To the Great White North for 9 days

Lots of snow fell while we were in Plymouth from Feb. 5 - 13.  We were blessed to have dry roads driving up on Monday, Feb. 5, and driving back home on Tues., Feb. 13.  We were so glad we were free to go up and help out with Dad after his accident that totaled his car.  He got scraped up some and banged around so is sore and anxious to feel better.

Enjoying Grandpa's birthday party appetizers while waiting on the gang to arrive

Kelly made the best guacamole - with white beans and avocados, tomatoes, cilantro, garlic. . . YUM! I'm anxious to get her recipe.

The five kids were all there for Dad's 91st birthday party Sunday, Feb. 11.  We had his favorite bean soup and cornbread along with the pie n ice cream.  I made a couple sugar free apple pies.

Jessica, Ollie, Heather, and Phillip n Lindsey's twins were all sick so not many grandchildren were there.

He loves apple pie - so got his birthday wish for that!

An icicle that fell off the eaves and was caught Sunday.

Grandpa couldn't bowl due to his left shoulder injury in his accident on Jan. 31 but he enjoyed talking with the guys who play in his league while the three of us bowled on Tuesday.

I love this picture of you, Anne!

The gray 2013 Impala we helped Dad find and bring home on Monday, Feb. 12, from Art Moran Chevrolet dealer 45 miles from his house.

Randy throws a mean ball!

Out for a walk Sabbath morning after 10 inches of snow fell Friday

While it was coming down Friday - we shoveled several times.  All the schools were closed and some businesses too.

Reflections on Ryan's 34th and Amy's 31st Birthdays

It sure doesn't seem like 34 years ago today this little guy arrived on the scene - so much wanted and loved.

Ryan - 16 months

Feb. 2, 1987. . . We felt so blessed.  Now our family was complete - a healthy son AND daughter!  In  her journal, I wrote:  "When the doctor said 'You have a big girl' I started uncontrollable giggling and grinning. . . You've completed our family.  Grandma TJ says you're the frosting on the cake of her four grandchildren.  We're both 'tickled pink.'  . . . you are what we wanted!  . . . When we brought you home the day after you were born, I brought Ryan home from Horniacheks and when he saw you in Daddy's arms, he said, "Is that Amy?  May I hold her?"  He was so gentle and adoring, as his mouth fell open in a broad grin when he held you."

 Here's an entry in the journal we kept when the kids were little that Randy wrote on Aug. 22, 1987:  "You have been very kind and loving to your little sister.  You love doing things for her."

Ryan was 3 and Amy was one month in this sweet cuddling moment.  They got along fabulously as little kids. I think home schooling kept our family close a lot longer than many get to experience.

Amy was 4 weeks.  Ryan was 3.  We took them in for portraits regularly and they were mostly very cooperative.

May 1987 - Amy's first camping trip

At Grandma TJ's one Sabbath.  Ryan never has stayed in his church clothes long enough for pictures after church.

With some of her favorite dolls

Amy - 4 - my budding pianist!

In his room in VA

Feathered and Fabulous Friend Visitors in January

We love watching our yard visitors.

Chowing down!

Smile!

Renee spent this past weekend with us.  Ken was definitely with us in thought.  How did we both go from young mom's to gray grandma's so fast!

Selfie time