This must be like living in Paradise...
While in NC for a summer break, we were able to meet up with our old neighbors and BEST buds for little Meagan's 3rd birthday party. It was a Backyard BBQ complete with food by Will and his grill with the 5 foot flames, wading pool, slip-n-slide, water balloons (for Rich to hit Chrissy with and almost knock her down), and all the yummy Dora cake and caprisuns you could stand. We were thrilled to be hanging out again with them, and to see some of our old friends. The kids loved it, especially their new hot tub. Only a kid could sit in a 100 degree hot tub on a 90 degree day. They were swimming around, some bobbing in their life vests, and giggling the whole time. It must be paradise in NC because that kind of fun just does not happen in TN.

Meagan (right), Gretchy, a bucket of water balloons, and a YUCKY boy with cooties. HEHE! 

Our little backyard beach bunny. 

Parker chilling in the bubbles. 

Dallin in the hot tub with the ladies. 

GI Joe, Reporting For Duty
We have been patiently waiting, some of us not as much as others, for Uncle Dale to graduate from Officer School in the Army. Well, HE DID IT! HE graduated June 30th. He is now a 2nd Lt. We were able to go and stay at Uchee Creek, near the Army base in some cabins. I will not go in to detail about the cabins, just imagine, humid, swampy, no AC, lots of BUGS, and rustic life. Let's just say I would have made a terrible pioneer. We went down with my family, Papa, Grammer, & Aunt Dare, and Frank & Suzie met us there. We were excited to see Rebekah and Shalene as much as we were to see Dale. You would think GA is across the country or something. The Army base was really cool, and it definately brought out your patriotic side. I have to admit though, that during the graduation itself they showed a video of all the wars the US has been in and for what reasons. Dare and I looked at each other, and said "Is this really a good idea? Can he back out?" Sisterly love was taking over on us. We want to be safe and free, but can someone else go. We are REALLY proud of Dale, he is making a big step in helping all us citizens, his own family, and doing what God wants him to do. He is excelling, and we are proud to have him in our family as a role model not just to the kids, but Rich and I as well. Dale has never been afraid of hard work and perseverence when it came to something he wanted...Something you wanted for him is a different story. HaHaHa! So here are our pics of the man of the hour!

Uncle Dale being a dad. 

The Proud Parents..Papa, Grammer and GI Dale. A REAL American Hero. High School, College, and Army Officer Graduation! 

The family: Mom, Dad, Dallin, Parker, Gretchy, and our super duper gi joe uncle Dale. 

Uncle Dale, Aunt Shalene, Rebekah Poo, Grandma Suzie and Grandpa Frank. 

Aunt Dare and Unle Dale...and twin babies in hiding. 

Uncle Dale, Aunt Shalene, and Rebekah 

The boys ready to hop in and "blast some bad guys". 

Uncle Dale swearing in as 2nd Lt. 

Dallin hanging out waiting, and who is that big bellied girl in the pink? 

Gretchen waiting for the swearing in ceremony. She is thinking of snatching the flag. 

Dale & Rebekah heading out. 

The happy family after Dale's Graduation...okay maybe not Parker. 

The girls had saved up their energy during graduation for some exploring. 

Some of us go to Disney, or the beach, or the mountains, or the Bahamas for summer vacation....We visit our family!
This summer our family has been busy visiting all our relatives. We have stayed at Grammer's most of the time, but have also had several visitors to our house, too. We had a family reunion for my dad's side of the family. They do it once a year, ALWAYS in the heat of summer. It is great to see all my aunts and uncles and cousins. It reminds me of all the holidays we spent together growing up, which also means now I am old. But we do have 3 generations of family there. Unfortunately, my grandmother and grandfather passed away before my kids could meet them. BUT, we were lucky enough that they do know Rich's grandfather, Richard Sr. We went to see him down in Fayetteville, and spent the afternoon hanging out on the patio until he was too tired. Kids do that to you sometimes. The boys were excited to meet their dad's pop, and get to be with their grandpoppy. It is sad to say that Richard's Pop passed away last week. It was sad for him, and the family. You always think about what time you could have spent together. So for us, we are spending our summer in NC more than in TN. We even got to see Uncle Dale who got some leave after graduating from officer's school, and got to see our busy Uncle Paul and his cool motorcycle. I gave Dare a baby shower for her little twin boys to be, and got to visit with my mom's family, too. It has been a busy summer, and we still have 1 1/2 months left. WHEW!

Dallin and Charlie at the reunion, exploring at the Lake. It is what boys and their dogs do best! 

Some of the first cousins, Sandy, Dare, Me, Heidi, Leslie, and David 

Papa and his sisters, Minnie, Mary, Judy, Barbara, Bertie Lou, June and brother Lynn at the family reunion. The whole gang! 

Grammer chatting with my Aunt Barbara and Uncle Pete from Reno. 

Parker and his 2nd cousin Zion. 

Gretchy, Poppy, and Pop hanging out on the patio. 

Richard and his Grandpop, Richard Sr. 

The family with Pop in Fayetteville.