Memorial to Opa

Monica's father passed away yesterday of the stomach cancer that they discovered less than three months ago. Monica's parents had moved out from California to live with them last September, without any indication that he was ill. The blessing is that they were able to spend time with him for several months before he passed and were able to take care of him to the end. He was a man who will always be remembered for his kindness, generosity and good humor. Although we have lost a good friend, the Lord has gained a wonderful man.

Dinner at a German restaurant for Opa's 80th birthday party.
A thorn between two roses... :)
Happy birthday Opa!
You will always be remembered.
Love,
David and Joyce

Uncle Em's Painting of Nana

David's uncle painted this painting which hung in Nana's home before she passed away. It is of her in her last play. His uncle has decided that as Nana's eldest son his uncle would like to give this painting to David. We couldn't be more humbled and excited. His uncle is a fantastic artist who has always had a special place in David's heart. He was one of two of the children who really used the artistic talents passed down from David's grandfather and grandmother (of course Nana did as well in music and theater).

Joseph and Hannah

When Poppa talked to Mom-mom tonight she was Skyping with Joseph and Hannah. Joseph talks about everything now. Every once in a while we can even understand the whole sentence. But there is no doubt that he knows exactly what he is saying!

I believe that there is a good chance that Joseph can make a fortune in modern art!
Tonight Hannah spent most of her time on the phone standing up. I think Mommy is going to be chasing two of them around the house soon!

Happy St. Patty's Day!

Ellen sent us pictures of our little leprechaun today. Happy St. Patrick's day from Campbell O'Flaws!

I am growing like a weed now! Just a little wearin' o' the green!
Soon I will be big enough to play with my sister!
Papette and I really enjoy the outdoors. This is my backyard!

Mom-mom and Poppa are still lucky enough to have Ava living with them (Oh - and her parents, too...). Hopefully the housing market in Portland will pick up soon, but in the meantime, there is nothing quite like having their wonderful family where we can enjoy them every day!!!


Ava is already into reading (and scooting backwards...)
Every time Mom-mom or Poppa comes in the room, Ava starts clapping. Does that melt their hearts or what!!
Yes Daddy. Of course I'm sweet!
Sis, you have a long tongue!

Ava is already learning the piano. She seems to play rather loudly. Who did she get that from??

The smile that makes you smile!

NC update

A friend sent us some pictures from NC.

Here is the lot from the water. Unfortunately it is still too long before we can build there.


This is a picture looking across the inlet to where they were starting another home last fall.
And this is the home now! I think our home will be the carriage house for the area!

Before the Cruise, we stayed with Tom and Aileen in Florida. They have a beautiful home! Of course it is decorated with "Ford"!

Exotic birds in the central island in front of their home.
This is truly beautiful living!
The peaceful view from their lanai.













and the peaceful view of the lanai!

They took us to the Ringling Brothers Museum. This was a real highlight of our trip.

There is a miniature circus. I don't know how big it is, but it takes a long time to walk through the whole thing and it is impossible to see everything.

David, Joyce, Virginia, Bob and our terrific hostess and host, Aileen and Tom.

Cruise to the Caribbean

Joyce and David had an absolutely wonderful time on a cruise to the Caribbean with Bob and Virginia in February. A perfect time to go and we had perfect weather.

David cleans up pretty good. He has to in order to keep up with Joyce!
The view from our balcony.
Blue skies in San Juan. We really enjoyed this city and would go back again.
Going snorkeling. No fish that day, but the next day in Tortola there were lots of fish!

A toast to those we left behind...

Ice Storm in Arkansas

Carl, Ellen and Campbell were caught in an ice storm last week.



It created some pretty still-lifes.

The sidewalk doesn't look inviting, though!
Ice is beautiful - until you realize the damage it does.
They lost power overnight and had to camp out by the gas fireplace.
It is pretty.

Campbell and Uncle Warren - who braved the elements to come over - enjoy keeping each other warm.

The men in Ava's life

Daddy and Poppa get to spend time loving Ava. They love it!!!

I LOVE YOU DADDY!!

Poppa lets Hanah and Ava talk.
Daddy and Ava spending some together time.
Ava says, "I'm happy here. Why would I want to leave?"
Horsey, Poppa. Horsey!!