Surprise party-August 8th

Well a first in our family. Torrey accomplished something that is so incredible. Although it was no surprise-he can do anything. He now has his PhD in Family and Human Development. It was to be a surprise party and there were more surprises than we thought. Everyone was trying to keep the secret from Torrey while all kinds of party plans were going on. Marci and Troy and girls were in on the secret and occupied Torrey while the party was being set up. Dad and I got to sneak down and participate in the fun. We couldn't miss it. It was a real carnival theme-ice cream bar with all the toppings, games and a lot of fun for big girls as well as the kids.

A fish pond, face painting, bean bag toss and balloons galore.

Tyler had the most fun of all, all the ice cream you could ever want. Heaven! ! ! ! ! ! !

Awesome party and a great tribute to Torrey with so many friends, co-workers and family to share the moment. Now what you going to do Tor?

Another reunion-just as fun! August 8th

Out of Africa-The Winder family did it up right in every detail. So good to see the cousins we grew up with and our Aunts that we loved and spent time with. The Ron Bodily family represented by Vince and Brenda. Aunt Elaine family with her girls.

More cousins-Pam and Gayla representing Aunt Janel's family.

The Del Bodily family out in numbers. This reunion was Aug. 8, and it was cold!!! A fun trading post for the kids a kid friendly playground and Tautphaus park nearby.

Okay, I didn't get pictures of Aunt Marva and Aunt Paula's family. If you have some send them to me. We left early to get to Utah for a big surprise party-See the next blog.

Iona Bodily reunion

Always good food, best family ever and sharing ideas. Mom leads the way and even after surgery she just keeps on going. She's an inspiration to us all. Funnest service project-great idea to improve the steps for Mom and Ron. Something everyone could do. Weeding the yard and garden and washing windows and involving the kids too.

It was warming up from all the hard work and they made sure we were refreshed. Yum, lemonade.

A little bit of fun makes the job go faster. So fun to be together. Thanks Paul and Deena for the fun.

More Summer Fun

Time for a shower for the newest Cook baby girl. Fun with family, cute decorations more pictures to come. This is the cutest quilt that Kim created for this lucky little girl. Isn't it so darling. It is made with flannel and minkie fabric. Then we have birthdays to celebrate. Brianna has a special one-she shares it with my sister Kathie. 11 years old this year.

She loves baseball and basketball, in fact she is quite an athlete in many sports. She is good to play with the little kids and always has a cute pony tail. She has many friends and is a good friend herself. She is growing up way too fast.

Then a week later we celebrate Erica's birthday she is still a teen and looking so cute. She just completed beauty college and now can set up shop and build her clientel. She also works at the dental office. She is multi-talented and so beautiful inside and out. The little kids love her, she is always creating fun for them.

The biggest and best surprise ever! ! ! ! ! ! !

Wow were we ever blown away. We were just going out to dinner with the kids and look who showed up. Everyone of our kids. They had planned our 40th wedding anniversary party, so we could celebrate while Doug and Rach were here. We had no idea. It was supurb! Every detail, they had my wedding dress and wedding pictures and flowers and decorations from the colors at our wedding. They had a take-out meal from Texas Road house.

They created a video "We're Proud of the House we Built", with lots of tears and sweet memories. We even had a photo shoot. They made an album for us to keep and so fun to reminisce about all those years.

It couldn't have been more special and we are forever grateful for our wonderful family that has brought so much joy and happiness into our lives. This was great pay back and they certainly earned many brownie points. It was swee e e e e e t.

Twin Lakes 09

Our annual family trip to Twin Lakes was on the weekend of the 4th. Doug and Rach were going to be here so great plans were made to have a party. We painted our Twin Lakes T-shirts in red,white and blue.....

The weather was on the chilly side and we had a good thunder storm, we played hard on the blue island and ate and sat around the campfire. What we love to do. The kids all like to sign the T-shirts for a good memory.

We were faint of heart and decided to come home on Saturday the 4th. It was wet and cool and we decided to continue the party in Idaho. So everyone packed up and headed back where the fun continued. We cooked out and headed to the fireworks. So fun.

Quick trip to Utah

I had meetings in Utah and took the opportunity to return Little Blue Bear to Katie Bug!!!! We also took the opportunity to go to breakfast at a fun place "Cracker Barrel" with the kids.

We love the hot chocolate and Ty boy had a unique way to drink his.

Brianna got to go to Utah with me and she had fun playing with the Utahns!

It really was a quick trip, but lots of fun.