Happy Birthday, MacKenzie, Noah, Carter and Keegan!!!

It is wonderful having nine grandchildren! This week almost half (four) of our grandchildren have their birthdays! So fun!!! Having grandchildren, as any grandparent would say, is the icing on the cake...It is so different from when your own kids were little. You were always worrying about disciplining, activities, academics, teaching responsibility, showing them love and making sure they have the necessities of life. Grandchildren are the product of your kids and in so many ways like them. You see flashbacks to when you were younger with your little ones (their moms and dads). But as a grandparent you get to enjoy just being with them . Unfortunately, circumstances such as long distances keep you from being able to see them, but when we do it is great fun and moments and we will always cherish those moments.

So we would like to say....

Happy Birthday to Mackenzie....

Kenzie holds a special place in our heart! She is so cute and has a shy little smile that would melt any Grandparent's heart! She will be a big "6" years old on Wednesday. We loved when Jason and Lacey moved to Omaha and lived with us because we got to know her so much more. She is a very gentle, soft spoken and caring little girl.

Grandpa and Grandma love you, Kenzie and hope you have a great day!!!

Isn't this picture adorable!!!!

Happy Birthday, Noah!!!

Noah's birthday is on Friday...He will be "3" years old. We just love Noah. I have to laugh sometimes at him because he is so serious! But we can get a big grin out of him sometimes. He loves his "papa's" (Grandpa Rick and Grandpa Ron). When I went to visit several weeks ago and Stephanie picked me up at the airport...he wanted to know first thing where papa was. You can tell he is always thinking and figuring things out. What a handsome little guy he is!!!
We Love You, Noah....

Happy Birthday to Carter!!!!
Carter will turn the big "1" on Weds. July 29th. It's hard to believe that it has been one year already. He is such a cutie!!! He loves to flirt with you and has such big beautiful blue eyes. He is very good natured and an easy going little guy. He loves to see how things are made and investigate the area where ever he is at. We just love him!!!

Have a great Birthday!!! We Love You, Carter!!!

Happy Birthday, Keegan!!!

Keegan will be "1" on Wednesday, also. He is such a little character!!! He has the cutest grin...and loves to smile with the big grin on his face..What a darling!!! Keegan likes to laugh and and will laugh for a long time. He likes to tease his twin brother. It is so fun watching the two of them interact with each other. There is a special bond there.

Have a great day. We love you, Keegan!!!

Dumb Deer = Headache!

We all know deer are cute and adorable especially Bambi but....one dumb deer can bring lots of trouble and headaches. Rick had to spend the night in Pinedale WY, I had to get a rental, drive to pick him up and miss part of a family gathering. We tried to find out before traveling back to Omaha the status of our car but we didn't find out until a day after we got back that one dumb deer equals = a totaled car!!! We are now officially carless (I loved my Malibu) and trying to figure out how to get the rental back to Idaho and buy a new car! I will say that our insurance company has been great to work with and have helped tremendously! Great job, USAA!

Michigan's Best Kept Secret

What a wonderful trip to Mackinac Island and Rick was even surprised! It was a great "60" Birthday for Rick. He said he didn't even know the place existed. His guess was Maine (I would have loved that but I want more than just two days there!) As it turned out, we wished that we had been able to spend a few more days on Mackinac Island! It is on our wish list to return some day!!! Lake Michigan and Lake Huron are beautiful!!! Rick also loved the letters that our kids and their families sent. It was one of the highlights of his trip to read the notes from family on his birthday and Father's day.
Thanks, guys! We love you!

Mackinaw Bridge connecting upper Michigan peninsula with lower Michigan. World's largest suspension bridge - 5 miles long.


One of the ferrys that takes you from Mackinaw City to Mackinac Island.


Rick on the ferry to Mackinac Island

Enjoying our ride!!! A nice person asked to take our picture!!!

Arriving at Mackinac Island

No motorized vehicles are allowed on the island - transportation is only by horse and carriage, bike or walking. Luggage is taken from the ferryboat and transported to your hotel by horse and carraige.

The Grand Hotel where we stayed. The whole island and hotel is like stepping back in time to another era. It was beautiful.


View from our room and balcony

Dressing up for dinner! Everyone at the hotel has to wear evening wear (coat&tie/dresses) after 6:00 pm

Another view from our hotel room.

View of other side of Island.

Front of Grand Hotel

Happy Birthday, Matthew!

Happy Birthday to our son, Matthew! We have fond memories and cherish in having watched you grow from that cute little blue eyed baby boy into a father of your own with two cute little boys! Thank you for always being so caring and thoughtful to your parents. It's nice to know that you will always call us on Sunday night if we haven't called you yet! We appreciate your calls and all the pics to keep us in touch with you guys and the boys growing moments! We love it!!!

Thank you for being our son! We hope you have a Happy Birthday!!!

A Big Three Year Old!

The Big Sixteen!!!