Monday Musings

HOME RUN: After enjoying Christmas afield, we spent Saturday making the 300-mile trek back home. With six living creatures in the car, it meant making many a "comfort" stop!

We have started unpacking and finding new homes for new acquisitions, taking down some of the Christmas decorations, and getting back to a "normal," pre-holiday routine. 

We made time today to take the dogs and ourselves for a walk in the crisp, clear air.

The Olympics and Cascades all have a fresh coat of snow on them. Snow pretty!

LEFTOVERS:  I still have a few shots to share from our field trip toward the Oregon Coast.

On Friday afternoon, the kids and a cousin had a nice Nerf battle at Twin Bridges Park in Lincoln County, Ore. It's two, shady, forested acres along the Siletz River. 

The park was full of big ferns and moss-covered trees and made for a good battleground. 

There were a few mushrooms underfoot. This one looked like a miniature birdbath!

And there, we saw something we'd never seen before - a fishing line recycling station.

Oh, and I just *had* to include a photo from a sea feast on our last night on the road. Look at this mountain o' crab!   Our compliments to the chefs! 

 Annabelle dug right in. CJ, not so much. Maybe next time. :)

SOARING SEAHAWKS:  We took four hours out of our Sunday to watch the Seahawks battle for homefield advantage in the NFL playoffs. We're happy to report, the 'Hawks did not disappoint!

We're looking forward to Jan, 10, when the Seahawks will take on an NFC opponent!

ASTRONAUT MUSINGS:  We watched a video this morning featuring Col. Chris Hadfield talking about how it's easy to get mired in the "what's wrong," but pointing out a number of positive things in our world, with a mind toward making new, positive resolutions for the New Year.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPa4tzI4dYU&feature=youtu.be

I've asked the kids what, if any, resolutions they have for the upcoming year. Right away, Annabelle said to get her book finished. CJ is still ruminating on the topic.