Happy Birthday Grant

Today is Grant's 7th birthday. He is such a fun kid. Tough, smart, happy, fun and the softest cheeks in the whole world. We are so happy to have him in our family. We love you Grant!

San Diego

Well, you haven't heard from me in a good long while because I've been in San Diego, hanging out with my Mom. We had an awesome time, relaxing, shopping, walking, talking and laughing our heads off. Here are a few pictures so you can see some of what we saw.

This is a beautiful bush/tree that grew flat along the back wall of the hotel. There were several all along the wall.

This is a bouquet of spring flowers that my dear husband sent to me while I was there. Look at that daisy toward the bottom. Have you ever seen anything so beautiful?

Pretty flower!

This is a picture of the grounds of the motel right outside of our door from the balcony. It was kept impeccably. (word?) The days were marvelous. They would start off completely overcast but by 10 or 11 all the clouds would be burned off and the rest of the day would be sunny and 75 degrees with a constant breeze. Just gorgeous. Good times......

A few recent pics

Here are a few recent pictures that I thought you might enjoy. Grant was roasting marshmallows over our fire pit. It was so hot he couldn't get very close... well, no one could really.

Here are the twins participating in this years' kindergarten graduation. They didn't graduate, as you probably know, but they sang songs and took part in the program. It was really cute.

Taylor was standing so straight and tall and he would find his piece of tape and put both sets of toes right on top of it then he would put his hands to his side like a little soldier. I can only hope he will follow God's directions as well!!

My Moms

Well, I don't think I have a picture of my mother or mother in law, but I do want to give them both honor.

First:
My mom, Janet Sankey, is an awesome lady. There are not enough words in the English language to describe this amazing woman. She has been all things to all people. She is strong, hard working, beautiful, smart, organized, disciplined. She is a teacher, a nurse, a doctor :), an advisor. She is well-respected, sought after, much loved in her community. To me she is all of this plus, FUN! FUN! FUN!, one of my very best friends in the whole world. And one of the people I enjoy most being around. I love you Mom. Thanks for your beautiful example and thank you for serving Jesus and teaching me to want to serve Jesus as well.

Next:
My mother in law, Martha Bryan, is another awesome lady. I have known her in the capacity of mother in law for almost twenty years and can only say that I love and respect her so much for all she has done and accomplished. What an example of self-sacrifice you have been to me. You have raised a beautiful family who you have put first before all of your needs and wants. You have shown patience with all of your children and grandchildren. This in turn has made you much loved and "rich". Thank you for raising your kids to love Jesus. I have a wonderful husband because of you and Dad. I love you.

Springtime

Well, the old song says, "When it's springtime in Alaska, it's 40 below". Thankfully that ain't true!! :) I am going to have to take pictures again in a couple of days because the leaves aren't quite big enough for you to see the color... at least not how I want you to see it. It has to be my favorite color combination... the birch trees and their branches... white, black/grey, and beautiful spring green. One of these days, when my ship comes in and I have a good room to decorate like this, I am going to use those colors. Here are a couple of pictures of the buds on the trees/ bushes. I will try to take another picture in a couple of days and see how much bigger and greener the leaves are.

Still too brown, I don't know if you can see these buds or not, they are so tiny.

The dinosaurs are back

Yesterday I was taking the kids to the ball field to practice for upcoming softball, when I noticed a dinosaur near the rocks that make a boundary for our soon-to-be lawn. Then I saw two more meandering near the rocks on the other side. I just thought you all should know that they are back... keep your eyes open!! You never know where they might show up. :)

An evening at the park

After Andrew's ground school/flying session, he called and suggested a picnic in the park. He picked up some KFC and I brought the kids into town to meet him at Growden Park. Heidi was gone for the High School girls camping trip so she isn't in these pictures.

Grant on the equipment...

Andrew and Drew thought they would race to see who could swing the highest and get there (the highest) the fastest. It was quite humorous, even with a 20 second head start Drew couldn't beat his dad.

Katie and Tyler, who just wouldn't smile.

Silly Taylor.

Still no smile from Tyler.

Finally, bathtime.... squeaky clean!!