Monday, August 29, 2011

Kevin Had A Birthday

That was rather bittersweet, for me. This was the year that he turned 21, (on July 4) a day that my mother had looked forward to for many years! Mom has been gone from this earth for nearly five years. She so wanted to show him all the ropes, and see his thrill the first time he was able to pull that arm down, or push a button whatever it may be. I was not happy that she was not here to get her wish, so I was happy to have Nicole in town to send along with Calvin so I didn't have to go (she got to take the pictures for me, as I felt I would look rather silly sitting at a machine with tears running down my face) plus I got alone time with the grandkids! From the picture's I think his grandma would have gotten a kick out of his first gambling experience. Kevin showing off his casino card.Dad showing him you have to take money out of your wallet to put in the machine.
He hit a little something, oh boy!

putting the ticket in to get his money out.

Just like his sister, take the winnings and run . . .

Kevin has been gambling a few times since then, today we went again. I decided that it was time for him to learn video poker as that was one of grandma's favorite's. I'm not a very good teacher, if I understand something, I just figure every one else does also. I kept saying things like" what two do you want to keep," meaning the pair, Kevin thinking the "2". Then I figured it out and saying "the one's that are the same", well, that worked until he got four hearts and I was saying no keep the hearts. Poor kid was like the same what? Make up your mind the shapes or the numbers? He was down to his last dollar, put his hand up and said, "I do it myself, o hey?" I figured OK do it yourself. He did it and got it right, by George (pun intended) I think he's got it!
I must say that after five years I still miss and think about my mom every. single. day. Usually with a smile as the memories are great but, today as I write this, it is with tears, because as much as she wanted to be here for this milestone of my boy's, I want her to be here also. To my children who I've always taught life isn't always fair, here is a prime example.
Now to those of you who still can, GO HUG your MOM!

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Isa Swims



Well, I should have posted this a while back! Hopefully Isa will enjoy it just as much now.



Sunday, August 21, 2011

Happy Party Day, Grace E.!!!

Well, Miss Grace E. you're two!! Leaving the baby years behind and becoming a toddler. I loved spending a solid (but short) week with you this summer and showing you Las Vegas for the first time (just don't forget to come back soon, there is still lot's to be seen)! We went over to Uncle Kevin's girlfriends house to go swimming and you loved it! We couldn't turn our backs on you or you'd be diving in.
Your grandpa fixed you dippy eggs for the very first time, you loved them!
You loved the dogs, and the dog loved you.


You loved your snuggle time with grandpa.
When we go to Disneyland you had so much fun with all your cousins! It was a lot of fun for me to watch all my grandchildren interact with each other and have so much fun.
You enjoyed hanging with Miss Sara.
And on your daddy's shoulder's.
All the cousins together for an attempt at a group shot . . .
The first ride you and mommy went on together. I had the pleasure of taking you on your first Disney ride which was the garbage dump spin around thing in Bugs Land. It was fun for me to see you refuse to go with your mom, because you wanted to stay with me and ide, ide, ide!
You also got to enjoy a couple of meals with the character's (because you were under three your were free). I must say for the most part you wanted nothing to do with them! The Fairy Godmother was OK I think because she wasn't really a character.
You sure didn't like this guy!
I think this is one of my favorite's! You and Isa, just enjoying the view.
Your fam. with the red M!
Hope you enjoy being two! Continue having fun, and being the sweet little toddler that I know you are going to be! We love you lot's!