one year ends and another begins

The end of 2015 was a great, and the beginning of 2016 is shaping up that way too. Adrienne and I made it down to San Diego for Christmas AND to celebrate my grandparents 70th Anniversary. Then for New Years, Abby came to visit us in Seattle -- and Washington State put on a good show. Below are some photos from the past couple of weeks.

Big D opening his presents on Christmas morning.

My grandmother talking to Lulu in the backyard after Christmas. 

The cousins and auntie on a sunny day in Carlsbad. 

Moms and pops on the beach during the low tide on a very windy CA day.

Beachcombers in Carlsbad.

The cliffs of Carlsbad at Taramar.

Sand patterns on the beach.

Cousins! Derin and Ollie.

Its so hard to say goodbye! Big hugs from D.

Papa and Grandma coming down from their apartment getting ready for the big day.

Lookin mighty fine for 97 and 92.

Flowers on the alter in honor of my grandparents anniversay.

Everyone in church - a big deal!

My grandparents with their wedding photo, Dec 27 1945.

Our entire family on the Wiegand side - first time everyone has been together.

 Finished the visit with a drink outside with Moms and Pops in San Diego.

View of the sunset over the Pacific from our perch at the bar.

For the New Year, the skies were crystal clear - so we headed up to Mt Rainier with Abby.

We donned our snowshoes and headed up the mountain.

Stunning day to be on the mountain.

Mt Adams peeking over the mountain spine to the east.

A combination of a stunning environment and the thin air inspires some alpine yoga.

Such snowiness!

Took Abby to look for bald eagles along the Skagit River - saw about 20!

Bird-Nerds!

Finished the day visiting Uncle Mark at the local watering hole, The Edison.

This one's just for fun - the holiday season kicked off with me DJing at my showcase.