Monday, August 17, 2026

Christmastime and Beyond 2025

December was a very busy time for travel for me but I love seeing my children perform and enjoy the busyness that comes with the holidays. After Thanksgiving in Arizona, I came home for a few days and then left for Portland. JaneAnne had a couple of concerts as did John, so it was a musical feast trip. We took time to check out the Christmas display at the Benson Hotel which is always fun to see. Julie was also graduating from Linfield with her nursing degree and there was much to be celebrated...quite the accomplishment!

Julie and Emily at Benson Hotel Gingerbread Display

Christmas Tree at the Hotel

Beautiful old hotel with more Christmas decorations


Julie and me at John's Gospel Choir Venue

Julie's Graduation Celebration Dinner

Julie with proud grandson, Wesley

Me, David, John, Julie Joseph, Sage, Emily, Kenzie, Jacob and Wes

December 20th was a big day in the Peterson Family as Burke was marrying his sweetheart, Aimee Zirker. They decided to get married in Utah so the festivities took place here and a lot of family was able to attend. They later had open houses in both Arizona and Colorado. The weather was a little chilly but then that's typical for December. At least it didn't snow and there were some blue skies. Their marriage took place in the Draper Temple, then there was a family dinner and a reception nearby. There was good food, lots of dancing and visiting and a special surprise dance number by the couple and their parents. Sparklers and cheers sent the couple on their way at the end of the evening.

Aimee and Burke in front of Draper Temple

Meet the newly wedded, Mr. and Mrs. Burke Peterson

A lot of family helping them celebrate

Just the Peterson side of family

Aimee and Burke and Me at the Temple

Burke dancing with his mom, Tamsen

A surprise dance performed by Aimee and Burke with their parents!

Really grooving and into it!

Proof that I still try and be part of the crowd

Aimee and Burke exiting the reception

Their car was well decorated and off they went on their honeymoon!

It's funny how life cycles go...birth, marriage, death, etc. During all the wedding excitement, I was anticipating the funeral of a dear friend, Janie Beecher Yeates, who had passed away recently. I had planned to celebrate Christmas in Arizona, but stayed back a day so I could attend her funeral. We used to be about 15 friends in our group that would gather for lunch and reconnection, but now we're down to about six. Times together become more precious, it seems.

Don and Karen Springer, Karen's sister, Kathy, Ginger Hucks,
Ginger's sister, Jodi, Ann Staples, and Me (missing Trell
and Mary Kaye)

My daughter, Sue, had invited me to come celebrate Christmas in Arizona so I did on December 23rd. I must say, there wasn't a lot of picture taking, but it was a fun time.

New kitchen towels...thanks Rob, and Tamsen

A new set of pots and pans coming when I return
home and lovely Norwegian trivet

Sue feeding Peter, almost a month old, my
third great-grandchild

Kiefer and August assembling Christmas
gift legos