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Then... I visited Holly, Phil, Noelle and Bell in North Carolina. I really think I need to move down there someday!! We did many things down there. We all got sunburned (except Bell) when we went to the beach on memorial day. We even put sunblock on!

Then, a couple saturdays ago, we had a going away picnic for Eric (my brother-in- law deploying to Iraq). I just realized today that I got only pictures of the nieces and a few others, but none of Eric. They were throwing the volleyball around and the fast flowing stream "stole" it from them. Zach thankfully "saved" it.

Next, everyone can say good bye to my bike. Unfortunately I never got a picture of myself on it (kind of a hard task when you are by yourself). I have decided to get a different kind, probably next year. Maybe even a scooter, we will see. Can't let the license and helmet go to waste.

First of all, to catch up with the times, I must post pictures of my newest niece, Maleah. Her cousin Anna does not know quite what to do with her though.

Believe it or not, spring has finally sprung in my yard! No, no green yet, but my creek is gurgling again!! Actually gushing! Oh that you could hear it!!! Unfortunately it is hard to see in these pictures, but believe you me...it is flowing! I LOVE spring!!

The Beautiful Spring
by George Cooper

"I was here first," said the snowdrop: "look!"

"Not before me!" sang the silver brook.

"Why," cried the grass, "I've been here a week!"

"So have I, dear," sighed a violet meek.

"Well," piped a bluebird, "don't leave me out!

I saw the snow that lay round about."

"Yes," chirped a snowbird, "that may be true;

But I've seen it all the bleak winter through."

"I came betimes," sang the southwind,

"I!""After me, love!" spake the deep blue sky.

"Who is it cares?" chimed the crickets gay:

"Now you are here, let us hope you'll stay."

Whispered the sun,

"Lo! the winter's past:

What does it matter who's first or last?

Sky, brooks, and flowers, and birdies that sing,

All help to make up the beautiful spring."

Here are a few snap shots of some of those who made it, including a close up of our beloved and well renowned photographer!

We had Monica's baby shower today. Despite competing with the MACS tournament, we had quite a show of people. 24 I believe. It went well...I think...I hope! Oh well, its done! YEAH! Sue Peterson did a great job with games. We had favors for all and themed baskets for prizes! We had enough great food, and I love the cake! Monica got a lot of really cute things! I did not get a picture of all her gifts together. I regret that, but here are some!

The weather is FINALLY warming up here after weeks of sub zero weather! Here are some pictures of this past summer and spring that are making me really look forward to this coming spring and summer! (My life if too boring recently, so I have to pull from my past in order to update this blog!! Ugg!) My bike, my puppy (well, was) the ocean and sunsets! Oh, and cute adorable little faces playing at the beach!

We all got together at grandma's again this year on New Year's Eve. I am always surprised how many people we can fit in her house, but we always manage quite comfortably. I also got some good pictures of dad teaching Susannah how to shoot a gun. (He has loosened up quite a bit since I was a kid, I gueuss ;-) )

the fun of Christmas morning with kids

It was so much fun watching the little ones open their gifts this year. Noelle even got to be Santa's little helper by passing out the gifts. (With Holly's help of course!)

Mary Poppins exhibit at Macy's

Most of us went to the Macy's exhibit this year. The lines were long, but it was fun enough. Ryan and Noelle did not quite know quite what to think though!