2018 in Review First Half

The year has gone by so rapidly. It's December already and lots of blessings of come our way and we need to express Thanks for the bounties we've been given.

January saw Samuel playing Basketball for KLHS on the JV team. He enjoyed the comraderie of being on the team. Jessica and Juan arranged the upstairs rooms to how they liked it to be and we all had a rainy winter to work indoors. February saw snow but no days off from teaching Seminary or going to school.

March was slow due to Kathleen having surgery to replace her left hip which was diagnosed with congenital dysplasia. Jessica took over with the cooking, cleaning and shopping. After a few weeks of recovery, Kathleen was back to Seminary and, to add to the household, we added a few chicks which the kids enjoyed immensely.

April was a full month of warmer weather, garden work, the tulip festival and preparation for a surprise birthday party for Stephen's 60th birthday. Lots of plans and arrangements were made and changed and made again. 
The plan was to get all the kids here for a birthday weekend filled with activities, temple attendance and pictures. There was a lot of coordination between kids with Rebekah picking up Elizabeth and baby Ezra at the airport on April 26th, Thursday afternoon in time to hear that Jenna was contracting. It was exciting to hear about a healthy baby girl but disappointing to know that Jon wouldn't make it because Jenna went into labor early. Jenna wasn't due until May so it was a surprise delivery. What another blessed birthday surprise!

Makenzie Pearl Ralph

We decided to continue with all the plans knowing that we could photo-shop Jon into the family picture afterward. Susan flew in and rented a car and she was at Rebekah's. It was challenging to get Stephen out of the house when everyone else came on Friday. Ben and Sarah arrived late Friday morning and were picked up at the airport by Jessica. We asked Stephen to help fix something at Rebekah's house so he wouldn't see the kids gather at the house for the surprise. After he left Liz and Susan came over without him seeing them. A photographer was arranged to take pictures on Friday but he called and was delayed. Kathleen was grateful because we weren't ready. Stephen was taking a long time at Rebekah's and we were waiting patiently... :-/ for him. Finally Kathleen called and told him to come home. He arrived to a Big "SURPRISE" from his kids and then everyone got ready for pictures. The photographer came and set up the living room for a picture that mirrored one from 2001. After we were arranged in order, leaving a space for Jon, the doorbell rang and before I could get it, the door opens and in comes Jonathan. What a surprise for Kathleen and Stephen. Jenna had her mother at home and let Jon catch an early morning flight that got him into Seattle that afternoon. He had arranged for the photographer to be late so that he could be there. What a wonderful surprise!!!

Remake photo from 16 years earlier. 

Some goofy shots and some fun shots but lots of memories to add to the collection for a birthday surprise!!! First were the indoor pictures and then we went outside to take some outdoor shots. The kids seem to enjoy both.

 
  

We had time to talk and play and enjoy the celebration of Stephen's 60th birthday.

Saturday we got up early to enjoy breakfast at Stephen's favorite all-you-can-eat place, Old Country Buffet. We left in time to take babies home and leave for a 12:00 appointment at the temple for baptisms for the dead. What a wonderful activity for the whole family to share. Samuel was able to do baptisms with the changes in the requirements for priests. What a special birthday.

After the Baptisms, enjoying a beautiful spring day.

After the temple we had a birthday party with Brian and Ruth and extended family. There was lots of food and conversation. Sunday morning, Jon had to get back home to his wife, kids and new baby daughter. Ben and Susan also had to leave a little later. But Sarah got to stick around until Tuesday. She and Jessica were a big help with the open house that we had on Stephen's birthday on Monday...the actual day. What a joy and blessing to have all of the kids come for such a wonderful occasion. 

Sarah plays with Eric after
announcing that he's'
going to be a BIG Brother!

During the preparation time for Monday's birthday celebration, Sarah announced that she was expecting her second child in December on the 13th. She had waited until the fun was over to celebrate her news. A great end for a great week!
The end of May before Seminary ended, Stephen and Kathleen flew to Texas to see little Makenzie for the first time. What a blessing to have another beautiful granddaughter join the family.  It was a nice week in beautiful Texas weather. We had a wonderful time with all the family there in the Dallas area. Besides meeting Makenzie for the first time there was plenty of fun with the Grandkids and work for Grandpa.  A project to remove the fence posts from Jon's backyard was undertaken. Jon had moved the fence to add the cement court for basketball, but the previous posts were still stuck in the ground. Stephen contrived a lever system with long boards to remove the posts much quicker and easier than just digging them out. Grandpa was a whiz!

A beautiful new Granddaughter!

Playing games with Grandpa.

Makenzie on Grandpa's leg

Gracie and her new little sister Makenzie

Grandpa is always willing to help where needed.
Making work seem like fun.

Fun times at the pool.

War games in the pool. 

There are always games going on in the Ralph House.

Miss Makenzie with Grandpa and Grandma Ralph

Signing off Samuel's Eagle Project
Cialynda Pula

Samuel started his Eagle Project full time in May. He had several group activities and finally finished his project before his birthday in July. His Dad really helped with the hardware and Brian contributed things from his garage. It was a unique project for the Covington Elementary School Students with disabilities and Autism.

Sleep study at Valley Medical

Picture of Samuel at the Awards Banquet.

In June Samuel was recognized as a Student of the of Year by his coach along with many of students. He also had a sleep study done to determine if he had sleep apnea and may need a CPAP machine.




In July Liz and her kids came for a summer visit. It is always nice to have grandkids come for a visit. We went together with Rebekah to visit Mt St. Helens and the various visitors center about the volcano. The kids seemed fascinated by the subject and loved learning about volcanoes. It was a beautiful day and worth the long drive in Zeus.

Mt Saint Helens under the clouds.

It was a cold and windy day but worth the drive.

Picnic basket and kids ready for lunch.

Looking toward Mt. St. Helens as the clouds began
to lift.

A little bit chilly in the wind.

Those Texas folk aren't used to the cool weather.

The day cleared up to see the Mt.

Outside view of Mt. Saint Helens.

Homemade cherry pie filling from our trees.

July was also a great month to make cherry pie filling. It was nice to have so many fruits in the area. Liz and her kids drove down to Utah for the Ralph Reunion.

Happy 6th Birthday Emeri!

July 26th, 2018

We had our Stephen Lowell Ralph Reunion as well as the H. Lowell Ralph Reunion all in the Provo area. It all started with a birthday celebration for Emeri Heath at the Gordon house. A fun M-n-M wishing well cake made for a girl turning 6. Then the SLRalph reunion continued with a trip to the Bean Museum where we were entertained by some live creatures and some stuffed ones too.

SLRalph Grandkids as of July 2018 Eric Gordon in the stroller, Ezra Heath held by brother Isaac, Kimball  Brighton, Katelyn Ralph holding her sister MaKenzie, Gracie Ralph with Christian Salcedo in front next to his sister Hadlie. Behind her was Andrew Heath with his arm around his cousin Nathan Ralph. Joshua Ralph posing in front with Emeri and Oakley standing behind and next to Jarom Hardy then Josiah Brighton.

July 28th 2018

Kimball and Josiah being sealed to Susan and Cory 

An eternal family

Posing in front of the temple.

There was the opportunity to witness Grandpa Lowell Ralph seal Josiah and Kimball to Susan and Cory Brighton on July 28 which was also Samuel's birthday. Susan planned a very nice picnic activity after the sealing and a lot of people showed up to celebrate both occasions.

Picnic activity was a big success.

Happy Birthday Samuel. He turned 18!

Celebrating Samuel and the Brighton's was a great way to start
the H Lowell Ralph Reunion.

Lots of posterity as of 2018. Ellen and Lowell are center front.

Picture taken from a drone that Michael Gordon brought for the Reunion.

Stephen had planned the Reunion and there was a lot of people that were able to come. Not everyone but quite a lot of people. Austin and Juan couldn't make it from our family but everyone else was there. Lots of cousins and Aunts and Uncles. The activities included a selection to choose from. Some people hiked up to the Timpanogas Caves, some went shooting up the canyon. Br. Treu, Carli's dad, arranged for a tour of the BYU movie studio where they were working on the Book of Mormon project. We got to see where and how they made the ship scene where Nephi was tied up by his brothers Laman and Lemuel. It was a unique experience. Stephen also arranged for a dinner at BYU where Ellen and Lowell were able to speak with the whole family and enjoy a meal together. There was some babysitting available at a church and swimming fun at the Provo Rec Center.

Br. Treu explaining about the different
props they have for the church videos.

More props at the BYU movie studios

Benjamin trying on several hats.

Benjamin showing some style.

Br. Treu at the studio "blue room" where the
ship scene with Nephi tied to the mast was shot.

Brian and Ruth with Brandon and Demarae and their kids
Brooks, Maggie and Penny enjoying time at the dinner for
Grandpa and Grandma Ralph.

After dinner at BYU with Grandpa Lowell and Grandma Ellen talking about their
lives.

Talent night extravaganza. 

More games and fun on the Talent night.

Grandma giving her message to the family after the BYU catered dinner.

Brian and Ruth Ralph



                   

David and MaKayla Shannon

Samuel and Jack Tracy

Benjamin behind Jarom 

Ellie put up with all the kids "loving on her"

Grandma Ellen holding one of the newest
additions. Brittany Gonzalez 2nd daughter.

The highlight of the event was a day at the park in Provo Canyon. There were lots of games, food, and socializing. Michael Gordon brought his drone from work for some fantastic pictures of the family from a bird's eye view. Memories were made and familial bonds strengthened.

Digging through spaghetti with your teeth was impressive.

The men went shooting up the canyon. They had all the gear
that they needed to make it a great success.

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24 September 2017 - WA State Fair

Monday, Katelyn taught the FHE lesson. After a day of rain, it was pretty fun.
Tuesday was more rain with a thunder clap that brought Jersey to the back door wanting to get into the house. Of course we let her in. Stephen left for his shift at the Family history library and he said there were 7 people there to use the library and that was in consequence of his talk in Stake Conference as he listed the miracles that occurred to get the library constructed and how few people have used it so far. It was a great talk and a great response.
Wednesday, Kathleen started her turn for Seminary instruction. She taught 1 Nephi 6 & 9 about the reason that Mormon added the small plates and why Nephi had created them. It was a miracle and let us know in our day that God knows the beginning to the end of all his creations and He prepares a way to accomplish His purposes.
Thursday, Seminary was on 1 Nephi 7 on the importance of eternal families and the Lord's first commandment to Adam and Eve to multiply and replenish (fill) the earth.  There was several students in the class who do not live with their birth parents, one whose dad is in prison and another whose parents had a divorce 2 years ago and he is still affected by it. It was a concern for Kathleen as she taught the lesson but the spirit was there and hopefully all the students felt the importance of marriage between a man and a woman and the importance of having children. It's totally opposite to what the world teaches today.
Thursday evening found Kathleen and Stephen at the church setting up the "tree of life" and the room to represent Lehi's dream. All the tables were put away, the chairs were put in a circle. There was a tree of life (a christmas tree) with some "white fruit" (white cream Ding Dongs), a river of water (blue plastic), an iron rod (PVC pipe made by Stephen), a strait and narrow path (marked by tape), mist of darkness (black halloween webbing) and a great and spacious building (toy plastic castle with Disney princesses on it). It took awhile to get it set up...
Friday morning Kathleen went to Seminary to find her set up being taken down by her teaching partner and the Priesthood rep. After a little panic, everything was put back into place and the lesson proceeded as planned.
Friday Jenna, Rebekah and Stephen took all the kids to the WA state fair. There was some tractor races and Clydesdale horses along with petting animals and going on rides. They didn't get back to the house until 4:40 and Stephen had to leave with Samuel to go to the Scout Rendezvous at Ensign Ranch. Stephen was the key-note speaker and the boys there talked Samuel into staying the night even though he was totally unprepared to stay. They let him use a sleeping bag and he seemed to have a good time.
Friday night, Katelyn, Nathan and Gracie spent the night at Rebekah's home. That made it a quiet night for Jenna, Joshua and Kathleen. Stephen came back for the Scout Rendezvous early than expected so it was pretty nice.
Saturday, Kathleen spent 6 hours at the Master Garden clinic in Maple Valley at the Farmer's Market. Thankfully it was a nice day and fairly busy so the time went by quickly. That afternoon, Jenna, Katelyn, Rebekah and Kathleen went to the Women's Conference Social and video starting at 4:00. Conference was wonderful and Stephen took care of the rest of the little ones.

13 August 2017 - Happy Anniversary

A whirlwind week started on Monday with Stephen getting a text message from Don Powell inviting him on a boat ride and fishing trip on the Sound. Stephen replied back requesting permission to take Isaac and Andrew. They didn't have much time to get ready but they made it on the boat and enjoyed themselves immensely. Stephen had to take the boys to get fishing licenses and the poles on the boat kind of fished for them. They came home with a medium sized salmon and 3 crabs...or at least the legs of the crab. The Salmon was eaten that night and the crabs were saved until the next day.
Monday was a long day of work for Benjamin since he was leaving on Thursday. He wanted to get as much time in as possible so he was gone about 14 hours.
Tuesday, was a work day in the yard for Kathleen. Stephen worked in the Family History library from 3 to 6 and then Rebekah and Stephen had a dinner appointment with the Single Adults so the rest of the family went to Cafe Rio for their Tasty Tuesday special. Isaac, Andrew, Emeri and Oakley all got a free quesadilla and everyone else got salad. Stephen had meetings after the SA dinner so he was gone for the rest of the evening.
Wednesday was a canning day for Kathleen. She managed to can up 3 double batches of Loganberry jam into pints and quarts. The Loganberries are coming on strong and Stephen and the boys picked quite a lot of large bowls full. Kathleen used the Squeezo to take out the seeds then heated up the jars and lids (which she had to get down from above the washer and dryer) and cook up the jam. It was a long process but turned out pretty well. By the time she was finished she started making a batch of bread for dinner. Unfortunately the yeast must have been bad because it took HOURS to raise. The final product came out of the oven by around 8:00 that night.
Thursday was the day Ben and Elizabeth with Rebekah, Issac, Andrew, Emeri, Oakley and Ezra were leaving to Susan's house. There was a lot of last minute packing and hunting for shoes, picking up toys, preparing lunches, scrambling for seats and places in two cars. They were finally off by 11:00 or so and after they left to Rebekah's place to drop off her car they came back and picked up a stuffed unicorn and then they were finally on their way. Kathleen had to water plants after they left. It was still not and dry with over 50 days of no rain. Along with heat in the 90's the grass and outdoor life has been hit hard. Thursday night Stephen had Stake presidency visits so he was absent for the evening.
Friday the alarm went off at 4:40 and Kathleen and Stephen were up and dressed with a back pack ready for a road trip to Port Angeles where they had tickets on the Black Ball Ferry to Victoria. Stephen planned to have this activity for our 37th anniversary. He knew that Kathleen would love it. From the dock in Victoria it was a shuttle drive to the Butchart Gardens. The Gardens cover 130 acres of what used to be a cement plant in the early 1900's. The Butcharts were wealthy owners at the time and the wife, Jenni, liked to garden. When the limestone quarry went out of business, Mr. Butchart put his men to work helping Jenni create a larger garden. They entertained many royal and government people. After a guest challenged Jenni by saying "nothing could grow in the old limestone quarry", Jenni set to work making sure that it would have a beautiful garden which is now a famous sunken garden. There was also a rose garden, an Italian garden and a Japanese garden. It was quite beautiful even in the heat. There are over 1.5 million visitors to the gardens each year now and it has been designated a National Site. Of course Kathleen had to talk with the gardeners in charge about the watering. There are 3 large reservoirs on the property which supply almost all the water used on the gardens. They fertilize each time they plant a new planting (which happens 3 times a year) and they use foliar feedings to keep the plants nourished. They water frequently especially in the heat. The flowers were lovely and the landscaping was gorgeous.
It was about 2:00 when we headed back to the boat. We wanted to make the 3:00 ferry or we would have to wait until 7:30 for the next boat. We barely made it on time and it was a bumpy crossing. The wind picked up and clouds were moving in. When we got back to Washington State we decided to check out Port Angeles. There is a paper mill in town and lots of lumber that looks like it's going to be shipped out of the state. We drove along a large spit that was a man made barrier between the rough waters of the ocean and the calmer waters in the port. There were lots and lots of feral cats in the rocks on the ocean side. They looked well fed from either fish or birds.
We left Port Angeles and drove to Squim where we went to a Nature preserve and the John Wayne Marina. We then drove to Silverdale where we had dinner at Applebee's. It was much better than the one here in Covington. We got home that evening at 10:00 to find Samuel enjoying the review of "The Flash" on TV with Vinay.
Stephen had originally planned on staying in Victoria for the night but with the activities that we needed to be at on Saturday it just didn't work out. Our official anniversary was on Saturday the 12th but it lasted for two days this year!
Saturday Kathleen had Seminary training in Tacoma. She thought it was in Federal Way but when she got there no one was there so she checked her email and it said it was in Tacoma. She was only 15 minutes late getting there. The lessons were very good. The goal of Seminary is to help the students develop the skills and habits that they need to navigate the trials/challenges that will come to them in this fallen world. Ultimately it is to bring the youth to Christ so that he can give them the power to overcome Satan and the temptations of the world. There were some great lessons taught.
While Kathleen was at training, Stephen and Samuel attending the funeral of Br. Aaron Sampson who passed away the week before. Samuel that it was a great funeral, Stephen said he hadn't experienced one quite like it.
Later that afternoon, the Mitchell family came by at the invitation of Stephen, to pick Loganberries in the backyard. They left with 4 very large bowls full of Loganberries. It was a fun conversation while we were all picking at the vines. Samuel then left for a missionary farewell dinner and Stephen and Kathleen had a nice dinner of salmon salad. That finished off their Anniversary. It has been a wonderful 37 years!!!
Sunday was filled with missionary farewells. Parker Welch and Tyson Wenger both spoke at the same time in two different wards. We managed to see both young men but only one during their talk. Our ward had talks on the importance of family and how to keep family strong. Kathleen ended up helping in the nursery because Rebekah had gone to Provo. It was a challenge but she managed to keep the kids mostly corralled in the room.

2 July 2017 - Back Home

Monday the 26th of June we flew into Seattle very late and Rebekah picked us up at the airport. She was willing to help us out even though she had work the next day. Besides working on the yard and cleaning up the house, doing laundry, we had to get the living room cleared out before our home teachers came by.
 Samuel went to school for the last day on Tuesday. It was a quick half day.