first day of school pictures

 We took these on our way out of the house.

 It was a beautiful day, 77 perfect degrees, moving from sunny to cloudy and back again.

 We got some work done and then headed out for the first day of school lunch at Applebees.

We used to get McDonald's and go to the park, but year after years, the bees were so obnoxious we gave that up a few years ago.

Onward.

The second day of school awaits.

love you all, MOM aka GRANDMA

dannell's birthday weekend

 It was a lovely weekend at the lake:

 Here you're working in the kitchen with the dogs all staring you down:

 And here's the weird thing about you and me--

How many people are currently raising children at the same time their mother in law is?

Not very darn many.

Being a grandparent in this situation is odd too.

But love and tact and patience are our friends.  Especially love.

And there is no lack of that, for sure.

 Sweet Dannell?

We all love you very much.  And we know how much you love us.

Thanks for falling in love with John, coming to this family, and being ours.

Happy Birthday.

With love forever and always,   Val and Jay and Everybody

pictures from the weekend

 Julia's up!  On two feet!

love, Val

six years of you

 You stole my heart, Buddy.

A long time ago--six years ago.

 I didn't realize hos much you and your baby sister look alike until I saw this old picture. That was HER same face, just a few months ago, eyes as bright as glass.

 I love this sweet picture:

For a long time, you came to our house all the time and stayed with us.   There were lots of long days, snoozing on the big red couch, playing on the patio, watching Price Is Right and Cars.

 And there were plenty of Moo Jrs:

Okay, here's a true story:

Sweet Buddy, we love you beyond all sense.   The whole family is better because of you.

Happy Birthday with love for today and always,

love, Grandma and Grandpa and Everybody

thursday

love, Val

september wednesday

 It was steaming hot yesterday, and then stormed overnight.

Today is hazy, hot and damp.

The morning was long and quiet, and we're looking forward to the long weekend before school starts next week.

September's looking fine.

love, Val