Loving Grandma

We're in the middle of a wonderful visit from Grandma Barbara. Which has included lots of swimming and beach time, lots of walking back and forth (I never remember everything the first time), and lots of fun. She's been reading tons of stories (including Johnny Appleseed) and everyone's been playing various card games. Its been a great visit, and we haven't even hit the crazy 4th celebrations. It was a hot day (grandma would have liked real air conditioning I think), and so its turning into a late bedtime. But I think finally the house is quiet.

More pictures later.

Bedtime Swim

We all miss Daddy, especially nights like this.

Birthday Mini Tri (Lake Style)

Swim across lake, paddle boat back (in high wind), run 7 miles. Go, daddy, go.

Birthday Boy

Happy Birthday To You!

Saturday was James's 35th birthday. We celebrated at the lake with grandma Barbara, Nick & Erin, grandma & grandpa Schneeman.

Sweets, there are not words for our gratitude for you. You are one of a very small company of men (or people) for that matter that truly do everything important well. You quietly shoulder the responsibly that has been rested on you with grace and intelligence. You are a natural father, a man who educates and leads by good example and deeply felt love. You are a husband who make marriage easy even though I know I can be a challenge. You continue to grow in your career without cutting into your family or personal health time. You've transformed yourself into a remarkable endurance athlete not for vanity sake but so that you can show your children how to be fit, healthy and have fun.

I am amazed by you every day. I am grateful God sent you to me. And I promise to do my best to live up to the high, wonderful standards you have set.

Happy birthday, Darling. It's going to be a good year.

New Cabin Friends