Aufwiedersehen, Munich! Sniff. Sniff.

Well, at least for the season.  I just completed my last working trip to Munich until next spring because they're shutting that route down and moving it to South America instead.  BUT, I did get some beautiful pictures taken by my friend, Lori, of some great fall colors there.

I don't know if you can see it in the background, but there's a golden statue in this picture just above the tree line called the "Friedensengel", which is "Angel of Peace"

We stopped by a gallery and saw some pretty fun pictures taken by this man of all his travels around the world.  I thought this action shot of the seagulls was pretty spectacular!

Then we went to the Farmer's market, where I picked out my favorite apple that grows in Germany, and enjoyed some fresh-pressed apple juice!  Oh, how I wish there was more access to farm-grown produce where I live.  Sigh.

Anyway, these were the last pictures taken in Munich, although I did have one last trip after this.  No pictures, but still a great visit.  

Bis bald, Muenchen!  (See you soon, Munich)

Memorial Weekend (for Ben's Dad) in Seattle

I got to see my pumpkins in Seattle again this past weekend. . .

. . .which is always a lot of laughs!

This time it was sad, however, as we also celebrated the life of my bro-in-law, Ben's, father.  The morning of his memorial, however, we were greeted with this breath-taking sunrise.  I think he was somehow there to celebrate, too

Mount Rainier just showing up in the sunlight

I caught a few soccer games, too

Snack time--most important time of the game for these 7 year olds!

The 9 year-olds are little more serious. . .no snacks at all!!  Unless they're unexpected.

Beautiful fall days to enjoy cheering on my girlies.

Vacation 2017--Playing Tourist

What a joy and a privilege it was to return to my birth-town of Glasgow, Montana for the beautiful fall colors!  I took a drive around one afternoon just to take some pictures

I loved the color of these leaves against the backdrop of the water tower and sky.  And by the next week, they were all blown off.  Good thing I caught them in this shot!

Looking across the field in the direction of where I used to live.

This one's my favorite.  Love the contrast of fall colors and water.

This tree was in the middle of a valley, and was just loaded with golden leaves.

But by the next week, the leaves were turning burnt orange, 

and then they were all gone a few days later.

A beautiful big harvest moon

Speaking of harvest, I got to help Doyle clear out his garden, with 66 buttercup squash (from 2 plants), multiple potatoes over 2 pounds in weight and carrots the size of a coke can--or larger--in diameter.  Doyle told me he guesses he can be called a farmer now!

The finished product after clearing everything out.

Vacay 2017-- Animals

I got to hang out with this little cat, Minka, while her "parents" got used to having a real kid in the house.  She was a little clingy. . .I hope she survived after I left!

Then I got to be a part of THIS surprise. . .another "grandbaby" was picked up by Jory and Hannah during the last weekend I was there.  Meet Brodie, the Bernese Mountain Dog!

He really liked Gpa Harvey's beard, and snuggled up to it & rubbed his head up against it!

He definitely won't stay this tiny, but he's sure a cutie right now!

Vacay 2017 -- People

One of my most precious memories of this vacation was the arrival of Harrison David Burns, who waited exactly 12 hours after I got there, and decided to introduce himself to the world.

Daddy Brandt made sure he was stylin'. . .he included 4 different hats in the "hospital grab bag"!

This little man will be VERY loved, by his parents. . .

. . .along with 2 sets of grandparents. . .

. . .and a set of great-grand parents. . .

. . .as well as multiple aunties and uncles who all live in town. . .well, except adopted auntie Shawna, who just comes in once in a while to spoil you!

Grandparent's first baby-sitting assignment (while mommy and daddy led worship for youth group)

"Wait. . .how do you swaddle a baby again?!  I haven't done this in a while!"--Gpa Harvey.  They figured it out as a team!

All snuggled and ready for a snooze with Gpa.

Oh, and I got to have a little snuggle time, too!

As did great-Gpa. . .eventually.  I tell you what, there were almost fights as to who was going to hold him!!  This boy doesn't stand a chance--spoiling will happen.

I think he has great Gpa's hands.

I think maybe great Gma's done this a time or two before. . .

The rare scenario where no one is holding him

He's so TINY!  (And no, I'm not suggesting you follow the pillow's advice!!  Just trying to compare sizes!!)

He has a VERY stylish room, including this stunning mobile to hang above his crib

Made by multiple people in his family with agates, sea glass, and a lot of love

He and his "cousin", Brodie, are going to get along great!

Ok, so did I mention I was spoiled rotten while I was there??!!  Home-made rocky road ice-cream, made to order almost by Doyle's Famous Ice-cream Parlor

And what a great afternoon was had enjoying Yvonne's hospitality and beautiful table settings.  

Of course, I had to sneak in a visit with my CB, too.

As always, I left another piece of my heart in GGW.  So sad to leave.  I felt like a child being pulled away from the playground by her parents, but trying to hang on to the merry-go-round for dear life!