Christmas Scenes at Our House

Welcome to our home. Come on in and enjoy the Xmas spirit

Celebrating Mary

Woo hoo! It's Mary's birthday - let's celebrate at Buffalo Beach


Mary opening gifts


Ryan with the gift pile


The fam


Linda and David

Six at 6

As you can see Eight at 6 has become Six at 6. This months get together was at the Ramsburg-Collins home. Gary and Diane always hosts a great dinner party. Btw, we are accepting applications to join the group.


Kathy and Diane in the kitchen


Dessert time


Enjoying the Ramsburg-Collins sunroom

Hernia Repair

David's hernia had steadily gotten worse over the past 3 years. He finally agreed to have it repaired - which was his first surgery.


The bandaged wound


Taking it easy on the sofa the following day


I took such good care of the boy


David's birthday was 3 days later. He didn't realize it at the time, but as he kept getting birthday calls his phone "collection" grew. There was a time when the phone rang and he kept answering phones until he finally answered the right one - his cell phone.

Welcome Home

Mid September found me in Utah wedding shopping with newly engaged daughter, Ariel. We were successful in finding "the dress", reception location, guest favors, etc. While gone my honeypot missed me.


What a sweet welcome home sign


And beautiful flowers (which David arranged) awaited me once I stepped inside our home.

Hanging with the Cousins

Saturday we headed to Peter's farm. Gary and Mary looked forward to seeing Peter and doing some target shooting.


Peter surprised us with skeet shooting (which three of us have never done)


Gary giving it his best shot - literally


It was the day before the race so Mary couldn't shoot the "big guns". Couldn't chance knocking herself out of whack.


Linda with her killer shot - this girl can shoot!!


"Pull!"


Great pic of the cousins


Show off. *Ü*


They're so competitive!!


The shoot off continues. Gary just won't give up. Haha.


Hanging out, poolside at the Cherry's


And this is an impromptu spread (it was wonderful!!) Imagine how it is when they know we're popping in!! They took such good care of us - thanks Julia and Glenn!!


Julia, the hostest with the mostest


Linda couldn't resist the pool


Glenn working his kitchen magic

Mary Runs the Rock and Roll 1/2 Marathon!!

Cousins Gary and Mary were in town for the Rock and Roll 1/2 Marathon. Mary to run it - and the rest of us are her official cheering squad.


To start the marathon off right we have to get in the proper amount of shopping. Mary helps me pick out my R&R tee - to wear race day to show my support. Mary got an great R&R Marathon jacket.


I don't know about y'all but I just was not expecting to see TWO Elvises at the expo


Mary showing great form as she finishes the marathon expo exhibits


Gary: "We fly all the way out here to see you - get off the phone!"


Mary passing Ronnie's and Rona's on the way "out" - approximately 3 miles into the race.


The sea of runner's headed over Rudee Inlet bridge


Mary's second passing of Ronnie's and Rona's on the way "back". At this point Mary had run nearly 11 miles.


Ronnie and Rona just felt like dressing Reggae today. Haha. J/K. Neighborhoods along the route decide upon themes and Ronnie's and Rona's was Reggae.


Mary, hydrating after the race, needs to get her shoes off


Ah, much better


Celebrating Mary's accomplishment


What's that? You'd like to see my medallion?


Here it is. Mary, our new hero!! She so inspired us that many of us are running with her next year.

Virginia is for **HISTORY** Lovers

Where does a history loving couple that needs time away go for a weekend? How about exploring Appomatox and Lexington - mostly by bike.


Appomatox Courthouse. Did you know the surrender did not actually take place in the courthouse? General Robert E Lee surrendered to Ulysses S Grant in the home of Wilmer McLean in the village of Appomatox Courthouse.


Stonewall Jackson Cemetery


Grave of Stonewall Jackson. Most of his family members are also buried within the gated area.


Robert E Lee Chapel at Washington and Lee University


The entrance to VMI (Virginia Military Institution) the oldest state-supported military college. It is rich with history and steep in tradition.


In front of the parade grounds. While there we watched the upperclassmen put the new "rats" through drills.


Statue of George Washington sits across from Washington Arch.


David placing a coin on the grave of Traveller - Robert E Lee's horse.


The entrance to Natural Bridge. Seeing Natural Bridge was love at first sight for me. It took my breath away.


Whoooweee, look how strong my man is!!


Nice photo op


On the trail to Lace Falls


Lace Falls


On the trail back


Enjoying the scenery of the Blue Ridge Mountains

Crosby Stills Nash - need we say more?

Here they are - the men, the legends: Stephen Stills, Graham Nash and David Crosby. We thought they would have an opening act and we wondered who it would be. However, we were pleasantly surprised to see they were the only performers. That's right - 2.5 hours of CSN!!

Their voices still rock, especially David Crosby's.

Linda and David during intermission - and right before my CSN tee-shirt run. Had to get a CSN Summer Tour 2009 tee!!

Kathy and Jeff all smiles, groovin' to the sounds of melodious CSN

Some may remember the band looking like this back in the 70s. *Ü*

Come Follow Me...

And again I would exhort you that ye would come unto Christ, and lay hold upon every good gift... (Moroni 10:30)

It's not easy being LDS. Even with knowing that David has chosen to become a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and be numbered among Christ's people. I'm so proud of him.


Elders McMullen and North with David and Ezra. Ezra flew down from Buffalo to baptize his step-dad. *Ü* Our missionaries, Elders Leonard and Pearce, have both been transferred out of the area. They were so helpful during David's conversion process - we've adopted them. Hear that boys?!


David, handsome in all white, and Linda


The Taylors and the Blocks. I've known Tate for approximately 25 years and Linda and I were baptized the same day in that very building, 33 years ago.


The Block clan was out in force to support oldest sibling, David.

If anyone is interested in knowing what our basic beliefs are please visit this website:
http://www.mormons.org

Julia's B'day

Setting: Ice House Restaurant, Virginia Beach
Occasion: Julia's Birthday
Those in attendance: The Usual Suspects


Julia surrounded by those who love her


Julia loves the pic of her with her "babies"


Ronnie, Rona and Mary enjoying themselves


Glenn admiring the pic


Debbie's goodlooking chill'uns: Jonathan, Ryan and Julie


Debbie, Pop and Mom Block


Julia putting out the fire


Two peas in a pod...

Mom turns 79!!

Pop tells Mom that it's candle time


Mom does an excellent job putting out the fire


The fam gathers around to wish Mom happy birthday


Mom and her Buddy-girl