shop. We love it. I am sure they are not so impressed with us because we never buy anything, we just try on the hats.

Luke with his long hair look.

The madusa look, eek!

Isaac going casual.

Isaac more than cool!

David with a Farfar hat! (Rob's dad use to wear these hats.)

David in a beret, ulala!

Sam going down under, very cool.

And Sam going back to his Swedish viking roots!

Hannah looks cute in any hat she puts on.

Ready for the Kentucky Derby!

I love hats, just not on me!

And Rob!! Always looking for the fun hat! Millie

Snap shots from the beach

2011-09-08T12:04:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of us at the beach!!
Funny story about this picture. Sam told Rob he was nailing the gay look. I thought he said he was Naylin the Gallic!! So here are Naylin and Luke and the Captain dude!

Sam caught a crab and they became very close!

David and Hannah getting their picture with Sammy the Shark.

Isaac and his big sister!

Sam and David with their big sister.

And us! We had a great day! Millie

Boys in the water!

2011-09-07T12:38:00.000-07:00

We went to the beach last Friday. It was a lovey day but only about 66 degrees out. But that did not keep these brave boys out of the water.

Luke does not go out as far obviously! But he does get in the water.

I know it is hard to see them out there. I did not want to get my feet wet.

Can you believe that beautiful clear blue sky?

The birds in the background are pelicans that flew in and out of the water near the boys. It was way cool to watch them.

People kept walking by me and asking if those were my kids out there! You don't see anyone else in the water do you? No, just my guys.

I thought they would look blue when they got out but they were just a little pink! My brave boys! Millie

2011-09-03T09:40:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was my sister Cindi's birthday. We won't say how old she is because I am older! We were at the beach so, today I am sending a Happy Birthday post because I am not together enough to have got it ready the day before!! (In my defense I did try to call and left a singing message on her machine and then sent her a text on her actual B-day!) Happy Birthday Sis!

None of the pictures are of Cindi alone because I don't think there are any of those!

She was just so cute! (You have got to love the knee highs!)

Can you find her in this picture? Yes there she is right beside Dad. No that is Lorna, on the other side of dad!

Yes these are two lovelies!

With Mom during Mother's Week at Ricks.

Wedding Day!!

At the fiddle contest. You have got to love the eighties or maybe early nineties look!

Our tye dyed year!

At grandma and grandpa's.

Weiser again!

With Joanne and Edrea.

With the first grandbaby.

With the second grandbaby.

In December at the 50th dinner, the plates represent Ben on his mission and Derek and Stephanie.

Her table at the big 50th party. She got two tables!! She does have two married kids and the only grand kids, so we gave her a little slack, but not much!

Watching the 50th video.

Remember all the pictures like this we have of mom!!

And this is how you usually see her now with a grand daughter on her lap!! Happy Birthday Cindi. I love you!! Millie

Frank at the family reunion!!!

2011-08-31T13:49:00.000-07:00

We had this amazing family reunion to celebrate these two getting together. When we first started to plan a reunion, my dad, Frank was, well lets say less than enthusiastic!! But he came any way and supported it all. Here are some pics of my dad at our reunion!!

Here he is at the park either telling Hannah what to do with the brownies or telling Ethan what to do with the brownies!!

Here he is with his big bowl of caramel corn Cindi made just for him. It is a favorite of his.

Watching the movie, I believe this was on Thursday, so it was Mega Mind.

Not quite sure what he is doing here.

Visiting with his friend Dave at the anniversary party.

Enjoying the campfire on Friday night?

Thinking of taking a little ride on Luke's bike, but not without your helmet dad!!

This was Frank during the days at the reunion, reading.

Listening to the chat going on around him.

Reading again.

Waiting for everyone to get ready to go to the lake and reading! We had a lot of fun this year and Frank, Dad, was a big part of it. We love you dad!! Millie

Happy Birthday Mom!!

2011-08-29T16:37:00.000-07:00

I started this post on Rob's mom's actual birthday (Aug 29) but left the computer for something and found it in my drafts! So, it is a couple of days late but I do want to wish my second mom a very happy birthday.

She comes down for nearly every birthday to celebrate with us.

And plays whatever part she pulls out of the hat for our Christmas play. This year she was a shepherd.

We love you lots mom and are so glad you live next door. Thanks for all you do for us!! Millie

The Phone Booth

2011-08-23T20:12:00.000-07:00

A lot of phone services do not work real well at our house. Hence each time someone wanted to use the phone they had to go up the field, and stand on the hill. This became known as the phone booth. Rick was the one who seemed to use the phone booth the most!

But here is Maudie also using the phone booth.

And cousin Jeanne using the phone booth. Thought we had a picture of Cindi and Paul using the phone booth but I can't find them. Millie

I am on the Freeway!!

2011-08-23T11:43:00.001-07:00

We have this inside joke in our family, and it is "I am on the Freeway". Well we had quite a few people at the reunion who actually had to get on the freeway to be with us!

Here we have Sonnaylee and her husband Pat who came from Lewiston, Idaho. And Cindi and Paul Jorgensen who came from Hermiston, Oregon.

And here are some of Renny's family, Ethan, Katie and Autumn who came from Bend, Oregon.

Here are Maudie and Rick Vipperman who came from Twin Falls, Idaho.

And here we have the back of Courtney's blonde head. This is the only proof we have that she and her son Kurt were at the reunion. They came from Ocean Park, Washington.

Donny and Erlene Jacobson came from Longview, Washington.

This whole table of people had to get on the freeway to get here! Bob and Jeanne and Randy came from Longview, Washington. Pat and Sonnaylee from Lewiston, Idaho and Edrea and Bo win the prize for traveling the furthest, Sunrise Beach, Missouri. Thanks to all who traveled to be with us!! Millie

We are all Eisenhauers here, except for you guys and those other people!!

2011-08-23T11:09:00.000-07:00

One day during the reunion while sitting around Tommy Eisenhauer (Orey's youngest) made the statement, "We are all Eisenhauers here....except you guys and those other people!" I loved this comment for some reason and we would repeat it through out the reunion. So, here are some pictures of Eisenhauers and those other people! (Mostly those other people!)

Here we have starting from the left in the purple Teaghan Bradford (Lorna's oldest), Ethan Eisenhauer (Renny's second oldest), Julie Eisenhauer, Millie Henrikson, Maudie and Rick Vipperman and Stu Hardy.

Here we have David Henrikson (Millie's middle child), Stu Hardy, Pat and Sonnaylee Nutsch, Arlee and Ainzlee Hardy, Cindi Jorgensen and Raylynn Hardy, Paul Jorgensen and Luke Henrikson.

Here we have Edrea Eisenhauer, Peggy Eisenhauer, Erlene and Donny Jacobson and Bo.

And at this table we have Bob and Lucy Sherard, Jeannie and Randy Kissel, Bo and Edrea and Pat and Sonnaylee Nutsch.

And here we have Rob Henrikson, Orey Eisenhauer, Cindi Jorgensen, Millie and Hannah Henrikson, and Lorna Bradford. So, yes Tommy, we are all Eisenhauers here....except for you guys and those other people and we owe our gathering together to these two...

Frank and Julie Eisenhauer! And we all, whether a son or daughter, grandchild, great grandchild, niece or nephew, sister or brother in law or step brother and sister in law, want to thank you for bringing all us, Eisenhauers and other people together!! Millie