Karen, Logan and Kayleigh's Visit to HSV / Bapa's Birthday Bash

On Tuesday, 14-SEP, Karen, Logan and Kayleigh flew into Little Rock for a visit with Gram and Bapa and to help celebrate Bapa's birthday (one of those BIG ones). Logan and Kayleigh had fun playing with grandparents and old toys that their Mom (and her brothers) had played with. Kayleigh and Bapa are having fun on the floor.

Logan enjoyed playing the guitar (intensity and focus help).

On Wednesday, we went for a ride in the boat. Gram and Logan are ready to go.

Kayleigh and Karen are also ready.

Kayleigh enjoys that "wind blown" look. Gram said Kayleigh's blowing hair reminded her of a troll doll - for those of you old enough to remember.

Gram and Kayleigh are enjoying the ride across the lake.

On Thursday we drove to Gravan Gardens in Hot Springs, AR. We went directly to the children's play area. It's complete with rocks to climb on and water. Logan and Karen enjoyed the cool water.

As most little boys would, Logan got wetter the longer he played in the water. He had a great time. Luckily Karen had brought him a change of clothes - good planning.

Kayleigh and Bapa stopped next to a wooden carving. Doesn't look like anyone we know but at least it's happy.

Kayleigh also enjoyed sitting on the rocks.
We all enjoyed a stop by the waterfall.

"Back at the ranch" Logan had fun playing golf in the back yard. He carefully lines up his shot and selects his club.

However, every good golfer needs a reliable caddy. Kayleigh is up to the task. She has the bag, but where did those golf clubs go?

BAPA's BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION. Karen and the kids made Bapa a special shirt for his birthday. Logan and Kayleigh's footprints are on the back of the shirt. Wow - it's one of a kind.

Friday evening for dinner we went to The Shack in Jesseville - one of Bapa's favorite restaurants. Wayne and Delma Jensen - friends from HSV - joined us at The Shack and later at Gram and Bapa's house for cake. Kayleigh and Bapa get ready to blow out the candle on Bapa's piece of birthday cake. Yes, it's Tennessee Sheet cake - what else?

Gram enjoyed reading to Logan each night before bed. Logan especially enjoyed "I Am A Bunny". He could almost read the book to Gram.

After Saturday morning at Balboa Beach, we took Karen, Logan and Kayeigh to the Little Rock airport for their return flight to Houston. Thanks for the visit. We'll see you next week!

Labor Day: Visiting Doug in Midland, MI

On Wednesday, 01-SEP, Rosie and I started the drive to Doug's place in Midland, MI. We planned to visit with him and Ashley over the Labor Day weekend and watch Doug in the Traverse City sprint triathlon. We arrived in Midland on Thursday. We were surprised at how much cooler and drier the weather was compared to Arkansas. It actually felt good to be outside. Ashley arrived late Friday night after working all day.

On Saturday we drove to Traverse City, MI, where Doug would participate in the sprint triathlon. The temperature Sunday morning was a bit cool; the water temperature near the shore was down right cold. Doug decided to wear his wet suit - good move.

Doug does the "twist" to warm up as the oldies music blares in the background. Ashley is keeping warm.

Doug has finished the swim and bike and is now starting the final "run" phase; he's all smiles.

The finish! YEAH!

After the race, Doug took a quick shower and we all headed to the Old Mission Tavern for lunch. We repeated our order from last year - the roasted half chicken that's only offered on Sunday. It was delicious. After lunch we headed back into the city and a stop at the Traverse City Pie Company. Ha - we don't need a map, we simply follow our stomachs! The cherry crumb pie Rosie and I shared was delicious.

Ashley had to leave on Sunday afternoon heading back to Columbus, OH. We drove back to Midland on Monday morning.

Monday evening, Doug and Rosie did a bit of cooking. Doug made a large stir-fry (which we had for dinner - very spicy) and a significant pot of soup for the freezer. He really seems to enjoy cooking and experimenting.

Rosie and I left on Tuesday morning for the drive back to HSV. We arrived back at around noon on Wednesday - in plenty of time to get Sam from "camp." Thanks Doug and Ashley for the great visit. We had a lot of fun.

Doug and Ashley Engaged!

Doug finally "popped the question" (i.e. marriage) to Ashley Kulju. They've been dating for about 2 years. Doug did a great job on picking out the ring.

Here's a picture of the engaged couple.

We're excited about their engagement and having Ashley as part of the family - she's a brave woman.