Happy 96th Birthday Dad

On March 31st, 1911 in Eveleth, Minnesota Raymond Edwin Hilman was born. He has since traveled across the United States and Canada numerous times. Has visited Europe and Northern Europe several times as well. His occupations have been many but most importantly he has been a husband of one remarkable lady, father of 13 incredible offspring, grandfather of 44 unbelievable grandkids, great-grandfather of 67 and counting and now great-great-grandfather of 2 precious new ones.
Here he is pictured with 3 of his sons. Harlan, Dennis and Howard.


This second picture was taken today in Goldendale, WA. Ten of the 13 were on hand for the final day of a marathon purging of the house and outbuildings. It is the end of an era of sorts but the continuation of a great heritage.
One of the things people treasure most about Ray is his love for the Lord and his steadfast faith. He has been a pastor for 72 years. Pretty cool hey.

Happy Birthday Dad. You are one in a million!

Visitors, Projects, Wedding and Farewell

My mother Marie and her husband Don came out from Michigan for our niece Tiffany's wedding. They are pictured here with our nephew Justin (Tiff's brother)and his wife Kristy. Everytime Mom comes she spends the vast majority of her time cleaning and doing something that makes a difference around here.

Don, Mom and I took a little jaunt to Home Depot and came back with some copper flashing for me to make a backsplash for my counter. As you can see from the pictures I do like copper.

The wedding was very nice. I got lots of pictures but I thought I'l post one with their pretty cake. The newlyweds are Craig and Tiffany Jensen. They will be living in Battleground, WA.

My brother Gerry was here to give her away. He and Amy have been traveling the country. He is a sales rep for a cookware line. It was good to see them again too.

We had 5 of our eight kids with us at the wedding along with the 2 grandbabies.

Krystle was down in Lebanon, OR spending as much time with Matt as possible. He had to report last night for the final processing for the Air Force. This morning after he did his main paperwork and such he called and said that he could have company. So I brought Krystle down there to spend the rest of the day with him. He'll be able to come by this evening one last time before he goes back to the hotel and flys out tomorrow. We wish him all the best in his basic training experience. We will miss him though.

Happy 20th Birthday Krystle!!!

Today was Krystle's birthday. We took her out to breakfast, Matthew took her to lunch, Joylynn and the children came over and we had chocolate marble cheesecake and strawberries and angel food cake. YUM!

Matt is leaving for basic training next week so I thought I'd take a picture of him and Krystle with the flag in the background. I think it turned out pretty cute.

Does Krystle look 20? Actually she did look a bit older today. Do you think it has anything to do with the company she has been keeping? She has an exciting year ahead of planning and preparing. Doing everything she can to develop the qualities that are going to take her far in her life. Kind like Boot Camp without the 6 year committment at the end of it. It's going to be fun to be a part of it.

Happy Happy Birthday Lil Bit!

Beautiful Day for a Bike Ride!

On my way home from my Friday morning outing I had a feeling that today was going to be a day for a bike ride.

It was close to 70 degrees.
A rare sunny, practically cloudless and not windy day.

I figured Har and I would go for a little spin. It was so beautiful though....much to beautiful for the children to be staying home while we enjoyed the sunshine.


So the bikes came out of their winter hiding place and tires got pumped up and adjustments were made to seats and brakes. Then front wheels were taken off of all the "big" bikes and a van seat was removed and Voila! we were on our way. Now we know what all goes into getting ready to go and how long it takes so we can do it again. I think we shall.

I believe a good time was had by all. Anybody want to join us next time?

Babes in Black and White

I love taking pictures of the grandkiddos (as if you couldn't tell). I usually take a half dozen or so of each of them when they are here. Especially if I have bought them a new outfit or something like that .

Wyatt usually has something on his head as a hat if not an actual helmet or cap. His pics are usually pretty funny. That's why I love this one. He was kinda melancholy. The black and white adds to the mood.

Genevieve is almost always smiling for the camera now. She even says "cheese" when she sees the camera pointed her way. Her black and white picture looks so nostolgic to me. Har said it looks like a little Tammy Kay. Maybe just a bit (she is much more adorable than I was though).

Hey, Yooper Cousin, I think this picture looks a bit like you too. Doesn't that dress hat and shoes look just like something our mothers would have put on us?