Annie and Tom: 2019

Amidst the tumultuous days we live in, how grateful we are for the respite Christmas provides. A time to set aside, if ever so briefly, things that are of transient concern, in favor of things that matter eternally. We love the Savior and this special time of year to remember the unmatchable gift of the Son of God. And we’ve never seen a more touching rendition of the Christmas story than the new nativity film released this year by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:

We look over the long list of recipients who may view this blog post and wonder how we could be so blessed with good friends spread far and wide along with an ever-growing family. We delight in the cards and letters you send and thank you each for thinking of us and keeping us up to date on you and your families.

Our biennial family reunion was the sweetest ever, with all 37 of us gathered in Deer Valley, Utah in August. Our eldest grandson, Alex Ditto – who returned a year earlier from mission service in Romania also brought his soon to be fiancé along as well (Alexa – yea, wrap your mind around that twosome!). We did many of the things this family loves, rock climbing, hiking, Spikeball, swimming, paddle boards and kayaks galore, tie-dying, frisbee, and every possible iteration of the things you can do behind a ski boat. At night we laughed, played, danced, gamed, and hot tubbed our way into family bliss and exhausted bodies. How grateful we are for these special family times.

Hiking to Ruth Lake

In November, we again gathered in Provo, Utah for Thanksgiving and the marriage of Alex and Alexa. We honor Sara and Birch for raising such an outstanding son, and Alexa’s parents for doing the same ~ they are one happy couple!

While much of our time is happily taken up with family, we also have loved getting away for snow skiing, paddleboard and kayaking, camping, crabbing, and lots of work around the house and grounds. Tom also squeezes in some fishing and golf along with regular pickleball while Annie is ever creating beautiful handmade projects (basketry, knitting, sewing, furniture repair - just to name a few). We even remodeled our kitchen this year, doing the work ourselves (except for countertops). Among our new joys, is our electric bikes that have freed us up to tackle about any terrain as we explore beautiful western Oregon. And as always, we spend much time in church and community service. Here’s a photo glimpse into the year:

Climbing at the reunion ~ Annie topped out quickly, Tom - well, we won't go into that

At 71, Tom still loves the slalom ski!

With Willie (Seth and Caroline's youngest)

Cali, Tom, Sofia

Can't resist snuggling with Rue ~ Laura and Jared's youngest

We refinished the wood on this family heirloom, and
Annie re-caned the seat - complex but rewarding

A table we created for Alex and Alexa

Fashioned after stained glass in the Paris, France temple (Alexa served as a missionary in France)

Not so pretty after a good hike but the scenery was terrific!

Annie & Luke pulling in the haul

Matt and Jessica's mountain cabin is fun anytime of the year,
but winter is special. And no, the zip line tower is not the cabin!

Yummy Dutch Oven dessert

Visiting my father's grave at the Veterans cemetery in Portland with brother, Lyle
and our 93 year-old mother, Virginia

And it just wouldn't be Fall, without making grape juice and apple cider!

We know that not all days are merry and bright, nor every Christmas white – but as the songs of the holiday waft through our home, we settle back for a moment by the tree and feel great gratitude for family, friends, and the gospel of Jesus Christ. Joyfully, we send our love to each of you at this time of silent and holy nights.

Merry Christmas – Annie & Tom