Sunday visitors

Last week we had a visit from our oldest son and his family. It has been a long time since the kids have been able to join us for a Sunday service, so we were really thrilled when they said they were coming in time for church. What a special treat for Grandpa to have his grandsons up front with him for the children's sermon!

We even were able to get a pic of the boys before they got too involved with playing!

itechnology and kids...it never ceases to amaze me!

Playing with little boys and new toys

J was using his construction skills to build this barn...

and B was playing with the knights.

We enjoyed a picnic lunch together

Then, after alot of bike riding and playing outside, we headed over to Coldstone for an ice cream treat. The boys are really into "Ninja Turtles" right now, so they had to check this manhole and see if there were Ninjas hiding down there!

This big boy loves his Coldstone!

But then, I think we all do! Thanks J&K for such a fun Sunday visit!

Car shows and more

I am trying to catch up on some posts (because I am so far behind again, too much work...not enough play!) 

About a month ago, our cardiology department was asked to help out with this traveling heart display. It featured this 400 lb replica of a heart (part of the Bodies Exhibition that was coming to our area), and the opportunity for 3 days of free testing of various cardiac issues.

 Since I worked in a clinic close by the mall where this display was located, I stopped by on my way home to see my friends who were working that day, profit from a free carotid doppler and view the giant heart. 

You can see the size of the heart in relation to the nearby people.

Several weeks ago, we joined some friends at a morning car show.

 It was cool and overcast that early in the morning (6-8AM on a Saturday!), but we enjoyed our time together. This car actually belongs to a friend of ours.

 All the guys, young and old, loved hearing this Mazda revving it's engine.

 Cars, cars, and cars...

 A sweet ride (actually, I took these pics for my sons...)

 This is a Swedish supercar (Koenigsegg) that is one of the fastest cars in the world . Unfortunately, our husbands were so busy talking they missed seeing it. So us girls had to try and tell them about it.

 Remembering those days...

While I was in Minnesota visiting my folks, Jim went to a car museum with our friends. He kept very busy during those days, so I don't think that he missed me much! 

Hollywood fun

A couple of weeks ago, we drove to Pasadena where Jim had a board meeting, so I rode along and spent an afternoon in Hollywood with Penny and her daughter Heidi. She was here with a friend from England who was doing a whirlwind tour of SW USA, and this was one of her destinations. It has been years since I had been downtown Hollywood, and I had an excellent tour guide!

This was one of a few stars that I recognized...

It was a very crowded place.

"Tourists"

Heidi and her friend

Penny and I 

Hollywood sign in the background

A strange sight...there were many strange sights!

On the steps of the theatre for the academy awards

A strange new friend?

A great view of our Pasadena church, such a beautiful building, such good friends and memories held therein. 

Going "back home"

Last week I was able to travel back to the midwest to spend a few days with my parents. Harvest is just beginning, so I could not only enjoy the golden fields and the tall corn stalks, I also could smell the combine dust in the air.

I love the wide-open spaces!

My brother came out to visit with us two nights. We had such a good time together.

I was so blessed by having Dad totally coherent and happy all of the days that I was visiting. He was even laughing, singing and playing the harmonica! Such an answer to prayer. 

Mom's health is improving and she is back to her energetic self again.

One evening, an employee at the nursing home brought her beautiful dog to visit the residents. I couldn't tell who was enjoying "Sandy" more...dad or his son! 

One afternoon, my cousin and her husband stopped by for lunch as they traveled north to visit her folks. Such a treat!

Every time I've walked downtown, I've tried to visit the local museum, but it was never open. However, last weekend was the annual "Turkey Days" celebration, and the museum opened their doors! It was a very interesting place to explore. These horses were carved by a local woman who began her hobby back in WWII while her son was stationed overseas. After he returned home, she continued to carve during the long winter months. Her goal was to carve a set of horses and wagons for all 50 states. And she did!!! The detail was incredible, since these horses are only about 6-7 inches in height.

Furnishings from a local mercantile

the local doctor's office

On Friday evening, just before a fantastic fireworks show, mom and I attended a musical written and performed by the kids theatre. they did a great job! 

The title of the play was "Cowboys and Aliens" and these were the aliens that tried to crash the "wedding of the century" (simply because they wanted to attend a fun event!) Sorry for the grainy quality...it lends to the alien-look though!

the cute girls!

I am so thankful for my wonderful parents and the blessing they are to me!