Spring Time Splendor

Bethany had one of the sisters she visiting teaches come for a play day.

Does life get better than this?

Baby Wil

SJ and Wil got a bunny for Easter. Her name is Dots.  She has a 

harness so they can talk or for a walk or stake her out.

SJ and Dots

We've had lots of rain this Spring. One week we thought we lived in Seattle.

But...we have had the most beautiful blossoms we have ever had!

(flowering almond bush transplanted from around the fire pit)

Ground cover brought from Bethany's trailer when she lived in Payson.

Our lilacs  have NEVER bloomed like this.

The only lilac to survive the flood.  Both Sheena and Abby are buried under this bush.

MOTHER'S DAY SURPRISES

Jake and Meghan sent me this beautiful bouquet.

Jake called on Mother's Day from his ship! 

Katie came down for dinner and painted my nails.

Thanks to all who went in on our trip to the Tuacahn in June!
We CAN'T wait!

 A poem by Anna Mitchell :
"Our country fought for liberty. We battled with hope
for peace. Twas courage that brought us victory, so freedom would never
cease.  It's the land of my birth, a place I'm proud to cal home.  The greatest
nation on earth with beauty wherever I roam.  Upon a pole so great and tall, a
flag will blow for all to see-a symbol of freedom to us all.  It's so special to me.
America is strong and resolute, always protecting me from countries that will
dispute my right to be free. Over mountains full of majesty I see my
country stand--a land of opportunity, I love  my home so grand."

 Jake on Deployment

 Jake pretending to have firearms training.

Honorary Ash Grove Luncheon

Ash Grove hosted an honorary luncheon for Dad's retirement on April 26, 2016

The luncheon was held in the A-frame.

It was impressive to walk into a room filled with every available employee.   

That sight was a real tribute and compliment to him.  

They served hoagie sandwiches, chips and drinks. After a speech about Dad’s 27 years 

of service and how the records show the amount spent on major break downs decreased 

noticeably when Dad took over, they asked Dad to say a few words. He thanked 

Ash Grove for a good job that allowed our family to have a good living and then he said, 

“Some of you have given me a hard time occasionally because I have so many kids, 

but I just want to say that there is nothing that brings me more joy that my family.   

I would not give them up for anything.  And…. I also want you to know that when I 

retired, my kids bought me a Bay Liner Bass Boat with a 125 HP motor.”    There were 

some ooo’s and ah’s and some chuckles as well and they lined up to see the picture 

Dad conveniently had on his phone. :) 

They also served cake and ice cream.  

I didn't get a before shot. :(

This is the nice plague they gave Dad.

The plant the day of the luncheon.

First retirement projects

Dad's first official retirement project was remodeling our main bathroom upstairs.

First he tore everything out. 

This is the disgusting mouse nest found under the counter.

These are the treasures found under the counter.

After everything was out, I textured and painted the walls.

Quality Craft delivered the cupboards.

Then they installed them.

Dad laid tile flooring down next.

Then came the new towel rack, new shower curtain rod, new sink and fixtures and new light.

Come check it out SOON!

The next official project was the swing set for the Wilkins.  

Dad designed it, built it, and installed it.

Installation was well underway when I arrived.

This is the supervising, party group.

Luke and Aunt Bethany

The foreman and engineer.  Is he resting, praying or thinking?

(He was waiting for the welder to cool down!) 

Grandpa and Tyler are back at it.

Tack it down here....

Tack it down there!

The project got rained out prematurely, so the slide will be installed another day.

FIRST  SWING DISASTER! ( May 11, 2016)
Katie was pushing Leia in the swing on Wednesday, May 11th.  Leia
readjusted her hands just as Katie pushed her and out of the swing she
went onto the paving stone brick.  Luckily Bethany was there and she is
good in an emergency. Bethany just said, "Take her and go! I've got the
rest." Janna's comment was, "Bethany is always there when you need
her!!! Like if you happen to have a big, fat  cotton mouth that needs to
be killed, or if you have a dog with lots of big, fat ticks that are
full of blood."  Leia and Katie were both very brave.  The CT scan was
normal, although  Leia threw-up on the way to the hospital.

 You can see that she bit her tongue as well. :(

 Only brave people can do a CAT scan.

Crayons and a sucker fix almost anything. 

 That's right!  EIGHT staples!

Dad went back another day to get the slide put in.

 Do you like Grandpa's shirt?