Christmas 2024

Come, Let Us Adore Him

 

We so appreciate this time of the year -- a beckoning to mind and heart to adore this promised Savior and see in Him the hope Mary must have felt.  We feel grateful to share that hope with you, our dear friends, as we trust in the promises of Jesus Christ and think back on the pleasant years we've shared together.  

Certainly, our highlight of 2024 was a reunion with 6 of our children, and 4 of their spouses.  Matt had just begun a new job with BYU's Alumni Relations office and we missed him and Jessica, as well as Leah & Emily's husbands.

We traveled to Squam Lake near Holderness, New Hampshire and enjoyed a week at Rockywold-Deephaven camps (founded by Annie's great grandmother in 1897).  We've spent a lot of time there over the years, both playing and working and it was great to be back.  We continue to grow in our love and admiration for each and every family member, and sharing time with them is such a blessing.

Sara, Laura, Seth, Annie, Tom, Luke, Leah, Emily
on Rattlesnake Mtn. overlooking beautiful Squam Lake.

We were grateful to stay busy through the year with visits to and from our kids and their families, biking, exploring Oregon, fishing and crabbing, camping, loving our home and grounds, and trying our best to be aware and meet the needs of others wherever we find them.

Joining with others at a community church each week to help serve a hot meal for those in need.

Camping on beautiful O'Dell Lake in the Oregon Cascades

Our new favorite game ~ "Camping Croquet" in the woods ~ crazy!

The thrill of catching a winter-run steelhead!

Spring glory on the Oregon State University campus

We stayed at a beautiful lake near Klamath Falls, and biked the "High Lakes" trail between mountain lakes -- through the woods and over amazing ancient lava flows.  It was striking.

Under the shadow of Mt. McLoughlin

Stunning Crater Lake

As much as we enjoy being out, there's truly "no place like home." Our home of 36 years in Corvallis has been a haven for us and we continue loving our opportunity to care of and beautify it.  Everything's better with a personal touch and a little handi-work.  Come on over for a visit in 2025!

Farewell, dear friends, for another year.  Thank you for giving so much to others and making the world a better place.  May we all be blessed with feeling the light of Christ in our lives and in loving and sustaining each other.

    Wishing you a Merry Christmas

as we send our love this holiday season,

Annie & Tom