Nice Reunion

This weekend Stan's high school class celebrated their 50th reunion.  Hard to believe it's been that long!  It was a lovely time, starting with a nice buffet dinner on Friday night, breakfast at the school's new atrium Saturday morning, then a drive to Gates of the Mountains-a place along the Missouri River where the mountains close in and form a "gate."  They give guided tours on boats.  Good trip, even though we had to drive about 90 miles to get there.  Then we met at a classmate's home for a burger fry.  Gave us lots more time to gab and gab.  Stan reconnected with his best friend from high school, Howie, and they are plotting fishing trips for the fall when Howie comes back to help his brother with the potato harvest.

It was great to see Howie-his wife passed away in January, and it's been pretty rough for him.  He almost didn't come, but he told us he's glad he did.  He's a retired school administrator who can't be idle, hence the potato harvesting.  It'll be super for Stan to get together with him again!

A few people who didn't graduate with the class were there, and it was good for them, too.  It's funny how 50 years can strip away all the pretenses and we can just relax and enjoy each other.  All the spouses had a good time, too.  They made us really feel like part of the group.

This isn't all of them, but there was a nice showing.  They've only lost two-pretty good for folks pushing 70!

First Day

I went to Grace and Syd's school this morning to witness their first day of school. What a hoot! I was working when Chris and Isaac had their first day and Danny was 180 miles away, so these are the first grandkids I got to see on their first day. Wouldn't have missed it for the world!

Two very cute kindergartners. They're not in the same class but their classrooms are right next to each other. Everybody is going to think they're twins.

Sydney barely had time to let me take this picture-he was too busy on the playground. When the bell rang, he grabbed his backpack and lined up, totally ignoring us. Mom and Dad-who are they?

Miss Grace had a minor meltdown, but her awesome teacher, who she had already met, immediately took her under her wing and reassured her. I see a great relationship growing here.

I had to be there, after all, I was there when they were born. First Gracie, such a sick, tiny baby.

Then Sydney, six weeks later-small but healthy.

Where did the time go? All those days of diapers, bottles, croup, colic-now they're "grown up!" Now just don't blink or they'll be grown and going off to college. I know-it happened to me with my three boys!