Brian's BIG Birthday

Naomi and Julia created a special dance show/play for us; Scott & Brian took an early morning bike ride around the whole city bike trails (22 mi), and we had a celebratory dinner of grilled Alaskan salmon on the patio, followed by the birthday boy's favorite, German chocolate cake! A good time was had by all, but we did miss having Mike, Joan, Ashley, James, & Khristi here.

Overnight in Omaha

After flying in from Tucson, had dinner at Outback with Scott, Jennifer, Naomi, & Julia - shared one of those yummy bloomin' onions! Gotta have that spicy dip, too! We spent the next morning at the GREAT Omaha Zoo, then had lunch and ice cream cones before I drove back to Sioux Falls, missing the four of them all the way home!

In James & Khristi Territory

I flew down for a 5-day visit with the newlyweds and had a ball! I rented a car and was so proud of myself that I know my way around Tucson now. Khristi and I had pedicures together, we ate out at several fabulous restaurants, and all three of us got hooked on catching up on former episodes of 'Lost.' I tagged along while they met with their interior decorator and she showed me everything they've picked out (family room and home office/den so far). It's going to be awesome! I got to ride in and even drive James' fancy new car ~ a Porsche. This is James, Khristi, Timmy, & Henry in their backyard with the beautiful mountains in the background. It was HOT while I was there, but we were still able to take walks and spend time outside - it's a dry heat, you know!!

Exciting News in the Family!

Mike and Joan are expecting their second child in February, the same month that Ashley will turn two. We are very thrilled to be anticipating our fourth grandchild!

Brian went NORTH to Alaska

Brian went on his annual fishing trip to Alaska with the guys. Except for the first day, they had very successful fishing and got their limit each day of the kinds of fish they were out fishing. The ugly fish Brian is holding is a 50-pound ling cod! He said his arms started shaking by the time they were done with pictures because the darn thing was so heavy!! The hanging fish are nice sized salmon. We ate grilled some of the fresh salmon when he got home and it was excellent!

... And I went SOUTH to Omaha!

The girls are happy to see Uncle Eric!

Scott and Jennifer invited me to Omaha while Brian was gone. Had fun spending time with the four of them. Jennifer, Naomi, Julia, and I drove back up to Sioux Falls and spent a couple of days here until Scott joined us. We took the girls to Color Me Mine and they each painted two items, an ice cream cone and a bowl for me. Then the lady who owns the store asked if they'd like to help her create a Thanksgiving platter. She used one of Julia's feet to create the turkey body, and Naomi's hand to create the feathers. They were very happy to help!

Quality Time with Mike, Joan, & Ashley

Synchronized swimming entertainment

W
What a perfect day for the pool.

Major piggyback rides

"Mimi, did you happen to notice my beautiful bracelets from Uncle Eric?"

" I really, really want to touch those butterflies, Poppa!"

Mike, Joan, and Ashley flew in for an 8-day visit and boy did we love every minute of it! Scott, Jennifer, Naomi, and Julia joined us for a 3-day weekend and Eric was here whenever he had time off. It all made for many great moments and memories made together that we will treasure. We visited the Butterfly House, our Zoo, went to the park, set up the slide, sprinkler, and swimming pool, played, played, played, and ate quite a few meals on the patio. Ashley really enjoyed the day Eric and I took her to Color Me Mine Studio where she painted (yes, all by herself) a plate and a bowl. She found her artist within at only 17-months old and had a great time painting!

Fourth of July Fun

Sweet, sweet sister love!

Naomi and Julia are enjoying our front porch swing.

The 4th of July is a big day to celebrate our freedom, but we also get to celebrate Scott's birthday! This year had all the traditional birthday trimmings - golf outing for the guys, sidewalk of flags out front, red-white-blue-wrapped gifts, fun kid fireworks for Naomi and Julia, and an evening of fantastic city fireworks displays. As the displays got bigger and more impressive, Julia turned to her Mom and said, "I am DEFINITELY coming back for this next year!"

California Fun

Scott, Jennifer, Naomi, & Julia enjoying Disneyland

Mike, Joan, & Ashley have fun in the pool

Flower girls with 'attitude'!

Is this the CUTEST photographer or what?

Great Groom's cake

Happily toasting!

Of course, the MAIN event of our California fun was James and Khristi's beautiful wedding (June). There were many other activities ~ parties 3 nights, the wedding, miniature golf at a neat big castle with 5 courses, tour of an arboretum where Ashley loved the ducks, Disneyland, Newport Beach (for Naomi & Julia's first time at the ocean!), and Sea World! We packed A LOT of family fun into our time there. My parents (Nana & Bud to all the kids) were real troopers and went everywhere with us!

Memorial Day Weekend

Mike, Joan, and Ashley flew to Omaha for a wedding and stayed with Scott, Jennifer, Naomi, & Julia. Brian, Eric, my parents, and I drove down to spend the weekend with all of them. It was so great to see everyone and play with the girls. We also went to the Omaha Zoo and a Medieval Festival. It was very hot, but we survived! At times when we are all together, it is so much fun to enjoy our adult kids and granddaughters. We love watching them play and interact!

Eric and his new sister-in-law! Notice what's in Eric's right hand? He caught the garter, so stay tuned to see if it works!!

Here Come the Bride and Groom ~ Khristi and James! It was a lovely wedding: beautiful ceremony, incredible flowers, and fabulous reception. We all had a grand time and the newlyweds are supremely happy!