Fourth of July Week and beyond. . . . . .

Who doesn't love fireworks? Certainly not this little boy. Excitement times 10.
Riley was in charge of "lighting" the above fireworks and he did a great job. No children were injured during this activity. We had fun swimming, eating and generally celebrating.

Fast forward to yesterday. Nick and the girls arrived for a weekend of fun and cousin bonding. Some of you may remember last year at this time-------we all gathered together for a sweet time for a few days before Cris passed away. I decided it would feel good to repeat the bouncy house/water slide in the back yard. Not all cousins were here but we still had fun.

This one does NOT like water activities but DOES like ice cream.

Here's the group minus Clara who fell asleep on my bed.

We did crafts----lots of crafts.

I LOVED every minute of it.

Who doesn't love American Girl dolls? Nobody.

Such good buds.

The princesses.

The bouncy house/water slide.

We visited the cemetery this morning.

Look at that face. . . . . . makes me smile.

Never a Dull Moment around here. . . . . .

I present to you---Skeeter--in the blue chair, circa 15 years ago. He thought he owned it and it was his favorite place to lounge.

Fast forward to yesterday. WHAT the HECK?? I was giving design/decor advice to some friends (cuz I'm good at it) for thier high school film class. They're building an "apartment" in which to film and have gathered junk and furniture and needed some help. I walked in---and couldn't believe my eyes!!!! The BLUE CHAIR. We gave it to Memzy and Shed who used it for several years and they gave it away to who kows who!!! I will call this---"The circle of life". Still laughing about it.

As promised--Liesl's birthday pictures. She and I made the cake and her mom decorated it exactly as she requested. She loved it.

Art supplies for her birthday. Life is good when you're 7.

I think I'll call this photo "The Dog Whisperer". I think it speaks for itself.

And this is my little surfer dude all decked out and ready to play. He can't get any cuter.

June is full of birthdays.

First it's Charlie who turned 7 (going on 12). Charlie is one of the funniest 7 year olds I know. The things that come out of his mouth are usually very entertaining.

Example#1: While swimming in the hotel pool on vacation, Sherod asked Charlie if he wanted to be thrown in the air . He did NOT. Sherod, "Why Charlie, you used to love it". Charlie, "People change".

Example #2: Yesterday at Emily's soccer game (see below) Rue wiggled out of her harness and ran away. I could see this unfold in the distance and knew he was hysterical. He came running across the park (almost colliding with soccer players on the field) . Sherod cut him off--sent him over to me--and went to retrieve the dog. Charlie was sobbing, devastated and knew the dog was lost forever. I reassured him, "Don't worry, Rue has a gps computer chip that will tell us where she is and we will most certainly find her." Charlie sobbing loudly, "But does my Dad have an app for that". Hilarious.

He had a great birthday.

Owen turned 9 and ALL he wanted was an I-touch. His parents educated him on how much they cost and that he would have to save his money. He then asked both sets of grandparents if "cash" would be his birthday present. Sure--no problem. Mom and dad made up the rest and he was THRILLED!!!

Liesl's 7th birthday is tomorrow and she's psyched. Report will come later.

Emily's 36th birthday did not slow her down AT ALL. She plays in a community co-ed soccer league and loves it. I watched the game last night and was thoroughly entertained. Sherod is the team's motivational half time speaker. Last nights pep talk came from the movie "Any Given Sunday" with Al Pacino. Can you say AWESOME. He knows how to pump up the team and they only lost by 2.

Do NOT mess with this chick.

Sooooo close!!

There is no sacrifice too great.
And last but not least--Cris' mother (Gramma Rogers) 90th birthday is June 30th. She lives in Virginia close to John and he takes such good care of her. He just took her to England for two weeks and they had a great trip. She's in good health and enjoying life. Happy Birthday Mom.

Beautiful Ballet, beautiful grandchildren, beautiful mountains. . . . .just plain beautiful!!

June is recital time and I LOVE it. LOVE it. Brings back so many fond memories of my girls and the hours of rehearsal, make-up, costumes, etc. (Bella and Tasha's recital is in July and yes, there will be more pictures) I could insert photos circa 1980's but I shall resist, for now.

Here's little Miss Liesl ( mini-Becca) at her recital. ::wiping a tear from my eye::

And in Oregon this beautiful ballerina, and I mean BEAUTIFUL, was performing. Some dancers enjoy dancing, love it even. But then there are those that are BORN to dance. It's like the music becomes a part of them and they are the story. Tears welled up as I watched Christine dance. Gave me chills.

Can you tell she's now taller than her mom?

And then there was this little "dragonfly". She was adorable with a smile that beamed.

I do love my ballerinas.

Papa would have been so proud.

On to other attractions. First time visiting Crater Lake. Unbelievable.

Yup--still lots of snow up there. Rachel striking her pose.
The color of the water is amazing.





And Mt. Ashland
That's Mt. Shasta way in the background.





Other points of interest--Kevin and Tracey moved in to a new house two weeks ago and it's wonderful for their family. More room for 5 kids and all their talents and interests. They've worked very hard for a long time and I'm so happy for them.




An awesome kitchen,
The great room and much more. I took tons of pictures but won't post them all.



Ricky and Rachel's favorite spot--snacks at the fountain.

One corner of the back yard.

All in all, it was a great visit and I miss them already.

This 'n That

I've been on an "organizing" kick with my digital photos and videos which has stirred some fond memories. Looking back over the last 7 years of digital history reminds me of all the good things in my life. And it also makes me wish I had more video of Cris. We were always so busy documenting the grand kids and should have turned the camera on Cris more often. It's fun to listen to his voice. This first video was taken at Avila Beach September 2009.


December 2009

This is Luke playing short stop--looking so much like Kevin at that age.
Cris coached Kevin's team in 1986. See the resemblance? For sure.

This is Grahammy Bear---just having a beverage (empty can--no one year olds were given Coke products)

Owen's first Pinewood Derby. 2nd Place out of 15. He was soooooo excited.

That's an awesome car.

School is almost out for the summer--kids are home--lots of activities and vacations. I need more posts people. Catch me up.

Grahammy Bear is ONE.....Mercy

Our little Grahammy Bear turned one on Monday and it was a happy/sad day for everyone. There's something monumental about that first birthday. The official end of the "newborn--infant" stage and the beginning of the toddler stage. Case in point---this picture of a true dude packing a water bottle instead of a sippy. Do not mess with this toddler. You will not win. He has a way of winning your heart and making you do anything to make him happy. . . . .and he's walking everywhere----fast.

His very own birthday cake with free reign on how to eat it.

Balls of all shapes and sizes was on his wish list. He's obsessed with balls.

BTW--he loves his mommy and objects if she leaves the room without him.

Happy Birthday big boy. We love you.