40th - Anniversaries

Niece and nephews are helping to remind Cari that she has a birthday - and it is a BIG ONE! It makes her mother feel a little older as well. However, kids love a birthday, and they are anxious to share the ice cream cake.
Another 40th is Terry and Pat's wedding anniversary. Cari was eight days old when they got married. Today we celebrated that marriage with an open house in Nora Springs. Everyone had a great time and it was fun to see old friends.
Mom was able to come for awhile, and she and Betty (Dianne's mother) are greeting the "bride and groom." I don't think Terry and Pat got out of the receiving line until nearly 8:30 - good crowd.
Cheers to WHATEVER! Mom thought she was drinking water! What a surprise.
Drew, Brett and the Charleston kids gathering for a picture with Mom. It had been quite awhile since all had been together with her.
Looks like she is having a good time. She still has her sense of humor.
As we get older it is more difficult to get the cousins altogether for a picture - a good looking bunch!

Happy New Year 2011

New Year's Day the Johnson's and I traveled to Nora Springs. There we met Terry and Pat, Jay, Dianne, and Bailey. We helped Mom celebrate her 87th birthday. We ended our day at Godfather's Pizza.
Brett is pretty interested in sprinkling some cheese on his pizza.
Mom and her three kids She had a good day.
Jay, Dianne, Bailey and me as we were getting ready to leave
The Johnson's and Mom
Dane helped Mom play bingo. We all played - and everyone won at least once. Dane really got the giggles at one point during the day. He was laughing so hard that tears were rolling down his cheeks. One of the residents said something that tickled him.
We were in the recreation room and had the place all to ourselves. We are waiting for Stacy to dish up the cheesecake. I had also brought a big plate of cookies so we had plenty of food.
The other side of the table
Terry gave some instructions to boys on how to play pool. Dane did a pretty good job for his first time at the pool table.

Christmas 2010

We had a great time at Christmas this year. Everyone was able to make it and the weather was cooperative. Thanks Craig, for taking the group picture - wish you were in it as well.
Dane, I have a feeling you should have cooperated with the photographer. He told you to SMILE!
Okay, that will teach you to make goofy faces! Dane is actually laughing in the photo, but he will learn not to mess with his Uncle Craig!
Santa was good to Dave. Being a Steelers fan, he got a jersey with the name of one of his favorite players on the back.
Not sure what was so interesting but everyone seems to be looking at Dave or Craig - who were out of picture range.
This year instead of stockings for the adults, a large basket of "stuff" was put in the center of the room and after the adults drew numbers, they took turns taking goodies from the basket. There were a couple grab bags, and Craig took a chance on one of them. Not a good idea - it happened to be a tie with all the books of the Bible on it. Doubt that will get worn too much.
Well, guess I have that picture in twice - and everytime I try and delete I delete the whole entry so, guess it will just stay.
Drew is anxious to see what is behind all that paper and tape.
After opening gifts there always has to be some time for games. Brett is the game player, and he and Cari were having a game of Memory - guess who won?!
Dane is more into using his imagination with all of his figurines, and he loves to have Cari play with him. It is fun to listen to them make up their game as they play.

Another shot of the "intense" game player.

First Snow of the Season - November 13, 2010

Some parts of the state were not as lucky as we were this weekend - we got measurable snow! Because it is such a wet snow it really was fun to make snowmen and throw snowballs.
Dane got a big ball started for the first snowman. Brett helped him push when it got a little heavy.
They are trying to mold the body and this snowman has no middle - a bottom and a head!
I might add the body is a bit triangular so the head does not fit very well.

Curt decided to help them out and he removed and rebuilt the base of the snowman.

Now its time for the head and a few added features.
Hope Brian doesn't miss his hat when he gets home. We didn't have any carrots, but I did have a hot dog in the refrigerator so we used that as a nose - and we were without any chunks of coal so oreo cookies made good for the eyes - but they broke so Brett came in and got some grapes for the eyes.
Finished snowman!
The boys were so proud of the snowman! Then they got into a snowball fight - so Curt and Stacy took them home and I am sure they are still playing outside - a beautiful day for snow fun!

Des Moines Weekend

Stacy and Rachel decided to run a half marathon in Des Moines in October so I went down and helped Cari and Dave with the kids. We had a "sleepover" while Rachel and Stacy slept at the Holiday Inn - because they needed to get going by 5:30 in the morning. Owen and Macy came over as well as some other neighbors and in the above picture the boys are enjoying a little Chinese cuisine.
Brett is enjoying the toys that Dave and Cari have and Dane loves to play all the video games that Dave has and he loves to use the equipment that goes with the video games.
One of Dane's favorites is the racing game
Drew is happy with his hockey stick!
Dave took the boys to an Apple Orchard while Cari, Stacy and I did a little shopping. They came home with caramel apples, so Dane is sharing his with Reagan.
Dave also organized a flag football game with the neighbors and nieces and nephews. Brett absolutely loved to get in the huddle, and they all made some pretty good plays. It was a beautiful fall day to be outside.
Sorry - I got this picture in twice - and last time I tried to delete I deleted the whole blog - so guess we just have two of the same picture!
Looks like Dane is ready for a little defense.
We went downtown about 9:45 and got there is time to see Rachel and Stacy cross the finish line. Rachel kind of snuck by before I could get a picture - don't know how I could have missed the lime green jacket! They both made good time - right at two hours.
Not sure what is so funny - and Cari probably will not appreciate this picture - sorry Cari - don't know how to take them off!
Reagan is having a quiet moment with Dave.

Drew was glad to see his Mom
The boys were proud of their mom and they liked the medal!
Grandma gets a little cuddle time from Reagan as well.

Reagan and Drew were signed up to run in the 400 meter run in the afternoon. Drew just wanted the shirt - but Reagan ran the whole distance. Next time Dane is going to join her.
He does like the shirt!
We had a great weekend and the weather has been so beautiful this fall - I think the girls have one more run before winter sets in. Good luck!!