Double Birthday

The evening of August's actual birthday we were in Kirksville, MO with my grandmother. I am so glad she was able to enjoy this sight (even if we had to clean the carpet in her kitchen later).

These pictures speak for themselves...






I almost peed myself when he started eating with his face to the table. Seriously, why do we give a one year old a plate?

(Might I add that we've come a long way from Eden's fake, sweet potato mush, first birthday cake.... Thank GOD... sigh)

Happy Birthday August (and Cousin Campbell)

The weekend before August's actual first birthday and the day after Campbell's 6th birthday we had a little party at the ranch... entitled Winter Onederland!

We shared snowball cupcakes...

(before)

(after)

(the mature 6 year old)

We decorated snowflake ornaments, made snow globes, and our pretend snowball fight was more like a snow pile on top of Uncle Brian.

It was REALLY exciting.

Right, Lance?

Goodbye Grandpa

I spent the day saying goodbye to this man today.

Merrill Edward Leutung

He lived 89 full years.
He married twice, had two children, one grandchild, and two great-grandchildren.
He survived World War II.
He loved the Missouri Tigers and hated onions.
He made it into Missouri's Bowling Hall of Fame.
He was very proud of his ability to kick a bad smoking habit, a dangerous drinking habit and 3 previous bouts with cancer.
He was successful, involved, and extremely generous.
He was strong and stubborn and loved me fiercely.

So... I can't figure out why I can't stop crying. It's selfish, I guess. I hate change, I hate goodbyes, and I hate knowing he will miss sharing his 89th birthday with his great grandson next week.




Thank you for everything, Grandpa. I love you too.

Trip to Tahoe

Welcome, Christmas