THS does HIgh School Musical - November 8, 2007

We take the Gs, Carolyn and George to Topeka High School to see the opening night of High School Musical. It was great! ABC's morning news show Good Morning America was on hand to video both a preview and a review of the production for national television. Since it was a sell-out performance, we sat in the "sophomore seats" but the Gs got excellent seats ... front and center!

Halloween - 2007

Our loyal volunteers arrive, ready to face the onslaught ...

Reserve volunteers also arrive ...

Here they come ... for over 5 hours:

Whew ... we survive and hug our family and friends.

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.