Celebrating Dad's 82nd Birthday!

This is my Dad, and today is his 82nd Birthday. He loves clambakes made by Keith and I so that's what we had....on our deck....at lunch. Just the 4 of us. A quiet time to enjoy the sun and each other. It was 3 years ago that he had a major stroke on his way home from his birthday party clam bake at our home. He's recovered everything but the dizziness that he endures every day. On Thurs. he's having his second cateract surg. and we're praying that the dizziness is helped thru this proceedure.
Boy, does Keith made a GREAT Clam Bake!!! The 4 of us had a great time. Clams, chicken, 2 kinds of potatoes, yams, onions, melted butter and oh, of course the clam juice..mmmmmm Mom made a cheese pie for dessert and it was just wonderful. I'm so blessed to have my parents and enjoy pleasing them with the favorite meals they like.

MEMORIAL DAY PARADE

The weather couldn't have been more perfect for the parade... Keith and I walked the mile to Steve and Di's house where the parade started at 9 a.m., just a block from our high school where Keith lived and Steve and Di now do live. Pop Pop Richards would be so proud of the tradition that lives on thru his grandson and dau. Steve and Di decorate the house with flags and line the walkway with benches for anyone to sit and enjoy the parade. The afternoon was enjoyed at our house with chicken on the grill, relaxing on the deck, and remembering all those who gave the ultamate sacrifice and those who are serving our country.

WHAT A LAUGH !!!

I came across this photo taken at Brad's wedding 3 years ago this June 18th....of course Brad made a comment and big brother Steve cracked up....You can just hear him laugh...I just LOVE those boys:)

The Nursery is FINALLY finished...:)

On Sunday we started at 9 a.m. - putting this boarder up was first...then the electrical work by the guys... washed the windows, and the floor, and started to bring in the furniture.

This is Steve, the Dad, finishing up on the fan...it's so cute being a baseball theme fan. He did a great job.

This is just one part of the room....the crib is not in yet, but thought you'd like to see how far we've come.. It really is a Great Room! I helped Di with the baby clothes and it was so very special - those clothes are so tiny!

Gene and Pam

Gene and Pam are up from Fl. parked in their sons driveway. They called on Sat. and invited us up to visit and have a grilled supper. The visit was great and the food was delicious. What more can you ask for? They start back June 10th to be home by June 25th and a BIG party being held for Gene's mom, Anna, who will be 94!!! She's a really special lady...Happy Birthday Anna.:)

How far we've come!

When we first started participating in the Walk for Life ...years ago; Steve and Di slept in their car. The next year they asked to use our van, and it was better. Last year they used the 95 Southwind. It was a rainy, cold year and they were so glad they had it so everyone could get warm and dry during the 24 hours. Now, this year they had our new Southwind and all they could say after sleeping/showering in it was: This is wonderful! We already knew that Ha. And when the 24 hours was up...we brought it back to the driveway where it is right now.

ILLUMINARIES

Illuminaries lined the entire baseball stadium - placed about 1 foot apart. One purple then one white. The names of survivors, those who passed and care givers appeared on each one. I am so very grateful to be free of cancer and to be able to celebrate SIXTEEN YEARS in June. I am so very Blessed - God is so GOOD to me:)

CELEBRATING FRANK

For those of you who didn't know - Frank passed on March 16th. He fought a fierce battle with cancer. He made a hugh difference in so many lives... His laugh was so unique and contagious. It's all Frank and Cheryle's fault that we're campers today...they started taking us to Knoebles Grove in their pop-up back in 1984.. We have such great memories of the "friday night new comers"trying to put up their tents in the dark - the rain -our kids in their tents -and the BEST Sunday breakfasts made by Frank and the crew.
Frank - we all remember you with much LOVE..

TEAM "HEARTLAND"

Steve, Di, Dennis, Keith,Marie and Jason....ready to take our first lap! We raised $3600. plus - Remember we are a small team....and...Di rasied over $1000. by herself. The 24 hour event raised over $100,000.00 :) It was a real celebration for Di and myself who had cancer and are "SURVIVORS!!

WALK FOR LIFE - 2008

We took the RV from our driveway to the stadium 10 miles away...Di is our team captain and being 8 months pregnant she needed a place to rest and sleep during the 24 hour walk.

Mother's Day with the kids:)

Many of you have asked to see Di's progress....So here she is...only 5 weeks to go.. The baby now weighs about 5.5 lbs. She's doing fine and we are all excited as the time grows closer. We spent this past weekend working on painting the nursery...Now the ceiling fan has to be installed and the funiture moved into the room.

The 3 guys made the gals a delicious lunch today, Mother's Day! It was just so great to be tog. :) Hope you all had a great day .

This is Di's family...from left; sister Suzanne, Allison, Mom Nancy, Auntie Jo and of course Di and Baby Richards:)

And...here we are...looking our best ...Our family!!! Yes, Keith was there too!!:)

For those of you that don't know...Steve is a "Star Wars" fanatic ...Isn't this cute?

The little girl with Di is her neice, Allison...and she's a DOLL!!!

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