Monday, August 31, 2009

Malia Turns Three

Malia decided she wanted a swim party for her third birthday. Stacy invited some of her friends and family. We had a great time eating pizza and cake on the patio and watching the kids play and have a great time. When Grandma asked how old she was, Malia said "I'm still two!" She had her party on Saturday, but she wasn't turning three until Monday. She had a great time, though, and the cousins loved the water slide that Uncle Tony brought and put on the big hill by the house!

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Grandpa Announces Taylor's Football Games


As he did last season, Grandpa is announcing Taylor's home football games for the Gladiators this year. As he likes to announce, there are three generations there...Grandpa announcing, J.J. coaching (he's the offensive coach), and Taylor playing. They all do a good job, and the team does really well!

Before the team started this season, J.J. met Jonathan Terrell (who has autism/aspergers) and his Dad at a game at South Forsyth High School. J.J. found out that Jonathan loved football, and he wrote his Dad an e-mail asking if Jonathan would like to be presented with a jersey, be an honorary captain, and help as water boy. Grandpa was asked to announce his name, and they made a ceremony of presenting him with a jersey. J.J. got the following e-mail after the game and forwarded to Grandpa with thanks for his part.

"What an incredible experience Jonathan had Saturday evening. You, the entire coaching team, the players and so many more made a once-in-a-lifetime impression on my son. Jonathan had an awesome time and I have no words that can express my heart-felt gratitude for all you did...thanks so very much! My wife (Brenda) and I have focused so much over the years on Jonathan's medical needs, therapies, etc.; we never have experienced such an outpouring of support for our son. Often, Jonathan will simply be ignored or avoided because of the quirkiness associated with his autism/aspergers...Saturday night he got to experience a moment in the spotlight (a moment I'm sure he will not soon forget). He may never be able to fully express what he felt on Saturday, but I can tell you without a doubt...you made a difference. Also, please let your son know how much I appreciate him coming over to encourage Jonathan throughout the day...I know how difficult that can be for a kid to reach out to an atypical peer (your son is a winner on AND off the field). Davis and others on the field were also incredible...we look forward to cheering you guys on as the season continues."

Friday, August 21, 2009

Humans Come for Dinner

Grandma and Zabe had a great time playing duets--Grandma on the piano, and Zabe on the violin. Lora bought a piano book for the duets, and it was a lot of fun! Lora was grateful that Zabe enjoyed practicing, and Mom had a challenge.

Jayda seemed to enjoy the computer while Zabe and Grandma were practicing.Later on in the evening, the kids and Lora enjoyed watching "So You Think You Can Dance". There were some lifts that the girls thought they could duplicate, so Lora helped them. Looks pretty good to me--future winners!




Sunday, August 16, 2009

Grandma Has Birthday Party

Stacy called Grandma and Grandpa to see if they could come over to swim. A little later, she called Grandma and said that she was talking to the kids about getting a cake for Grandma's birthday coming up. She said that Brielle said, "Is Grandma going to bite me?" When Stacy told Grandma, she was appalled that Brielle would think that she'd bite her! Stacy said she couldn't figure it out until Ronan suggested that maybe she meant to say invite her to the birthday party. So Grandma then talked with each of the kids to invite them to her party at Stacy's house. When they lit the candles, Grandma said she wondered if she could blow the candles out. Malia spoke up and said, "I'll help you!" It was really fun to have a celebration! Thanks! And yes, Grandma was able to blow out the candles!!

Friday, August 7, 2009

Taylor Wakeboarding


J.J., Taylor and Taylor's friend, Davis, went with one of J.J.'s friends, Ryan Leifson and his son, Colby, wakeboarding and tubing. The pictures are from his second time up. Taylor liked it so much he wrote about it in school when he was asked to tell the best day of the summer. Looks like he had a great time!

Jayda is Nine

Since Jayda's birthday was while Grandma and Grandpa were on their trip, Grandma took Jayda to the movie for a special treat for her birthday. She spent the night the night before, and they went to a matinee and ate a whole bag of popcorn! Afterward, Grandma took her to her house. It was a fun time for both of them!

Monday, August 3, 2009

Darryl Wins ALTA Championship

We're proud of Darryl for winning the ALTA Summer Men's Senior B-5 City Championship with his Evergreen lakes team. It's nice to know someone with the coveted Silver Plate! For more information, check out the Osenga Tanga blog (click on Osenga's picture at the right) administered by Alexis.

Saturday, August 1, 2009

Summer 2009 Trip - Summary

By July 15, Grandpa had his hips replaced and was ready to go!! He planned a trip for us to go to Houston to see Daniel, and then to Colorado for Grandma's 50th High School Reunion. We saw Verna Flora (Grandma's Cousin), Curtis/Shirley and Bud/Carron (Curtis and Bud are Grandma's Cousins), and Karen/Jim Johnson (Grandma/Grandpa's friends we met when Dahra and J.J. were small) while we were there. We then went on to Utah to visit with Kristi and family and to see Evan get baptised. From there, Grandma went to Miami to help Stacy, and Grandpa came home to get his bus and then come with Alex to Miami for the weekend. Grandpa came home with Alex on Sunday night, and Grandma came home with Stacy and her family on Monday, August 3. We were grateful to Kristi for airline passes, even though we had to get to Salt Lake from Denver through Bozeman, Montana. It was quite a trip, but fun to get to see the family and reunite with those we hadn't seen in a long time!