Bev retires after 46 years

After only 46 years, Bev retires as Dad's legal assistant. Dad and Mother throw her a big retirement party for 50+ people at the Bradbury Thompson Center on Washburn's campus. It was really nice. Here are some random shots:

George touches snow for the first time 12-06-07

George touches ... and shovels ... snow for the first time on December 6, 2007. We did not let him drive that day.

Christmas tree goes up - 2007

George helps us put up the 2007 Christmas tree. The 4 Nutcrackers are a gift from our friend Glenn who doesn't think we decorate enough. Hmmmmpf.

Thanksgiving Holiday - 2007

People gather for a day of thanks. SACII and Cheryl are back from Africa and they bring Melissa. Mark, Casey and Abbie join us as does our friend Carolyn. Oma and the Gs round out the group. George spends the Holiday visiting Washington DC and New York. We take pictures, play games and eat.

After dinner, Gus and Alex join us for Pictionary. In a hard-fought battle, the youngsters beat the oldsters ... then they gloat.

Midnight snacks are consumed ...

The next day, Justin, one of SRC's co-workers in California ... and a Topeka native ... stops by for lunch.

Rudy, Paola and George make foam animals

Yes sir ... these guys know how to have fun. SRC joins Rudy, Paola and George as they show off their foam ball animals.

The next day, George headed to Washington DC (and then New York) as Rudy and Paola drove to Corpus Christy. Fortunately, SRC stayed with us for Thanksgiving.

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: