Summer Trip to Omaha

Mark and I went to Omaha to see Loralee, Mike and the kids. We had a great time. Mark worked with Mike on installing all new doors on the interior of their home. I forgot to get pictures of that project, but perhaps Loralee will share her pictures on her blog.
We didn't make it to the zoo this trip but we did go to the Air and Space Strategic Air Command Museum. One area had these giant soft blocks. Kaitlynn made this little house and Hailey came in for a visit!

While we were there, we happened upon this area with information on the Doolittle Raids in 1942 on Japan. Here is one of the sixteen B-25B Bombers used in that Raid.

While reading the information about the sixteen Bombers it hit me when I saw the name "Dean Edward Hallmark" listed as shown below. His picture is in the upper left corner. He was the pilot of the Green Hornet. He was related to my Dad, James David Hallmark. (sadly to say I need to read more about how he was related)

Kaitlynn is pointing to his name listed below. It was so sad to read and see pictures where he was imprisoned, tortured, and finally after a few years executed. His plane was running low on fuel after they bombed Japan, and had to fly to China, where his crew was captured. It was very educational and made me want to learn more so I Googled more about it. His remains are in Arlington Cemetery in Virginia.

On a lighter note, the kids love their pool! Kaitlynn and Hailey are showing us how they play! They run down their hill and throw themselves into the pool. They play out there for hours! Kaitlynn's lips turn blue and Hailey shivers, but they still just love it.

Loralee came and got us so we could see how Mikey fell asleep one night. What a funny guy! It is amazing how kids can fall asleep in the strangest positions!

We made our trip to Winter Quarters Temple and Visitors Center. It is beautiful there and with the Winter Quarters Cemetery adjoining the Temple grounds it has a very sweet spirit there. What a great looking family!

Another shot with the Temple in the background.

At night I would read to the girls. We always read books to the kids while they were young, and the Bernstein Bears books were some of their favorites. Just overlook that elephant sitting in the little pink chair!
Loralee and I spent time together working in her beautiful gardens, playing with the kids, and getting a pedicure. We had a great time!

Memorial Day 2010

Kaitlynn is giving Harley a little love as he has to sit under the tree away from the BBQ

We had a great time on Memorial Day. It was a rainy day, but we still made it work! All of us met together for a picnic, even if it was only for a couple of hours. We had a crazy day of different families coming and going, babies nap times and those who had to travel back home. Some of the mommies had to leave a little early and get the kids home for naps before I even had time to get my camera out, so I am sorry we didn't get pictures of all of us! Most everyone got to play ball, which is a family tradition. The hamburgers were great and everyone contributed to the great food we had. Thanks everyone.

Barry at bat....

Chad at bat....

Derek at bat....

Ty picking out his bat....

Robby at bat...

The cousins had a great time playing together! Emma was a great "big sister" to all of the kids as she pushed them in the swings, and played with them at the playground.
Marky was all over the place playing with everyone. Petra and Mikey loved to swing.

Our beautiful "newlywed" MiKayla seemed to have a nice time. Even though it was a rainy day, she seemed to make it sun-shiny with that great smile.

Loralee got some at bat time as well, but took some time to help Mikey swing at some. Fun times for all!

Emma and Carter dash under the pavillion for cover. I love Carter's green rain gear and boots. Too cute!

Mikey, Emma and Hailey loved to swing too, and we had a hard time getting them to come and eat.

Mike and Loralee got to hold baby Baron when we first got to the park. Everyone loved catching up and spending time with nieces and nephews.

Wendy loved Cooper, the newest addition to Mike and Loralee's family.
We had fun despite the challenges of this "Memorial" Day.

A Walk on the Greenbelt

Approximately a mile from our home is the Greenbelt. We love to go for walks or ride bikes there. A little way in on a foot path, there are the beautiful sounds of different types of birds, and the quiet sound of the Boise River. About 3 weeks ago, Derek, Tara, their kids and I found a beautiful swan couple on an inlet from the river. Mark and I went to see how the nesting couple were doing today, and here are some pictures of what we saw. If you look closely, you can see her egg. She decided to get up, move around a bit and reposition her egg. It was awesome.

Now that she is repositioned, she settles back down on her beautiful nest. Isn't it amazing?! It was picture perfect.
This is a great shot of the river as it bends in one spot. We are truly blessed to live in such a nice place were we can access such wonders to take a walk, get a breath of fresh air, or just think in a quiet place.