Happy July 4th - 2012

I just love July 4th holiday.  All the festivities, fireworks, friends and family getting together.  Chris and Melissa came in town.  We walked to see our neighborhood parade.  The parade began with the Berkner Drum Line.

 If you could decorate it....it could be in the parade.

 We were a little concerned when we walked up that we didn't have chairs or blanket.  Not to worry for the five minutes for the entire parade to pass by.

Dad, Keith, Elysse and Anna stopped by for a visit and lunch. I'm not sure why they were sitting out side.  I know it wasn't 100 but it must have been 95.

 The Sanders gave Anna the boys play kitchen wtih all the food, pots, pans, etc.  Anna found some play toast.

 Thanks dad for stopping by.

Later that evening we joined our friends at Breckenridge Park for the fireworks display.  The weather was great, the fellowship was great, the food was excellent and the fireworks were OUTSTANDING!
Jerry brought his flag to make us patriotic and so happy he did.

 Melissa and Chris just chilling.

 Babe and me, with the Melissa pose.

 Mary and Harry.

 Layton or Preston.....?????

 The gang.

 Garrett, look at those rosy checks.

I wanted to take pictures of the fireworks but there is not way they would show up as good as they were in person.  Another wonderful July 4th!

Arboretum and the Chihuly Exhibit

The Dallas Arboretum is one of our favorite places to go.  We sit out on the lawn, watch people, watch the sunset and listen to music.  The Chihuly Exhibit is there through November. Artist Dale Chihuly creates free-standing sculptures and large-scale artwork made of glass.  You have the opportunity of viewing the artwork in the gardens while the sun is out and also after the concert at night.  Both viewings are breathtaking beautiful.

Here are  just a very few pictures of the artwork.  If you have the opportunity to visit the Arboretum between now and November, please do so.  You won't be disappointed.

Another successful evening at the Arboretum.

Anna turns 1 yr old

I'm going to warn everyone, this is a very long post.  I just could not help myself.
It truly is hard to believe that a year ago June 24th Anna was born.  Oh how our grandkids are growing up.  The theme for Anna's birthday party was owls.  Elysse worked very hard over the last few weeks getting prepared for the big day.  She did an outstanding job on all the decorations, food and getting us all together.  Here are a few pictures of the decorations.

 Little owls everywhere.  This is a good picture of the little bean bags that Elysse made.  Julie helped suffing them.

 I thought this idea was so clever.  I remember Elysse taking a picture each month and sending to us.  How time flies by so quickly.

I think this picture of KW is so good.  He had just opened a belated birthday gift from Keith and Elysse.  Unfortunately I was not quick enough to capture the moment and it could not be found but it was a "Proud To Be A UT Dad" bumper sticker in burnt orange!  Now there was talk about it being placed on a few other cars in the drive way, but I feel sure you could probably find it in the trash.

We went over a little early to see if we could help prepare for the party.  I don't really think we helped at all but we had a little pre-party fun for sure. Mutti and GG.  I wonder if they talked about what to wear?  They sure did coordinate well.

 KW in the kitchen mixing up his killer margaritas.  And they were outstanding!  A tradition for kids birthday parties.

 Anna really didn't get a good nap so we were just trying to keep her going for awhile.  Julie was providing her with snacks as she would come and go.

 KW was providing taste tests of his margaretias.  Birthday girl surly need to try them.  After all, it's her day!

Gramdpa Jim and GG chilling before the guest arrive.

Grandpa chilling.  I think this is a very good picture.  Maybe his obit. That's a joke we have.

 Enjoying our margaritias.  Even Anna likes them. 

 Anna and mom.  All ready for the party and looking good!

 The birthday girl.  Camille gave this cute little dress to Anna when whe was born.  What a cute dress to wear on your birthday.

 And this is what Anna did most of the day with her cute little dress.

Come on Mutti and GG, the fun is about to begin!

 Oh Happy Day!

 What a beautiful group of women. 

 The party girl.

Here are a few pictures of the guests.

I see baby in Kacy & Taylor's future.

These two (Ed and Carol) are the best neighbors ever! 

Remember now that Anna did not have her afternoon nap and she typically goes to bed at 6:30, unless she is spending the night w/GP & GM.  It's now 6:00 pm and she has reached her limit.  So it's time for a piece of birthday cake.

 look at those eyes.

 Happy Birthday Anna Michelle Denton!

 I think she enjoyed her very first piece of cake and sugar!

It looks a lot like Christmas.....look at all those gifts.