Sunday, May 27, 2012

Happy Birthday Jim! (all week!)

 This last week, Jim had a milestone...the big 65! Being the leader of the congregation, he gets to celebrate with many people. 
 The church hosted a potluck lunch...
with lots of delicious food...
 ...and ice cream sundaes! Jim's favorite!
 We had the privilege of having our oldest grand-daughters and their mom here for the day to help celebrate.  First they had to make cards...
 After naps, we had a little "tea" party on the back patio.
We had a fun and very relaxing afternoon 
 (look at that cute chocolate-face!)
 Next, we walked to the local park to play for awhile. Then it was time for PJ's, storybooks, and our good-byes as they headed home to see daddy. Thanks to you three girls-- for making it a special Sunday birthday party!
 Yesterday, our oldest son and family came for the afternoon to continue the birthday celebrations! 
 First we got to play with toys.
 (checking out mom's apps)
 Little mr. smiley!
 It was a beautiful afternoon, so we headed outside for some bike riding...
 some catch...
 and later, writing on Grandpa's cards... 
 ...a very serious business!
 Such fun to be Grandpa's boys!
 time for some corn on the cob...
 ...and cool shades!
 Jim had gotten a call from JJ earlier in the week with the instructions, "Tell Gramma not to start the party until I get there!" And he wanted to bring the decorations...
 ...and to help sing the birthday song!
We had a wonderful afternoon, thanks for coming, kids!
Happy Birthday, Jim! We all love you!

To the Air Show

Last weekend we went to an air show with our son and his wife and our oldest grandson. Things started out calmly, with these little planes doing their stunt flying. 
But soon the big, fast birds were in the air... 
...thrilling us with the magnificent things they could do.
Awesome!
 It is so interesting to hear Jame talk about the planes. He is so knowledgeable, and we are so very proud of him! 

 JJ favorite part of the day was the Robosaurus! He loves to see this monstrous fire-breathing metal dinosaur-robot crunch and munch cars!
 I was standing just behind the fence where this victim car was, so really got a good view of the action as the "Robo" hoisted the car high into the air, spewing out fire and smoke!
Then it crushed and broke the car in half and "ate" some of the pieces and threw the rest to the ground. Watching all this action was certainly little boys Paradise! 
Later, we walked through one of the big cargo planes. I always marvel at the enormous size of these thing. (just think, there is still another level, where the troops sit, above this!)
 It always amazes me to think that something this big can stay in the air!
 JJ got some warpaint on his face...
 and donned the garments of a soldier...
 (along with his mom...)
 for a great photo-op! 
He is a very serious little soldier!
We had such a fun day (even though it was very hot out) at the air show; and loved the time that we could spend with our family. 

Saturday, May 19, 2012

the best Mother's Day gift...

 The best mother's day gift a mom can have is to see her sons enjoying each other! I was privileged to have three of my sons together on Saturday...
...and to skype with the other son also. It was such a gift! 
I love you guys! You are the best sons ever!!!

B turns two!

 Last weekend we celebrated our second grandson's #2 birthday. We drove out a little early to spend a  bit of time with M&B and the girls before the party.
 K checking out Sammy's bone...
 Em posing with her pretty yellow flower...
 enjoying the beautiful day outside...
 mom and daughter racing tricycles... 
 brothers "skype" together
 the birthday cake: Thomas the train
 Such a beautiful afternoon for a "water party" birthday celebration. 
 The birthday boy
 A little help with the cake from big brother!
 Such a cute little birthday engineer!
 Friends!

 It was such a treat to have our youngest son and wife here for the celebration!
 The kids were fascinated by a lady bug that they found in the grass.
 Sisters
 This little guy stayed away from the water all afternoon--until most of the kids left, then he hopped in...
 ...and really enjoyed himself!
 But once his diaper got wet, it just kept expanding until it was rather hard to even walk!
Three brothers together
 Happy Birthday, little guy, we love you!