BRACES

Inevitable. Braces are needed for Ryan and Travis. Here's the before and d-u-r-i-n-g. The "after" picture should come in about 2 years ???????

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SOPHIE

Sophie celebrates her 9th birthday today.

Happy Birthday Sophia.

Remember when?

THROWBACK THURSDAY

I've been going through some old photos to "thin" out the pile and came across these.

We've had 2 VW owners in our family and how they loved their "bug". Remember when?

THE TIN SCARECROWOMAN

When you live in Iowa, you have corn (and pumpkins). Where you have corn you have crows. Where you have crows you need a Scarecrow, or Scarecrowess (that's a lady scarecrow!). Here's what the Lancaster's did. Julie writes:

I wanted a scarecrow for our pumpkin patch and after searching I found a tin woman.  I really liked the idea so off to the recycling Scott and I went to find cans. 

The base is metal sheeting off of our shed in the back, the garbage can has been in our garage and then her face, Jell-O tins, and other items were either in the attic or the garage.

  

In just a couple of hours we put this girl together and now she has a prime spot in the back garden.  Now all she needs is a name and a little weathering! (send your suggestions to Julie)

 One good looking tin lady!

 Ready for her closeup!

 She's ready to scare off the birds.

Love the curls.

REMEMBERING THOSE WHO SERVED

It's Memorial Day, or as it was known when I was little, Decoration Day. A day to decorate the graves of those who have gone to a better place, with a special emphasis on those who gave their lives for our freedom.
Dennis Agle sr. didn't fight in the war, but was willing to go if called. I hope you'll take a few minutes and read Dennis jr.'s blog today about his dad. It's a lovely tribute.

KINDERGARTEN GRADUATION + +

We had two of our little ones celebrate a rite of passage . . Kindergarten graduation.

J P

and Archer.

And on a little "higher" note, Danielle has completed a milestone as well!  

Danielle writes:

Today was an amazing day!! I passed my thesis defense 

and comprehensive exam, which means I'll be graduating in 

August!!!! I have to give a HUGE shoutout to my family and 

all my friends who wished me luck today! Thank you so 

much, your support means so much, I love you!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY STEVEN

Steven is adding another year today bringing the grand total to 17. Happy Birthday Steven.

THROWBACK THURSDAY

And speaking of tress  . . The Avocado tree has provided a lot of climbing for some grandkids. Remember when . . . 

JACARANDA TREE

It's that time in Southern California when the Jacaranda trees are blooming. Their lavender blossoms pop out in May and June and delight us all with their beauty. The leaves come on after the blossoms fall.

THE RED DOORS

It was just a little project, but needed to be done. Remember when K &C had their house's back wall redone? 

 The paint color has been decided.

 It's R E D ! Pretty

Sophie at her first piano recital.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA FIRE UPDATE

Here's an update and a few more pictures of the fires. Over 2000 firefighters and 2 dozen military aircraft are working on the fires. Four fires are completely contained, 2 nearly, and 4 are shrinking.

 Impressive.

All that heavy, equipment added to the heat of the fire - - ugh. Uncle Steve said he would drink about 2 quarts of water and before he could get to the fire he would be dripping with perspiration.

 A nice tribute to the firefighters.

Taking a needed break.

Hope he can run fast!

This probably looked the the police who scooted the Rummlers from the beach! 

Keeping his roof wet (note the hose) to try and save his house.

I think McDonald's escaped! Whew!

Visibility is not so good.

SANTA ANA WINDS, SOARING HEAT . . .

Santa Ana winds, soaring heat and very dry conditions and what do you get?

To the area south of us and above San Diego it was dreadful.

 Smoke from the fires.

 Scooping up water from the ocean and dumping it on the fire.

A picture is worth . . . 

 The fire became a tornado of fire.
(Couldn't capture the link- sorry)

Uncle Steve and Aunt Barbara were visiting down here and took a day to go surfing with their grandson a few miles south of San Juan Capistrano at San Onofre They were down there for 3 hours when the police said they had to clear the area because of the fires. Steve said it was 109 when they headed back to Cypress.

Amazing temp for San Clemente.

THROWBACK THURSDAY

Tahoe - 2001

Remember when . . .

 All our granddaughters (except Rhiannon on her mission)

All our Grandsons

MAPLETON UPDATE

'Nuff bout the garage sale,here's what's been going on in Mapleton.

Ken's latest project. 

 What can it be???

 Completed.

 It deserves a kiss.

 Voila! A plant and herb garden complete with drip system. Well done.

 Mother's Day warrants a Skype call from missionaries (outside the USA - inside, a regular phone call from Davis)

 Winter is coming to Chile.

Cutest missionaries ever.

Remember Easter? Hunting for the eggs.

Coloring eggs.

It's a family project.

Looks like Sophie is following in her sister's footsteps.

Way to go Sophie.