Day Off Fire

Monday was a holiday for the kids. Corey decided to have a little bonfire and cook some marshmallows. Here are some pictures that Papa took.

I think Lexy might have burned her marshmallow by the looks of the contents of her mouth.

Even Brooklynn was helping with the fire.

All in all, a fun day off from school, and a day well spent enjoying the out doors.

Birthday Celebrations

Yesterday, we celebrated Dawson's 5th birthday and Kloe's 6th birthday.

Kloe was very excited for the party. It was fun to watch both of them celebrating birthdays.
Lexy looks deep in thought here, but she, too, had fun watching gifts being opened, and especially eating the cupcakes!

This one! She wanted to be right in the middle of everything. She just couldn't keep her hands off the gifts, helped blow out the candles, and made sure she was part of the celebration!

Dawson had almost as much fun watching Kloe as he did opening his gifts.

This little one had to be part of the action.

Brandy and Kloe made cupcakes.

They both blew out the candles, and as you can see, Brooklynn was also helping, too.

Any one that knows Dawson, knows that he loves the timer on the microwave. We found a digital timer, without the microwave, and gave it to him for his birthday. He was thrilled. He got games, trucks, airplanes, and books, too, but you can see what he really liked. Now if we can just find a way to do the garage door opener, with out the garage?

Great day for all. Kids grow up way too fast, as we all know. It's fun to be able to celebrate the days with the family.

Today's thought.....

A new year, (but not a new decade, as so many try to make it), lets one think of so many things ahead. A time to wish that things would, or could, be different, to hope that things have changed, and to believe that all that they have is enough. I am not one at keeping resolutions, so from the thoughts of a friend, I am starting not only this year, but every day, with "suggestions" for making ME better. I'm not trying to make life better, because I don't think life could get any better. A loving husband, unconditionally, two sons, that continue to amaze me on a daily basis, and 4 joyful grandchildren. Grandchildren are the best- unconditional love on a daily basis, unlike so many others that you encounter. Today I decided to be happy, reduce the sarcasm, and be pleased with every one that I greet. What a difference! People responded pleasantly, engaged in some conversations, and were smiling. So, as the months progress through the year, I am hoping that I can keep the suggestions flowing, and earnestly mean to be pleasant each and every day!

First storm of 2010

First, something to make you smile. Nuff said!

Now, something that will really make you smile, because you aren't here and dealing with it! This is the picture out the den door.

And this is of the weather chairs. They are protected a bit, so the snow hasn't blown off....yet.

Enjoy the warmth of where you are! To our friends visiting the sunny south! Love you and miss you!

These are a bit out of order, but all with in the season..

Gavin and Jen decorating their first Christmas tree together.

Here is one of the few pictures of Corey and Brandy and their family, all together, all smiling, all looking at the camera. It's quite a gathering when they all come to visit. Just love it!



Uncle Gavin with Brooklynn and Kloe as they open their gifts from Jen and him. He does a great job selecting gifts that each will like. We enjoyed Christmas breakfast at Corey and Brandy's.

Jen and Alexys look over the beads and try to decide what to make.

Dawson (not exactly sure what the eye thing is, but he did it every time I took a picture- I told him he looked like Popeye!) showing off one of his gifts.

Brooklynn was quite thrilled to open any gift, no matter who it was for. Here she is examining Uncle Gavin and Jen's gift, a stamping set, perfect for her little hands.

Brooklynn and Alexys enjoy some chair time with Papa. Lots going on all around, but nothing like a seat with Papa.

Julie and Ken, Christmas 2009. What a great time for all. It was nice to have all the family together at some point in the day, and it was nice to have "just adults" for dinner that night. We hope all enjoyed all the wonders of the holiday, and hope that you were fortunate enough to share time with little ones, who truly make all the work worthwhile.

We want to wish all a Merry Christmas, and offer a toast for a safe, healthy, joy filled Happy New Year.

She's 3!

Today we celebrated Brooklynn's third birthday. It was quite a party. She had lots of fun opening her many presents. Big sisters tried to help her, but she really didn't need any.

Lexy had on a beautiful party dress, and we had curled her hair earlier in the day.

Dawson really wanted it to be his big day. But his will be here in a few months.

Earlier in the day she told her grandfather that she would "blow out the candles on the cake. I'm so excited!" And she did, and she was! So cute.

Kloe wanted a nice picture and I would say this is the one. She helped with the packages, too. Lots of excitement for all.
Brooklynn got the ultimate gift for retaliation. A drum set. Just the right size. And she actually did a great job playing it. What's next? An accordion? A set of bagpipes?

Happy Birthday, little one!

This one is for Sue M., one of my oldest, dearest, friends....

First off, this is what it looked like at the "opening" on Friday. We got our first snow fall. It was beautiful, but just way too early. By evening, it was mostly gone, but I took this picture with you in mind.

This is our den as it's been for 22 years. White walls, white ceiling, white trim. It's what our whole house is. White, on white, with white. But you always said, "Be bold! It's only paint." And you thought we weren't listening.
Here it is! It's green- "Bottle Green"! Really green. And what is really funny, is...we like it. New carpets go in on Wednesday, so it will really be a whole new place.

Thanks, Sue, for your ability to see color anywhere. And for the encouragement. Love you!