Crazy dogs!

Pets are what makes the world a better place, at least they do at our house. Surprisingly we are now down to just one pet; our dog Copper who will be turning 11 in November. He isn't one of those fluffy, fru fru dogs. He's just a mutt our daughter insisted we rescue from the Pound. Over the years he has learned to earn his keep. He has been a great help around the house. Since he lives out side he barks to let us know when any strangers are near. He keeps an eye on the lawn guys ...makes sure they do a good job or he nips their heals! He even kills any vermin that are so bold as to enter our yard uninvited. He has disposed of: poisonous snakes, a rat, lizards, possums, an occasional bird and bees. He loves to chase squirrels but they are a bit too fast for him. He is the first one to say hello and welcome us home after a long day. He is also great to take any leftover food off of our hands ...a dedicated recycler. He loves the grandchildren and will keep them entertained with his numerous tricks. I recently saw a link to a dog on utube that I will post here in Copper's honor and for the grandkids entertainment ...though I have to say I have never seen our dog run in his sleep. Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iw9N0wV3ZtY

Merry Christmas!

I have gotten woefully behind in my blogging. My only defense is that my son has been using my camera for his eagle project the past month or two and I didn't have access to it. In spite of this dilema I have managed to take a few pictures so I will begin with our Christmas festivities.
Stephen played the part of Joseph in our ward Nativity pageant -presented during our ward Christmas party. He was very convincing!

This is a blanket I ordered from Fort Campbell for "Sgt" Eric that depicts the different branches of the military that served in Iraq during the time he was there.

Happy Birthday Sabrina!

It's hard to believe that our youngest grand daughter turned 2 today.

She is a very sweet little girl and growing so fast.

On a visit to the waterpark in Grandpa and Grandma's neighborhood in Sugar Land

Nothing makes grandpa happier than being in the middle of a Grace and Sabrina sandwich!

What a sweet heart!

The perfect way to spend Spring Break ...with Ben, Grace and Sabrina!

We hope you have a wonderful time as you celebrate your special day. Happy Birthday from Grandpa Gary, Grandma Kathy, Uncle Eric (in Iraq), Aunt Whitney (in Russia) and Uncle Stephen! Wish we could be there to give you lots of hugs and kisses. We love you!!!

In the blink of an eye

It seems like just yesterday when we were honoring Whitney and all of the other members of the amazing Stephen F. Austin Band and Angels Dance team at their Senior recognition night during the half time of their last football game of the season.
But here we are 5 years later honoring her younger brother Stephen and at the same event. Where did the time go? Hard to say ...all I know is that it went by fast!

Congratulations Stephen on 4 amazing years. We are proud of all you have accomplished and look forward to many more exciting adventures in your future. Here are a few pictures to recap his high school band career.

It's been an amazing journey. Thanks for letting us be a part of your adventure ...it's been an honor!

Welcome home soldier!

Just before I headed up to Tulsa we were able to have a nice long visit with Eric. He was home on leave from Iraq. I'm not sure how much fun he had but at least he was able to catch up on some much needed rest. He is doing a great job helping to keep the troops safe in Iraq. He found out that he had been promoted to Sergeant while he was on leave and the official promotion took place after he got back. Hopefully I'll have some pictures to post soon. It was great to see him and as always tough to say good bye. We are looking forward to seeing him again at Christmas when he will be back for another visit.

Life in the burbs

Jessica (and Sabrina) drove up with her family to Utah last month to meet her two identical nieces and a nephew who were recently born into the family. That gave Grandma Kathy the chance to come and help out while they were gone. Mike and Jess now live in the town where we used to live when our kids were young. It's so amazing to see how things have changed and yet stayed the same. Makes things a bit confusing at times but fun to go back and see where our kids spent some of their early years. Here is a video of story time at the Broken Arrow library with my cute grand kids. Oh yeah! Grandma still has it ...check out Gracie's french braid!

I love owls!

Of course my all time favorite place to visit has always been the Tulsa zoo. Here are a couple of videos of our wild adventures with the animals. (You will have to forgive the quality of the videos ...I'm still getting used to my new camera!)

"Where's my lunch!"

Lions and tigers and bears ...oh my!

Sssssnakes!

I guess it isn't hard to figure out where they get their fondness for snakes!

And last but not least ...the grooming of the lamb!

Mike and Jess live in a beautiful neighborhood. The weather was perfect while I was there (a welcome change from the heat and humidity of Texas) and it was fun just to play outside with the kids ...blowing bubbles, playing red light green light, catching crickets, kicking the soccer ball and riding bikes.

Safety first!And a good time was had by all!

God be with you too

One of the things I've missed most since Whitney has been in Russia (well besides her numerous phone calls through out the day!) is being able to hear her sing and play the flute and piano. Imagine my excitement upon receiving an email from the Cameron's who used to work in the office of Whitney's mission in Rostov, Russia. They recently concluded their mission and as they were leaving to return to their home in Nevada, Whitney and her companion Cepta Fourtina sang "God Be With You 'Til We Meet Again" as a way to say good bye before they left. They sing the song in Russian and in English so be sure to check out both. The Cameron's posted it on U-Tube and sent me the link so I could see it too. Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtqeGkDetx8 (Russian)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8kVxFnA6a7Y (English)