Sizzling Summer

Papa Norm and I recently returned home from a wonderful car trip to the Midwest. We were in 11 states as we traveled, saw incredible sights, and had wonderful times with family and friends. After driving through beautiful Colorado we headed to Kansas to find Papa's first school. He attended there from 1st grade to 5th grade. It actually took us some time to find it. The town, Lovewell, KS, was not really much of a town any longer, and the school was hidden behind trees and overgrowth. Papa and his family had to move because the farmland they were farming was being taken over by a dam project that was being built. The area now is a lake used for vacations and water activities. 

 

 

 

 

 

From Kansas we went into Nebraska and looked around near where Papa's grandparents lived and farmed. Next we went to Des Moines, Iowa where I grew up. We had such a great time with my Aunt Pat, my sister, Aunt NJ, and Uncle Bob,  and a number of cousins who either live in the area or drove to Des Moines. Our cousins day was spent starting at Gray's Lake where we walked to see some memorial plaques located on a bridge that are in place for family members. Following that we went to a local brewery that produces a beer named after our great grandfather Thomas Beck, who was a coal miner in Des Moines. Below are some of my cousins, my Aunt Pat, my sister, and Papa. Some of the cousins aren't in the picture, sadly. The first two pictures were taken by my cousin Nini and her hubby, Paul. Thanks for letting me use them!

 

 

 

 

 

 

On our way home we stayed at a lodge called Elephant Head Lodge in a lovely and quaint little cabin. The lodge is located outside of Yellowstone Park . Here is a picture of Papa in the room where we ate breakfast and dinner. The décor was pretty interesting.

 

 

Papa and I both felt the Teton Mountain range was the most beautiful sight of our trip and considering all that we saw, that is saying something.

 



 

We eventually arrived in Idaho and had a wonder visit with some of Papa's cousins. It was a nice respite before we started on the last part of our journey to home.

 

We were blessed with safe travels and lots and lots of memories. We came home to a bit of a disaster (broken water pipes) to deal with at our house, but these things come and go, and we are trying to get through it. Four more nights in a hotel near our home and we are ready to be in our own bed and stay there for a while.

 

Of course we couldn't wait to catch up with the three C's and see them again. As I have said before in this blog, that is the hardest part of traveling....not seeing our grandchildren. They had a very busy two weeks while we were gone, attending swim lessons, and Claire and Chloe attending a music camp, and a Vacation Bible School. On the 4th of July they were with other extended family at Uncle Larry and Aunt Paula's cabin. Here is a picture of Chris at the back of a boat. They had a wonderful time from what we hear. Chris is a totally "big boy" now, if you know what I mean, another milestone in his life. :) Love that little guy so much!

 

 

On Sunday morning we attended a musical play that was a result of the music camp the girls attended.

Following church, we had a very fun lunch out and then spent some time with all three kids at their house. They were in great spirits and eager to pose for my camera. Notice part way down the girls switch dresses and continue to pose. They are so much fun. Chris was having Papa check out his piggy bank. 

 

Hope you are having a memorable summer as well! LIFE IS GOOD!

Father's Day, 2014, and A Weekday Visit

It was a great Father's Day to celebrate not only Norm's super recovery after surgery, but to spend time together as well. It was low-key, tacos on the menu, as is always the case when the kids choose. I'm talking the adult kids, by the way! :) 

The girls hit the "fancy box" when they first arrived and decided to get Papa all fixed up. He didn't stay that way long but we did get a couple of pictures.

Swimming was on the agenda, of course, and even though the water wasn't as warm as I would want it, the kids didn't mind at all.

Claire taking just a little break...

 

 

 

 

Chris giving the evil eye before he squirts someone....

 



 

Chloe taking a plunge towards the deep end....

 

 

Papa and Chloe negotiating the five dollar offer Papa made her to jump off of the diving board...

 



 

She didn't get the five dollars, but she got closer to the diving board...

 



 

We had a fun time and everyone was well fed and well exercised by the time the day was over.

 

Since Papa and I are leaving on a trip in a couple of days, Mike brought the three C's up to spend some extra time with us today (Friday) and to help Papa with a couple of things. We so enjoyed our time and so appreciated his help. The first order of business was to paint some rocks to add to our little painted rock section in the pool area. We had a couple of rocks from last year and so we decided to expand the rock garden this summer.

 

 

 

 

 

While the rocks dried they decided to do some swimming and in Chris' case, some hose playing. 

 

 

Chloe working her way closer to the diving board.....

 

 

On the diving board and working on her courage....



 

 

Wow....she did it!!! Papa paid up and she was a happy little soul~!

 

 

Our expanded painted rock garden.... lovely, don't you think?

 

 

 

We are looking forward to our trip to the Midwest but as I have said before we certainly miss the grand kids when we are traveling. Claire and Chloe will be attending a Kinder-Camp in their Noni's town for one week while we are gone so they will be very busy and entertained. 

 

Blessed beyond measure...and off on a new adventure!



Some Lows and Highs From the Past Few Weeks!

Sometimes the unexpected events of life bring stress and anxiety but as so often happens when we look back at those events, you can see that it was mostly just a bump in the road that needed a little navigation. We recently had one of those unexpected times when Papa Norm was faced with heart surgery. The good news is that he didn't have a heart attack and symptoms alerted him to the need to be checked. Or, if truth be told, it alerted me that I needed to insist that he be checked. :) At any rate, he had a very serious surgery with a few minor complications but is doing well now. The night before his surgery he was visited by several friends and family including his precious grandchildren which served to lift his spirits tremendously.

 

 

The three C's and Uncle Superman!

 

 

Following surgery, Uncle Superman urging Papa to eat. That has proved to be one of his hardest things, his appetite has not been great but improvement is on the horizon. 

 

 

A good sign after a day or so, reading the sports page.

 

 

Catching up on some sleep.....

 

 

Don't look if you are squeamish....changing the dressing....

 

 

Out of ICU and doing some walking....

 

 

After excellent care in the ICU and then the Cardiac Unit in our local hospital, he voluntarily went to the rehabilitation hospital for some additional therapy. It was a good move and really helped to get his strength, mobility, and confidence back. Again several visits from the three C's were the highlights of his days.

 

 

 

Occupational therapy and physical therapy filled his days, and after one week he insisted he was going home. Although they would have liked him to stay another week I think he made the right decision. He has done just fine at home.

 

 

 

Now, looking at the highs of the past weeks, you can see that Claire and Chloe completed their Kindergarten year and graduated. What a fun day it was for all. It was Papa's first outing and he did quite well considering that he was only 2 1/2 weeks out of surgery. Chris also got to attend and enjoyed seeing his sisters and their friends in a really sweet program of singing, dancing, and photo viewing of their past year.

 

 

Chloe marching in...

 



 

 

And Claire marching in.....

 

The whole class...



 

 

Our sweet K-Class grads.....

 

 

 

The teacher had each child sit on a chair while she talked a little about them.

 



 

 

It was a great day, a great way to finish out the school year, and a real highlight for us after spending a couple of weeks focused on hearts, hospitals, therapy, and keeping things running at home. Claire happily posed with Papa and with her Nonie after the ceremony.

 

 

 

 

I am so thankful that Norm came through the surgery well and that God provided so much support for both of us through our dear family and friends. Both Norm and I felt the prayers and love extended on our behalf. Life is truly good!