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.

Pool Time with the Grandkids

Our neighborhood has a very nice pool, tennis courts, and club room.  We don't use it very much but might soon....Elysse and Keith brought Anna over for her first swim in this pool.  She was a big hit with all the people, young and old.  She's such a social little thing.

She has her very own floaty with a canapoe.

It took a moment to make sure she was going to like it and she it.

And then dad started messing with her hair.

Reminds me when we were in Singapore.  Pierce was a little bit older than Anna but the pool time was just as much fun.

 In Singapore, there were 3 different pool areas.  When we would go out, we had to try them all.

 I just love this picture of Pierce.  We had lost his ball and he was disappointed.

Anna needed a break from dad and grandpa so climbed up in Elysses lap.  All is well.

Love this little girl.

Picnic at John & Susan

Susan had knee replacement surgery June 6th.  We all think she is doing amazing in her recovery.  We typicaal go out for dinner on Friday nights and since Susan could not, Kathy thought of a great idea....take a picnic in.  Kathy had the blankets for the floor.  We had fried chicken, potatoe salad and all the other fixings.  A delicious meal, great idea and a fun evening.  Not everyone was ready for me to take this picture but you get the idea of our fun eveing.

Father's Day 2012

A couple of weeks ago we called Keith and Elysse to see if Anna could come over for a sleepover.  Unfortunately, her dance card was full.  Vicki had already put in a request so we had to wait for the following weekend which was Father's Day.  Perfect!  What more could a grandpa ask for?

We amazed ourself that the 3 of us got it together in time to go to the 9:00 worship service.  Our youth choir returned from their tour and I wanted to welcome them home.  Anna lasted for about 45 minutes and everyone loved seeing her. 

She was happy to see momma and daddy.  She just lites up when Elysse walks in the room.
Looking sleepy here.  We heard later that she took a 3.5 hour nap.  I guess we were successful!

Senior Recognition Sunday

This past Sunday was Senior Recognition Sunday.  I always enjoy this service seeing the young adults stand before the congregation wearing proudly their graduation gowns.  Kevin Starnes, Director of Youth Ministries at our church and a member of our Small Group, called each by name.  He would then announce the college they would attend and their major.  This year we had our largest group of seniors, 31 of them.  I forgot my good camera so Hal took these with his phone.

Congratulations to all the seniors and best wishes for your future.

Rehearsal Dinner Party

To continue the fun filled Williams/Alford wedding weekend.....

Friday night was the Rehearsal Dinner party held at the Anya Tish Gallery.  Great fun place to hold an event such as this.  The evening was lovely, no humidity, no wind, no rain!
We all gathered outside to enjoy a beverage and conversation and there was a lot of conversation.  Here are just a few random pics.  John's dad has this option of raising himself up in his wheel chair.  It's the coolest thing.

 Julie and KW arriving  (William's time).

 Kelly and Kelsey.  Kelsey was the flower girl. 

 Larry and Debbie.  Love this picture of them.  Larry performed the wedding ceremony and it was beautiful.

 Our group.  So much fun hanging out w/Keith and Elysse for the weekend.

 I was told that John's mom, Mary did all the flower arrangements and they were gorgeous.

 I just started shooting pictures (with my new camera).  Not sure who everyone is but enjoy.

 

 It was always a happy moment when you found these two together.

Mary is very creative.  She had this seating chart setup just as you entered the room. 

 She decorated a couple of the walls with paper and photos.  Really brought the room to life.

Gene giving his toast to the couple

 KW gave his.

 Another lovely night.  Tomorrow is the big day and I'm taking the day off.  Besides there were so many photographers surely I will come up with a few pictures to post about the wedding.