SURPRISE!!!!!

Julie, Jen, and I were able to throw a "party" for mom and dad - with inputs from Jason throughout the process (since he couldn't be here).  :(

The sisters made dinner one night when they were here over the week of the 4th of July and that's all mom and dad knew...we were making dinner.  Everyone else was in on it (except for Caleb b/c apparently he can't keep secrets very well...poor guy!) :)

We did a Pittsburgh Pirates theme and had ballpark food: hamburgers, hot dogs, pierogies (yes, even Mrs. T.'s), nachos, and then of course the veggie tray and fruit plate to balance it out!  We decorated mainly inside (too windy) and some on the back porch.  Keith was able to take mom and dad through town (apparently 10 times) so we could decorate!  We had pirates cupcakes and a chocolate chip cookie (no bday is complete in our family without one!!!).  Julie and the kids made a pinata too. Here's some of the "party" (other pictures are on the other camera):

 Dad's new "hat" for the games!

Goofy gifts...dad's dentures that do the chewing for him (wind up chattering teeth) and mom's decision maker - just spin away! :)

We did a treasure hunt for their gift which was a gift certificate to a hotel by the park and a gift card to the Pirates for tickets.  They have wanted to go down to a night game, stay over, then go to an afternoon game.  They have it booked now!!!

Hope you guys had a great time with our craziness....

Father's Day

Happy Father's Day (again) to the best father!  I cannot put into words my (our) appreciation for all you have done for us over the years dad!  You have been there supporting us through everything and praying for us daily!  You do things without us asking and with a cheerful heart/giving spirit!  We love you!!!!

 She could have cared less we were sitting there talking, eating, moving, taking pictures, etc...

 Dad's favorite is lemon - almost anything...and this was delicious!

 Dad ready for dessert! :)

 What else but a very loving card that can't come close to expressing my gratitude and love for dad and a Pirates gift card...

It was a WONDERFUL day with Dad and then later with Ron's dad.

We love you dad!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dad's Birthday

Forgot to post these pictures...still on the camera...

We celebrated Dad's birthday the Sunday after with dinner at their house with us and Grandma.  Always fun times with the family!

Here's Dad's cookie...no Miami Beach Cake this year.... :(

Happy 60th Birthday Dad!  We love you and are so happy we could celebrate with you!!!!!!  *hugs*

Happy Birthday Dad!

We are fortunate to still live close to mom and dad and get to celebrate everything with them! I love that we are able to do this.

Sunday, mom made a delicious dinner for Dad's birthday - stuffed shells, salad, (Jen's) applesauce, and bread. His cake - the infamous Miami Beach Birthday Cake! It is always nice to spend dinner with mom and dad and grandma too on Sundays - no matter the occasion! We had a wonderful afternoon with everyone!

Here's dad being silly of course - with his birthday cake:



Dad - we hope you have a wonderful birthday! I couldn't ask for a better father and role model! God has blessed our family in many ways as we have you as our father and "head of the family." It's always so wonderful to spend time with you (and mom):) no matter the occasion. I can't put into words or express how much we love you and appreciate all you have done for us. I hope we have expressed it though over the many years. I am VERY proud to call you DAD and look forward to each time we get to spend with you guys! Thanks for everything and may God bless you (and our family) with another wonderful year together! HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD! We love you! :)

Father's Day...

Dad at Christmas - showing off his football moves!!

Yesterday was father's day...I should have posted something then but I wasn't home! Of the 4 "kids", I am the only one close enough to spend time with Dad and Mom on a regular basis. I consider myself lucky and BLESSED to have that chance (as well as Ron's parents!). I went over to mom and dad's after church for lunch - with grandma - and had such a wonderful afternoon/early evening! I cannot begin to tell of all the goofy stuff Dad did! Mom got this really cool radio/record/tape/cd player stereo from friends/coworkers for her retirement. I was looking at it and was "playing" with it and dad brings over his 60's CD! He tried to get grandma to dance - haha - and was just being plain goofy. We laughed a lot yesterday!!! Just one thing after another!

God has truly blessed me with a WONDERFUL Christian father to look up to and show me and teach me everything as I grew up and still in the years to come! I could not ask for a better father then what God has given me with! There are not words to express and describe the meaning dad has in my life! Dad, you truly have helped me (and Ron) in ways not many parents would! Thank you for all that you have done and will do in the future! I love you and appreciate you beyond any words can do justice!

(Mom, I love you too and thank God for you as well!!! The wonderful Christian mother you are to me! All your advice and whatnot!)

We love you and thank you for EVERYTHING!!! I had a great time just sitting, relaxing, and chatting with you yesterday!!!!!!!! It was one of the best father's day I got to spend with you and you truly are retired!!! :)