Chicago, Triplets, and Best Friends

Tori, Lynn, and I spent two wonderful days in Chicago! We drove to Michigan City, Indiana on Friday morning and took a train from there to the downtown Loop.

We stayed at the grand and beautiful Palmer House Hotel. From there we took the subway to the American Girl Place where Tori chose an outfit for her doll with her Christmas gift certificate from Aunt Laura and Uncle Ben. She also chose an outfit which her mom bought for her, plus a pair of skates for Marisol.

We had a wonderful dinner at the AGP and were treated to a delicious meal, great service, and a bag of special gifts for Tori. Our server took a 'shine' to her and surprised her with lots of extra bonus gifts.

On Saturday morning we took the subway to the All-State Arena in Rosemont where we saw Disney's High School Musical on Ice. Chicago was COLD but we had a fantastic time and arrived safely home about 9 p.m. on Saturday. Thanks, Tori and Lynn, for making our trip so much fun!




We had dinner out with Tom & Anna and the kids on Thursday evening - great fun, as always!



Tonight we had dinner with our "dearest and best", Dick and Jacque. We celebrated Dick's birthday - Japanese style, which explains the 'hat' and the gong. He was a great sport, as always :) We cherish their friendship and enjoyed another wonderful evening together.

We are forever grateful for our family and friends who add so much joy to our lives!

Friends!

Our friend Jim celebrated his 60th birthday on Monday! We enjoyed spending the evening with him, his family, and friends. We cherish our friendship with him and Chris that goes back to 1966 when we used to double-date. Happy Birthday, Jim!

Bob, Jim, Bill, Ron
(all of whom will turn 60 this year - hard to believe!)

We spent last evening with Jay and Elaine. Elaine is still recuperating from a break near her hip; Jay lost most of his vision four years ago, so they have been pretty much home-bound since November. They graciously allowed us to enjoy supper and several hours of conversation with them.

No matter what,
may you always find your way to a friend's house!

Deven, Laura & Ben, and Sisters!

Our favorite thing to do on Sunday evenings is to spend time with Steve & Lynn and their family. Tonight Deven showed us his moves with the basketball set we gave him for Christmas. He has it in his bedroom - right over his bed!



Deven took great delight in beating his grandpa in a couple of games .....
A poster of Deven playing football - a gift from his Mom and Dad :)


Here are a couple of pictures Laura emailed from Pasadena. She and Ben are settled in and enjoying getting to know their community. The Fuller Seminary campus is only a block or two from the condo they are renting and Ben is deep into his studies.

These pictures were taken at the winter party hosted by the hospital where she is working.... Her big door prize - a big box of cookies!

You can find the same pictures and many more on their website - just click on the link on the right. Click on 'Anna B.' to see pictures of some of our other kids and grandkids :)

And a picture of Beckie and Marva from our "sisters' lunch". Haven't received permission from Denise yet to post the one I took of her....maybe next time :).

This last picture was taken after the fire at Steve & Lynn's house. A robin found the perfect nesting place to lay her eggs :)

When your life is a mess,
may you still find a safe and restful place to 'nest'.
Psalm 23

Happy Birthday, Mom B.

It's been a while since this blog was updated.....lots of fun the past few weeks!
Bill's mom celebrated her 85th birthday yesterday. The family gathered for dinner and enjoyed hearing her stories about her youth, dating years, and wedding. There were some sad stories, too, as she talked about when dad was a prisoner of war and when brothers Tom and Bob died.
Mom still enjoys ball games, playing cards, and Bible study. She has strong faith, a great sense of humor, and spreads kindness wherever she goes. She is a great blessing in our lives!

Mom and Tom

Lynn, Mom, Steve, Tom

Mom, Barb, Dean

Part of the clan
Front: Ned, Mom, Elwin
Back: Luke, Cindy, Brian

Front: Luke and Elwin w/ Grandma
Back: Ron & Mary

Bill with his mom

There have been lots of other bright spots recently, including....

....coffee with my friend Sarah


...time at the mall with Anna, Abby, Sophie, and Noah

....lunch with Tori

....and card games with friends.
This is Rog & Kerri w/ Bill
at the home of Bob & Julie F.


Only Marcia H. could create such a beautiful display of fruit!
(Thanks, Ron & Arlene, for hospitality again on New Year's Eve!)


May your shoes take you to great places
and may you always find a friend there.

Blessings in 2008!