tree farm

We met for Larry's family pictures today and while we were out that way, we quickly went afterwards to cut down our Christmas tree before going to Kristen's for Ashlee's baby shower. We found the perfect one right away [with lots of pinecones] and everyone agreed. Unusual for us. To think we have been walking by this one for years until we looked up. Larry & Paul went for hamburgers afterwards and the girls headed to the shower. Last year... Becky was with us and Lindsey was getting married to Tyler. This year Lindsey is all tanned and freshly back from their trip to Aruba :)

-Brenda

#80 surprise party

Wow! No clue. It could not have been a better surprise for Joe to be surrounded by just about everyone of his family... 17 days before his actual 80th birthday on December 12. We acknowledge the Lord's hand in having Larry's Mom by his side tonight. His daughter Kathy organized the whole party perfectly, passing out assignments and staying on top of everything. Thank you! How no one spilled the beans these last months was a miracle. Dinner at the Pizza Factory was yummy with a slide show of his 80 years. Looking back on past memories was priceless! Then we played a Bingo game of Joe-isms and won prizes that were inspired by Joe... outdated cereal, Fox News, Rush Limbaugh, Golf Balls, Army, Pepsi... Brent hosted a game to see how well their 7 kids knew their Dad and we topped it off by his favorite Custard from Milwaukee that Mike flew in. It was a perfect night of being together to celebrate the life of our 'Wonderful' Dad, Grandpa, Great Grandpa... He is very much loved and appreciated.

-Brenda