Laura at ice-skating show

 

Our little star!  We were afraid we'd have to have the Zamboni sweep her off the ice, she wanted to stay.

 Bec had strawberry shortcake waiting when I arrived in Oregon. Yummy. She is such a good cook and showed off her culinary talents while I was there.

 At Silver Falls in Oregon with James, Sam and Lizzy

 Fourth of July: James didn't care for the fireworks Phil was setting off and had to be in mama's lap.

 Liz, Sam,Bec, J

 J likes to drink from the water hose outside. So cute.

Spending time with grandkids this summer

 Spencer's birthday

 Julia

 

Alec ball game

Laura

 

Laura was the color Orange in her kindergarten program.  I love these things.  So cute.

Spencer & Benton

 

Spencer bridges from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts in Mansfield.  Spencer and Benton play baseball.

Earth Day

Julia at Earth Day celebration.  Amy won first prize in the "ttash-to-art" contest with her pet bed made from half a hard-sided suitcase and recycled quilt.

Laura trying on the dress I made her.
This is what happens when Laura is around: stuffies take over the exercise equipment.

in Cleveland

Traci & Alec joined me at the hotel while I was in meetings in Cleveland.

How come the Easter bunny deliver eggs???

Amy and I made up these cute baskets for the grand kids. Home-made egg cozies in the shape of animals.

The Family Von Trapp? No--The Family Drake

Laura
Benton
Spencer getting ready for piano recital next week. The kids all performed the pieces they were working on; what a great concert!

Risk

Spencer & Katie

How about a two-day board game? The "version" Spencer was playing was not the "real" rules as Katie found out so we had to learn the strategy for the game of Risk. We played in between sessions of conference. Katie won.

Fairy tale ball

Cosstume judging
Mary's friend Jessica
The big bad wolfe
What a super great time Amy, Julia and I had at the Fairy Tale Ball sponsored by The Parkersburg Art Center and the Parkersburg Actor's Guild. Julia was thrilled to dress up as Little Red Riding Hood because as she said "I have red hair!" but was perplexed when Amy told her I was going as the granny because "But she already is a grandma." Very well organized with kids games, activities, dancing, and adult activities upstairs--Amy and I wanted to stay with the kids. Julia won first prize for best costume. She was so pleased.

She's BACH

Laura and Dr Crane at piano lessons.

Julia's tea party

Julia's tea party. Six little girls who love pink had luncheon, decorated cupcakes and made bookmarkers. It was a lot of fun.

home again home again

Welcome home note from Julia.

Little Seb

Previously unpublished pictures. Notice the blanket Katie made.