My Grandma....

...was an incredible lady.  She went to be with Jesus on Friday.  She lived a long (would have been 90 next month) and active life.  Two months ago she was still walking 2 1/2 miles every morning, volunteering, sewing part time, living independently, and driving.  She was sharp as a tac.  She sometimes babysat my kids when I was home.  She was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and quickly deteriorated.  She loved the Lord and loved her family.  She prayed for each of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren daily.  I was able to see her a few times since she was diagnosed.  She said, "I'm ready to see Jesus and see Miles (my grandpa)."  

For anyone who is local, her viewing is on Wednesday evening, and her funeral is Thursday morning.  Let me know if you need more specific details.  I love you, grandma, and I will see you again....

My Grandpa's 90th Birthday!!!

I wasn't sure if we would make another trip "home" before this baby, but when a 90th birthday party was planned for my Grandfather, that was a reason to go.  He is an amazing man, physically, spiritually, and mentally.  He loves the Lord and loves his family.

My mom's amazing talent shown in her fruit tray.

My grandpa with his 5 girls and their spouses.

Yep, FIVE daughters!!!  (back) Reba, Marilyn (my mom), Rachel
(front) Shirley, Miriam, and Grandpa (David Miller)

Paw paw keeping my girls entertained

Grandpa with his brother, Albert.  It was a special treat to have him there.

Four Generations

Strasburg Railroad and Choo Choo Barn

Paw Paw Rich is a bit of a railroad nut, so of course a trip to the Strasburg Railroad and Choo Choo Barn was in order which gave mommy and grandma a chance to do after Christmas shopping.

They had a picnic on the train.

The choo choo barn is a miniature train museum of ginormous proportions.  I love this Amish barn raising scene.

The fire trucks were "noisy."

Love this pic!

Where are MY kisses?

I know...I'm always the one holding the camera.

Wordless Wednesday---Grandparents

Can you guess where we are?

It was a chilly morning, and we, the spectators, were bundled up as we sat by the road.

We are watching my dad in his THIRD time participating in the Got the Nerve Sprint Triathlon.  They changed the course this year, so we were not able to get any pictures of him on his bike (although we did pass him in our van while honking and cheering).

Almost there, dad, keep running!!!

Woo Hoo!!!  I love this shot (thanks Patrick).  How did he do?  Well, he's in a new age bracket this year (since he turned 60).  He placed THIRD in his age group!  AMAZING!  The funny thing is, if he was still in the younger age group, he would have placed second, and only been about a minute behind the winner.  He was almost 12 minutes behind the guys in his age group, so he's got a lot to work on for next year.  ;o)  He was just thrilled to place and beat his times from previous years.

Way to go, dad!  We are SO proud of you!!!  Adeline is still talking about going to "paw paw's race."

Happy Birthday Pawpaw!!!

BOTH of the girls' grandfathers turn 60 this week!!!

Happy Birthday Pawpaw Nolt and Pawpaw Rich!!!  We love you!!!

Gift giver extraordinaire

My dad has evolved as a gift giver over the years.  When we were kids, he would ask "What did you get?!?" as we opened each gift.  We knew our gifts were technically from him and mom, but we also knew he didn't do any of the shopping.  I wonder how many dads DO participate in the buying of Barbies and bigwheels, Cabbage Patch dolls and cradles.

Well, as I approached adulthood, perhaps when I was in college, dad started getting us "dad gifts."  One year I got a new set of hubcaps, since my car only had three (you know you're a country girl when...).  Another year it was floor mats for my car.  The first year I lived in my own apartment, he bought me a toolbox with some basic tools (because it drove him CRAZY when he needed to fix something at my house and I couldn't find a screwdriver or wrench).

I guess he was running out of ideas or just wanted to take things to the next level.  One of the first years I was married, he wrapped a pick axe.  The shape was obvious.  I was dumbfounded.  He sat there with a smirk on his face as Patrick and I unwrapped an antique pick axe.  I tried to be appreciative, but I really didn't get it.  Turns out it was his way of giving us a gift card to his favorite restaurant, Tony's Mining Company....and he wanted the pick axe back.  The next year, he made me a birdhouse.  I had to rip open the top of the birdhouse to get my gift (a gift card to The Bluebird Inn).  It didn't take him a long time to make it.  I wasn't supposed to keep it.  It was just a creative way to give his gift.  Well, this has now become a tradition, and dad's gift is one of my favorites to open.  This was my gift this year...

He traced his own feet for a template and then cut them out of scrap wood.  He painted the toes and put them in flip flops.  The writing says, "Happy toes" and the other, "To Lynn, Merry Christmas, GN" (dad's initials).  I'm getting a pedicure!  Thanks for your thoughtfulness and creativity, dad...I LOVE IT!

Sunday Finest--Grandparent edition

It has been a while since I've posted my girls in all their Sunday finery.

Pat's mom came to visit after church...

and then we met my parents at the harbor for dinner...

This was our best family picture...no, really.

Adeline was mesmerized by the dragon boats...

...but wanted no part in going on one.

B & N had a train display.

...and let's not forget the books!!!