It has been awhile since I last posted so will try to catch up on some of the events from the past few weeks!
The first weekend in June, Krista planned a surprise celebration party for Jamie. He completed his degree a couple months ago and we all wanted to recognize his accomplishment.
He was indeed surprised! Congrats, Jamie, for a job well done!
He was indeed surprised! Congrats, Jamie, for a job well done! 
And congrats to Krista for all the great support, the planning and for the sweet surprise!
This little one was eager to help daddy open presents...
and share the harmonica fun!
The happy graduate
Two little buddies, seeing eye to eye...
We just love watching our sons with their little ones...
Grandma reading to K...yes, she really does love books and follows the pictures!
Oh how we love those Gk's!
The second weekend in June, Jim traveled back to the Midwest for another celebration--back to where the grass is greener, and the air is cleaner, and the spaces are wide-open! He loved seeing the newly planted fields turning green.
The church that we used to serve was celebrating their centennial year.
He had a wonderful time visiting and renewing friendships.
That same weekend, our annual church convention began. Even though there were many issues to be discussed and voted on, there were also many uplifting sermons and Bible studies and times of encouragement and prayer.
Following the convention, Jim spent several days with Marilyn's parents. One day, he traveled north with them to visit Ray's only living sibling. On the way, they stopped by Raymond's cousin Judith. These cousins grew up together on neighboring farms.
At 91 years of age, Judith is still very active and living in her own home. Marilyn remembers the time many years ago, when Judith stayed with her family while she taught VBS for two weeks during the summer. Not only was Judith an excellent teacher, but she also was a wonderful storyteller! Each evening, Marilyn and her siblings would gather in Judith's bedroom to listen with rapt attention while she told a fascinating story.
The beautiful Mildred!
Ray and Mildred visiting with his brother
Raymond and Norris- brothers
Every summer, the ladies of the church choose a restaurant and celebrate my birthday with me! Here are three of the friends who celebrated with me last week. (Since I shared a birthday with all the fathers on Father's Day, my husband and I celebrated together that Sunday. We both enjoyed calls from all our children and siblings-thanks!)
But the best part of that evening of "birthday celebrations" included these ladies! M&B came to town for a date night and left this precious little one for grandpa and grandma to babysit.
Who could ever resist that face?
Or that thousand dollar smile???
Oh how we love those Gk's!
The second weekend in June, Jim traveled back to the Midwest for another celebration--back to where the grass is greener, and the air is cleaner, and the spaces are wide-open! He loved seeing the newly planted fields turning green.
The church that we used to serve was celebrating their centennial year.
He had a wonderful time visiting and renewing friendships.
That same weekend, our annual church convention began. Even though there were many issues to be discussed and voted on, there were also many uplifting sermons and Bible studies and times of encouragement and prayer.
Following the convention, Jim spent several days with Marilyn's parents. One day, he traveled north with them to visit Ray's only living sibling. On the way, they stopped by Raymond's cousin Judith. These cousins grew up together on neighboring farms.
At 91 years of age, Judith is still very active and living in her own home. Marilyn remembers the time many years ago, when Judith stayed with her family while she taught VBS for two weeks during the summer. Not only was Judith an excellent teacher, but she also was a wonderful storyteller! Each evening, Marilyn and her siblings would gather in Judith's bedroom to listen with rapt attention while she told a fascinating story.
The beautiful Mildred!
Ray and Mildred visiting with his brother
Raymond and Norris- brothers
Every summer, the ladies of the church choose a restaurant and celebrate my birthday with me! Here are three of the friends who celebrated with me last week. (Since I shared a birthday with all the fathers on Father's Day, my husband and I celebrated together that Sunday. We both enjoyed calls from all our children and siblings-thanks!)
But the best part of that evening of "birthday celebrations" included these ladies! M&B came to town for a date night and left this precious little one for grandpa and grandma to babysit.
Who could ever resist that face?
Or that thousand dollar smile??? 
We are enjoying experimenting with our new camera! The full moon and the palm trees in our yard provided a magnificent view two nights ago. What a wonderful creator God we have! 
Oh so cute! 
Since he started walking, this little boy has gone none-stop and in high gear!
somebody's daddy has encouraged his climbing abilities...
and of course, we all have to applaud when he climbs on up!
And, there is the footstool--a stepping stone to higher places.
How about shades also? Oh we had so much fun and so many good laughs! Everyone is correct, grand-parenthood is the greatest!!! And we just love getting to visit and enjoy these little ones.