May in North Carolina, 2015

We were able to celebrate two birthdays in NC this year. Since it had been nearly a full year since I had seen our Cowboy, who was turning 12, it was quite wonderful to see how close he is to being a man. You can see that part of him emerging. There is more maturity (although a LONG way to go) and of course he was quite a bit taller than last summer. But still not taller than me yet. 

The pictures I took are still to come . . . will be added later! 

Some of the highlights
Taking care of JR for a while.
Seeing D again so soon after his recent trip to see us at Easter.
Visiting the horse barn and seeing Lulu ride.
Watching the kids at the pool. 
Partying with KN who threw quite the bash in the front yard.
Seeing some old friends from Norway who conveniently live nearby.

Spending time with the kids and grand kids is a joy in and of itself. Nothing has to be done, no where has to be gone to, just being with them is enough. I love those little people. 

One thing I learned is Apple is pretty protective of their photos and makes it nearly impossible to rotate. I did research and found this to be widespread. Ridiculous. I took these selfies and after many steps, are still upside down, but I remember being right side up. 

My mom will have to lock her screen and flip her iPad to see them right side up. Go mom, you can do it. 

Sometimes I find my well behaved, well parented grands are  . . . NORMAL. 

Who doesn't remember horsing around and squishing the little bro? 

Relay for Life

Some of our Relayers. 

I am a life long Jazzerciser, starting in 1979 and even Jazzercised overseas. Our group participated in a Relay for Life and raised an amazing $4000 plus! I just wanted to remember. It was a fun event. Hubby got a luminary for me and I took a picture of one of our friends luminary who went through lymphoma treatment shortly after I did my leukemia treatment. We are both in remission! 

We had a LOT of luminary out there. Hubby's parents, my dad and many friends and relatives that have fought the fight.  Someday I hope to not learn of any new folks who need prayed for. Don't like cancer, what it to go away. Why I did the Relay. I personally only managed 14 laps that evening, it had been a long day. Would have LOVED to have walked for the whole event. 

D's visit - SUNDAY

Today was Gare Bear's BIG day! 

He was baptized in the name of the LORD!

D does not attend a liturgical church and I found it fascinating to watch him watch what was going on. The Pastor's wore robes and there was definitely some fancy stuff going on, especially around preparation for communion. He was watching intently. He also thought is was a very fast church, which I thought was hysterical. I have been to his church, it's not THAT long, but then, he also attends Sunday School and this was new and different, always more interesting. D often said stuff like that, that made me smile. Love that boy. Love them ALL! 

Our handsome, precious new grandson! He is one yummy little man.

We all gathered after church to share breakfast together. 

Gare Bear's God Parents, his Aunt Dewey and Uncle N.

D had the BEST vantage point for watching all the picture taking.

Gare Bear's grandparents. We have known them since 1989!

Oldest with her In-Laws and neice.

D being a "baby" with his cousin. What a card.

Giving us a smile. Love these people!!

Dewey with her friend S who came in for our special weekend. 

S getting caught photo bombing, can't sneak anything past D.

Two sweeties, aren't they CUTE! YES!!

Gotta have "the originals" if they happen to be together. 

Son-in-law with his sister, niece and SON! What a lucky guy. 

Gare Bear is LOVED by ALL! 

God Bless you forever.

After an early and long morning, we got back to the house to see if there had been any Easter Bunny action. D had been so patient. The weather made the whole venture iffy, but D checked around and found some eggs hidden in the back yard. The look on kids faces reflects the magic of childhood. You can just tell how he is feeling. 

 

And inside the eggs, D's favorite food group, sugar!

D was also really interested in playing school. It was definitely his version and I just went with it. Apparently everyone in the class is expected to rest and I was always called forward to do some special project with the teacher. 

Here we are putting on a concert.

Then he called his daddy and Grandfather in to participating in a concert.

Then a rousing game of musical chairs. 

Later, Aunt Dewey stopped by after taking her friend to the airport. D had noticed my exercise balls and who better to show him the many uses than his Auntie. D showed his incredible fitness and balance skills. And he had a LOT of fun. 

Velcro watching the action from the sofa, his favorite vantage point. 

Daddy, Grandfather and D gave Grandmother Nanut (me) a little break and went to the play park. Hope to add a picture or two eventually. 

Pizza for dinner. 

And a little after dinner dancing! 

Such a fun and VERY special day with family. Easter, a baptism and plenty of time together. It just doesn't get much better than that. 

Thanksgiving

This year we decided to invite my AR brother and sister-in-law to our home for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. My sister-in-law, who I have known since I was 14, had folks who could cook, and she really likes the turkey, dressing and other dishes associated with Thanksgiving. So that is what we did. We then invited their son and his new wife, who had their little wedding ceremony in our home. They said YES! It was our year to host our girls as well. I think we have a party! Then, to my surprise and delight, my oldest brother and his wife asked if they could join us. YES! YES! YES! Of coarse! So we had a house full. The guest room, the sewing room with the blow up Queen and the sun room with the queen sofa bed were all put to use. We had a dozen during the day and eight at night. I didn't hear any complaining, so I guess everyone was comfortable enough. I know I was one happy camper! It was so wonderful, as we are the ones who live away from every one else, so having folks come this way is a special treat, and this Thanksgiving was a great treat. Fun had by all. 

There were games.

And sitting around with devices

And EATING!

just tilt your head a bit - I tried everything

 And talking.

SO VERY thankful for my family, my friends, my home, and the gifts I have been given from above. AMEN!

Family

It is always good to see family, even when the occasion is not good. Family is what gets us through the tough bits. LOVE.

 A cousin, my mom and my youngest brother.

 My sister-in-law and three of her grandsons.

 Lots of us at breakfast. 

 At my cousins home with my aunt, uncle and cousins. 

 Sis-in-law, me, sis-in-law, cousin and aunt.

 I guess we DO look alike. AUGH!

 Uncle, brother, brother, brother, mom, aunt and mom's cousin.

 Sis-in-law, and oldest bro with their son and two grandsons. 

 Two nephews, brothers! 

Sis-in-law with youngest brother. 

And these are only a FEW in the family, what a lucky girl I am.