I read blogs daily and I am so sad when I don't see new posts on these blogs for several days.  Then I remember I haven't done an update in almost a year.  Even though I've had several posts in my head at different times, I never seem to get them down here - so here's goes an update!

One of the major highlights in the past year is the birth of our second grandchild - a daughter born to Alyssa and Lichar last March.  Here are a few pics of Mailee and her big brother, Kaiden. 

Very alert at only one day old!

 Kaiden loved her immediately!

Sandy and I didn't make it to Houston for Mailee's birth but we were there before the day was over.  I stayed for a little over two weeks and then had to fly home.  Sandy was able to stay for three weeks to help out.  

 Mailee was only a week old when we took her on her first outing - the homecoming for the STS-133 crew at Ellington Field.  Kaiden and Poppy had a great time inspecting the NASA planes.

Poppy and Kaiden wanted to do a little fishing so we all went to Challenger Park.  It started out a little windy at first but we all had a really good time.  We had a little picnic and Kaiden and Lichar threw the frisbie and kicked the soccer ball. 

 Ashley just chilled out!

 Before I headed back to Amarillo I dressed up this little doll with a bow and headband!

Houston in November

My sister has been harassing me because I haven't update my blog in such a long time so I'm going to try to catch up a little.

Sandy and I went to Houston for Thanksgiving week.  The weather was very nice - almost too warm for November - while we were there and we really enjoyed it.  The first day we were there Alyssa, Lichar and Kaiden went to Challenger Park to have some photos taken.  We decided to tag along and take a few photos of our own.  We weren't quite ready when they needed to leave so we arrived at the park after the photo session started.  So we stayed out of sight and it was a good thing.  The instant Kaiden saw his Poppy he ran straight to him!

 Ahhh - so sweet!

 Kaiden and Poppy running together

 One of Kaiden's favorite things was to "fall down."

 Love this one!

 Had to include one of Kaiden's mom and dad - for those of you who didn't know we are going to be blessed with another grandbaby in late February.

 Hmmm - what is he thinking?

 Not the best pic of me but I love the look on K's face.

 Can't you just see the mischievousness coming out here?

 Another favorite thing to do is "jump" and I caught him in the air.

 I can't exactly remember why but K decided he didn't want to walk with us so he stopped.  We just kept on walking and he just stood.  Then Lichar said something to him and he turned around and ran the other way.  Lichar took off after him!

 Aw, dad - I just wanted to go that way.

Poppy's shoulder makes everything better.

 K found Uncle's guitar and wanted to play - what a serious look!

 Rock star

 Another one of K's favorite things is to have someone do exactly what he is doing.  Here he has a pen and gave one to his daddy and showed him exactly what to do.

 

 K put out his shoe several nights while we were there for Sinterklaas and 

this is one of the mornings he found his surprise.

 Sinterklaas often left chocolate and guess who loves that?

 What a cute little reindeer!

 His laugh makes me laugh!

 

Family Life Group

We have the BEST family life group - aka small group from church.  We meet once a month at someone's house for a Sunday evening meal.   I was fortunate enough to host the group in November and December so I took some pictures.

 Debbie J., Linda P., Lisa H., Ray M., Judy R.

 Judy R., Gaye R., Ray M., Pam P., Debbie J., Linda P.

 Dick J., Steve R.

 Stan M., Chris P.

George R., Sandy H., Dick J., Steve R.

 Gaye R., Serena D., Lisa H., Linda P., Dick J.

 Stan M., Ira P.

 Clint D., George R.

 Chris P.

 

Gaye R., Gay H., Serena D.

We are really a family  - some of us have been together as a group for at least 15 years.  We've raised our children together and loved each of them as our own.  Sandy and I couldn't ask for a better group of Christian friends.