Together for 34 Years!

Jim and I celebrated our 34th anniversary this weekend. The official date is June 28, 1980. I'm not really sure how we have been married 34 years as I am only 39-years-old......  

We celebrated our anniversary yesterday by taking our first hike of the season. We were expecting rain all day, but we were determined to get out to the mountains and take in that fresh mountain air and try out our hiking legs that have gone unused all winter long. The trail we picked is called Moose Mountain. It's about 45 minutes west of Calgary in the Bragg Creek area and is the most easterly Rocky Mountain near Calgary. 

The hike provides the opportunity to hike to the summit fire lookout station. The hike to the summit covers 7.1 km one way with an elevation gain of 477 m. The first part of the hike drops steeply 60 m downhill which leaves you wondering how you will ever make it back up to the parking lot at the end of the day. The day was beautiful and we only encountered a bit of rain at the summit when we pulled out our PBJ sandwiches to eat, of course!

Last but not least, I saw my first moose. A mama moose and her calf were crossing the road as we turned onto the dirt access road to the trail head. And I was so excited I didn't even get a picture!

Starting our hike 

Our goal in the distance., Moose Mountain summit.

We will cross the valley and hike up the peak of the gray mountain in the distance

Ridge above treeline

I found this gnome in the snow

Looking up to the summit

From the summit

On the way down. See the downpour in the background. We were worried that the storm would  reach us before we reached our car.

Does this man look like he has been married 34 years? No, he does not.

Looking back down the valley we came from

Watching the world cup game between the Netherlands and Mexico at our local pub the next day

Tribute to Daisy

My mom Walter Daisy Haraldson passed away June 16, 2014. She was a wonderful woman, full of life and love for her family. My brother, Rusty, wrote a tribute that was read at the funeral by his pastor, Chuck. This pretty much sums up how we felt about Mom. My brother was able to put into words the way we all felt, but I probably did not say to her often enough.

Daisy's family wants to celebrate her life today, all 91 years. Walter Daisy Haraldson was named after her father, Walter Mabee. She was one of five girls in her family. Daisy was a loving,caring, beautiful woman. She always put her family first. There was never anything in her life more important to her. She made many sacrifices for her family without hesitation. I know our family would tell anyone they know that Mom was the most unselfish person we ever had in our lives. She was just like her mother, Pearl. The only time she might complain was if we didn't take time to see her. When you would go to her house for supper, you better be ready to eat, and you better eat everything on your plate. She would get upset if you didn't. Then you better be ready for seconds. Dad would often make a comment asking mom if she was cooking for an army or if she was expecting guests. Our family wants everyone here today to know we are celebrating her life. Today is a  very sad for our family, but we all know how blessed we were to have Mom for our mom and Dad as her husband for fifty nine years. We want to thank everyone that is here today. God Bless You.
I hope that everyone can tell by these words how much our Mom meant to our family. She will be missed dearly and will forever be in our hearts.

Daisy, you will be missed! We love you!

Daisy and Randall married December 30, 1955

Daisy and Randall 

My mom, Daisy, and me in Albuquerque

Mom's grave site in Springfield, MO

Another One on the Way!

Yup, we have another grand baby on the way! As of June 12, Casey and Anthony have 24 days to go until their little bundle, Evan, arrives. They know they are having a baby girl, and we are all so very excited! My last trip to Houston was spent helping Casey get her nursery in order and attending the most fun baby shower ever! Our good friends Janet and Toby graciously offered to host Casey's shower. Since we are "homeless" we really appreciated their offer! Our daughter-in-law, Cindy, and two of Casey's friends, Karen and Heather, threw an awesome shower. Lots of Casey's friends and coworkers came, and she received lots of fun and useful presents for the baby. Next trip to Houston will be to welcome baby girl, Evan! We can't wait!!

Karen Eshelman made these darling blocks that were part of the decorations.

Toby and Janet, who hosted Casey's shower in their lovely home 

Me, Casey and baby Evan

Casey and Jackie

Meredith,  Amy and Lindsey

Anthony's sister, Nicole, with Mom, BJ and Grandma, Nanny

Sonsi, Kendra and Noe 

Trenisia, Angela and Desiree

Heather, Karen, Cindy, Casey and me

Grandmas and Casey (BJ, Angela, and me)

Gloria, Bev and Kimberly

Casey opening some of her darling presents

Anthony's mom, BJ, made these adorable baby clothes