Sept 10, 2010 Sunny Beach

Kingston playing in the sand

Yummmm, SAND! 

Papa & a very sandy Kingston

Washing up before getting in the car

It was a glorious day at the beach and trying to get Melissa into labor;
we enjoyed a very leisurely walk along the shore.  Very peaceful and beautiful!

Sept 09, 2010 San Diego Sights

While we were in Oceanside; we took a tour of the San Diego harbor and went to Old Town and visited the Mormon Battalion site.  What a beautiful day!  We were hoping to put Melissa into labor before Doug had to return to OR; but it didn't work!

Papa Doug & Kingston hamming it up

Melissa & Brenton 

Playing with Kingston on board the cruise boat

Kingston was soooo funny!  He sits nicely on Chayse'! :)

Melissa & Brenton were getting quite a kick out of another couple on board the cruise!

Papa has a nack for putting Kingston to sleep!

Back safely from the cruise.  Kingston still sleeping! What a beautiful day!

Panning for "gold" at the Mormon Battalion

Sept 8, 2010 CA

 Papa Doug & Kingston

 What?  I'm just talking with him! 

 Kinston hanging with Shobo & Hurley

Kingston loves those dogs & they love him!

September 6, 2010 Kingston

I love this picture of Kingston with his remote controls!  

He loves playing with them & will carry them around all day.

Elder Alan Yates' homecoming June 2010

 Everyone anxiously awaiting Elder Yates @ PDX airport!

 Elder Yates' & his Mom, Dorinda

 Elder Yates' and Dad, Brian

Elder Yates' greeting his niece, Jayden and new nephew, Tucker.

Nyckie, Chris, and family friend, Adam D

Thanksgiving

We had a great and relaxing Thanksgiving at the Yates house this year. We had Blayne's Mom and Dad and some friends from our ward. It was fun, I was able to set my table all nice and formal and then have the traditional "kid's table". After lunch the kids watched the new Ramona and Beezus movie, which is great if you haven't seen it.

So with November behind we are ready for winter and Christmas. Blayne is so excited, the mountain is due for an epic season this year. There have been a few days where they have gotten up to 36" of snow. The kids are all decked out with new boots for their snowboards. We went up opening weekend as a family and enjoyed the beautiful snow. Definitely gets you in the Christmas spirit.

The kids are thriving in the new charter school we have them in. They are still working on all the signage and mascot pictures for Victoria's chosen Timberwolves. We are excited to get t-shirts and sweatshirts.

Here's hoping everyone has a great holiday season and please enjoy preparing for a great Christmas!!!

The votes are in!

At the beginning of the school year each class was asked to come up with a mascot and school colors they would suggest for their new school. So Victoria's teacher extended the task to each student as a persuasive argument writing assignment. After helping Victoria with several suggestions she chose the TIMBERWOLVES. She proceeded to get online and research what she could about TIMBERWOLVES in our area. Sure enough they are here. Her class went on to choose one idea to put in to be voted on by the entire school. Her class chose her TIMBERWOLVES. Very excited, she has been waiting for 3 weeks for the voting to be done and tallied.

Victoria and Gavin's school voted last week on the school mascot nominees. This morning they had an assembly and announced that Victoria's idea won. They are officially the Oregon Trail Primary Academy TIMBERWOLVES!!! Victoria was so excited, slightly embarrassed but excited. To top it off they also announced that she was elected Student of the Month.

I am so proud of her. She is doing so well even though attending a new school was not her choice. WOOHOO! Good job Victoria!!!