Early Thanksgiving in Entiat

Because of our planned move to Akutan before Thanksgiving, we got together on November 7th with two of our boys and their families as well as Bob, Lon and Janet and two of their kids and families. For some reason I didn't get a picture of the 21 of us sitting down to dinner in our kitchen, but I did get some shots of the kids having pie and playing and the adults relaxing and enjoying this rare opportunity to be together.

Our niece Carol and husband Toby Smith from Redmond Washington. Four of these cute kids are theirs.

Gary's brother Lon and his wife Janet presiding over the chaos in the living room. After all, seven of the ten children are their grandchildren!

Our daughter-in-law Allison, Brad and Lindsey's boy Spencer and Carol and Toby's daughter Jessie playing Marble Works

Brad's boy Wesley, our daughter-in-law Chelsea and Bryan's boy Nathan building Thomas Train tracks.

Our son Bryan, nephew Brad and son Adam getting caught up. The boys helped set up tables and chairs and seem to be avoiding the mad house in the living room!

More Family Fun

We played a round of putt-putt golf at a course in Entiat. The course was closed for the winter, but the owner allowed us to play for free. Although our hands got cold, the sun shone and we enjoyed being outside. I think Nathan was declared the over-all champion! He had the most strokes!

Chelsea putting off the wall. She's getting plenty of coaching from the crowd.

We visited the Fish Hatchery and spent some time throwing large bolders in the Entiat River and splashing everyone.

Margo and Chelsea visiting with the women in Lon and Janet's dining room. Janet had us all over for home-made pizza on Friday night.

On top of Mt. Buttercup just behind our house. I think you can see our house in the lower left of the picture.

Bryan and Allison on top of Mt. Buttercup

The Columbia River looking toward Chelan from the top of Mt. Buttercup on a beautiful Fall day.

Bryan and Dylan went Mule Deer hunting with Grandpa and Uncle Lon. This was Dylan's first hunting trip.

After Uncle Lon and Grandpa walked their legs off. No deer, but lots of good hiking! I think Lon and Gary were engaged in similar activity about this time!

Safe Harbor Church and Community Center

To reach Akutan you fly to Anchorage and then to Dutch Harbor on Alaska Airlines. Weather permitting you take either a flight on a Grummond Goose to Akutan Harbor or hop a Trident fishing vessel for the 35 mile trip from Dutch Harbor.

The church building consists of a four bedroom parsonage on the left, the sanctuary in the middle and a high school size gym, and recreation center on the right. The Trident Seafood Company plant and employee housing is in the right of the picture and the Aleut village of Akutan is to the left, about 1/3 mile from the church.

Christian movies are offered to the villagers and the seafood workers on a regular basis. There isn't much to do in Akutan and the church offers a message of hope and a friendly place to spend a winter evening.

Special events such as Ladies Teas and Bible Studies are offered to the women who live and work in Akutan.

The church's 12 passenger van provides transportation from the fish plant as well as the village to all who want to attend the services and special events.


The Safe Harbor Community Center is equipped with a full size gymnasium, ping pong, volley ball, weight room, games and movies.

Our Entiat Home

The Promise of God

This is the 5th year that the Kako Camp craft has been designed, produced, packaged and funded by our dear friends Don and Barb in Woodland Washington. Shipping was paid for by our friends at Islands Community Church in Friday Harbor Washington.

The theme was "The Promise of God" based on the story of the Great Flood in Genesis and the promise that God made to Noah to never again destroy the world with a flood. The rainbow is the sign of His promise and reminds us of His faithfulness.

The story lends itself to teaching of the promises that God has made to His Children and encourages the kids to trust Him to keep His word that He will neve leave them or forsake them.

250 campers from eight year olds to 18 year olds enjoyed the process as well as the end product. Margo has enjoyed teaching crafts at Kako for 7 years. Each craft kit contained Alaska versions of Noah's Ark animals, a moose and a bear. Thank you Don and Barb and Islands Community Church.

Jeremy and Matthew at Kako

Jeremy and Matthew came for a short visit the second week in June. Here we are at the Bethel airport ready to fly to Grandma and Grandpa's house in Kako's 206

Gary and Jeremy went fishing on Kako Creek about 10:00 PM

"At the cross, at the cross, where I first saw the light and the burden of my heart rolled away, it was there by faith I received my sight and now I am happy all the day."

Making Grandma dizzy!

On top of Kako Mountain. The boys drove Grandpa's four wheeler to the top to deliver a cooler of drinking water and paper cups to 40 thirsty Junior High campers

Matthew was fearless like his dad, exploring the outcroppings on the ridge of the mountain.

Niece, Brandi was also visiting Kako and helped out with camp for two weeks. Here is the whole family on top of the mountain with Kako airstrip in the background.

Matthew painting a Noah's Ark wood craft in the Craft Barn. He did a great job, but he really would rather be out driving Grandpa's four wheeler.

The boys were responsible for hauling all the camper's bags to their cabins when they unloaded the planes. That kept them busy all day the first day of camp.

Jeremy, helping out with the Paint Ball game. Our campers play with sling shots rather than paint ball guns. A new concept for Jeremy, but he had a great time and the kids enjoyed his help.


Pushing Grandpa on the swings

All worn out after a busy day at camp. Thank you God for bringing them to Kako!

Emma's Wedding

Margo was thrilled to attend her nieces wedding in Redding California on May 9th. Emma and Chris were married in a beautiful park on the banks of the Sacramento River.

The siblings together again! Harold from Salem Oregon, Margo from Alaska, Trula (mother of the bride), Rea from Florida and Shannon from California. We love any excuse to get together and we can't think of a better excuse than a wedding!

Matron of Honor, Emma's big sister Aimee and her son Charlie who was one of the ring bearers.

Great Nephews Miles, Scott and Louis getting the best use out of their fancy wedding clothes!

Beautiful cousins, Katie, (Shannon's daughter), and Ella, (Aimee's daughter.)

Great nephew Scott, ring bearer and great niece, McKenna, flower girl

Mother of the Bride and Emma at the rehearsal dinner in Trula's back yard in Red Bluff