20 Years and Counting

Today, December 9th, is our 20th wedding anniversary. On August 9th, when Bob was home for a few weeks, our kids - Wendy, Shelly & Matt, and Joe & Sierra, threw us an early surprise anniversary party at Bob's sister's place in Indiana.

Old family friends, Tom and Gloria Marullo

A HUGE surprise, old friend Jim Shumate, who pulled and all-nighter and road-tripped to Indiana all the way from Colorado Springs!






Think I was surprised?

Our family

Trying to organize our family for the photo... I think we had a dozen takes!

Must have been a poignant comment made here based on the facial expressions.

Me & my wonderful husband, whom I would marry all over again.

The kids thought of everything... even a gorgeous cake and flowers.

Wendy, Shelly & Joe... we love you and are proud of each of you... and we love and cherish the family members you've added and will ad in the years to come. We hope we're around to celebrate our 50th with you, our grandchildren and maybe even some great-grandchildren!

Love,

Mom & Dad

Bob Visits Israeli Air Force Museum

On a recent day off a week or so ago, Bob and some friends from North Camp drove into Israel to visit the Israeli Air Force Museum at Be'er Shiva. He emailed me these photos from their visit to the museum.

Bob says,

"Some of the older airplanes, like the Spitfire from England, had to be taken apart and smuggled into the country in crates listed as agriculture equipment during Israel's early days. Several of the German aircraft had to be given completely different names and origin because the early Israelis had such a hate for the Germans. There were several newer aircraft on display which looked like they could be used today if needed. I took a real close look at the F-15 Strike Eagle and the F-16 on display and they seemed to have all their equipment and their engines still intact. There were armed Israeli soldiers walking around the displays, but there were also a lot of Israeli families looking at the airplanes and enjoying the day."

Golfing with the Pharoahs

A couple of weekends ago, Bob and his friend, Bill Belcher, spent a weekend in Cairo golfing. I don't know how anyone could concentrate on their game with the Pyramids in the background. What a backdrop! Note in the bottom photo, the tee markers are shaped like little pyramids!

Nana in "The Full Monty"

"The Full Monty," as presented by JeDeMi Productions in Decatur, Illinois, finished its run of 9 performances over three weekends, on Saturday, "October 4th. Here are a few photos from the show...

Nana as "Jeanette Burmeister."
Jeanette with "the boys."
The scene, "It's gonna be hard going back to that rocking chair after this..."
Curtain call with the boys & with the entire cast.

Nana's Song in the Show - "Jeanette's Showbiz Number"

This seemed like the easiest way for you to see my solo, until the video guy gets the DVD done and I am able to mail them to everyone! Thanks a million to Tricia for recording! It's a little blurry in places, and it's pretty long, almost 7 minutes, so get some popcorn & a beverage and chill out! Be aware that there is some use of foul language in the dialogue before the song...

The Best Part of Summer in Central IL

The best part of any summer is when the gardens come into full bloom. This year's heavy rains, combined with hot, humid days and sultry nights have produced heavy foliage and prolific blooms! All the backbreaking work in the springtime pays off when everything comes together like this in July!

Under this past week's full moon, the yard looks wonderful!

Note the giant tomato plant, left background near the corner of the house... it seems to grow about 6 inches taller every day!

In the daylight, the vibrant oranges, yellows, reds, blues and fuschias in the gardens make the back yard a garden party just waiting to happen!

Even the new plantings are doing well because of all the moisture.

And the grandkids love to pick the flowers... fine by me, since deadheading makes them bloom even more!

July 6th - Abby's 7 Months Old Today

July 6, 2008 - Abby is 7 months old today. She decided to celebrate by basking in the wading pool.

4th of July Weekend

Even with Papa over in Egypt, we still managed to keep up the tradition of Joe & family coming to spend 4th of July in Decatur. Here we are, in the boat on our way to watch the Lake Decatur fireworks. We were treated to THREE NIGHTS of fireworks on the lake this year, thanks to the Lakeside Music & Arts Festival taking place over 4th of July weekend.

Abby likes the boat!
And of course, so do Sissy, Robbie and Alex. Alex enjoys the motion and the sound of the motor.
Abbers zonked out on the five-minute boat ride!

We're anchored now, waiting for the fireworks to begin, and watching some that lakeside residents are setting off.

Abby woke up at the first volley, and as you can see from their expressions, all the kids enjoyed the show!

After the fireworks we returned to the house, and the back yard for a "campfire" and to have s'mores before calling it a night. Robbie and Sissy are waiting patiently for the fire to be ready. Rob-O is entertaining us with a campfire song.
Abby was yawning in Mommy's lap, but made it to have a taste of her first s'more with Daddy.

Serenity shares her s'more with Nana.

Rob enjoys his own.It was a fun 4th of July, but we sure missed you, Papa! We love you! We are all looking forward to having you home for three weeks in August.. AND getting together with the WHOLE family for a big Hootennanny!