On Thanksgiving, Fiona helped Amelia scrub the sweet potatoes. When Tanna and Hailey arrived, we all (except for the chief cook and book reader, Amelia) met them at the Bear Creek Greenway in Talent for a little fall walk, where Fiona and Wicket got reacquainted. Later, at the house, Tanna and Hailey enjoyed a light moment, with Wicket barely visible, and Tate in the background. Finally, it is time to sit down and enjoy the feast. Well, not quite yet, as we have to get one or two "obligatory", Thanksgiving dinner table pictures. Left-to-right: Hailey, Laura, Fiona, Amelia, Dick, Evan, Ian, and Tanna. (Stephen was in India.)
The next day was Evan's birthday, and he received the "royal treatment" (well, almost - Ian and Fiona wanted to serve him breakfast in bed, but he got up too early and had to settle for breakfast in the recliner). The treatment continued with a foot rub by the eminent footrubber, Hailey, and balloons continue to proliferate. A little later, Fiona and Tate are out for a ride/walk. Then we headed out for a walk on Bear Creek Greenway, where Tate loves to swim, Rabia will, and Wicket, almost lost in leaves at lower right) avoids all such activity. Just to make sure, Wicket heads for the safety of his master and other folks away from the water. The footbridge formed a backdrop for others, too. On the way back to our cars, we once again saw the gopher snake along the trail, where he had been a couple of days before - too cold to move very much, I suppose. Along the way, we took this picture of Tate against a background of fall color. Later on, Alex, Mark, and Darla arrived from Eugene, gathering here after dinner. Ahead of the birthday cake, we squeeze a bit of book time for Fiona. Finally! It's time to sing Happy Birthday and blow out the candles.
Saturday morning is time for more swinging for Fiona and a walk on the sloping beam for Ian.
Saturday morning we headed for the ice rink in Ashland. It opened to general skating at 12 noon. Here Fiona is ready to hit the rink. Hailey and Tanna hit the ice for a little warmup before the lessons begin. Fiona is upright after a short practice. Ian keeps his feet under him, too, and then stikes out on his own! But he does prefer to have a little support. Note Fiona to the right with a frame for support. Meanwhile, Mark and Darla cut a few grooves, and Alex zoomed in for a closeup. Fiona and Grammy take a little break. Meanwhile, the "big kids" form a Conga line, with an unknown "hanger-on" bringing up the rear.
(All pictures with names e*****.jpg were taken by Evan.)