Welcome to the world, Olivia!

We are excited to welcome our new little grand-daughter, Olivia Claire born on June 26th. Eric and Joy had Olivia Friday. She is such a beautiful baby girl and so sweet and little! Rick and I are so happy for her safe arrival. Eric and Joy are going to be such great parents!

Mackinac Island!!!

Where is Rick going on his "60th" Birthday???

Mackinac Island, Michigan

Mackinac Island is majestically set between Michigan's Upper and Lower Peninsulas in the Strait of Mackinac.

Mackinac Island is a premier vacation destination in the United States .Located in Michigan, it is like a step back in time to a place where transportation is limited to horse and buggy, bicycle or foot. Surrounded on all sides by water, it has managed to escape the changes of time. This authentic Victorian setting is preserved and enhanced by a small population of 500 permanent residents and scores of summer residents. When you step off of one of the Mackinac Island ferry docks, you will be walking into an authentic Victorian village. You will experience the hustle and bustle of main street just as it was in the early 1800s, but don't miss the beauty of Mackinac Island's interior, the peaceful lakefront perimeter, and the many historical sites to be found.

http://www.mackinac.com/

http://www.michigan.org/Partners/Mackinac-Island/Default.aspx?link=feat

http://www.mackinac.net/

The Last Clues!!!

Here are the last clues to "Where in the World is Rick going for his "60th"?

10. It is an island!

11. No motorized vehicles are allowed on the island. You get around by horse and
carraige, bikes and walking.

12. The movie, "Somewhere In Time", was filmed at the hotel we are staying at.

I'm sure these clues will give it away....Mandy and Faye got the state right and that it is in the great lakes area! Super guessing!

CWS Fun!

On Tuesday, Ron (Brett's dad) came to stay with us so he and Rick could go to the Arizona State Game at the College World Series. Now the question was whether they would get tickets or not. They have a new online method for getting tickets that season holders don't want. I checked it out all day on Monday to no avail but then late Monday night two tickets came available. They were great seats right behind home plate and a little to the right. The guys had fun and I watched it on TV while sewing. We enjoyed Ron's visit although it was short (he left the next day). How fun to be able to fly when you want to whereever you want!

What is a pasty???

Rick is really trying to figure where he is going...he even had someone from work call me to see if I would slip and tell her...but to her good wisdom she told him that she was siding with Ranae on it and not going to ask me. She called me just to say he was being nosey!!! I had a good laugh!!!

Some more clues...Where in the World is Rick going for his "60th"???

#8. You can enjoy a good "Pasty" as a lunchtime meal.

#9. Coat and Tie/dresses are the attire from 6 p.m. on everyday at the hotel at our final destination.

My Awe-Inspiring Power Walk!!!

Every morning lately, I have looked forward to my 1 1/2 mile walk. It is gorgeous. Two years ago, the civil engineers tore up the grassy area of our walk path to preserve it into a protected environmental area. It left the area looking like a bunch of weeds. Well, it isn't a weed patch at all. It has blossomed this summer into a beautiful area of wild flowers, plants and birds. It is such a great place to walk and the weather has been so perfect for walking lately.

Two new clues!!!

Some of you have gotten pretty close to the place....(and others...well, Nascar racing...Rick??? Pretty funny guess!!!) This is so fun!!! I love keeping Rick mystified!!!

Hint#6: There are sandy beaches, rocky beaches and forests...

Hint #7: Some of the areas are famous for growing cherries...

Where in the world is Rick going for his 60th Birthday???

A few new clues....

Where in the world is Rick going for his great 60th day???

So today as I was driving with Rick to work, he wanted to know what time we were getting back on the June 22nd. Then he wanted to know what time we were leaving from our destination to board the plane. Yeah, well I goofed and told him that the plane leaves at 3:00 but we will be an hour and a half drive from the airport...so (oops) that has to be the next hint!!!

Hint #4 - The final destination is an hour and a half drive from the airport we land at.

Hint #5 - It is Northeast of Nebraska.

Where In The World....

Rick's 60th birthday is coming up in three weeks on Father's day and since the kids can't be here, I decided to take him somewhere as a surprise. He knows that we are going somewhere but he doesn't know where!!! So I thought it would be fun to play, "Where in the world is Rick going for his 60th Birthday???" Every few days, I will give a few hints. If you want to guess, send it via the comments...Hope everyone makes a few guesses!!!

Hint #1 - He will be traveling by plane.

Hint #2 - It is by a large body of water.

Hint#3 - You don't need to use a passport.

Happy Birthday, Jason!

Today is Jason's birthday!!! As a mother, you look back at your children and their childhood and remember all the firsts: the first smile, the first tooth, the first time they walk, their first day at kindergarten, their first little league game and even their first date. I look at my oldest son and see all those firsts and then I see the firsts that he is also experiencing as a parent. I cherish seeing him walking with little Maddie in his arms, the gleam in his eye as he talks about his girls and their school accomplishments, and the way he looks at his young son when Kaiden is walking by his side. It has been a wonderful experience to see all that Jason has accomplished from those early moments and years of life to being a husband, a father and a responsible adult.

Jason, we cherish all those small but great firsts. You are a great son, husband and father and we are so proud of all you have accomplished so far in your life!

We love you!!! Dad and Mom

Jason's 1st Birthday

So adorable at two!!!

The big six year old!!!

Happy Birthday, Eric

Wow, my youngest turns 24 today! That's hard to believe!!! I remember watching him pedal his hotwheel with his two year old legs as fast as he could trying to catch up with his ten and eleven year old brothers, coloring his hair red with Kyle before a soccer game, marching in the Papillion Days Parade playing his trombone, trying out for show choir on a dare and getting in, and watching him knock out an opposing hockey player (I was so afraid he would get knocked out, never thought he would knock out someone else!!!). As he headed off to college it wasn't so hard, he was only 40 miles away and came home often to visit or do laundry but then came his mission. Wow, that was a hard time!!! He was grown up!!! After the mission he met his sweetheart, Joy, began his eternal journey with his lovely bride and soon will be a dad! He has grown into a thoughtful and caring adult with many wonderful attributes.

Eric....You have grown up....but you will always be my cute little boy....I love you!!! Have a Happy Birthday!!!

Eric's 1st Birthday

2nd Birthday-What a cutie!!!

Third Birthday....The adventures begin...

Ten Years old.....What ten year old doesn't love money!!!

Fun and Busy Week!

It was a fun and busy week! First, it was Mother's Day. It was fun talking to my kids. I love them so much and am so thankful for them. I cherish their phone calls, cards and messages. Thank you guys, you are great!!! Monday, we had fun watching Jason and Lacey's kids while they went out for their anniversary. It was alot of fun. They are so cute and delightful! Growing up way too fast! Wednesday night was working at the temple. Thursday, was Enrichment night. Friday was the last day for the seniors at the high school I work at. We had alot of prior students who are now seniors come to say goodbye to us. Wow, it's hard to believe that I have worked at Westside for five years! It was hard to say goodbye to some of these kids! Then last night, we topped it off with going to see "Wicked". All I can say is like Lacey said on her blog, "If you ever get a chance to go, do it." (Lacey, where were you all sitting! We didn't get a chance to see you! Way too many people.) It was fantastic! Made a great week the best!!!

Happy Anniversary to Jason and Lacey!

Today is Jason and Lacey's anniversary! It's hard to believe it has been nine years since we were at the Logan temple attending Jason and Lacey's wedding. It's been great watching them grow together as husband and wife and have such wonderful children!
We love you both and wish you a Happy Anniversary!!!

Mother's Day

Rick is such a great husband! Sometimes quietness is just too quiet so he decide to take us on a drive. We went to Indian Cave State Park! It was fun exploring an area of Nebraska that we had not been to yet. We did a long hike up tons of stairs to view an area where the Native Americans had drawn pictographs on the walls. We also walked around an old cemetary that is in the park. Sorry my pictures turned out dark. Evidentally, I had it on the wrong setting but I thought they were interesting though.

Up the stairs to see the pictographs!

The overlook to the Missouri River and valley!

The Missouri River

A Big Project and Rick!!!

The backyard project has began....(Eric, here are the before pics). The cement blocks were delivered this morning on our driveway. We had two young men come and help move them to the back yard (100 bricks at 30 lbs a piece). They are earning money for camp. Rick was going to move the bricks himself. He is so stubborn (as some of you know). Anyway, he is planning on doing the retaining wall himself. (I asked if I could help and all he wanted was a picture of me moving dirt!) I don't think he believes I would be of much help. But then again I don't think I would trust him sewing or quilting for me either. We will see how it goes....