Our New Truck

Due to our unfortunate transmission problems with the 2000 Chevy Blazer last week (amid our criss-crossing the state travel plans), we needed a new mode of transportation. We searched high and low for used vehicles to meet our needs during our Christmas travels. However, we finally decided that we would buy a NEW car. We figured the coverage of warranties would lead to less worries while Cam's away.

We found a 2008 Chevy Silverado marked down to a GREAT price at a local dealership and forked over the cash to bring it home! It's a crew cab (4-doors) that will seat 5 adults, has automatic everything, and leather interior. The only issue we have with it is that it is "Dark Cherry" (and looks like dark purple in the sun!) However, we bought it for the price and features, not for the color. Maybe someday we'll get around to painting it a good color ... like crimson!

Proud new owners

One last stop before home ...

Before our looooooong drive to the Tri-Cities and then the loooooong drive home, we stopped off at Cam's favorite breakfast place (Elmers) for a little chow and a little reminiscing/catching up with some really old friends from high school.

Thank you, Kevin, Zach, Rachael, Wes, and Melissa! It was great to see you all and hope we can see you again very soon!

Some former PHS Falcons
L to R: Cam, Kristy, Melissa, Wes, Rachael, Zach and Kevin

Christmas with the Smiths

After a crazy couple of days, it was nice to have a plan and stick to it! We arrived in Vancouver in time for breakfast with Cam's dad, his girlfriend and her three kids. After a delish meal of french toast, we had just enough time to sneak in a little football before everyone else arrived!

A huge crowd turned out to see Cam and share a few more Christmas treats. Cam's grandparents, Aunt Mary, Cousin Larry and family and Brother Jason and family all came over and hung out for most of the afternoon. Again, after getting our fill of cake and cookies, we opened some more gifts and enjoyed our time together!

Cam with his grandparents

Uncle Cam Jungle Gym Time!

Somehow a game of pick-up-sticks had us all enthralled

An intense rematch between Cam and Jason

Angie and some weird dude

Christmas with the Andersons

We arrived safely to Hillsboro (home of Cam's mom & step-dad) after a pretty "exciting" drive down the Columbia Gorge. We spent most of the day catching up with Cam's parents and prepping for a HUGE Christmas dinner. We were joined for dinner by Cam's Aunt Carol and Cam's older brother and his family.

We had a yummy prime rib dinner with all the fixings and a HUGE assortment of dessert to follow. After we were sufficiently stuffed, we all sat around opening presents and playing with the kids. Bedtime came shortly there after!

Thank you, Mom & Bruce! Sorry we couldn't have a longer visit, but we had a wonderful day!

PT after dinner with Uncle Cam and Andrew

Uncle Cam with his nephew and niece (dressed in their Coug finest!)

Cam and Aunt Carol

Christmas with the Lebers

We spent a wonderful few days with my parents, brothers home from the Army, and Grandma at the Leber home in West Richland. Cam and I were amazed to find that they had less snow on the ground than what we left at home when we left Tuesday night!

While home, we had family pictures taken, ate waaaaaay too many Christmas goodies, watched my mom and grandma attempt an almost impossible puzzle, unwraped many gifts, argued over tv programs and spend quality time as a family. It was great to spend time with my brothers and I realized how much I really did miss them. Hope they have safe travels home to NY and KY this weekend!

On Friday morning, after the traditional trek to the Spudnut shop, Cam and I attempted to back into my parents' driveway in order to load up the car for the second leg of our trip. Unfortunately, as we attempted to put the car in reverse, we felt/heard a "CLUNK" and the transmission would not engage. Thankfully, my father was able to rush home from work to rescue us and determined that the transmission was toast on our 2000 Chevy Blazer. So, instead of traveling to the Portland/Vancouver area, we spent Friday traipsing around the greater Tri-Cities area looking at new cars, trucks and SUVs.

We finally gave up the search in favor of renting a car and will continue our travels to Portland tomorrow morning ... weather-permitting.

We hope that you all had a wonderful Christmas with plenty of friends, family, and memories!

Cam and Kristy

The Leber/Smith Soldiers

Dad and the elusive Tim

A self-portrait of Erik and Kristy