A fun tip to Michigan to visit with family and friends - May 2013

Wow - what a trip!    Our truck needed new spark plugs before we set off down the road......and we could tell by the good gas mileage that it was a good thing to have done.  We had a good trip out - no problems and that is always a wonderful thing!!

Our first stop was in Kalamazoo to see our new grandson - Keller.  What a sweet, sweet, little boy!!!

Oliver just blows us away......we gave Tim that name plaque with his credentials on it....Oliver took on look at it and said "that's my daddy's name".  That from a 2 1/2 year old.  We decided that the Kindergarten teacher was going to have to challenge him --- or have a challenge herself.  He can count to 30, knows all of his numbers and letters by sight and all his colors.  Day Care works with the kids daily and it shows.   :)  Plus he's got all those good genes in him   :)  :)  :)

If you remember -- we gave Oliver a "box" for his birthday back on Dec. 31, 2012.  That box is still in use.  As you can see - it is covered with stickers ---given by Gpa and Gma Sparling.  Oh Yeah -- it is upside down now ---- easier to get in it that way.    So - grandparents -- if you are ever in a tizzy about what gift to give that little kid who "has everything".....give a box!!!  :)

Our next stop was a track meet with our two oldest grandkids - Trenton and Austin.....Mike and Julies kids.

 Gary thought he'd get a good shot of the hand off.....well it is -----but what about his head?!?!?  Anyway -- that IS Austin .......

His team went on to take 3rd place out of 15 schools present.  Way to go Austin!!!!

This is Trenton in one of his races.  His time was really good for Hamilton School ---- just happens that there are some faster runners.  Good job Trenton!!   Keep it up!

Next stop ---- a ball game with Clayton.  He enjoys baseball -- and that makes this gramma happy -- that is one game I like - AND understand.  I'm always glad when football season is done-----don't have a clue what is going on.

Clayton is at the age where they have a pitching machine --- or if you have too many tries --- you get the tee.  Clayton never had to have the tee......Way to go Clayton!!!  That was a fun game!

Clayton and Sawyer will be enjoying a new pool this summer ------ but Mike and Julies kids will be missing theirs.......  They have made the move to the farm -- the place where Julie grew up.  They are loving it in their new home.........

Uncle Stony (Dennis' brother) came and filled it up.....but  :(  it was too cold to go for a swim - and then of course ----- all those "ph factors" have to be dealt with.  But I'm sure they will be enjoying it soon!!

We went to visit Linda --- Ethel came out from Wisconsin for a few days too.   So all three of us went for a SHORT! ride in Dad's old truck.  There are a few things to tweek yet -- but it is coming along nicely. 

 I have to share this .....Linda and I were given little "slips" of a cactus plant from Isa Pavelka many years ago.  Mine did VERY poorly and I finally just gave up on it.  This is Linda's --- it is just fantastic....from one little slip she gets this magnificent plant ---- you can tell who has the green thumb in this family!!!!!

Tim had a plan ---- "can I steal dad for a few days for a re-do of the laundry room".....sure - Gary loves staying busy....they talked over the plans and there was "an agreement" --- so on Tues and Wed. we went back to Kalamazoo and  Gary, Ron (Tim's dad - who seemed to be missing when this photo was taken) and Tim GOT 'R DONE!  I don't know exactly what all had to be done but I don know that plumbling had to be moved and a couple of electrical outlets had to be moved.....drywall was removed and replaced.....all in 2 short days.

 And, of course, that meant there was more "bonding" time with little Keller.

 We used rocks to make Olivers name....... and Grandma Sparling helped make fun by cleaning out the pool.

Then there were those things that we didn't get recorded.....taking the old '67 Chevy truck down the road to Mikes house......a hot dog roast with Trenton, Austin, Sidney, Colton, Brennan, Halle, Mike and Julie.....playing battleship with Sawyer and Clayton.......loading lots and lots of chicken waterers to take back to Todd County for Don Schelhaas for the pheasants.....playing Farkle and Ripple with Ken and Sally, Bruce and Glenda and John and Margo....breakfast with Dale and Barb......a couple of trips to Lake Michigan beach..... Chicken Lick'n with Brother Bill......putting flowers on the cemetery lots of our parents....... and on and on. Our days were filled.  Thank you Lord, for all our family and friends - you have blessed us mightily!!!!

I had been in the hospital a few days before we left ---- but hopefully that is a thing of the past and I pray it won't be a repeat!!!  Travel wasn't exactly fun on the way home.......my sciatic nerve - or is my hip the problem......maybe it's old age.....anyway ---   We are home and the grass is GREEN --- and we have had more rain since getting back ---- 1 1/2 inches last night.  So life is good!!!

Gary and Barb