Everything's Growing in Kansas

 These first two pictures are for my siblings.  I finally got the porch steps from home "settled" and this is the view from the back patio.  They're just nestled against the fence!

 

 I have pots of impatiens on the steps and just recently planted daylilies that I ordered from Missouri.  They are just now taking off.  The steps got chipped along the way from the move, but here they are in my backyard!

 

 The Happy Returns lilies are in full bloom right now.

 

 One of the strawberry pickings.  The berries were really good this year.  I made lots of freezer jam and froze several bags of whole berries, plus we ate, and ate, and ate strawberries!

 

 The garden is growing.  First is the strawberry patch, then the potatoes, tomatoes......

Then the green beans.  The corn in growing well, too.



Play Ball!!

 That would be Rebecca on 3rd base playing ball!  I won't tell you when this game was played, but her words the morning after passing her kidney stone during the night were, "I feel grrrreat!"

 I had "grandma duty" during the game and Mr Jordy was determined someway, or somehow to get out to the ball field.  Can't see it in the picture, but he has curls in the back of his head.

 

 Jordy was happy to see his mommy in between innings.

 

And then the other times.....he was just with Grandma!

 



Visits with the Robert Varner Family

 Several weeks ago we picked up Grandpa and Grandma Varner and drove to Wichita for a quickie visit with part of Robert's family.  We had a good time with good food from Cracker Barrel.  Karis & Dan with their three children.  They will be heading back to Africa the middle of July.

 

 Grandpa & Grandma Varner with Karis' family.

 

 Marilyn & Robert; Richard, Grandpa, Grandma and me.  Actually, I guess there are 3 Grandma Varners in the picture!

 

 Robert celebrated his 60th birthday last Saturday with a reception at the church with friends and family.

 

 Grandma is always delighted to have a baby in her arms.

 

All of the Robert Varner Family



This & That

 Well, folks, there is NOTHING amusing about the first two pictures.  This pic was taken May 3 at 9:15 am.  Those white flecks in the picture are not lint pieces on the lens.

 

 Picture taken May 3 at 10:00 am.  Just like the weatherman predicted.  First time in the history of Kansas that snow fell on May 3.

 

 I haven't posted any pictures from April.  Freya came with the children during Max's spring break.  It was three days after Easter, but the children are lined up for an Easter egg hunt.  Forget the plastic grocery sack.  Westin's just using a cart!

 

 Jordy would much rather play ball then hunt for eggs!

 

 Lena paused just a moment for a picture.

 

 Westin on the go!

 

 Ryan pointing Max towards a hidden egg.

 

 All the kids and mommys sat in a circle and sorted out the goodies!

 

 Henry really worked with the K'nex and I was amazed at some of the things he built.  This was his "hot rod" car.

 

 One afternoon we headed to Topeka for a short shopping trip, play time at the Nelson's, then supper at Chik-fil-la.  That was back in the days it was warm enough to not wear a jacket!

 

 Kayla, did your mama teach you how to stand on the slide like that?

 

 Two mama's and a whole bunch of kids ready to chow down some food.

Kids eat free on Thursday nights!

 

Fun Fair 2013 & Jordy's 1st Birthday

 Fun Fair for the Awana Sparks.  It's a big, big night, but the kids love it and look forward to it.

 

 Even though we planned 15 different games, our lines were too long.  We'll need to add 3-4 additional games next year.  We have lots of help from our faithful leaders.

 

 Jordy turned one year old last week.  Friends and family gathered to help him celebrate the big event.

 

 

 His mommy was so sure he would just "dig-in" to his cake.  Jordy was just content to look and observe what was going on!

 

 "I'm just soooo excited to see everyone!"

 

 The party was held at the "Carousel Room" at Gage Park.  We had access to the merry-go-round and the kids thought it was just pretty special.  It took Jordy a little while to warm up to the idea of riding on the merry-go-round!

 

 Westin was just anxious to find out where those horses were going around in a circle!

 

Carly and Westin going for a ride.

 

 Kayla not on a horse....maybe a donkey??

 

 Tyler was a little hesitant at first, but it didn't take long for him to ride all by himself.

 

 Joshua and his daddy.

 

 About time to head for home.

 

Even Grandpa took a ride.

Happy Birthday, Rebecca!

 We celebrated Rebecca's birthday with a family dinner that Jonny made for us.  Yummy!

 Rebecca blew out her candles and just look at all the smoke it made!  Some of the candles just wouldn't go out for anything??  They must be trick candles, or something!

 Jordy having so much fun celebrating his mommy's birthday!

 Miss Kayla giving the dogs some attention.  Don't you think the Nelson's need an indoor dog??

 Kayla is showing Grandpa the fine points of playing a game on someone's phone.

This, my friend, is what it looks like in the living room when we are preparing for our Fun Fair this week at Sparks.  Let the games begin.

Each sack represents a game that can be set up ready to play in 2 minutes....literally.  It's a big night; the kids have a blast; and Lisa and I say "Hooray....another Fun Fair in the books!"