Oh, how we delight in the Christmas season, when so many freely and spontaneously share "good tidings of great joy." Paul wrote of "the fruit of the Spirit" as being "love, joy, peace, gentleness, goodness, and faith." We hope such has been your good fortune this past year. We have so much to be grateful for and share our witness of the living Christ ~ the light and life of the world.
We joined Matt & Jessica's family at Thanksgiving and afterward loved the introduction to the Christmas season in their little town of Midway, Utah where they have just moved. Leah and her family, along with our grandson, Tyler Ditto and his wife, Hailee joined in the Thanksgiving celebration.
During the year, we had many visits with our family, did some biking, camping, skiing, river floating on our kayak and paddleboard, gardening — and lots of time to count our blessings.
Four of our kids moved during the year: Matt & Jessica built a home in Midway, Utah and moved in just days before Thanksgiving. Emily & Ryan family stretched out a bit more in their new home in Yakima. Laura and Jared landed in the beautiful valley of Wenatchee, Washington with a wonderfully family- friendly job and home, and Luke and Camilla returned to sunny southern California, settling in historic Dana Point, near where he teaches middle school and Camilla practices law.
It's a bonnie day anytime you return to Scotland, as we did in September. We had such fun together visiting places we had yet to experience. Our hearts seem especially knit to this land and its warm, welcoming, and fun-loving people. We navigated our way about using trains, ferries, the underground, and took on many courageous miles of left-hand driving with countless roundabouts in our little rental car. Our safe return felt triumphal!
Ferrying over to Aran Island with a stiff gale
Aran Island coastline
On the famous "Jacobite" steam train from Ft. William to the little port of Maillaig,
also dubbed the "Harry Potter" train as it is depicted in the movie. It was filled with international tourists all decked out in Harry Potter costumes and was almost as much fun watching their enthusiasm as it was the beautiful country we traveled through.
My fair lassie at Port of Mallaig
Stepping back to the 1700's to get a glimpse of earlier days in the Highlands
Perhaps these same hills nearby brought laughter and fun for wee ones so many years ago as well . . .
Back to 2023 and we crossed path with an amazing pastry called a Cinnamon Cruffin (cross between a croissant and cinnamon roll) ~ exquisite!
We checked in with "Rudolph" and his associates. All was well!
No pot of gold, but endless beauty
Couldn't stop our toes from tapping at a wee jam going on at our backpacker's hotel bar . . .
London Bridge was not "falling down" but it was lovely to walk across
In August, the family joined together for our biennial family reunion. As the grandkids get older, it's harder and harder to gather everyone, but we had a blast with the 27 who could come. Black Butte Ranch in the mountains of central Oregon allowed for lots of outdoor fun.
One of our reunion outings included "Daylight Cave" ~ so cool
Glowing girl power
Sadly missing Leah as we look out at the Three Sisters Mountains: Tom, Laura, Seth, Matt, Sara, Emily, Luke, Annie
Among the missing at the reunion were our two dedicated
missionary grandsons:
Nathan Ditto (rt.) ~ Northern Spain
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Isaac Wright ~ Armenia
This year we joyfully had two grandchildren marry
Alysee Ditto married Dallin Johansen ~ both soon to finish at BYU
Tyler Ditto married Hailee Sanford ~ both students at BYU
Now for a collage of other events and happy moments . . .
Camping and fishing on O'Dell Lake, central Oregon
Lindsay and Joanie Ross cared for both our mothers in the last days of their lives, and we've had such fun becoming friends, camping, and fishing together. In fact, we celebrated Tom's 75th birthday at this very campsite.
Out of control fun camping with the Watts and Andersens
Tom fishing on the Alsea River for Coho salmon
Annie loving some mother/daughter time in San Diego
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One of Tom's bucket list wishes - working the "stripping chutes" at a local rodeo (removing the gear from bucking horses and bulls after their ride)
Blessed with a visit of our grandson, Alex Ditto and his wife, Alexa, we had our first sustained time with little, Quinn (1st great grandchild). It was cidering time!
4 generations ~ how sweet!
We loved our ski week with Seth's family at beautiful Anthony Lakes, Oregon
And, tough to beat a sunny day on Mt. Hood
Delivering a neighbor's Christmas gift
Where does the time go as all these kids and grandkids grow up?
Laura & Jared, Isla, Sawyer, & Rue Watts ~ Wenatchee, Washington
Luke & Camilla Sherry ~ Dana Point, California
Perhaps at this season more than ever, we feel assurance in the knowledge that "God doeth not anything save it be for the benefit of the world, for he loveth the world." We feel that love and hope your communion with the divine is especially blessed this Christmas.
We share our gratitude with each of you who have enriched our lives, showed us and so many others goodness and care, and have been true friends. Merriest and most meaningful Christmas wishes to you all. Annie & Tom
The highlight of the year occurred when our seven children showed up unannounced on our doorstep in late January to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary and Annie's birthday soon to come. They arranged a wonderful weekend of memories and fun, along with a surprise gathering.
Sara, Emily, Luke, Tom & Annie, Matt, Laura, Leah, Seth
In recognition of this special event, sculptor Roger Ridd, created this meaningful piece: "Leap of Faith." We're so grateful to have joined hands and hearts on January 25, 1972 for a leap into the unknown and the adventure of a lifetime.
Like all of you, we spend most of our days amidst the busyness of home and health, of obligations and the mundane, and of service to others in our community and church. But along the way we are thankful for visits from the kids, trips to their homes, camping, biking, and adventures of all sorts. Here's a glimpse into our year:
Lizzie's solo trip to Oregon
Catching some time on the pier in Newport
Hoodoo ski resort, central Oregon with Seth & Tommy
Celebrating our anniversary at Willamette Pass
Exploring Los Angeles with Luke & Camilla
Groundbreaking for the new LDS Temple near Eugene, Oregon
The workshop in full gear as Hazel, Isla, Cali & Kate and Mila join Annie in making nativities
Good year for Steelhead on the Alsea River!
No fish? No problem - just jump in the waterfall with a good friend
Riding the Hiawatha Trail at the Montana - Idaho border. SPECTACULAR!
15 stunning miles through 10 train tunnels and 7 sky-high trestles
Biking the Columbia Gorge trail with Emily & family
Annie & Sage
In Lompoc, California with Laura and family for Sawyer's baptism ~ who can resist the beautiful beaches? Laura, Sara, Camilla, Annie
Thanksgiving in Corvallis. Not everyone, but a happy gathering of 25!
Back from church with the Andersens, Seth's family, and Luke & Camilla
The grand annual cidering day
Harvesting Mistletoe with Lucy & Kate
Sprigs will find homes with neighbors in Utah and Oregon
Sawyer, Rue, Jared, Isla, & Laura Watts (Lompoc, California)
Luke & Camilla Sherry (in the process of moving back to Las Vegas from their Los Angeles home)
We all need a little pruning & preening to be at our best . . .
May His light brighten your path
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We were inspired by the Candle Arch creations from Germany when we visited a Christmas store in Leavenworth, Washington last summer. Upon our return home, we thought we'd give a go at making one for each of our kids.
