A few happenings around here.

Finishing up Homeschool for the Summer!

But reading is always encouraged and required, even in the Summer .

But it looks different to each child.

Here's Silas walking the backyard while reading!

                  

Levi and Ila May took dance lessons and learned to swing, walk, and some other dance techniques . 

The finale was the Candy Cane Ball .

They were asked to dress up in colors that reflected candy.

 

(FYI:Working on more blogposts )

Cashing In

Tom and I gave out Gift Certificates for

Christmas Presents, to our four older 

Grandchildren.

It was for an overnight;

Dinner of their choice;

Movie of their choice;

Breakfast of their choice;

Plus lots of FUN!

First one to cash in on his certificate was,

 7yr. old Silas

The first thing he asked to do was to have,

Cinnamon Toast.

SURE!

Silas loves Banjo!

He spent a lot of time with our dog.

Here he is with Papa, taking Banjo for a walk.

When it was lunch time, 

it was a hard decision to make.

[Do I eat in the restaurant, or back at home in the RV?]

Panda Express

was Silas' choice for lunch.

Silas choose to eat in the RV!

But the battery was dead. 

So we came inside.

But that didn't bother him.

This is one very happy boy!

After lunch Silas wanted to go to a park.

But it's not fun by yourself, so he

invited his older brother, Levi.

Then they came back for a few rounds of games.

After a fun afternoon,

we settled down for pizza and a movie.

When it was bedtime,

Silas choose the couch, along with Banjo.

Good morning!

Breakfast time!

Here is Silas making his breakfast.

Cinnamon Toast!

Some of the biggest grapes I've ever seen.

They looked like small watermelons.

This is one very happy boy!

He wanted to eat on the counter.

And of course we said yes.

The things you didn't see were all the hugs and kisses

that were handed out, back and forth.

Fun and cute conversations.

Facetime with mom, 

making sure she didn't miss him to much.

Our mission accomplished!

It was a great time for all of us.

 I don't know who had more fun, 

Tom & I or Silas. 

Love You Silas!

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

"Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity." 

1 Timothy 4:12

 

 

🎵  In The Good Old Summertime 🎵

A day at the Water Park!

When the doors opened, we were one of

 the first, to enter the park.

Our grand kids had us climbing up to the top of EACH slide,

and plummeting to the bottom, with a splash.

I haven't laughed and screamed like that in a long time.

By the end of the day, Tom and I really enjoyed 

floating with inner tubes,

 down the Lazy River!

The temperature reached 

a new high for me!

108!

That's HOT!

Even a church reader board, 

had something to say about the heat.

Ila May loves to bake and she made

these adorable donuts.

They even matched the plate!

Our garden is producing!!!

We have been eating the best salads.

So pretty and delicious.

Here is Silas picking some tomatoes for me.

What is summer without swimming??

Five out of six, grand kids took lessons.

So fun!

Ok...

Just had to add a picture of 

Banjo.

 

We only let him watch HGTV.

~~~~****~~~~

"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."

Romans 8:28

This Is What 5 Looks Like...

Do you remember when YOU were five?

What a care-free time in your life.

This is Silas

  (Mr. Dimples)

Four years ago, 

on his first birthday, he was getting ready for

Open Heart surgery.

Look at him today!

We celebrated his birthday and 

thanked God for 

all the blessings He has shown us,

with each year of Silas' life!

It was a great CELEBRATION!

~~~~****~~~~

"My mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your splendor all day long."

                                              Psalm 71:8

Thanksgiving 2017

 

What does it look like when you have invited

30 people over for Thanksgiving?

 

Kimmy had all the tables set up

and beautifully decorated.

 

Lulu was in charge of arranging the dessert table.

There were all kinds of delicious pies.

And a few cookies, too.

 

Patiently waiting for company.

 

 Kimmy is a perfect hostess.

 

 

 This is the "boys" table,

ranging from ages from 3 to 16.

Tom and I sat here to supervise,

making sure there were table manners.

They all were perfect! 

 

Tom and I arrived early to be

helpful and to hand out  hugs.

It was a hard job but someone had to do it!

 

 Mark reminded us to think about all our blessings

and why we celebrate

 Thanksgiving!

 

Ila May is so excited for Christmas!

 

 

The traditional Thanksgiving picture.

 

 

 

*Before*

*After*

 

The weather was beautiful

and the all the kids

enjoyed being outdoors.

One tradition they have every year,

is a scavenger hunt for the

children.

They call it, Strut The Turkey

 

 It has the kids running all around the house,

from one end to the other,

even on the balcony.

STOP...

picture time! 

In the end, when they find Strut,

 they get candy.

 

 Another tradition...

.... the second meal after everyone has left.

Papa (Tom) is sharing some pie with Isaac.

 

 Clean Up Crew

at the dessert table!

 

Who needs a dog?

 

Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving.

This was one of my favorites!

 

 

~~~~****~~~

 

"We love because He first loved us."

 

1 John 4:19

 



McCall in the Snow

 

It was Mark's birthday and Kimmy

reserved one of our Vacation Rentals, for several days.

So, the day after we got home from Seattle, Tom and I

headed up to McCall.

We got there in time to celebrate and for some sledding.

 

 

Kimmy's form was, Lady Like.

And a lot of giggles.

 

 Me, well, I had the Safe But Fast form.

 

 Here's Levi and Silas.

They buddied up.

 Lulu and Ila May snuggled together.

 

The weather was clear and cold.

 

Kimmy cracks me up!!

She reminded me of when she was a little girl.

All smiles and giggles.

It was so much fun!

 

We had all the kids over for popcorn and a movie, while

Mark and Kimmy

went out for Mark's birthday dinner.

Each child had their own electric recliner.

 What's a movie without popcorn!

 We hung our new quilt

in the Thomas.

 

Both are so beautiful,

hanging from the loft walls.

 

I am so thankful for what God has provided and given us!

 

Blessing to you all!

 

~~~***~~~

 

"And what ever you do, whether in word or deed.do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father, through him."

 

Colossians 3:17