spring at the cabin

This bleeding heart was from John and Dannell's front yard.

The sunshine on the water is so uplifting.

Dani ran straight into the lake, happy to be there.

We were told last spring that Bernese are not necessarily water dogs, but if they're introduced to it early, they don't mind it.  We put effort in last year to encouraging her in the water, feeding her treats, telling her how wonderful she was, playing with her in the water.

It worked!

John was there, and so were one of the brothers and some of his friends but unfortunately I didn't get one picture of the fearless fishermen.

This girl was there and I think she was a bit bored. We're not very exciting, but she makes her own excitement too, worked on some art, kept company in the nicest way.

She was also present for the holy disaster where Dani killed a squirrel.   I let her do it, tossed the leash loose. I thought it'd run up a tree and laugh, but it didn't.  She got it by the tail and threw it high in the air. It was an awful scene. 

Poor squirrel. He was just doing his squirrel thing in the woods, didn't deserve that.

When we got home, Dani greeted the cats casually, "Hey, what's up?"

She could toss them ten feet in the air, but no.

I do not understand.

But it was still a really nice weekend.  Love you all, MOM aka Grandma

happy birthday sweetie

It was fun to surprise you last night.  It's always fun to be together.
 

We hope today was a wonderful birthday and the year ahead is amazing too.

We appreciate your sense of humor and ambition, the soft spot you have for little ones.

You've brought us so much happiness these last SEVENTEEN years.  How lucky we all are.

Happy Birthday,   Love, Grandma and Grandpa 

happy birthday you beautiful girl

 Look at that smile.

Grandpa's birthday buddy, nothing better!

Cousins all around

And right in the middle of your family.

We are so happy you're ours.  You've brought us so much happiness, can't imagine life without you.

Happy Birthday and best wishes for a fabulous year ahead. 

Love, Grandma and Grandpa 

a little more football

The little brother had a game at another university near the first game. Beautiful campus, and it was a gorgeous afternoon.

Lots of love, Grandma

 

football

The game was in town, so John posted the date and time, and lots of us were able to be there.

Perfect weather, concession stand for the kids, and they even won.  It was a great time.

And there's the group photo:

We love you, Buddy   

Love, Grandma and Grandpa and Everybody
 

a little flag football

We dropped off Dannell's birthday gift and got to see a flag football game too.

Dani was kind of distracting, but she liked it.

Love, Grandma and Grandpa
 

happy birthday dannell

Your birthday is always the most distracted week for a teacher, first week of school.

But we didn't forget!

I hope the year ahead is full of laughter and accomplishments and so much fun.

Happy Birthday, Sweetheart!

We appreciate your patience and kindness and hard work, and we sure do love you,   Val and Jay and Everybody
 

first communion

Beautiful morning for a first communion, and so glad we could all be there with you.

Love, Grandma and Grandpa