Eighty Five.

What he started.  The admired man we call "Gaylord".   Who can't admire the work his hands created?  The great stories he can tell.  The hard work he's accomplished.  Eighty Five is pretty darn awesome. 

And so yesterday he walked into his EIGHTY FIFTH year of this thing we call "LIFE".  I proudly represent this man's name.  Daily.  Proudly.  Craftsmanship created to give  others. The definition of "Custom". 

When I look in his eyes and he tells a story, I often wonder how he really feels at 85.  I've seen him tear up at the simplest of things.  And moments.   I've seen him become stubborn when the world should be so simple.  Only he knows why.  What does he really want to say?  What happiness does he recall of his youth? Meanwhile required to work so hard.  Young.  Experiencing life in real time, as we read about..The Great Depression.  Serving in a war.  I do know he has a kind soul.  Loves his cat Bridgette.  Alot.  Doesn't eat any poultry because his pet "Fred" was served as a family meal when food was completely scarce.  Talk about sad.  He loves his family.  Loves the ocean.  Loves boating.  Loves tinkering on things.   We love him.  Happy Birthday Gaylord.  Keep rocking that great fun, witty, smart way of yours. We look forward to sharing many more with you....Muah XO

Happy Birthday Kali-Koo-Koo

Dear Kali.....This is the day. May Twenty Ninth, Nineteen Ninety Six.  At 5:45pm on a Thursday afternoon, I drove myself to the hospital.  Ready to have you.  I did. No meds.  All natural' girlie.  7lbs. 2ozs.  20 inches.  Fast.  2 hours. With the only request of  "please don't touch me, and leave me be".    A head so full of hair we laughed.  Hard.  The first couple of months here in this world you cried.  Alot.  You loved to be held.  Never put down.  You sucked your thumb...for a very long time.  You are sensitive.  You like things quiet.  You like an organized life.  You are a dedicated athlete. You love fitness and all things healthy.  You adore your Mom. I think. That makes me happy.  Very happy.  You love your Dad so much and admire his hard work, and patient ways.  You are driving us around now.  You love animals.  You are  growing like a wild fire.  You amaze me.  Your friendship to those close to you is like no other.  The respect and gentle kind ways, are truly honorable.  Kali I love you.  Dad loves you.  You make us all proud.  Sixteen is a fun number.  I really never knew this day would roll around so fast.  It has.  Part of me is so excited.  Part of me is really scared.  Happy Birthday Beautiful Girl.   See....your birthday wasn't all about me.  haha.     Sixteen spankings fo sho! 

Time to make 16 very very SWEET...!

My party planning gets silly crazy, very fast.  BUT check out the packing of 3 teen girls, and the Mama Bear in charge....oh my!

We finally arrived at 6 pm.  Warm skies, and a refreshing pool to greet these 3 girls.....

We had this "Sweet 16" Banner made for our princess. 

Friday's lunch was planned at Pirates Cove.  White sandy beaches, some winds...and crowds on the lighter side before the mayhem really kicks in....(1st Surprise would take place there....)

Our surprise for Miss. Kali was something she'd been asking for.....ALL YEAR long.....A new I-Phone4S-  Our plan was to have our server bring that out, wrapped especially cute by Mama...So...when food arrived, we received salads, Kali received her new 3rd arm.  haha. 

Before food was served.  Funny part?  She was grouchy before leaving because her old phone was dropping calls, and not taking pictures right.  Couldn't of been a better moment.   Patience pays off. 

I guess her birthday isn't always about ME! 

S.T.O.K.E.D!

Can't wait to look back on this one day when she's a Mommy offering surprises of her own.....something so superficial  yet means so much to a teen girl.  At least this teen girl.  

And she thanks him from the bottom of her toes, to the tip of her hair!  HE always makes surprises happen. 

Meanwhile down on the boat...these little birdies tanned and people watched....

Where did my baby Kali-koo-koo go?

The Ireland's and the event planner. 

Event planner and some very beautiful 16 year old girlies!

Happy Moments

Ready to take on the day....Again...!

My home-made banner.....Made by LOVE and Memories....

Her surprise 10th Birthday at the Ice Skating Rink. 

Her 5th Birthday in the Harbor by Grandma Shirley and Gaylord's......(Look how little Kris is...)

My little Princess. 

These are the years.  We rented her a Cabana Boat for Saturday.  Keeping things safer, and easier.  Our group partied here for the day.....

The other Birdie....

Happy Birthday to ME...................

Best Friends.

Best Family and Friends ringing in the sixteenth year.

Channel craziness!

To give you an idea of a Cabana Boat.  They park it wherever you'd like it.  Huge Ice chest filled to the brim. With Beer and Cocktails...kidding...made you look.  haha. Filled to the brim with ICE fellers, a  BBQ....Music hook ups for I pod....the rear is tucked close to the water...the front close to the wall...The best part...? It's super clean and you don't have to worry about your own boat...sand, scratches, and knuckleheads!   Would I order this again?  You betcha!

Family and Friends....Temps for the day? Maybe 85-90.  Couldn't have been better....

Dad checking things out....We are the memory keepers, and Safety Watch Captains too!

Mac-Dut- Love her!

Her sweet gifts to be opened with friends and family surrounding her.....That bag reads.."Love is ALL we NEED".

Love this ! 

Inside of those boxes were a new pair of Pink Nike's, Victoria Secret Bathing suits, new phone covers, shorts, and clothes from her parents; gift cards, accessories, rings, and more rings...cute blouses from Lamb and Flag....so many cute cute things.....

Bro's big smiles!

Don't know why....while my kids open gifts, and blow out birthday candles, I become overwhelmed with emotion.  Guess Kris or Bill caught it this time.  Oh well. It's life.  It's me.  I am really having a hard time with Kali's pace of growth.  Kind of scary.  Hold on tight to your little ones peeps. 

Sunday blessed us with long time friends, poolside, plus little kids to enjoy our pool, They had a good time with Kali and the girls.  Our friends Mike, Ingrid and Paul came to share the afternoon sunshine..beautiful sunsets and many smiles between us all.  Closing our weekend down, with more memories.....

Mike and Mitchell.  I thought this picture was priceless.  LOVE.  Daddy and Son moment.  Looking at the lake from this side....

And so just like that.  An empty house again.  Kris, Lizo and Bucksie left a day early.  We clean, we rest, we enjoy those last few hours somewhere that always makes us smile.   Always helps us relax.  So ya, Thanks to the man in the picture.  We are able.  And I thank my lucky stars. 

When I feel overwhelmed, maybe I should pull this picture out....like recount the many things. 

So there you have Memorial Weekend 2012 Celebrating 16 years for a girl in a world that would never be so complete without her.  It's also a great thing to say  WE ALL TRAVELED THERE AND BACK...SAFE....!!  Cheers!