spring is here

We had hydrangea bushes here for many years and now they're basically dead, not sure why.   Will have to replant, but wondering if hydrangeas are a good choice or not.

This lilac bush was planted about the same time and looks quite dead too at this point.

Hostas are sprouting

Trees!

Spring. 

After all the rain, things are looking up.   Love, Val
 

yelling in bowls

We made a quick trip to the cabin overnight with these guys on Saturday night.

He had a good time, climbed on the table over and over, which is tricky because half the fun is getting  back down and the chairs are different heights and placements.

The bowls were super fun, tossed them all out of the cupboards and yelled in the bowls and colanders.  We laughed, said he must get this from his dad's side of the family.

He puts up with us.

And then Monday, a quiet day in the rain.

So much love, Grandma
 

piano recital and carnival

The piano recital was Saturday morning.   They played well, all the kids did.

It's hard to get in front of people and play--can remember this from my own piano lessons, very intimidating.

They did great.

This was a crazy, comical thing though--the piano bench had a broken leg on the front left side.  It was bending in and looking more and more rickety as the concert went on.  He stopped and straightened it out before he gingerly sat down.

We were so afraid a kid would go flying onto the floor, and then how do you get up and play after that??

Didn't happen, thankfully!

These pics are from the School Carnival we went to on Friday night.   This recital and this carnival were severely under-photographed, but that's life.  The carnival was packed with giddy kids and cheerful staff and families, very nice Friday night.

Cake walk! Donuts were won!

Lots of love, GRANDMA

tulips vs rabbits

Tulips are blooming, as fresh and beautiful as ever.

See the bit stems? The rabbits love them too.

Doggone rabbits.   Can hardly blame them, but still do a little bit.   You wreck all the shrubs over the winter and then in spring attack the fresh blossoms?

Oh well.  It's good to replant once in a while anyway.

And this tulip photo from 1992.

Love, MOM

cousins

Alicia found this surprise, sent it late yesterday evening and we LOVE it so much.

You girls are something. 

Love, Grandma
 

the monday

Monday started out great, had this little guy here, and that big guy I love too.

Dad showed up while we were in the backyard.   Some special effect was put onto this photo by accident.

Wow, that's something.

This baby is falling asleep.

Later we went to lacrosse.

It is an interesting sport.

I sure do not like it when they smack each other with the sticks.

Unnecessary!  Stop that!

Sunset was gorgeous. 

There's our goalie.  That's a crappy job.  Plus sun in the eyes, ugh.  He was a good sport.

And that's the end.

I love you all, Grandma

 

happy birthday!

 

Twelve is starting out to be a great year!

That's an old picture, but I like it.

These are even older, but also good.

I am so glad your birthday was a great day, full of fun and friends at Rainforest Cafe.  

Next year you'll be a teenager, so I hope this last year as Not A Teenager, is fantastic year of adventure and fun, more wild ideas

And wild golf cart rides.

We love you like crazy.  Happy birthday, Darling--love Grandma and Grandpa and Everybody

a quick weekend

It went by fast

Lots of cousins and laughing

A trip to the park and a game of Gaga Ball, which seemed to be a lot of fun.

Cheese curds and laughing in the evening. 

This season seems to be off to a good start.   Love, Val
 

spring monday

All at once it is turning green outside. Tomorrow more rain, should speed it along even more.

This guy was here today. We watched Curious George and did some climbing and playing in the family room.

He was so happy to get outside, ran all around the yard with a big smile on his face.

And then the swing put him to sleep.  After a little while Kari and I got him out of there and he stayed asleep while we tossed him on the couch.

Awww, pretty baby.  He woke up from this hot nap in a very crabby mood, but Dalton was patient and in a little while he cheered up.

Onward to Tuesday.

So much love, Val