Meerkerk Rhododendron Gardens on Whidbey Island is Magical 

Meerkerk Gardens Annual Festival of Flowers and Fairies

Words can barely describe my state of bliss yesterday at the Annual Festival of Flowers and Fairies, at the Meerkerk Rhododendron Gardens in Greenbank on Whidbey Island. (I can't believe that I've lived here for eleven years and have never been to this island jewel.) It was pure magic with two four-year-olds who delighted in exploring the rhoddedenderon gardens on this brisk spring day. The daffodils were in perfect bloom and some of the thousands of rhoddys they must have there were starting to bloom, too. The fifty-year-old Rhododendron Fortunei, however, was in full bloom and was the most spectacular rhododendron I have ever laid eyes on. (Ben and Chloe sat on a bench on front of it for a picture which is included in the below slideshow.)

Kristi, the Meerkerk Director, sang flower-related songs to the kids, their eyes were as big as saucers as they watched and listened with delight and wonder. The festival of flowers and fairies offered so much to these little ones and I was utterly absorbed and immensely fulfilled watching them digest such a deliciously vivid and magical day. I know that I'll be back soon to visit the Meerkerk Rhododendron Gardens–after all, the rhoddys are only just beginning to blossom.

Magic Slideshow is below the picture–it may take several seconds to load, just be patient. :)

 Happy Lunar New Year! 

Happy New Year from our family to yours! Xin Nian Kuai Le 新年快乐

2009 is the Year of the Ox! Celebrate!

Chloe on New Years Day, 2009

Winter Solstice 

 How do Whidbey Islanders celebrate the Winter Solstice? With a party of course. Today we headed to Susan and Larry's around the corner for a Winter Solstice Party. Their hills provided fabulous fun for sledding.  We all took turns going down the hills at Larry & Susan's. Chloe was completely fearless and wanted to go down again and again. She loves the snow!

 Whidbey Winter Fun

Here's a collection of photos taken on our property (we're snowed in) this past week, December 17-20, here on south Whidbey Island.

 Marcelo Visits Santa

One of these days I'll get Chloe's Santa picture up here but for now here's my new nephew's first Santa visit. Marcelo Lis Juneau visits Santa! Isn't he the cutest?

Paul Plays The Shed 

 Deja Blooze at The Shed in Langley

 Chloe and Ben Having a Lazy Summer Day Together

 Chloe and Ben had a great time today just playing outside in the sun.

Chloe and Katyrose Having Fun 

 Chloe loves playing in any kind of water, but especially with her water table. Beach pics too!

 Our Summer Garden

 Here's some pics from our garden this summer.

 It's A Boy! Marcelo Lis Juneau!!!

 Marcelo Lis Juneau is born today, June 8, 2008, my new nephew! Born at around 9:30 tonight in New Orleans to my brother, Marc Juneau and his girlfriend, Tupelo Neal! Congrats to them and welcome to Marcelo Lis!!!!!

Chloe is 3 today! We are so blessed with our beautiful, sweet, adorable little Chloe, Chloe, Cupcake! Happy Birthday Chloe!

Chloe has a Garden Party!

 Katyrose turns 9! Happy Birthday Katyrose!

 Chloe had a great time at Katyrose's bowling party (with all the big kids). Here's some party pics.

 A fine day at the Lakefront

Lake Pontchartrain is so beautiful. We picnicked there and had a great time. I wanted to bottle the fabulous weather and take it home.

 We're in New Orleans now!

 Having fun in New Orleans!

 Easter Sunday

Brunch in Langley and Egg Hunt at home