Happy Father's Day!

To my dad, who's always been there for me, who loves unconditionally, who instilled in me my strong work ethic, who always has a smile for everyone.  Happy Father's Day Dad!  I love you!

Dad and me, circa 1966

To my wonderful husband, who has shown our two beautiful daughters the kind of man they can love.  I love you with all my heart!  Happy Father's Day, babe.

 Hubby and daughter #1

Hubby and daughter #2

Happy Birthday Eden!

Today is my first born's 22nd birthday.

First, just let me say, I'm not old enough to have a 22 year old daughter.  Okay, now that that is out of the way...

Eden, your arrival into this world is the single most impactful event of my life.  I loved you long before I held you in my arms.  You made me a mom, and being a mom is the most important job I will ever have.

 A few days old~ You were perfect...

Funny face ~ one of many over the years...

Such a happy girl...

A tender moment...

Your first Minnesota Twins game at the Metrodome...

An exhibitionist at a young age...

Pondering how becoming a 'big sister' will change your life...

Always a fish in the water...

Ever the ponderer...

First grandchild ~ successfully spoiled by her grandparents...

Always creative...an awesome snow fort built with dad...

Smile for the camera!  Cheese!  Grandma taught you well!

Always full of expression...

 One of the many first days of school...

The best big sister ever ~ antagonist and fierce protector...

Ever the adventurer....

A past birthday, tickets to NSYNC!

Never afraid to be her own person...

My first born ~ but forever my baby.  You taught me what's important in life.  You taught me that love is unconditional and never ending.  You've made me a better person.  I love you Eden.  

Happy Birthday Toots!

In Remembrance

Miss you dad.

Thank you to all the men and women who've given their life defending our freedom and to all those, past and present, who've served in our armed forces.  There are no words that can express my heartfelt thanks for all you do.  God bless you.

Happy Memorial Day

Pomp and Circumstance!

It's hard to believe...

that my baby...

is all grown up.

Say it isn't so!!!

My baby graduated from high school today.  God gave us a glorious day to celebrate with these young people who are so full of hopes and dreams.  We are so proud of our girl and so excited for where her bright future will take her.  But it's also bittersweet~she's our baby.

A donut for breakfast!

Getting ready at home.

Waiting for the festivities to begin.

Greg, John and Dad. Greg sprang Dad from the hospital for the day.  He did really well!

Pomp and Circumstance ~ Miranda and Haley walking in together. Both are attending CU Boulder in the fall.

My Baby.  Jim and I did pretty good with the waterworks...but see that flower in Haley's hand?  During the parent song, "Never Grow Up", by Taylor Swift, all the seniors left their seats, found their parents and gave them the flower.  Oh, yeah, there were tears.  Many tears.

Front Row ~ Miranda, Haley, Bridget and Topher.

Standing tall and proud.  See that glorious sky?  Given the rain we've had the last two weeks, God truly gave us a wonderful day.  And the wonder came home with us in the form of sunburn.  Failure to bring sunscreen = bright red lobster skin!

Bridget turned to hug Haley after receiving her valedictorian medal.

Haley receiving her valedictorian medal from Principal Payne.

Co-Valedictorians.  All sixteen Erie High School co-valedictorians had GPAs over 4.0 (due to AP and college classes available as part of their cirriculum). 

 

 Haley receiving her diploma from Principal Payne.  She LOVES those shoes!

Haley and Principal Payne.

 Seniors batting beach balls in the beautiful Colorado sky.

 Listening to Topher deliver the farewell speech.

 It's official!

Haley and Bridget, best friends.

 New graduate and her big sister!

 Haley with mom and dad.

 Our family ~ Backrow Jim, Me, John, Eden, Greg; front row, Haley and Grandpa. Photo by Megan

Haley and best bud, Foley.

 Eden, Haley and Megan!  Daughters #1, #2 and #3.

 Haley, Topher and Bridget.

Dinner and celebration at Buffalo Wild Wings!

Haley and Grandpa.

Congratulations Haley!  Dad and I couldn't be more proud of the young woman you've become. We hope all your hopes and dreams come true!

'til next time~find your joy!
Kelly