Section Hikers . . .

While Daren would love to hike the whole Appalachian Trail, the odds of that happening in this life time are pretty remote.  So he's decided to gather info from those who have hiked the whole thing so that he can use their experience to pick out the best sections to hike.

He and Marcy hiked one of those sections over Thanksgiving.  They went to southern Virginia to hike a portion of the AT that is home to herds of docile ponies that live in the wild.

The hikers had a great time - and in fact did spy lots of ponies.  Marcy, a bit of an animal whisperer, had lots of good time spent with ponies.  And both Daren and Marcy had a great time together hiking.

Now, which section will be next . . . . .?

Sarah Shaw Higgins Dickson 1933-2012

My sweet mother, Sally Dickson, passed away on Saturday, 29 September 2012 at her home.  

She had been ill with heart disease in one degree or another since 1995.  Although her heart was weak, her life was full and vibrant and active.

She was hospitalized for about a week in July 2012 and then was significantly slowed down after that.  She was hospitalized again on 20 September 2012 for about another week.  In a very weakened state, she returned home on Wednesday 26 September, the day after her 79th birthday.  By that evening, all of her children and many other members of her posterity gathered around to bid her farewell.  Her passing was peaceful and she was surrounded by many who loved her.  We were able to speak freely with her about life and death and eternal families.  She was not afraid to leave this life and looked forward with great anticipation to the day that she could return to be with our dad.  We're happy for them both that they are no longer separated.

The family time before and after her passing was never to be forgotten.  Her viewing and funeral were faith promoting events filled with love and praise - both for her - and for our Lord who makes immortality and eternal life possible.

The pallbearers, each one an exemplary man, were her grandsons that were able to attend the funeral.  Each was dignified and reverent, performing their duties wonderfully.

My mom and dad had 7 seven children - and here we are, posed in order from oldest to youngest.  I'm blessed to be eternally connected to each one.

My mom had 38 grandchildren, most of whom were able to travel to her funeral.  She also had many great-grandchildren, 5 of whom were born within a few weeks preceding her passing.

She has left a lasting, eternal legacy.

My mom lived in our home for the past 16 years.  She was a dear friend to me in daily, happy ways.

I miss her and love her more than words can express.  

She's growing up . . . .

Oh Claire . . . 

She's here . . . straight from heaven!!

Claire Elizabeth Tagg

was born on 19 September 2012.

She's perfect and beautiful and wonderful and amazing.

We're so thankful to have her in our family.

We love it in Spokane

As a layover on our way home from western Canada, we enjoyed, once again, the matchless hospitality of our dear friends, the Wilsons.

Their list of kind deeds is endless - helping pick up and drop off a rental motor home, offering beds and food on each end of our trip, shuttling our bags and bodies to and from the airport, offering us a chance to visit with Les and Tan, and, best of all, fun, games, boating, and friendship.  I'm sure we won't get to Spokane often, but when we do, we feel like we've gone home.  Thanks Kathy and Jim!!!

International Max

Max got busy this summer working further toward his Eagle Scout project.  He opted to paint a map of the world at his alma mater elementary school - right next to the US map that an older brother painted for his scout project.

We had tons of help and made short order of getting that map painted.  Lots of friends/ward members/scouts came to help.  We are so thankful.

Now just a few merit badges to go til he's a full fledged eagle . . . 

O Canada! Part II

After those few fun days in Alberta, we loaded up the motor home and headed to Wasa, British Columbia.  Along the way, we stopped at the ever-popular 'Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump' (not kidding) to see the museum there and learn about how the native Americans led herds of buffalo off that very cliff to the buffalos demise where the natives would then harvest all they could from the buffalo.  Awesome place.

 From there, we didn't stop til we arrived at Wasa.  We set up camp and just soaked in the happiness that is family gathering.  All of Daren's siblings arrived throughout the day, bringing with them spouses, children, and grandchildren.  We renewed loving relationships and had tons of fun!!

We started off with some good ol' Minute to Win It games . . . 

Oreo on the face . . .

Softball in the pantyhose . . .. 

Cup stacking . . . 

and trying to keep a feather in the air . . .

The next day, we took a beatiful hike around the ridge that surrounds Wasa Lake.

That afternoon was spent lakeside - cold water and beautiful vistas.

In between organized activities, there's was plenty of time for some good cousin bonding.  Marcy made an especially lasting friendship with Cassidy.

The next day, we headed to a favorite family spot - Radium Hot Springs.  I think Daren's parents spent their honeymoon here.  Man made pools filled with hot, hot natural spring water.  Always a delightful outing.

Tracy finished us up on the last night with spotlights of each attendee as well as a tribute to Howard, the patriarch of this clan.

We are so blessed to belong to such great families.  We wish that time and circumstance allowed us to spend more time with the extended Tagg family - but we enjoy every moment when we do get to be with them.  See you in two years!!