Christmas'n It Up!

When I look at all the Fenns--both big and little--stuffed into the basement, along with an assortment of Christmas cheer (aka food, decorations, and gifts), it seems impossible that for years we fit many more kids and adults down there.  

But alas, we did.

Incredibly thankful that this December 14th (aka Fenn Christmas) began with everyone present.  That hasn't happened in....well....a looooooooooong time.

And how do you make Fenn Christmas, one might ask?

First, you need a pair of two-legged Idahoan shift-workers--we start here because this ingredient has to be imported.  Very special.  Oh and they come with gorgeous accessories (human infant not included)!

Next, generously sprinkle with awesome kiddos.  A handful usually does the trick (about seven or so should do it).  The spunkier the better--makes for a better dish.  I mean holiday.

After the kids have been activated, add fermented and/or caffeinated beverages to a collection of adult units.  These can be the vintage models (like a Grandpops or GG), parental units (these run out of batteries quickly, so be prepared) or a range of younger generation(s).  Again, the spunkier the better.  Just mix it aaaaaall up.

Now, distribute gifts evenly. NOTE: uneven distribution can make the holiday fail.

And BAM!  Fenn Christmas.

And don't worry, the previous holiday found a space that fit a bit better.

And the furcuzzes had their own shindig in the back 40.

Because:

Pear Day

Somehow many months have sped by, many memories made, and many beers have been slurped and the Fenns have kept chugging along.  Today, despite a misty morning, nearly all the niece and nephew Fenns were out on the farm to harvest pears (poor Ryan had to stay home with his big sister, who is waiting for her exorcism).
The day begins with lots of buckets and mixed emotions from the kiddos...

Nonetheless they all headed down the steep driveway and clambered, leapt, climbed, or were lifted over the white fence and entered the pear field. Which is also a steep hill.

Oh. And there were dogs, too.  Four of the Fenn puppers who just couldn't have been happier to roam the farm and sniff the kiddos.

And then there were pears and the picking of them...

And then we were done. 
 

And thirsty. 
 

And hungry.

So piled in for pizza at the Rock Table.

All in all with only one casualty, the day was an overall success!

Love you, Grandpa

Hey! It's Time for Hay!

Even though the calendar says May, if we're hauling hay then summer is here.  This year it was a new field....waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay up on Maple Grove (re: hills between Scotts Mills and Molalla, no cell service and all beautiful nature).  

We caravanned up there: 3 white pickups, 1 blue pickup, and 1 purplish-brownish-reddish minivan.  With two pizzas and a jug of water.  As we wound our way towards Scotts Mills, I couldn't help but think of all the movie scenes where the FBI or Secret Service are driving somewhere in long lines of black SUVs.  It was kind of like that.  Except a bit more Nitty Gritty.

(video goes here...one day)

After passing through town we climbed up, up, up.  And when we rounded the final bend, the sky opened up and a huge golden field, studded with bales of hay, lay before us.  Towering fir trees bordered the field and sky.  Thunderstorms were a possibility in the forecast and I hoped that once we were back, and the hay was in the barn, that the skies would let loose.  Alas they did not. Still a gorgeous night though.

When you're hauling hay as a kid, you have two jobs: 1. Stay out of the way and, 2. Get the bales lined up for the haulers.  

If you're Greg, your job is to be....well...Greg.

(at some point I'll figure out how to insert video here too)

The haulers weren't going to eat until we got back (re: after 8:00 pm) so we grabbed a couple large pies to keep the junior haulers from getting too hangry.  With the air thick and the energy high, it was needed.

Lauren was instantly in love with the farm pups.  And Ethan's son, Henry, got a full dose of Fenn.  I hear he's recovering well.

One of the best things about farming is that while it's hard work...

It's also friendly work.

And sometimes silly work.

But it's definitely farm work.

And somehow, after all the hauling, there's still enough energy for chasing in the field and joy-riding in the grapes.

Oh...and unloading the loads.

All in all it was a successful haul.  And a good night.

Have Fun and Be Careful

Sometimes I have 2,948 memories or happenings that I want to commemorate on here and if I'm lucky, I get around to posting about one of them.  Clearly Lady Luck and I have been on the outs lately.  
But this morning I couldn't sleep so I had time to wonder.  And one of the things I thought about was my dear family.  Remembering the old times and thinking about what people are up to.  
I am absolutely insanely proud of my siblings.  Seriously, not only is no one in prison or missing an entire digit, but they are out and about doing amazing things and connecting with wonderful people, but they are also pursuing meaningful goals.
It's happened: everyone is an actual, bona fide adult.
That's right...these peeps

...are adults.

Which is shocking since we tried playing Texas Hold 'Em with a pinochle deck while smoking red licorice.

One guy is making Texas cooler while learning to make AMAZING food.

I mean seriously, right?

And this guy...well...do I really need to say more about what's going on here?

I didn't think so.

And won't find a busier guy than the one who is responsible for a few of these...

This guy runs and flies and commits and protects and...

 Nice work if you can get it.

And this dude...well, not much has changed.

Well, I mean there's this too...

Which is pretty spectacular.

And this gal, oh man.  New adventures, new digs and new bling.

 Couple of cool customers here too...

 And though we are all spread across this crazy world, it is ultimately a small place and with examples like this, I know that there are plenty of good times yet to come.  

So y'all have fun and be careful!