Our Family's Zoo Trip weekend

We searched high and low for something fun we could do as a family. The in residence kids wanted to go to the zoo with Kiel and Cherise next time they came to town. And come to town they did. They surprised us by coming to church on Saturday night. So Sunday we headed out to the zoo. The Hilmans, Jess/Joylynn Fam (-Jess), Logan/Lyssa Fam, Kiel and Cherise (she officially is a Hilman but a visiting one so I listed her as well). We were only missing Rylan, Jess and the Bob/Lita Fam.

Here is a picture of 7 of our 8 children. Hopefully we'll get a shot in December with all 8!


Logan and Alyssa, looking happy to be with us.

Kiel and Cherise, who knows what they are looking at. It brings them much happy though.








Joylynn and her "babies" Genevieve rode in the backpack with Grandpa and then Uncle Logan.

Our 2 princesses that live at home. Courtney and Krystle and a statue of a nanny goat.

Our "little family". Courtney, Hayden and Cameron, the ones we are still totally responsible for.

Our girls, Arielle, Snow, Cindy, Belle and Aurora.

Cave Men

Our Simon being a smiley guy.

Seven week old Danika and the big kids too!

Here is Miss Danika on the day she was 7 weeks old. Not the most flattering photo. She sure is a sweet little thing. She has to be to put up with the hard lovin' given to her by her siblings.

We had a nice time in the leaves last night. We should have been out there today with all of them blowing around.

Wild Bill Hic-up, or Wyatt Burp.... He is a goofy boy. He loves to play make believe. Logan I think he is wearing your hat.

The pictures were taken with Joylynn's camera. It is getting me through my days of withdrawal. Still looking forward to a new camera of my own.

Consider it all joy.....

My latest trial is learning to live without a camera. My new (the last week of June) camera, that I loved to use, fell off my wrist on Thursday night. The cost of repairs would buy a new camera. It only took 5400 pictures in it's short life and several entertaining videos.

I am hoping to either find my old digital that could be brought back into service or find some extra monies in my budget to replace my Nikon.

I miss my little camera friend but it served me well and I am thankful.

Don't worry Rowan. Gramma will be taking pictures of you. You just hang in there.

Road trips are fun!

I have always enjoyed road trips. This past weekend we grabbed Wyatt and Genevieve to go up to visit Aunty Alyssa and Max. The fall colors are getting to be really beautiful. Nothing adds to a lovely drive like the Jimmy and Jerry Gourd singing. We know every song on the Veggie Tales Campfire CD.

Changes all around...

We have been part of an official church plant. The first service of Generations Church was this past Sunday, Sept 30th. A whole bunch of friends from New Song LaGrande came and helped us celebrate God's goodness in our lives.
One of our LaGrande friends is our daughter Cherise's very best friend, Kiel. It was terrific to have both of them here to visit, though briefly.



Our church meets at the Historic Kenton firehall. Genevieve was the only one there with the correct boots.
Danika finally got to meet here Aunty Cherise. I think they have a connection already. Jess, Joylynn and all three kids were able to come.






Our shared meal was very delicious and appropriate for the rainy weather. Tis the season for hot dishes.
Fall is finally here. Winter is on it's way. You know what that means .....CHRISTMAS!!!!!

Do you know the Muffin Man?

Wyatt's latest venture was baking with Aunty Courtney. I bought them these aprons and hats thinking that it would be fun for him to help in the kitchen.


He was so into the whole process. He even wore his hat home and took a plate of muffins home as well.

Wyatt the Wonder Boy

Digital cameras are amazing! I am really enjoying the grandkids experiencing the instantness of them. The video feature has given us the ability to have our future thespian see himself perform.
"Gramma take a picture of my sad face." "Gramma take a picture of my funny face." "Gramma take a picture of my angry face." "Gramma take a picture of my scared face." (it turns out to be more a surprised look)

G-fams galore

Everyone in these two pictures is a G-fam. I think we should put a caption to the picture of Alyssa with her hand on her belly. "I can't believe this kid is going to be in here another month!" Feel free to comment on what you think she's saying.

The group shot here is of from L-R Kathryn (Logan's Mum), Alyssa (with Rowan), Allan (Logan's Dad) and Steve G. (Logan's Uncle from New Zealand). Yup there is definitely Kiwi blood in that soon to arrive Grandson of ours. Can't wait to meet him. I'm sure his Goddy and Gremmy are just as anxious as we are.
Rowan, as soon as you-know-who gets here, that is your cue to come out. Okay?

Wiggle, wiggle, wiggle...

Look at that 3 years olds moves! He is quite the kid. And yes, Gramma was letting them dance and jump around with suckers in their mouths. At least they weren't running with scissors!!

"Hi Gramma" video test

This is a test to see if I can add a video to the blog.

This could be fun for the back East relatives if it works.

The Pirate and the Princesses

I want these grandkids and all the ones to come to remember Gramma and Grandpa's as a fun place to be. So I furnished costume pieces yesterday. Pirate Wyatt and Princess Genevieve seemed to have a grand time. The Little Princess Danika was content to sit and take in all the action.
She is such a sweet baby. Perhaps she is just resting up and taking notes on how she is going to make her mark in this growing clan.

Have a FUN FUN Birthday Joylynn!

I'm starting out this birthday blog by saying you, Joylynn are a beautiful, talented, loving and loved young woman. You are a great mom to those little ones of yours.


You have been the instigator in many plots and schemes and fun activities too. You still have that fun loving side of you. I know where Wyatt and Genevieve get their creative mischief traits. I hope you learn to laugh when they are being themselves. It has helped us with being your parents lo these many years. :-O























There is a theme song from the '80's that reminds me of you:

"Who can turn the world on with her smile?
Who can take a nothing day, and suddenly make it all seem worthwhile?
Well it's you girl, and you should know it
With each glance and every little movement you show it

Love is all around, no need to waste it
You can have a town, why don't you take it
You're gonna make it after all
You're gonna make it after all "

You have so much ahead of you yet. Enjoy every moment.
We love you, LPSM!
Happy Birthday.

School Daze Year 3

We kicked off our 3rd year with Connections Academy last Wednesday. So today is day 4 of our 07-08 school year. Oregon Connections Academy is growing and changing as the years go by. There are things that didn't work in the past that have been revamped. There are new regulations to be aware of and adhere to. I am a little behind the curve in my learning all the new things. I have gotten more emails in the past 4 days of classes than I recieved in 4 months last year. That is because ORCA has enough teachers this year to have a multiple teacher model for all junior high and high school students. So I have at least 11 teachers to be in communication with.

Don't get me wrong. I love ORCA. I enjoy having my kids schooling at home and I want them to be successful. So if I guard the school hours a little more this year than in years past, bear with me. We are getting this train moving slowly.

It doesn't get much better than this

These pictures are pretty self explanitory but in case you didn't know I LOVE MY GRANDKIDS! Big ones, little ones, boys and girls. Each one is just amazing. Wyatt (3 1/2), Genevieve (almost 2), Simon (10 days old) and Danika (2 days old). What sweet babies.
Lyssa, I have lots of room for one more :o) Keep growing little Rowan. Gramma can't wait to meet you too.

Third time's a charm...

The third trip to the hospital was the ticket. Jess and Joylynn welcomed their 3rd child and second daughter on Wednesday, August 29th, 2007 at 1:25 p.m.

Danika Jane Kelly
Weighed 5 lbs 15 oz and was 19 1/2 in long







She joins big brother, Wyatt, and big sister, Genevieve to round out the R-fam clan.

Let's hope she is well rested when she comes home from the hospital well rested. She has a couple of anxious siblings ready and willing to teach her all kinds of tricks.