Justin Wins for Best Tasting Healthy Entree

Here Justin and his friend Tyer man their presentations making sure they are ready for the judges at all times.
Here one of the judges tastes Justin's chowder. This particular judge as well as another judge came back twice to taste the chowder. Justin also had to answer questions about what was in the recipe, how he put it together, and why he chose this recipe. Justin was sure to tell them that the reason he chose to add halibut to the recipe was because his Dad, Jake, brought it back from Alaska.
Justin recieving the award, a set of culinary tools of his very own, in addition to quite a few other prizes.
Justin along with all the district finalists, and standing next to the other winners in the dessert, and healthy snack catagories.
The six winners...for all the catagories. Way to go Justin!! We are so proud of you!!

America'a Next Top Chef Is....

Justin entered a cooking contest at school. The total entries were over 100 and Justin and the others here were chosen to be finalists in the Canby School District cooking contest representing their school, 91 School. Justin is in front kneeling beside the 91 School Bulldog. Justin's recipe was Clam Chowder with Alaskan Halibut.
Here is Justin and the group in the kitchen cooking...Justin is the one with the red shirt tails hanging out.
Justin is getting sanitized to be ready to cook.
I think maybe he's talking some smack here...what do you think?! Justin was told that presentation was a part of who would win and here is his bowl of Clam Chowder with Alaskan Halibut, a few choice decorations and the slow cooker behind to keep the chowder warm for the judges.

Hanging Out With Family

Justin got to spend some time with his cousin Andrew.

All of us sitting around chatting - Christy must have had something important to say? Probably not! Hee Hee!
Here is Sandy's husband Rob having a deep discussion with Christy's Dad Leroy - possibly about his big muscles?
Rob, Christy, Justin, Andrew, and folks in the background enjoying the conversation.

The Markus Girls

During our visit we were able to take care of Christy's Mom (and Dad) by cooking some meals and tending to Mom's needs - as she just had shoulder surgery the week before. Here Christy gets the chance to cuddle under the warm quilt and near the cozy wood stove with Mom - Cheryl.
This is Christy and her sister Sandy.
The four Markus women - Christy, sister Sandy, Mom -Cheryl, and sister Julie.

Snow Bunnies

Mom and daughter - wait a minute - which one is taller?

Snow Day

We had dry roads for driving, and the evening we arrived, it snowed big flakes! Yeah! The kids were so thrilled! And had a great time playing.
Uncle Scott pulled Justin on the sled behind the car up and down Grandma and Grandpa Markus' driveway. It was a bit bumpy though because there wasn't quite the snow pack yet.
Justin again - and in the distance - can you spot Ashley and her cousin Shara walking behind.
The turn-around spot at the end of the driveway.

Seeing is believing!

You'd probably never believe us unless we had this picture. While on the drive to Idaho, we made a quick stop in La Grande. While Ashley and Christy were in the store, Jake and Justin waited - while they waited, a man walked his dog in the parking lot, and then a man walked his camel!? Whoa! It was 28 degrees outside with a stiff wind and this man is walking his camel. Crazy!!

The Cascade Mountains

Some of the beautiful views we caught along the way.

On the Road Again...

Ashley and Justin already started a movie within the first 1/2 hour of our trip to Idaho for Christmas. We decided to drive over to surprise my (Christy's) parents and we sure did! We showed up on their doorstep and they stared for about a minute before they realized it was us!
Here is the Cascade Mountains that we traveled over. We prayed before we left and God gave us dry roads and some beautiful scenery. Thank you God!
Are we there yet?
Going down the other side of the cascades. Just beautiful!
More dry, clear roads! Thanks again Jesus!

Father/Daughter Blazer Night

Recently, Jake took Ashley to a Portland Trailblazer game at the Rose Garden and it was a great time for Dad and daughter to bond. Throughout the game, Jake was not sure if Ashley was enjoying the game. His answer came after the game when they were leaving, Ashley asked when they'd be going again together.

Here's Ashley smiling pretty for the camera.
Ashley posing with the arena behind her. Great seats!!

Proud Husky Fans

This is one of the identical quilts I made for Jake and his brother Andrew, who lives in Minneapolis. Andrew has his in time for Christmas and here - if you look closely - Jake and Justin are trying out the softness of the quilt. Hmmmm...I think it passed the test. Are you asleep boys?

Lego Robotics Tournament

Justin participated in a Lego Robotics team at school that met every Wednesday for 2 1/2 hours. This is Justin's team that competed at the Clackamas County level to see if they could make it to the state competition. The requirements were that Justin and his team were to program a robot that they built to do specific tasks that were outlined in the competition rules. The tasks were simple, such as moving in a large arc, stopping at the right spot, then either dumping a load, or picking up an object, then returning to the base. Their team anxiously watched the scoreboard all day and were so sure they had won 3rd place and a spot to compete at the state level. They did not take into consideration the technical judging that weighed quite heavily on the scores. Overall, Justin's team took the award for the Robot Competition and will not go to state. Here the team relaxes between judging.
Here Justin and his best friend Trevor (right) exit the technical judging area.
The team prepares their robot for competition at the table shown on the left. This was during set-up, because during the actual competition rounds there were to be no pictures taken.
Here is the team after winning the Robot portion of the competition.
Justin gets his turn at holding the trophy. Overall- it was a great experience and Justin is considering trying again next year.

The Boys' Football Game

Justin invited a few friends- Trevor, Wyatt, and Adam - to play football at the school. Jake was the permanent Quarterback and the boys played two-on-two. Here - Justin has the ball and Adam is trying to tackle him.

Justin was tackling Adam and while he was being tackled, Adam lateraled to Wyatt. Nice play!

Trevor has the ball - Justin is blocking Wyatt. By the way - Trevor and Wyatt are wearing the ugly Oregon Duck colors!

Rock, Paper, Scissors was the way the two captains chose teams. All the boys had a chance to have everyone on their team at one point or another.

Jake draws up plays with fallen leaves and sticks. The boys listen to his expert analysis. Hmmm... running or pass play?

More expert instruction by Jake... they should have to pay for this kind of coaching.
Here's a great shot of the boys lined up for a play.

The boys running out, trying to get open! The day was great!! All the boys were exhausted but were hoping to play again next weekend. Justin has decided that he wants to make this a weekly event - pick-up football with the boys.

Beautiful Bike Ride

This is a beautiful bike ride we went on recently that took us along the Columbia Gorge! Just awesome! We had a great time as a family!

Gorgeous view behind the kids here!

Great picture of the boys! Here is where the girls went on back - and the boys went on ahead to see where the bike trail went. The trail ended up taking the boys through a bunch of construction and on a busy road. Well- now we know not to go that way!

I turned the camera around and took this while I was riding. A bit risky - but it turned out nice with the view behind Ashley here! It was a glorious day!

This is another wonderful view that we had along the ride! Just amazing! We can't wait till next year to try this route again!