Catching up is hard to do.

I need to get better about keeping up with this blog. So does Sarah!! We are two peas in a pod. So here I am in Cleveland on our 33rd anniversary. We went to the Natural History Museum. It brought back many memories as a kid, so excited to take the school field trip to see the dinosaur bones. I think the exhibit is just as it was when I was in grade school!
I got to go to Savannah Georgia for my granddaughter's 18th birthday. Wow she has grown into such a beautiful young woman. I am so proud of her. You should see her artwork! She gave me a self portrait which I will treasure always. I did have problems with an infection in my foot that I had just had surgery in. I spent a few nights in the emergency room. I missed her party!!!! I hate doctors.....I was so bummed I missed it.
Isn't my son a good looking kid? No wonder his daughter is so beautiful!
Kirsten got a suitcase from me cause Doug and I are taking her to Rome this summer!!!! I am so excited to do this. My best friend's Dad takes all his grandkids to their choice when they graduate. I loved that idea so Kirsten is the first we get to take.
The boys would live in their army uniforms if they could. They are so much fun.
Doug comes up with the funnest things to do. He sure is able to get right in there and play too!

Gracie is helping to wash dishes .......she loves to help anyway she can!
Gracie is thrilled that Taylor, Doug, and Auntie Sarah are taking a cake decorating class. Lots of beaters to lick! Hmmmmmmm

Ahhh Christmas morning. We had a wonderful Christmas this year. The kids all got what they asked for and it was fun having little ones in the house again. Thanks Granny!

A very nice Thank You hug is always welcome. They sure are sweet and caring kids.
Santa was a bit overwhelmed when we all arrived together. Man $20 for a picture and it is so badly done it won't scan well.
Doug loves when I decorate for Christmas so I do it every year for him. I love you babe.

Christmas dinner is always Roast Beef and Yorkshire pudding and roasted potatoes. Pineapple Philly pies. Sarah makes the Yorkshire Pudding because she is best at doing it. Mine never turns out right. So it is perfect cause then my roasted potatoes are better because I don't have to do the Yorkshire Pudding.

The Smith's Christmas Photo. We had to take about 30 shots to get them all looking in the same direction. Those boys are always moving!!!!
Gracie Ann.
Colonel Kobe. Peace Out!
We got to visit with Dad Welch in November and shortly after he had congestive heart failure and was in a coma until the end of December when he passed on to be with Mom Welch. They are back together and we know he is happy. It was a long six years for him without her.

We miss you Dad. Doug is in Africa and he and I both keep saying "Oh we should send Dad that" and then remember he is not here anymore. He loved African art.
Oh look....Big Barrett and Little Barrett

Welcome to Barrett. He is the son of my niece and God daughter Sue. He is adorable of course. I am proud to say that I am a Great Auntie!
Here is four generations! My mom, me, my daughter Ellie, and my granddaughter Gwen. It was so nice to take the grandkids to see my Mom and Sister. I sure miss them.
Woo Hoo look out Uncle Wade because Great Uncle Jim will give you a run for your money on the Coolest Uncle title. My brother always plays well with the little ones. They loved the box of goodies you sent Jim. Thanks.
Here is Sue and her little bundle of joy. He is so sweet.
I just had to include this picture of me and two of my cycling friends. Look at the beautiful place we live in. Man, it is gorgeous out here.
Taylor has discovered a new talent, she is a great photographer! She is an awesome artist but she really has an eye for photography too.

Well that is just a few tidbits of what has been going on out here. Life is always interesting to say the least. I will try to get some shots posted of Doug in Uganda. He is loving the job and country so far. So glad he is not in Afghanistan anymore....crazy dangerous over there.