40 Years Ago Today. . . .

I don't think they've changed all that much. . .do you???

I know for sure they're loved more than ever.

XOXO

Spring is Here!!

These pictures were taken from my back patio door of the 3 trees directly behind/beside my house.  BEAUTIFUL day here today, as you can tell!

A Window with a View

I don't know if you have heard, but Chicago has had some severe flooding in the last couple days. No kidding. This is the view from my room at the hotel I stayed at last night. It was about 3 miles from the ORD airport.

I hope this doesn't fall. . . .

The entrance to the parking garage, where they were trying to pump the water out.  Unfortunately, there was nowhere for the water to go, so it just added more water to the above "lake".

Traffic was a mess, too.  It took us nearly an hour and a half to drive from the airport to the hotel. . .usually less than 10 minutes.

Happy 5th Birthday, Chiara Nicole!!

We love you so much and thank God for you!!

Party Hearty!!

A busy morning getting ready for the big birthday party! Coco and Graci helped decorate the cake.

Ben was in charge of face painting butterflies.

I even got in on the action!

Then the people came in!!  Talk about a bunch of giggly girls!!

The birthday girl and her fans

One of the party favors. . . butterfly wings for everyone!

The butterfly princess and her fairy friend.

A very fun day for all!

Party Preparations

My mom and I arrived in Seattle last night to help celebrate CoCo's 5th birthday this weekend. The party is already well to being started!

We have princesses. . .

. . .and they have a pony. . .

. . .and the cake is made, courtesy of CC and a friend . . .

. . .and the games are ready! 

Stay tuned for the official party tomorrow, and the official birthday on Sunday!

An Exciting 24 Hours

I was delighted to have a fairly long layover in Vancouver a couple days ago. I was able to meet up with my cousin, Trevor, for lunch and hear how things are going with he and his extended family.

Right after that, I called my friend, Diane, and she came to pick me up from my hotel so I could spend the later afternoon/early evening with she and some of the men in her life (sorry, no pics of Howe and Travito.  Perhaps they're thankful???  ;o )  YUMMY home-made soup and buns for supper!

The next morning, I had this gentleman on my flight from YVR to SFO.  After seeing my German flag pin on my uniform, he asked me how I know German.  Long story short, he was related to some former school mates of mine from BFA (the Veers/Janz family), as well as to Norm and Bea Friesen, whom I worked under for 2 1/2 years in the dorm.  Small world.