Traveling Legs!

I thought and thought. . .could we make another trip to the Midwest?  If air travel plans went easy, it would be a heavenly sign.  My first call to United made the arrangements easy,  that is, super easy!
Then the time seemed to stand still. I reminded myself,  one day at a time!  Now, a month later,  we made it and managed to see all the family and several special friends!  It's amazing how fast all those wonderful moments became wonderful memories!  I don't know where to begin so I just put off this assignment of giving you a glimpse of our super trip!  Traveling Michigan and Indiana,  we had to explain the Cadillac Escalade supplied by cousin Charlie! a very comfortable ride!  But in Texas,  we traveled by boat as you note! and yes, I really did catch the only keeper this time out and I think it was a 10 pounder even thought Roly wouldn't weigh it!  Everywhere we went everyone prepared gluten free meals!  What a treat and exceptional flavors and fellowship. You will note,  Evan, Blake, and Roly - Kim, Tom & Tammy, Rick,  and  Holly and Joe.  We had a great time with high school and college friends and our many wonderful family friends in Michigan.  I have laid aside my picture taking assignment of the past and will be relying on all your phone photos for the future!
Blessings to All!     (click on photos to enlarge)

August - Birthday Month

Payton joined the Texas Birthday Gang but decided to celebrate in Ireland while Joe, Zack, Blake and Evan partied with the "Longhorns".  Of course, Texas cousins, Alice and Annie, joined in the fun.  The old men don't pose for photos anymore but the kids do! But age doesn't keep us from enjoying birthday remembrances.  After all, it's our special day and all of us are special!  Congratulations to all you August birthday specials! (click on photos to enlarge.)

The Grass is always greener in Ireland

Jana and Payton decided to make a quick trip to Ireland and as you can see, the color green is everywhere.  We haven't heard much but the photos look like fun and a wonderful time!  

(click on photo to enlarge)

California Luke

Talk about gaining weight,  Luke has more than doubled since entering the world competition!  Lori made a fast trip to pick up Amanda and Luke and just arrived in Oregon.  His first trip north was greeted with lots of fond smiles!  You can almost see his brain processing information overload!  We soon forget that all of us started the same way and as the years go by, our childhood fades away and it seems that we've always been adults.  Just imagine yourself learning to talk and walk.  Just be thankful that you were loved, held, fed, kept dry and all the wholesome things that helped you grow up!  We forget that someone helped us grow up too!  Great grandma and I still remember how to talk to and hold these little people.  Loving is something we become and something we impart to those we touch.  (click on photo to enlarge)

Sheep Herdder

Once upon a time two Texans  entered the Gulf of Mexico from the shores of Alabama looking for something to eat.  Grandpa Roly was not having much luck so he handed the pole to Blake and he cast on the other side of the boat and caught the head of a sheep better known as a Sheephead! This sheep was almost as big as Blake and was the prized catch of the trip!  When you start losing your touch, just pass the pole to your kids or grand kids!  It looks like you have enough fish for a month and understand you've already had your first meal!  Congratulations Blake for a Great Memory!
(click on photo to enlarge)

BRADY GRADUATES

Brady, like all of us, decided he wanted to become independent and like all of us, made plans to leave home.  His first plan was to get ready to move into his own place.  His next step was to graduate from Hi School early.  Then he began looking for a job!   Remember those days??  He found a job and took extra classes and has now graduated this past December! His next is additional schooling to become an electrician!  We were honored to attend his graduation celebration! Friends and family joined Jana and Paul's families at one of the best Pizza places in town and had a great time wishing him well.

CONGRATULATIONS BRADY! (click on photo to enlarge)