Mt Ranier

We flew into Washington on Tuesday to spend time with our friends Charlene and Pat on the way to Alaska. They treated us to a wonderful time in a chalet at the base of Mt Rainer. It was back in the woods and absolutely wonderful. Warm, comfortable beds, a fire pit to roast our hot dogs and marshmellows and a hot tub to sit in and relax tired muscles after hiking on the mountain all day. We stopped and hiked to rivers and a waterfall along the way as we drove up the mountain. We went as far as we could go to Paradise. From there snow and more hiking trails waited for us. At that point I wished to be a mountain climber so I could climb to the summit! Words do not give credit to the beauty of the mountain. I will post as I can, today is a day to spend in Seattle before we fly into Fairbanks later today. Not sure what internet service I will be able to access.

Sky Watch Friday

Happy Sky watch Friday! Here is one of our wonderful Texas summer sunsets. The color makes me think of and feel the heat of the day.

This week has been full with the beginning of summer activities. My son began work and then had to take off work for at least the next week with mononucleosis. Starting to earn and save money for collage in the fall will be delayed a bit. My daughter finished her orientation and will begin volunteering at the local county hospital next week.

Despite the activity, for me there is something joyful in the summer; hot days, cool water, either swimming or tubing and extra time in the day to enjoy it all.

Please check out the wonderful photos on Sky watch Friday!

Joey

This is a special member of our family Joey. He is a mix breed my son Taylor found for my daughter Tori on day in the front of the local church here in Marion.

Truth be told he runs the house. LOL

While we were building a deck on the house, he wanted to be part of the action. He did not like being left inside, so we kept him tied up so we wouldn't worry about him getting in the way.

He is very sweet and lovable.

Please check out Camera Critters at the link on the side of the page.

You can see some wonderful critters!

Sky Watch Friday

Taylor has graduated high school and all of the family that came to share in the celebration have left. The quiet in the house seems strange after all the activity. I miss it.... the grandchildren and everyone talking at the same time. :)

I took this the morning after everyone left this week. The stillness of the morning and the coolness in the air was very soothing. It is hard to imagine the day temperature went into the high 90's. Texas summers are tricky like that.

Please check out other sky watchers at the link.

Taylor's Graduation Weekend

Proud Oma and Mom with Taylor - MHS 2009 Graduate!

Taylor and friends playing the Texas Hold Em Tournament at Project Graduation. Taylor's brother Jimmy was the dealer at this table. Project Graduation is a parent sponsored party for the graduates. It is a safe, drug and alcohol free place to go and have fun the night of graduation. We bus them in at 10:30 pm and them bus them out at 6:30 am the next morning. They had swimming, karaoke, played pool and poker. Along with other games all night long like the hula-hoop and ice cream eating contest. The theme was "Woodstock" ~ which was voted on by the seniors.

At his graduation party the next afternoon at Landa Park. We had great brisket that Pat cooked, potato salad, macaroni salad, beans and cupcakes ~ made by wonderful friends and family. Pat's mom got Taylor this delicious graduation cake.

Family photo at Landa Park.

This picture has my mom and Pat's mom along with all 6 grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren.

Dawn (Matt's beautiful wife), Cameron, Matt, Jimmy and Taylor are on the back row.

Ashley, Kaitlyn, Oma (my mom), Tori and Maw (Pat's mom) are on the second row.

Kaylee and Mason are in the front.

Thank you Ronnie for being such an awesome friend and taking all the pictures of our whole crew!

It was a long and exhausting weekend, but such a blessing for us all to get together and share in Taylor's moment.

Thank you Lord for making it all possible.