SRC and MHG have birthdays

SRC turns 27 on October 25th while Mark turns 53 on October 29th. Below you'll find some pictures of SRC's party at the KiKu Japanese Steakhouse. SRC even made a "Birthday Buddy" while there:

Below you'll find a picture of Mark's 53rd Birthday Party at our house on October 29th.

Happy 53rd Uncle Mark!

We lose Opa - October 23, 2007

Opa dies on October 23, 2007. He gallantly fought emphysema for over 20 years but lost a hard-fought battle with pneumonia. His family was at his side as he died peacefully.

The family gathered to celebrate Opa's life with apple pie and satin freeze at BOBO's and a memorial dinner at McFarland's Restaurant ... his favorite.

HRC wrote a beautiful and meaningful obituary as food, flowers and cards poured in.

Opa was cremated and his ashes buried at a small private ceremony on October 26th.

Smiles for Opa ...

.................................................................................

Riley W. Gardner

October 31, 1921 - October 23, 2007

G & G go on a New England Cruise

In early September, the Gs take a scenic cruise through New England. While they claim is was not a "pampered" experience, they enjoyed Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket and other New England stops. Appropriately named for the Gs, below you'll find a picture of the American Spirit:

Os for 57 years

Jorge helps us celebrate with the Os as they pass 57 years of marriage. Wow!

HRC visits SRC - DWC buys a HDTV

Helen goes to California to visit SRC and Dan buys a new Sony 46" flat panel HDTV. VERY COOL!!!

Jorge hits town ... August 2007

Jorge arrives from Asuncion, Paraguay to live with us and attend Washburn University as a Freshman. Shortly after his arrival, his cousin Paola, who is attending Wellesley College, also visits. After a summer of indecision, Phil decides to attend Mannheim University to study economics. The 3 college students enjoy the final days of their summer vacation in and around T-town.

The Loft Lady

Helen lists downtown lofts and becomes famous as The Loft Lady complete with a 30 foot tall banner that is hard to miss. You can check out the Lofts here.

Phil visits ... July - August 2007

Phil returns to Topeka for a month-long summer visit. It was great having him back. We buy a car (1999 Honda Civic 5-speed) for him to drive while he's here and throw him a Welcome Home Party. Lots of people love Phil and the party is a huge success. We're trying to talk him into visiting every summer.

SRC and AMC visit Crows in Africa

In July, SRC and Andy embark on a truly grand adventure to Africa to visit Sam and Cheryl. Like WOW! What a great trip they had. They took tons of pictures of Ethiopia and of their safari in Kenya. To get a feel for their trip, click on SRC's web album to see a whole bunch of cool pictures.

Below are just a few of the hundreds of fantastic photos:

Oh yes ... don't miss Andy as he jumps with the Masai warriors in Kenya. The warriors wear bright red robes and jump real high in order to scare away the lions. Click below for a YouTube Video clip of Andy jumping:

Life is full of adventure. Smile through it!

4th of July

SRC returns home for the 4th of July. According to her, there is no place like Potwin Place for the 4th. Here are some pictures:

Old friends gather. Annie comes from California while Nelson visits from New York. Gus and Joe visit from across town.

Mike visits from Boston.

New friends visit too. Lee comes from Oregon and Madison from Wichita.

Potwin activities include a Bocce Ball Tournament ...

a children's play celebrating the history of the 4th ...

followed by an ice cream social ...

and our own balloon party in preparation for the parade ...

followed by the July 3rd Street Dance ...

and then the Potwin Parade ...

followed by the Potwin swim ...

and then the Potwin Picnic, moved indoors due to rain:

We love the 4th of July ... and each other.