Two Random Specific Events

Well, the Carlson Chronicler gave a general synopsis of our trip and invasion out west, but I decided to describe two random specific events for you all. The first is mostly really exciting for me personally, because I met my favorite living author, Douglas Bond. The homeschooling convention out here in Seattle is in the beginning of June, so my mom and I were able to attend with my Aunt Susan, Aunt Joyce, Elaina, and Katie. I went on the express purpose of meeting Douglas Bond. He was really sweet and down too earth, not high and mighty at all, and was very willing to talk. We were able to do so for several minutes about the books he working on presently, and the ones he's going to be fervently working on to finish by September. :-) (If any of you really enjoy John Knox or would like to know more about him, keep an eye out for his book coming out sometime after September!) I bought his new book, Guns of Providence, which finishes the trilogy Faith and Freedom. I've been really looking forward to this book, and how exciting to buy it from the author himself! He even signed it for me! This definitely was a highlight in my vacation.

The second event occurred last Friday, the 25th of June. Aunt Joyce announced to the cousins that we should walk to the nearby woods about a mile and a half away and collect some firewood in order to build a bonfire and roast marshmallows. So, all of the 14 cousins present at the gathering clamorously tramped off to find the wanted firewood. In the woods, various smaller asundry sticks were gathered. Then, we found it. The log. The 37' 2" tree trunk. Simply laying on the forest floor, it was free game for the needed firewood. So, 12 of the 14 cousins (the two youngest, Allison and Sarah, carried the smaller sticks on which to roast the marshmallows) picked up the great log and started the trek back to the house. At one point, we saw a family approaching us on the road, so we quickly set the log down and all sat on it. Apparently, they didn't see us carrying it, but simply saw 14 kids randomly sitting on a log by the road. We told them we were all cousins, and such other small talk was generated. After they passed us, we quickly picked up the log, and recommenced our walk back home. As we neared the house, walking along the sidewalk, the several cars that passed us waved and honked. We must have really been a sight. We sent Allison and Sarah on ahead to tell the parents to come outside because we had something to show them. As we came into sight with our treasure, the parents' mouths dropped open, and then continued to drop as the log just continued and continued. With a small saw, we were able to cut enough pieces for our desired bonfire. Ah...another memory made.

Invasion of the West Coast

Recently, the innocent and prosperous people of Washington state have experienced a influx of people, noise, and fun to such an extent that many are considering moving to New Jersey to fill the gap that seems to recently have opened. The Carlsons are in WA terrorizing - ahem, I mean, visiting - Mom's extended family as well as Dad's dad! Sixteen cousins can singlehandedly destroy the peace of a typical suburb with their laughter, running, yelling, and other carrying on, but then add fun-loving uncles and aunts, and the suburbs are really in for a trip!

We Carlsons arrived last week on Monday, spent the first week with Mom's youngest sister's family, weathered (and even enjoyed) a rainy day, had one full family renunion, and many other unofficial gatherings. This week, we stuffed the borrowed car with our luggage and then head over to stay at the other sister's family, with whom we toured Seattle, had coffee at the ORIGINAL Starbucks, and then headed to the woods for a hike.

This Wednesday, the Carlson caravan again broke camp and took the long trek up to Anacortes to visit my dad's dad and his wife! We had a lovely time with them, eating at Royal Fork (a family tradition), getting sunburnt on the beach, and climbing all over a dry-docked snagboat, the W.T. Preston.

This weekend, Pastor Daddy will assume his vocational role and speak at a singles' conference at Emmanuel Baptist Church. We still have over a week to continue with our cousins to reak havoc all round the countryside, so Washingtonians, my word of advice would be - Watch out!