Family History Connections in Washington

While visiting with Al in Seattle this past week, we decided to take him to his high school class reunion in Cle Elum, Washington. While there we tried to pick is brain about his youth and gather what we could about his father and mother and hoped it would "trip" other rememberances of his 18 years of living in that community. Here is Al in front of a friend's house just outside of Cle Elum.

This is the house Grandpa Mladenich built around 1923-24. This is where Al lived until he left for the service in 1942.

Since Grandpa Mladenich, (Matt), worked in the coal mines for 30+ years, we thought we would check out any remnants of that time period. Number 5 mine was located in the area where I am standing. We found some coal to bring home and add to our rock collection. (Nancy will receive a piece in her Christmas stocking).

This sign showed the place where the railroad spur from Mine #9 met the main rail line. Matt worked in Mine #9.

This was all very interesting!

New Wheels

Since Stan can't jog anymore, he decided to take up biking for his daily aerobic exercise regimen. He is particularly pleased with his new wheels.

He is really fond of his new "gel" bike shorts.

Nothing like a hike in Oregon Country

Recently I, and some of my hiking buddies, climbed to the top of Neakanie Mountain on the Oregon Coast near Manzanita. The views were spectatular. We are so blessed to live in such a beautiful part of the country.

Into the HOT country!

We enjoyed a recent trip to Arizona to see Tyler and Jessica and help celebrate Makayla's first birthday. We were true to our commitment to Tyler that we would not complain. Hot it was but it didn't stop us from having a great time together. The saguaros were particularly interesting.

You can't tell but it is 108 at the park which was cool since is was 112 in Gilbert.

We did take a two days and travelled to Prescott and Flagstaff for a get-away. We enjoyed the 79 degree temperatures and visiting with our good friends, Paul and Chris, from Page.

It was also nice to stop at the Mesa Temple grounds.

Family portrait after church. Notice Nancy's eyes are partially open.