Visiting my daughter's family out west....



Dad, Dan and Krystin. She looks so trusting and content in her father's arms. Oh, that I would be that trusting in my Father's arms at all times.




Britt just can't help herself. But I didn't see any struggle from Dan either. They're a good match.



It was a big birthday bash for Kaylin (3) and Ethan (5) last Saturday. Britt was in full planning, organizing mode. The party was a great success. She and Dan rented a jump house shaped like a castle. After all the guests left, the family had the jump house all to themselves. Check out the red faces from the heat and high energy activities.




"Jump! Jump! Jump!"




Ethan at the entrance/exit of jump house.





Krystin, in spite of falling as much as jumping, had a blast! (Mom is a lot of fun with the kids!)

One of many drink breaks!

A happy birthday boy.

The party's over... :o(

(will post more pics after I return home and can make some time...)

Makenna's bridal shower (Well, one of them anyway...)




She's as beautiful inside as she is outside



Maynard and Kevin weren't at the shower, but they enjoyed some of the refreshments out back in the sunshine before all the guests arrived. Then they went to the driving range.




Mom (Gma) by the refreshements




One of Makenna's favorites....Fruit Pizza! (Makenna, I'll make a whole one just for the 4 of us when you and Andrew come.)




Andrew's mom, Irene is telling an Andrew story.

Lori (Makenna's mom), Theresa, and Jan (cousin Greg's wife) coming to party.

Three generations....Gma Evelyn, Granddaughter Makenna, Mom Lori

Jan was a big help with gifts after being opened. This is a candid shot, right Jan? (Everyone knows one has to move in s-l-o-w motion for my camera.)

Julie and Alissa (Julie's growing...)

Irene telling a story. (Marti was our game organizer. This game: a dish of chocolate kisses was passed around and everyone was instructed to take as many as they wanted. Then for each kiss that you took you had to tell a something about Andrew and/or Makenna.)

Not sure what this was...but they're very expressive! (Alissa, in the green shirt...aka Jake...is Makenna's longtime friend...also her landlord, as she was quick to point out during introductions.)

Back of Marti, Joy (Makenna's almost sister-in-law), and Lori

Jan, Julie, Marti, Ginny (sorry if I got your name wrong), but she's also Makenna's future sister-in-law.

Enjoying the time...

I love this picture of Mom...she's enjoying watching the others as they say goodbye.

Lori: Irene, these gifts probably won't all fit in the car...which ones would you like? We can divvy up what doesn't fit...

Easter Sunday...celebrating the resurrection of our crucified Jesus...which means victory over death for all who believe He died in our place so that we may live forever.

After church, we invited family and friends to join us for Easter dinner.



Beth is slicing the baked ham (with a honey glaze). (Kevin will later deal with a backed up kitchen sink....prompted by my putting too many potato peels down the disposal...poor guy. It was not to end that day, nor the next, nor the next....)



Mom and Maynard stirring up her famous Snicker Tapioca Pudding (it's what I always ask her to bring....my favorite.)




During dinner preparations, Grandma calls Julie and Jesse into a bedroom to select a baby gift for their baby, which she will give them when her great grandchild is born.



Jesse helps choose.




Ahhh...back to dinner preparations.



Gathered around the dinner table. Menu consisted of cheesy scalloped potatoes, baked ham, green bean casserole, asiago bread, deviled eggs, veggies, tapioca pudding, swiss cheese. Everyone contributed. For dessert: homemade ice cream (using the ice cream maker Jesse and Julie gave us for Christmas and Aunt Shelly's recipe...the best ever), homemade angel food cake, strawberries, ice cream toppings. Wonderful company!!! We are blessed.


Jesse and Julie...and baby (in process of being knit together)




Friend, Anna and me (Penni)



Jesse and Grandma engaged in conversation after dinner.



Friend, Bethann and Penni




Anna wanted to send a note to her son in Iraq via this picture. He's supposed to come home in May. We're praying for his safe return.