July 4th, 2010

Happy 4th of July! How fortunate we are to live freely in our homes, surrounded by family and all the comforts that make the USA the country that it is. Hopefully we will always be free, because of the brave. My hearts go out to all the soldiers that are giving me my freedom, and to all their families for giving up so much. Thank you for your sacrifices.

Fun in the Sun

With the unseasonably warm weather of late, and a visit from the grandchildren, we had to take advantage of being out side. The pool wasn't quite ready for swimming, so we got out the hose and a sprinkler. Everyone knows that is all it takes for some fun in the sun.

Run, run, run.

Time for a rest, and getting warmed up.

Don't leave me behind. She ran with the rest of them.

Don't know why, but I really like this picture. The expression on Brooklynn's face.

And Lexy's smile says it all. She said a few times that this was the best day of her life!

Now, these next few pictures are showing what we inherited. Most of us can touch our tongues to our noses. I guess 2 out of 3 got it from me.

Nope, she can't

He definitely can!

Not pretty, but we know where they get it from!

There's that smile!

A few minutes of snuggling, and getting warmed up.And then she is off. Ride, Brooklynn, ride!
All in all, a fun and wonderful afternoon. The pool is now open and they have been in a few times this week. Let the summer begin.

Happy Birthday, Kenny!

Today I got you this beautiful, full rainbow, just for your birthday.

It was only out for a minute or two, but I made sure that it happened today!

And, no, the glow in the sky wasn't from the candles on the cake. I just wanted something special, just for you!

Wonderful Day

Today I celebrate my 54th birthday. I really didn't have much planned, but little did I realize how much I would have in my special day. It started with taking the day off from work. Ken is on vacation, so I thought I would use some of my earned time and share a few days with him. I slept in (7:30) which is a treat for a Tuesday. I got my hair trimmed, did some laundry (you can see this is shaping up to be a wild day, can't you?), and even got to hang the towels out side to dry, another treat. Ken said we would go to Corey's for supper, another treat not to have to fix a meal. I decided I would go to WW and just weigh in, not stay for the meeting, so we could get to Corey's. When we arrived, Brandy said the girls had a surprise in their bedroom for me. When I opened the door, here stood the 3 granddaughters, party hats on, and blowing their party horns. It was priceless. Brooklynn stopped blowing long enough to say "Happy!" The older girls made cards for me with all sorts of special things on them, again, priceless. Gavin and Jen also arrived to join us. Another surprise! We enjoyed some of Corey's chicken on the grill, and salad, and Gram's home made bread (glad I already weighed in!) Then I had the treat of being sung to, and getting to blow out a candle.Now, Dawson is scared that whenever there is any smoke, the smoke detector will go off. You can see he is waving away the smoke before I even got it blown out. But we were safe. One candle does not make enough smoke to set off the alarm. We enjoyed cupcakes by Brandy, and decorated by Corey and the kids. Mine even had some sparkles on it!

I have always told the kids not to get me anything- I have all that I want, and everything I need. But the gift I received tonight was so special. It says so much with 4 little hands, very special little hands. I am so thankful for those 4 little ones, and their 2 very special parents. I am thankful that Gavin and Jen took time out of their crazy days to be there. I know I have said it a lot, but it's true. My life is wonderful, so full, in so many ways, but especially full of love.
Isn't this beautiful?
LOVE

Birthday Party Fun

We celebrated a cousin's birthday over the weekend. Aunt Cyndie did a great job entertaining all the children. Everyone took a turn at blowing bubbles up over a cup. What a great idea! It kept them busy (and quiet) for quite a while. Lexy shows her skills and has quite a flow going.

Kloe got right into it, also. She put everything she had into that straw and the bubbles just overflowed.

Dawson wasn't sure about it at first, but once he saw how much fun everyone was having, he, also, tried it. He manages to pause for a second to show me that great smile.

And, Brooklynn would have won the prize for blowing the longest. She spent most of the party standing on her tip toes, blowing and blowing into the straw, making mountains and flows of bubbles. What fun was had by all.

Lexy's 7th Birthday Celebration

Over the weekend, we had a birthday celebration for Alexys. She is now 7 years old. I made a flower cake for her, and we all enjoyed a BBQ first, then cake, ice cream, and presents.

Uncle Gavin and Jen came to celebrate Lexy's birthday, and to eat some cake!

Corey and Brandy helped celebrate, too.

Mammie serves the cake and ice cream. Brooklynn is hoping that scoop of ice cream is for her.

And she can really put on that smile when she wants something.

Kloe waits patiently for her cake, too.

Lexy gets to lick the candle since it's her cake.

The next pictures of Dawson show his fantastic smile, shot after shot after shot.

He really has a good time.
Papa and Brooklynn get in on the smiles, too.

She is growing up way too fast. Once in a while you can still get her to snuggle, but they are becoming less and less often. She still loves her dresses, and loves to twirl the skirt.

Early Spring?

The kids thought spring was here. All outside, with just sweaters and light jackets on. The sun felt warm on their faces. But the chill of snow hung around their feet, and could be seen at the edge of the lawn. But did they care! Oh, no!
Their cheeks glowed with pink from the chill. But their smiles warmed everything around them, including our hearts.

Bicycles were dug out from storage and balance was looked for, in each push of the pedal, knowing it was there, just needing a nudge to be found.

And as the shadows got longer, and the air grew colder, these grandchildren knew that spring was just around the corner. They enjoyed their taste of spring, and warming sun, and longer days. I hope they are right. No more winter. Much warmer days. More fun outside. Won't be long and we will be swimming!