Friday was a lovely day.  Derek arrived home fairly early, and taking advantage of the nice weather spent some time outside.  All three children joined him, despite homework (all of 5 minutes) not being completed.

I had to stay inside and make dinner.  That means I missed Esther's big debut outside, though I took pictures from the kitchen.  The last time she spent a lot of time outside was likely in October or November.  At that time she was walking, but didn't go far in the grass.

To clarify, Meghan is wearing a blue sweatshirt, and Evan is wearing a green sweatshirt (with a baseball cap on top of the hood).

 For perspective:

 Dinner was very good.  Homemade pizza.  Esther tried to eat a full slice, but a minute after the photo, she had taken too large of a bite and had gagged.

Derek said Esther isn't really a runner, but she is an explorer.  I can appreciate that!

Ninety Years

As of today, both of Derek's maternal grandparents are ninety years old.  Grandma and Grandpa are amazing.

Grandma turned 90 on Christmas Eve.  The family celebrated in a way we thought reflected Grandma.  We had a nice meal (not prepared by her), but wanted to linger.  The family (her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren) were all there.  We rented the community building since it would hold all of us and would allow us to surprise her.  We had a picked up a catered meal to enjoy.

At the age of 90 she still lives independently and well.  She makes a great chocolate chip cookie...and molasses...and sugar...among other things.  Sunday dinners at my home are not nearly as good as Grandma's.  She is very patient and never complains.

Grandpa is officially 90 today.  The children sang "Happy Birthday" to him over the phone.  Last weekend we planned a birthday celebration for him, though a bit different than Grandma's.  We still planned a nice meal, but decided that an open house would really honor Grandpa.  He is very social (and Grandma is not quite as social) and they are both well-known in their community and county.   Grandpa is a retired farmer and now creates wooden furniture to keep himself busy.  He sells many, and offers some pieces as donation for fundraisers.  (He has made us four bookcases, a sofa table, toy box, rocking horse, and blanket chest...off the top of my head.)  He always has a project going in his wood shop.  (Some Derek would like to do the same thing!)

Grandma and Grandpa are quite the inspiration in all areas of life and faith.

The birthday party did not go off without a hitch.  The day before the party, Grandma and Grandpa were in a bit of a car accident that kept Grandpa hospitalized through the party.  Since it was an open house, we didn't cancel it.  Well over one hundred guests came...and visited with Grandma and the family.  Eventually Skype came to our rescue and guests were able to chat with Grandpa briefly using it.

It was disappointing to not have Grandpa there, but grateful that they are okay.  I am thankful that Derek's family took advantage of such a milestone to celebrate two wonderful people.  We love you, Grandma and Grandpa!

(Since the party, Grandma has had surgery on her broken ankle.  She is to be in rehab for two weeks, though she was home in between the accident and surgery.)