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Good times....

So, I just came back from a great and memorable time with my family... though it was a sad time for us with Papa passing away, we celebrated his life and enjoyed telling some really good and funny stories about him. It was good to remember all those times we had with him as kids. Teags and I had a great time with the family- we missed our other family, but we made out okay! Going away always makes home seem so welcoming, though... I got back and Chris' work had put out a newsletter, and they introduced him as part of their team in it- so I thought I would post it so you could all enjoy.... as far as other news in our world- alyx is spending some time up here in the detention center- we will know more and keep you posted in the next couple months, but for now, she is safe and we know where she is. Callista just got back from a really fun fishing trip with her Papa, Grape Grandma, and Grandma... she caught soooooo many fish, I don't know what to do with all of them! She had a great time and loved being with her grandparents (and having them all to herself!).... Chris stayed home with the dogs and floated the river, had a good time, but missed us alot I think....

So, I just want to let my sisters know how much I enjoyed spending time with them, and my parents... we don't do it enough. Thanks Mom and Dad for having us all home, and I hope we get to see each other all again soon!!!

Well, I guess probably the family all knows, but Alyx got herself into some more trouble, and then she ran away for a few days, but we just found out that she is safe and in custody, safe being the key word here. I can't tell you how hard this is to bear, but knowing that she is somewhere away from all of it makes it somewhat better. I don't think that juvie is the best place for her, but at this point, there is nowhere better for her to go. Anyway- send your thoughts and prayers her way, because she could really use them right now! I know deep down that she really loves all her family and I hope someday this will all be a lesson to her, and that she will grow from it. Here's hoping!!!

These were two of the pic's from this year's Best of National Geographic.... sometimes I totally feel like that poor turtle - Teags thinks he looks "scared to death"! So, we are dealing with pinkeye this week in Teagyn- it's not very fun! But hoping it will clear up in a the next few days- we are supposed to be hanging out with Chris' family this weekend, they are coming into town, so here's hoping! HAVE A LOVELY WEEKEND ALL!

Happy Father's Day, DADS!!!

Happy Father's Day to the two most important dads in my life! I hope this day ends up being a good, relaxing day for both of them.... we were planning on golfing this morning, but the weather is not all that nice- so I think we are just going to watch some golf on TV- which I'm sure my dad is doing also, and then have a nice dinner....

I love you Dad- I think you are the strongest person I know, and an all around saintly guy! Happy Father's Day to you!!!

Missing my family....

I was just reminiscing and missing my family today, after hearing that my sister Amy is good to go- I am so happy and thankful for my wonderful family and sisters.... So, I found this ancient picture (haha) and put it on, since I don't really have any others with Grammy in it too. I hope we can all get together soon, it has been too long... if any of you want to come stay with me and have a vacation, let me know! I love you all and am so happy everyone is healthy and happy....

Callista is ~8~ !!!!

So, I don't have any pictures to post yet, because Chris took them all on the camcorder, so I will try to get some video on here soon- but she had a great birthday! To start with, she got her ears pierced, since this was the magic 8th birthday-keeping in tradition with my family.... She did not even flinch- she is so brave! We also went to school, where she did knock knock jokes in her talent show at school- very adorable! Then we did popsicles at school, and then she came home and took Grandma Jan to her gymnastics class.... this was her last week in her regular class- next week she will start her team! They had a great time watching her, and then we all had dinner and lots of presents. She loved them all, especially her Ipod and I-dog (the fuzzy one)... she also got a tetherball for the backyard that she LOVES, and a slip n slide, cute clothes, lots of earrings, and very cute books and stickers... To Marmee, GG, and Alyx- she really loved her purple fuzzy pencil and stickers- and everything else...

I was pretty excited that for dessert, she did not want a traditonal cake, but picked out black forest parfaits instead- yummy!!! it was really good- the only problem is that today is her last day of school and was going to be her movie/slumber party, but she ended up with the flu!!!
Teagyn had it yesterday and feels better now, but we had to cancel and hopefully we will redo the party next week- so, she sends her love and thanks to everyone and really had a good birthday for the most part- we will make up the party soon for her- it's a bummer to be sick, huh?

Thanks again, everyone- love you!