Our year was full, with family times, friend fun, and travel! Lynn and I brought in our 70th year with a bang. We were blessed with good health and continued vigor, which we appreciate!
It began with Robin surprising Lynn on his 70th birthday. He could ask no questions! A highlight was a visit to iFly, a simulated skydiving experience. More, including photos, is in this post.
We then went with daughter in law Vicki and the teen grandkids to a Katy Perry Concert at the Tacoma Dome. That was an experience! Early spring activities included our annual visit to the Skagit County Tulip Festival, and (gulp) putting our much-loved summer tiny home on the market. We decided it was time to simplify our lives. It sold quickly! Lot of memories there, but the couple that bought it were thrilled and anxious to begin making their own memories. Photos are here.
More Family News
Lynn became the proud owner of a golf cart. He found a “cool” one which thrilled our grandson, Grason.
Lynn continues to volunteer at our church, Cornwall Community Church, for security and parking for the two services held every Sunday. He’s also a member of our Condo Association. The rest of his time is spent with Robin, their sons and daughter in laws, and grandkids as well as friends.
Robin continues to volunteer at the local Middle School as a Mentor to a student and Assistant to the Art Teacher. Reading, gardening, family, friends, and other projects keep her as busy as she wants to be.
Lynn surprised Robin on her 70th Birthday with a Balloon Ride followed by mimosas and brunch! I guess 70 is alrighty then!
Brian and his wife Vicki, and Evan and his wife Megyn are happy living their lives, and we are glad to be part of that! We enjoy spending time with them both in California and Washington as occasions arise. Evan and Megyn came to visit in August and we had some great family time with them.
Grandkid News
Sara, our oldest granddaughter, continues to work hard on her art. She works part-time and works on commissions, and also continues to take classes to improve her work. She is doing what she loves, and for that we are glad!
Landon graduated from high school AND earned his Welding certificate. And then … he acquired his own apartment. This was a big year for Landon! More details and photos are in this post.
Granddaughter McKenna is continuing her plan to complete high school AND receive her Associates in June 2019. Her future plans are to attend Western Washington University and become a teacher. She also works part-time and teaches Sunday School at her church. And, she was able to purchase her first car!
Slater continues to be a brainiac! He obtained his driver’s license and his first car and is planning on following Landon and McKenna’s footsteps. He will be applying for Running Start with a goal of completing an Associates in Science degree in Spring 2021, along with his high school diploma.
Grason obtained his Learner’s Permit and dreams daily of driving and getting his own vehicle. He’s a high school ninth grader, and is still that very tall kid that rides his bike all around Lynden.
Ashlyn loves sleepovers with us, cooking, swimming, talking, and eating pasta, salad, and treats! She’s a happy third-grader.
Blessed with Friends
Our friends Dale and Carolyn Kole decided to create a permanent summer home by the beach. So we will enjoy them being in the area every summer. Friends John and Sandee Koobatian and Lynn’s high school chum Scott Holmes came to visit this last summer. We also continue to enjoy all of the new friends we’ve made in the Lynden area.
Photos of our year can be seen in this Flickr album.
A Freedom Vacation
A big highlight of our year was our month-long “Freedom Vacation” taken this last fall.
We spent 11 days on a tour of historical sites in Philadelphia, Gettysburg, Williamsburg, Richmond, and Washington DC, just to name a few. This was followed by a road trip of Virginia and West Virginia, and then Lynn’s 30th Annual Reunion of the Swenson Sailors Association. Last but not least, we spent a week in New York with dear friends John and Sandee Koobatian, and Gary and Grace Pendleton.
We’ve created posts and photo albums of each part of our vacation. Here are the links:
11-Day Historical Tour:
Read the Post – See the Flickr Photo Album
Virginia and West Virginia Road Trip:
Read the Post – See the Flickr Photo Album
30th Reunion of Swenson Sailors Association:
Read the Post – See the Flickr Photo Album
New York New York!
Read the Post – See the Flickr Photo Album
We did make it to California this year for Thanksgiving. It was good to see my siblings and some of our friends, but there wasn’t enough time to see everyone. More time is planned during a California visit planned for early Spring 2019.
We wish everyone a Happy and Healthy 2019!
Lynn and Robin
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