2009 AUGUST -- CELEBRATING ELLA'S 93RD BIRTHDAY

We had Leighton, Judy, and Ella for dinner yesterday. Ella wanted to see my new kitchen, and we wanted to have them for dinner, so we killed three birds with one stone -- including Ella's birthday! Ella turns 93 Sept. 6th, but we hope to be in Russia then on our river cruise. So we had a birthday cake for Ella and celebrated early! HAPPY 93RD BIRTHDAY, ELLA!

2009 AUGUST 31 -- OFF TO SCHOOL!

Today was the first day of school. Paxton was all excited about riding the bus with Ellie & Ava. They all were excited about school starting -- Ellie in 4th grade, Ava in 2nd, and Paxton in 1st grade. Shaelyn wasn't very happy about being left behind and cried when they left! She will miss Paxton while he is at school all day. She is used to having him and Ellie & Ava to play with.

Paxton ready to go

















Ava & Ellie ready to go














Waiting for the school bus














Shaelyn joined the school kids

Lined up for the bus

Off they go!













3 munchkins in one seat.
BYE!












Even Grampa couldn't console Shaelyn after the kids left on the bus!

2009 AUGUST -- ROXY THE PARAKEET

After Brad picked up the girls from being here Friday night and Saturday, he took them to the pet store. They have been begging for a parkeet for ages. Ava picked out the lavender parakeet, Ellie chose the name Roxy, and Dad got the cage and all the supplies. They were all "happy campers"!!! Ava said, "Pinch me and see if I am dreaming! ....... Nope, it's real! I can't believe it!" Ellie and Ava are so excited. And Shelley had a "nice surprise" when she got home from her day in Boston. So Roxy was the center of attention all Sunday afternoon when we were there for Brad's birthday. "He peeped!" "He's playing with his toy!" "I got him on my finger!" ..... etc. etc. etc. Fun! The dogs don't know what to think of this critter invading their space. Fortunately the cage is up on top of the computer cabinet where the dogs can't get at it.

Brad got Roxy on his finger

2009 AUGUST 25TH -- HAPPY 31st BIRTHDAY, BRAD!

HAPPY 31 st BIRTHDAY, BRAD! Shelley had the whole family for dinner on Sunday to celebrate Brad's birthday early. Delicious steak dinner with good ole southern fried okra and all the fixin's with fresh strawberry shortcake for dessert!

Happy Birthday!

Brent's family

Brad's family

AUGUST 2009 -- GRANDKIDS

Friday night Ellie & Ava came home with us and had a "sleep over". Paxton came and joined them in the morning, and the three of them spent the day. Of course we had to bake cookies and devour a few of them. They each made up their own "office" and had their own businesses. First Ellie made each of them a mailbox, and each decorated their boxes. Next they wrote letters and filled their mailboxes so each had mail to read. They each made up their own "office" and had their own businesses, Ellie at one end of the kitchen island and Ava & Paxton at the other end. Ellie had a bookmark shop, Ava a card shop, and Paxton made kites and airplanes. They kept busy at that a good share of the day. After lunch they had to go out and try flying the kites. Not enough wind, so upstairs they trooped and turned the big fan on high for their wind. They seemed to have a great time! It was a fun day for Gramma too!

Ellie at her "office"













Ava at her "office"













Paxton at his "office"













Paxton, Ava, Ellie, & Shaelyn














Ava & Ellie













Paxton & Shaelyn

AUGUST 2009 -- CONVENTION TIME

We enjoyed having Warren & Sue Wainwright (CA) and their son Scott, Anders & Joyce Lewis (WI), Carl & Ester Gillis (MA), and Dana & Marilyn White (NY) stay with us during convention this year. Had such great visits around the table at breakfast and in the evening! Wonderful convention and fellowship!

Warren & Sue,
Anders & Joyce

Scott