December - Winter storms and family gatherings

After mild weather all fall we were shocked to have very unseasonably cold winter storms most of the month. We used the wood stove some but decided it was easier to let the furnace keep the house warm using the thermostat. Usually Hansville is spared from much snow, but not this year!

Hansville / Vancouver...

As it came time to head south for the holidays we realized that weather related travel problems were a real possibility. We kept watching the weather systems and took our best shot which got us to Vancouver just before another big snowfall and record low temperatures. We were anticipating Kari, Charles, Travis and Wren coming from Alaska when we learned the Portland airport was closed. They were able to get a flight to Seattle and rented a car to drive south. Most of the family was able to get to Eugene for the traditional family gathering but we missed seeing Kate, Kurt, Jean, Michael and Denise who were homebound by the snow.

Great Grandma, Wren, Cecilia and Travis

Travis, Wren and Pancakes.