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Family Pics 2011!

We tried our hand at our annual amateur family photography session and I think we got some really cute ones :) Don't I have a handsome family? Goodness they are all so dang cute! Enjoy some of my favorite shots. Be aware you may see these again on our Christmas cards this year...

'Till we meet again Grandpa

My sweet Grandpa Stones passed away yesterday. As I reflected on him and his life as I knew it I couldn't help but think about my very fond memories of him as a child. Whenever we went to visit it was always a very long road trip, but we would always look forward to the moment we pulled up to his Texaco gas station! He would always have treats in hand waiting to give us some of his yummy treats! He was a very hard working man which was clearly passed down to my mother who in turn taught us kids. He was always so pleasant to be around because his eyes always sparkled with happiness. Love you Grandpa, I can feel you smiling down on all of us!

1980, 31 years ago when my sister and I were born. (I'm on the left, Cami's on the right in case you were wondering)
2002, after my Tyler was born. Grandpa always wore this kind of work jumper. I can't remember him wearing anything different!

2006, Aunt Tamra, Grandma Stones and Grandpa Stones. Andy and I visited them on our 5 year anniversary trip :)

LOVE YOU Grandpa!!

Natural Bridge Caverns II

These pictures kind of give you an idea of the MASSIVENESS of the caves. They were HUGE. I couldn't help but think about the time I went spelunking in college in the Nutty Putty caves. I kept telling my kids how I went through what they called the "birth canal" and we had to army crawl, (if you could call it that, it was SO tight it was more of a slither) through this terrible narrow opening. (Arit, if you are reading I'm sure you recall how claustrophobic it was! We had to talk her through a couple of almost panic moments). Then on the other side of the "canal" was an opening with a waterfall. It was very cool!! I would love to do it again sometime, assuming I would still fit through it!
My kids now think I am slightly cool :) I was once upon a time.

I guess they were a little tired because they ALL look spaced out in this picture. Hahahaha...

Natural Bridge Caverns

Spontaneity seems to be the theme of our adventures as of late. We decided, last minute to drive to New Braunfels, TX to go visit some caves that had rave reviews. It was Awesome and very fun for us all! You can see the Natural Bridge above. Very Cool.

The entry in the ver dark cave, thus a lot of fuzzy pics as we havent figured out the night settings very well.

The baby was really good thanks to an awesome carrier borrowed by some friends! She even napped for a while!

But was also awake to enjoy the scenery :)

The kids loved it , despite their faces in this pic!

They got to "mine" for precious stones and metals. Very fun for ALL of them.

We rested for a minute or two and then went to go down into the second cave.

My Sweet Katie

Here is Katie Sept 19th, a few days after her 8th surgery and the first picture we saw of her after the swelling had significantly decreased. She's had so much metal gear screwed to her head and sticking out of her face that we haven't been able to really see her face for months. This surgery was planned, but there was an unexpected addition. She recieved the first layer of cheekbone.
I can't adequetly express the feelings I had the moment I saw this picture. I saw Katie, but immediately recognized her as I have seen her before. Silently I said "I KNOW that girl! She looks so familiar!" Then it hit me. Like a ton of bricks. She was still the Katie I know and love, but she was begining to look the way her Spirit looked. I was floored that I recognized what was what I was seeing. The spirit works in mysterious ways, but my dear friends these are the moments I will carry with me into the eternities.

Katie Whicker, I love you now matter what you look like, but now I can SEE you my sweet sister!I love you Katie.

More Michigan Mischief

9. We played hide and seek.

10. We helped with the chores. My attempt to help anyway.

11. Tyler's first driving experience. One word. AHHHHHH! The teenage years are gonna be fun.

12. We played outside A LOT. I don't think there could be a cuter picture. Can you say postcard?

13. We went to the beach without hitting 70 degrees. I was in love.

13. We smiled and laughed a lot.

14. We ate a lot. But man, we enjoyed it. Check out that satisfaction!

15. We cut hair. This pic needs to be in a pediatric office. Not sure why, but it does.

16. We camped in the backyard.

17. We wore out our hosts.

18. We did some "slipin' and slidin"

19. We went to the pier. Gorgeous.

21. We saw a lighthouse.

22. We celebrated mine and Cami's birthday TOGETHER for the first time in probably over 10 years.

23. We laughed a lot.

Ok, I know, I look like a dork in this picture. In fact Andy has always called me a pirate because I always kiss him with one eye opened...I guess it's just natural :)

Anyway, I included this because it captures the moment perfectly.

Thanks to the wonderful Ford family for enduring through the 3 weeks we took over their home. It was SO much fun, despite the strep throat and various viruses we all shared; they will be memories of a lifetime. LOVE YOU!