Ellis Russell Van Dyke

Several weeks ago my grandpa, aka "Grandper," passed away at the ripe old age of 94! While it's sad to see loved ones pass on, this event was such a blessing. My grandpa has wanted to "go" for some time now as his health has slowly declined and his longing to be with his sweetheart Joyce increased.

"Grandper" left behind 5 children, 23 grandchildren, 39 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild! It was so neat to see all of our cousins again and reminisce about the good old times at the "Farm" and spending time with our grandparents. How comforting is it to know that our grandparents have once again been reunited!

Miss Meg and myself at the viewing
(fresh from the eye doctor with dilated eyes)

my sisters

Make-Over

"I feel like I just walked outside and am missing some of my clothes." -that was my mother-in-law's take on what she saw a week after the wind storm hit. Two day's into their tropical vacation to Hawaii they got the news that their beloved pine trees that had acted as a wall to the outside world, aka the street, for the past 40 years were all missing but a few lone stragglers. It felt like we were living in a war zone after the 18 pine trees fell to the ground.

Before: you used to not be able to see the street at all!

Now: Hello Neighbors!

But luckily life goes on, and I look at it as a new yard make over! My mind seems to wander into design mode every time I drive through the driveway. New landscaping here we come!

Coming soon Spring 2012

"my oh my you're so good lookin"

My Miss Meg at 6 weeks old has....

Her daddy's eyes....

her mommy's hair...and unfortunately her nose too...

her daddy's big lips...

...and the cutest smile in the whole wide world!