LaRae

I have gone through these pictures of my Mother over and over again.  It's amazing to see pictures that you never knew existed.  I'm putting some of the pictures on the blog to share with the rest of the family and friends who would love to see them.  It brings a lot of comfort and laughter to see them.

If I get any info wrong, please let me know.  I would love to have some of the stories behind the pictures and dates.  Dad has told me a lot, but it was a long time ago!

I believe Mom was 17 here.  Just got engaged to Dad.

Mom with her parents and two sisters. 

 

Dad told me this is one of the reasons he fell in love with Mom.  "She could make a mean apple pie", he said. 

 

 This was on their wedding day.  The photo is quite damaged.  We do have some good ones.

The home were my Dad grew up in Hollywood, Ca.

 

 I can't believe how young she looks in this picture with her first born son, Kevin.

 My Mothers parents, Hap and Waldine Sorensen.

Dad's Mother, Ella Fowler.

 La Rae, Arda and Waldine.

 This pic of Mom is one of my favorites. 

 Dad told me these last two were taken in Alamo, Nevada at the Hot Springs. 

 

I hope seeing these have brought you as much joy as it has me. 

 

Back with my kids

While we lived in Washington, we made life long friends with some amazing kids.  I love them all like my own.  I literally just wanted to hold them when I saw them after all this time.  Holy cow, I couldn't believe how much they all have grown.  Not just physically but emotionally too.  Mariah and Jake put on a lovely dinner for us and had a bunch of our "family" there.  It was such a gorgeous night, gorgeous setting and gorgeous people. 

Oh Alex.......you are one of those people, who make whoever you are with smile!  I wish everyone could have your heart.

 

They wanted couples pictures together.  I couldn't stop laughing.

The cow wasn't very amused.

I wanted to have some nice family pics of us while we were all together.  I finally just took what I could get.  This is definitely the true us.

Hayley and Logan.

The little thing with my girls is one of the most creative minds.  I'm always in awe of how real she is.  She is so open.  It was so adorable, she drove on the freeway by herself for the first time to come and see us.  

Not all of my extra kids were there that night.  But I can say that my heart was so happy to be with everyone.  We are so lucky to have all of them in our lives.  All of them each different, but all of them with open loving hearts.  It's going to be so exciting to see what each of them do with there lives.  

The two Olivia's.

The cutest pictures ever.  I don't know what to even say about this boy.  OK, man.  I love him so much.  I can't wait to see what he ends up doing.  Such an amazing artist.  I credit my kids with making such kind friends.  They find these kids who are so open and understanding.  Whiling to accecpt everyone.  I find the way Zach shows his love so touching.  

My boy.  

I could really squeeze this lady really hard.  Love her!

Thank you Washington family for all that you did for us.  Ya'll welcomed us into your homes and hearts.  

Back in Washington

The evening we got into Washington, we grabbed some BBQ and went to Hovander Park in Ferndale.  I can't even express how exciting it was to have my kiddos back with me.  I hadn't seen Zach or Alex in over a year.  I just wanted to squeeze them so tight!  

Logan met us there with Hayley and her Mother and Brother.

As always when we are all together there was some scuffling and messing around.  Now that Logan is far away from us, every time we are together I try to take a lot of pics of my kids.

Anna and Ella had been gone from us for over 3 weeks and Soren 2 weeks.  I was relieved they were still in one piece. 

Soren had just shot himself in the toe with a pellet gun a few days before and was hurting.  I'll tell that story later!

The Kessens let us stay with them.  They have a gorgeous little cabin in the back yard.  It was absolutely wonderful to breath in the salty ocean air, eat fresh fruit from the trees and admire all those huge hydrangeas.

Leah made cheerleader for Ferndale high school.  Super excited for her.  She just needs to learn to do "Super Star"!  I get a lump in my throat just talking about this gal.  She was my photography buddy and is one of the most talented people I know.  

We visited our neighbors that lived a couple of fields from our old house.  My heart hurts for their family right now.  Heather is undergoing therapy for Lymphoma.  

Heather has one of the biggest hearts.  She loves everyone and is such a hard worker.  So glad that she is getting better.  She's one tough lady.  Not many people out there can have cancer, go through treatment and run a farm.  She's had wonderful family and friends helping her but still I think she's amazing.