Excitement was high as we flew north to Juneau in late November. Rick Slater welcomed us home with a scrumptious italian meal of spinach lasagna.
Abby was so excited to be turning fifteen and birthday festivities were in the works. 
After watching several episodes of Cake Boss – we were experts. So we whipped up this yummy birthday cake. Any guesses who was boss?
Uncle Steve and Aunt Christine welcomed us to their home for turkey bird on Thanksgiving day.
Melissa became properly acquainted with her grand niece.
Temperatures dropped and dormant roses dreamt of coming spring. 
One chilly December morning a startling thump at Abby’s window caught her attention. Slipping outside to investigate she discovered a tiny bird lying stunned far beneath her windowsill on a freshly fallen blanket of snow. 
Abby soon tucked her little friend into a small box which she positioned in a toasty corner near the wood cookstove. Slowly consciousness returned and the little bird perked up. Abby joyfully watched her brief companion flit away into the surrounding forest. 
At the Governor’s Mansion, Governor Sean Parnell and his wife Sandy hosted the annual Christmas open house. Hundreds of Juneau residents look forward to visiting with the Governor each December while holiday cookies are served and local musicians play Christmas music. 
Quinn was a frequent visitor to our pantry as it began to fill with holiday treats. 
Melissa brought out some of her favorite things…..lamp light and chocolate.
Stockings were hung with anticipation.
Cedar dog decked herself in lights.
Laura chose the perfect jack pine in a nearby meadow.
Quinn approved.
Santa’s elves?
Sparkly stuff twinkled merrily on the tree.
Abby enjoyed quiet walks on the wetlands.
Cedar and Asher are buds.
Frosty came to visit.
Shopping with Laura.
A big snow and a Subaru make for a brilliant day at Eaglecrest.
When it comes to head plants Quinn is a professional.
Quinn and Jacob enjoy the last rays of the day.
What do five guys, a ton of duct tape and a sleep over produce? The party favors of choice for Quinn’s 19th birthday bash.
12 swords – 5 daggers – 4 throwing axes – 2 hand axes – 1 double bladed axe – 1 mace – 2 flails – 1 nun chuck – 1 trident – 1 halberd – 4 shields
Lemon meringue pies for Quinn.
Year 2012 rapidly drew to a close and we reflected with amazement and gratitude at the fullness of God’s continuous blessing in our lives. And in that season of sheer joy with family and friends, as we feasted and gloried in breathtaking days and silent nights and sang the Christmas songs that we all knew and loved best, our family was suddenly stricken with one of life’s most unexpected and grievous moments. Our beautiful niece Madeline was tragically taken from this life. 
Madeline Michelle Nance June 26, 1994 – December 13, 2012
How do you adequately express in words the beauty of one of God’s precious children that passes from this earth so swiftly…..so quietly? Waves of grief and laughter, regret and pride washed over us as we drew close together in a beautiful place which was carefully and lovingly prepared in her memory. As Madeline’s mom and dad, family and friends offered up reflections, images of Madeline filtered through our minds. Flying in from San Francisco and Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts just a few short weeks before, Madeline had joined us for Thanksgiving and treated us to a dazzling array of gourmet confections. Our favorite was her melt in your mouth, send shivers up your spine, salted caramel ice cream. Gifted in a myriad of ways (one of our favorites…her singing and dancing), highly intellectual, inquisitive, compassionate and confident…..Madeline has left an indelible print on our hearts. 
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. John 11:25
Madeline you are loved and missed, rest in peace.
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