40th Anniv Mug Shots

Ok, ok . . . we're old, old, old!!! We've been married foooooooooooooooorty years. Wanted to take a nice long leisurely cruise -- but not with mom, so that will have to wait for another year.

We ended up going to a very nice restaurant in downtown Spokane called Anthony's at the Falls. All the tables over-look the Spokane River Falls. The river is really, really low, but the falls were still pretty. It was a wonderful dinner and evening out.

Thanks to our son Steve who had the evening off and stayed home and had pizza with mom so we could go out. He took these pics with the back-drop of trees from our backyard.

Mom's, Grandma's. Great-grandma's, Nita's update

Just some quick info to update you on medical info. August 18th Mom went to the neurologist. He's 99% sure she has Alzheimer (there's no absolute diagnosis while alive), but he's running tests to rule out anything else it might be. She had more blood work done and an MRI, which can show the deterioration of the brain and how far it's progressed.

We go back to the neurologist on Sep 11th for the results. Even with a diagnosis of Alz -- she's still relatively early in the disease. She might drive us crazy with all the questions and her attitude sometimes, but (thank God) there is still so much she can still do.

She now takes Aricept and Neumenda. The neurologist said (speaking as a scientist) he's never seen any of these drugs actually do any good. But as a relative he knows he would try everything possible. So as long as the drugs do no harm -- we are giving them to her.

Cousin Janet's Visit

Since Cousin Janet (from Livermore, CA) didn't get a chance to see her Aunt before she moved to the great northwest -- she, Janet, decided to pay us a short 50 hour visit last weekend. It was fast and fun. Friday we had lunch and then we just hung around the house.
Saturday we visited the Harley store so Janet could buy hubby Lloyd the obligatory Tshirt and then (as you can see from above pic) the whole fam was together for dinner on the back deck. Steve had to work so he's not with us and Sara (Marc's wife) took the pic.
On Sunday after church we had lunch at Olive garden downtown and then walked around Riverfront park before we had to take her to the airport. Mom and Janet are standing in front of the Spokane River and Falls and also in front of the restaurant (Anthony's at the Falls) where Arnie and Diane will have dinner tonight (Friday, 29th) for the anniversary.

Mom's Hawaiian Day

Last Friday, Mom's day care had a day when everyone was to wear a Hawaiian shirt. We had to buy one and there wasn't much to choose from this late in the season. But she looked good and didn't mind buying it or wearing it!
Yesterday, Tues. Aug 12 when we pulled up to day care and it was time for her to get out she said "Oh yes, this is where I get dumped off!!!!" She's not happy about going -- ever -- but she's more animated and talkative when she comes home. We believe the stimulation is good for her.

Rylee's 6th

We all had a grand time at Rylee's party. The "slip-n-slide" was actually adult sized and many of the bigger kids took their turns sliiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiding down, up, and over. You will definitely want to click on these pics and blow them up for the full effect of a crazy day.

Rylee with her birthday cake

Rylee opening a mountain of presents

Big brother, Bryson, helping to read the cards

Brother Cody and uncle JP all tangled up on the slide

Rylee's dad, Marc, thrrrrrrrrrrrrew the birthday girl down her slide

Ready-set-goooooooooooo. Uncle Steve's about to hit the slide.

Rylee's mom, Sara, enjoys the cool slippery water

Unbelievable, Grandpa Arnie even dives into the fun!!!

Wahoooooooo! Marc, Rylee's dad, is up and over the end.

Now it's a contest to see who can go over the end in the biggest way. Here's Uncle Steve -- looks like it's going to hurt!!!!!

And finally, Grandpa gives us the "claw-" look as he gets to the end.

By the way, we don't know about the kids -- but the "big kids" were all extremely sore for two days following all the frolicking fun. Grandma knew better and protected her back by only taking the pictures and laughing at all the antics.

Marc's Birthday

July 31st Marc had another "day" so we all got together and went to a wonderful and wacky Italian restaurant for dinner. We had a great family time.

Here's the whole Motley Crew!

Marc and birthday candle -- along with a sinfully warm brownie covered with ice cream and fudge chocolate sauce -- no calories there, ya think?

Mo presents -- yeah!!!

Marc and bro' Steve

Marc and Grandma

Grandma and great-grandson Bryson -- great picture!

Bryson with Grandma -- not so great picture of grandma!