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!

Happy Halloween!

Here are our little goblins! Dawson is actually wearing part of Brooklynn's outfit, but they really spoke when he put them on!

The grand daughters

I needed to put on a new page, and I just didn't have a new picture of Dawson, so I'm calling this the grand daughter page.

Lexy and Kloe are sharing an apple peel. I got a new apple peeler, and they both wanted to eat some of the peel, so they did the "Lady and the Tramp" approach to eating. (I'm not saying anything about who is who!!) Unfortunately, it broke before they got to the middle. It would have been fun to see what their reaction was when they met!

And this was such a great picture of Brooklynn I just had to post it. Again, as always, she is sporting that big smile that make wonderful dimples. This picture doesn't do her hair justice, as it is just a mass of curls. I really want to play with it, but she hardly lets me touch it.
Next time, Dawson gets his own page.

School has started

It's the first day of school, for 3 out of 4. Lexy is in first grade, Kloe is in kindergarten, and Dawson is in Pre-K. Brooklynn got dressed for the occasion as well, not to be left behind. According to Papa, they all had a great day, and are excited to go back. Time flies, so cherish every day with the ones you love. Share in their laughter and make wonderful memories to hold on to.

Saturday, August 8

Hard day. Today I went to a funeral for my cousin. Seems odd to be saying that- funeral for my cousin. He was 58 years old, and died quite suddenly from a rare, very rare, form of leukemia. It was wonderful to see all my cousins, and 2 surviving aunts, but just not a happy circumstance. He has 2 sons, one married with a pregnant wife, the other was still living with him at home. Their lives will be changed forever. That baby will never be held by his grandfather. I'll never have another bear hug from Brian. Wow, never is a powerful word.

Good week. My father and I had a conversation this week. A good talk. The door might be opening a bit. My grandchildren might be able to meet their great grandparents after all. Also, I got to spend one on one time with my brother, something that I haven't done for a long, long time. No deep conversations or anything, but just shooting the breeze with him. Hope we might be able to do that again sometime, only not to go to a funeral. Wow, might is a very hopeful word.

Life is short.

Summer is on it's way....

What a glorious sight to see a double rainbow. Behind me the clouds were very ominous, but by simply turning my head the other way, this is what I saw. Lexy was disappointed that I didn't get a picture of the end of it, as there is a pot of gold there. They learn young, don't they?

This was taken back in May, but I just had to share the amazement. These blossoms are simply beautiful, so fragile, and so short lived, but absolutely gorgeous.
Ken grabbed a picture of all 3 grandchildren on the blue car. They seem anxious to have summer be here, hoping to get in the pool soon. After the glorious weather this weekend, I think it will be soon.