This winter has certainly graced us with much more snow than in recent years. Of course, I'm reminded by family in Colorado that we have nothing on them (but hey, tell it to the Northeast). The forecast is for another "instense winter storm" beginning with rain tonight and continuing tomorrow with 6-8" of snow.
Evan's aunt Carla returned yesterday evening from her annual trip to Florida. She visits friends and gets in some winter golfing and shopping. And each time she returns, she brings cool-o gifts for Evan.
This year, it was a gator claw back scratcher. Yep, that's a real taxidermified alligator paw. I can't decide whether it creeps me out or satisfies me when those out-of-reach itches strike. It will nicely complement the preserved gator head and foot Carla brought Evan as past gifts. Just a few more trips, and he'll be able to build his own gator . . . Frankengator.
I did enjoy the "Gator Droppings" that Evan also received: tiny chocolate and green-candy-covered sunflower seeds. Yum!
Each year on February 22, we celebrate Evan's Airplane Day - the anniversary of his arrival from South Korea. Six years ago, Evan flew from Seoul to San Franciso to Denver (where he was greeted by his Gami and Grandpa George, aunts, uncles, and cousins) to Des Moines, where his mom and dad waited for their son to join his family.
This blog has been reluctantly on hiatus for the past several months.
After Evan began kindergarten last fall, his family experienced some highs and lows. in early September 2006 we traveled to Colorado to attend Aunt Jeanine's wedding to Kelly. It was a lovely, joyous event with family and old and new friends. Sadly, that celebration was the last time we saw Evan's Grandpa Rog, who passed away in late October. The following months, including the holidays, were a blur, but we're all doing fine and staying busy.
We'll try to post more frequently! Promise!
Last Thursday, we visited Evan's school to check out his classroom, meet the teacher, and enjoyed popsicles on the playground.
Evan's uncle John, aunt Becky, and cousin Ross were in town this weekend from their home in Nevada. It was their first visit to Lincoln since 1997 and first chance to meet Evan.
The entire clan was able to spend time together over the weekend. More photos at Flickr.
It's always nice to see Evan's cousin, Damon, and an even nicer treat was meeting his girlfriend, Erin. Not only is she cute, she was very tolerant of the Kelley family in party mode.
Well, summer's nearly over and the 2006 t-ball season went out with a wimper. The final game was called last Sunday due to threatening thunderstorms.
Fortunately, we had tickets for the Saltdogs game that evening, so we got in a little baseball before the storm clouds unloaded on us.
This little critter spent most of an afternoon napping on our cabin's kitchen screen window (outside, thank goodness). We were lucky to spot him as he stretched his wings and took to the air as it got dark.
We brought this speciman back home in a nifty bug box.
We had almost given up hope of spotting any of the small herd of bighorn sheep during our jeep ride, but got lucky as we headed down from the bluff.
Grandpa Rog, Evan, and Brian enjoy a scrumptious repaste.
Nebraska historical marker with information on the cabins.
Our cabin at Fort Robinson, one of the original 1874 adobe officers' quarters.
The fellas at the entrance to the Fort Robinson Lodge.
Oh, yeah. We was chillin' at YiaYia's Friday night. Doing the usual thing -- pizza and tasty adult beverages (for mom & dad).
Evan brought along his binoculars. He thought he might need them to spot his parents in the crowd of parade spectators. Fortunately, we had seats up close.
This cool Coors hard hat came from Evan's grandpa.
Brian and Evan gave me this nifty fountain for my birthday. Not yet in its final location, but we wanted to check out the fountain in action with lights and water.
Evan is trying to tell us:
A. "The snake that got away was THIS BIG!"
B. "The crazy guy you think you see behind me is just an illusion"
C. "Dad, I love you THIS MUCH!"
Happy Father's Day!
During our hike at Platte River State Park on Sunday, we noticed this inscription on the railroad track that runs along the river's edge. It appears to say "Dad 99." We thought it was kind of fitting, since it was Father's Day.
And then I reminded Evan that he should NEVER play on the railroad tracks. Do as I say, not as I do.
Post-game, following the first t-ball match of the season. Go Mariners!
When you left your lightsaber at home, a roasted corncob will do. Evan and his dad enjoying the food at a weekend downtown street event.
