Gray Family Reunion

This past weekend we had our annual Gray family reunion. It is something I always look forward to. The only problem is the day goes by too quickly and I would love spending more time with my aunts and uncles and cousins.

My immediate family- it's not too often any more we all get together.

My uncles- LaMonte, Melvin, Royce and Rodney

My mom and her sisters- Judy and Shirley

The Elmer and Kate Gray family- 7 kids and 7 spouses. They would be so proud!

I love this photo- always getting along and having a good time together!

Gotta have a few sack races.

I remember doing this as a kid, so here's to hoping the boys will remember too.

on your mark, get set and go!

Adorable kids racing!

125 Year Celebration of Ramsey Reformed Church

This weekend I went home to my parents and we attended the 125 year celebration of Ramsey Reformed Church. I enjoyed this way more that I thought I would; spending the time talking with people Saturday afternoon and Sunday. It felt good to go some place where you just felt like you belonged. The church I grew up in is full of many great memories- I was baptized, confirmed and married there, accepted Jesus into my heart there, played with friends and my cousins there and said good bye to my grandparents there. I don't think I appreciated it as much as I should have.

I think about my boys and what will they remember growing up. We go to a church with 800 people in attendance, they will most likely have over 400 people in their graduating class, will they ever have that same sense of belonging as I did this weekend? What will they remember about their childhood? Questions that will keep me pondering this week.

And one more thought regarding this weekend. I feel like things are always changing in our life here, our jobs, we meet new people, new stores, new roads. But, while in church this morning and the choir sang- it was almost the exact same people that sang twenty years ago- stability and consistency- I miss that sometimes.

Beginning of June highlights

On the hottest day of the summer so far, we spent the day at Adventureland. Even though it was warm, there was a breeze and we spent several hours in the waterpark part, which kept us cool.

Dad hung out all day. If we ever questioned dad and his being cold all the time, well he proved to us he could handle the heat. Over 90 degrees, jeans, long sleeve shirt and long johns, yes I said long johns and I don't think he even broke a sweat.

Mom- she is amazing. A few years from 70 and get her in an amusement park and it's if she is a teenager. Riding rollar coasters and water slides, hope I can do the same when I get to be her age.

Waiting for the fun to start!

Cousins having fun on the tea cups.

Zach posing in his tae kwon do outfit for me.

Cale helping dad keep the lawn looking nice.

Spent a couple nights camping out at Saylorville. Miss the air of the camper, but it got cool enough at night, we all slept well. Fun family times!

Zach roasting his marshmallow

Cale and cousin Shelby trying to convince to do something.

Tball/Graduation

Cale decided to give tball a try! His first game was a beautiful day and we enjoyed watching him play, but last Saturday it was COLD, not quite as enjoyable! On Friday night, we celebrated Cale's preschool graduation from Mercy Child Development Center. It was nice to have both sets of grandparents there. Zach and Cale will be going to Mercy daycare this summer and then we will be done there. I am really going to miss talking with the teachers. We have been so blessed by having such a great daycare.

Zach congratulating his brother- it seems like yesterday-( 3 years ago), we were doing the same thing for Zach.

I am not sure why Zach turned out blurry, maybe because he was still in motion. Some of Cale's buddies have been together since they were babies. I know he will make friends in school, but I think he will miss seeing his friends at daycare.

Had a hard time getting a good shot of the group, this is the best one unfortunately.

Easter 2011

Uneventful- just the way I like it!

Uneventful, I am loving it right now, please stay this way for awhile. My knee is healing nicely after surgery, back to being able to exercise with minimal discomfort, Eric has started playing tennis again- getting reading for the tennis session to begin. Zach is at taekwondo three days a week and will be testing for his senior green belt this Saturday. Cale has been outside practicing throwing/batting the ball with Eric, getting ready for tee ball to start. Everyone has been healthy- so thankful!

Flowers For Me!

I am usually not much of a flower girl, but these flower made my day, not to mention cry. I am not sure why they made me so emotional, but I was just so grateful to receive them. Thanks Mom and Dad and Sherri and family.

Tomorrow, I am having part of my meniscus removed. I met with the doctor yesterday and according to the MRI, I have a piece of my meniscus that tore almost off and he goes to remove that part that tore off. The way it tore, he was unable to repair it. Good news, I should be up and around right away and back to work on Monday. I used crutches for the first week and half, but geez they wore me out, so I just been limping around.

The pre surgery center called today and asked me all the mandated preop questions. It made me think, I consider myself young and healthy and will continue to consider myself that. However, tomorrow will be the 9th time I have been given versed to go to sleep. When I started recalling all the minor things I have had done, that's what it adds up to be. In my opinion, that is 9 times too many and here's to avoiding versed and any other personal healthy problems for the next few decades.