Thanksgiving Fun

Calvin, getting his stuffin' out of the birdThe bird, isn't she pretty?
Kevin taking pic's

Calvin and John, in their "Cracker" hats. The funny this was after the picture's were taken, Calvin and John were the only ones who continued to wear the hats!

Catherine and Kevin

John and Catherine

John and Catherine brought some Christmas Crackers with them (yes, we know it's not Christmas yet) and we popped them before eating. It was fun to see what they had inside and read the jokes and trivia. Of course they are a European tradition so John had to explain some of the jokes to us . . .

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!

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!

Today Is the Day

Kevin has been holding onto this bottle since July 5, when his friend David gave it to him as a birthday gift! He's wanted it in the morning, right before bed and whenever he thought about it. Finally today was the day that him and his dad sat down and enjoyed a beer together. I guess I should say Calvin enjoyed (and still is) and Kevin guzzled! When asked what he'd prefer to drink a beer or a coke, Kevin replied "A beer". Guess we are going to have to keep our eye on him now! Here are pictures from beginning to end, first his dad showed him how to properly poor the beer. Kevin took this job very seriously. Next up was a picture with the glass (which David also gave him), the toast, then the satisfying look of a young man who had just had a beer with his dad.

It's Only 11 AM

And Cal has made a great breakfast for everyone!

With his new father's day present.

Grace had her first taste of dippy eggs!!

Michael has been a swinging,

Peyton has been a goofball,

Casey a climber,

and Peyton a sliding!

Casey was showing me how to jump from a swing and his foot hit the ground and down he went! They have great padding for these mishaps here.

Wordless Wednesday