Happy Birthday, Rick and Ryan!

My oldest brother turns 52 today and his son is 26.  Funny that Ryan was Rick's gift on his 26th birthday and now Ryan is that age.  Time just keeps moving, doesn't it?

January 1989

Aunt Kim and Ryan, October 2011

Rick & Diana, October 2011

Thankful for Memories

The other day I was thinking about the cruise Les and I took earlier this year. It was the most amazing trip. I was thinking about Rome and Venice and a new appreciation for memories hit me. Vacations don't come that often, but I can relive them through my memories.


We have never had anyone in our family who has suffered from dementia or Alzheimer's. We've had our share of other diseases, but we've been able to remember. Here are some of the memories I'm thankful for today:

The joy that came to our family When Mom Became Grandma...


Jingle Bell Rockin' with Rod...


Easters...


Christmas mayhem....


Weddings...


Golden anniversaries...


Camping trips...


Laughter with the one I love the most!

Wedding Bells for Ryan and Elle

This weekend we traveled to Fresno for the wedding of my nephew Ryan. How am I old enough to have a nephew who is old enough to be married?? I took pictures with Dad's camera and it was being very difficult, so here is the only picture I got of the bride and groom together:

Here is Elle:


And Ryan with Kim. That plate in his hand is from the burger bar. I think there were about 6 sauces and 10 different toppings. It was a great idea for an outdoor reception.


We enjoyed a mini family reunion. The mother and father of the groom, who have been married for 30 years:


Kim and Rodney:



Dad and Barbara:


Aunt Jeannie and Uncle Dick:


Les with two of his favorite nieces:


Kim and me:


My two siblings, love them very much!


There were six of these panels that Elle created.


And a self portrait of the photographer!


We also got to enjoy a Sunday morning service in Truth Tabernacle before driving home yesterday afternoon. Loved all the hugs I received!

Easter Joy

I'll have a more serious post on Sunday. But I thought I'd share a few Easter pictures today.

Ryan, with a bunny just his size...


Twin bunnies. One is joyful, one is not so sure...


Rod LOVED being in the Easter drama and he was excellent at whatever role he was given! He was in the Easter drama in April 1994 less than 3 months before he passed away.


And look at this crew! Easter 1971. There are so many things about this picture that make me smile. We are ready for Sunday school. Check out the ringlets...the matching dresses...Rod's suit and Rick's lack thereof. Look at me with my white purse, Easter basket and an egg! And I'm sure if the shot was full body you would have seen a scrape or two on my knobby knees!


What's your favorite Easter memory?