Andrew posing and loving the dry ice vapors.
Emmi had 4th of July scarves made for Bella and Lilly. 
From left: Susan, Lila Mae, Max and Caroline (cousin to Max)
And, of course, what would the 4th of July or any celebration be without Lila Mae's famous cinnamon rolls! She made three pans of them and when we left that night there were about 10 left. Neal and I took four home with us and I think Annie took the other six. 
The place for parking at the hotel we stayed at in San Diego was incredibly tight. There was very little room to pull in and out without hitting another car. One had to be extremely careful when backing out. We parked our car for the evening. When I got out I notice two black suburbans parked across from us and the thought that went through my mind was, "We shouldn't leave the car here because we will get hit." I also thought that I should write down the licence plate numbers but didn't do that either. I dismissed the 'warning' / 'prompting' and we went on inside the hotel. The next morning when we came down to get in the car the first thing I did was check the back bumper and sure enough (and I knew before I looked) the back fender had been hit. Thank goodness they didn't dent it, but they did scratch some of the paint off. Of course, they didn't bother to leave their name and number or insurance. I was heart sick that Neal's new car got damaged a little bit. When we came home and I showed him, he just smiled and sighed. He felt badly as well, but a little paint will make it look as good as new! I'm so grateful that they didn't hit so hard that the fender was actually dented.
In case you can't figure out the card it is the cycle of life. Baby, Kid, Tween, Teen, Grown-up, Grandma! That about sums it up! Thank you Hayley, I love my cards and I love you!
This Target that we went in was a two-story store. Between the escalators was a track for your basket. You could load them up and continue shopping by taking them to the floor above or below. The track in the middle moved simultaneously with the steps you were standing on so that you and your basket reached your destination at the very same time! How ingenious!
Dinner at Chevy's Mexican (not all that good, I might add - I would recommend it.)
If you look very closely you will see the seals laying on the rocks. This was the best my little camera would do.
We spent the better part of the afternoon strolling around the temple and enjoying the gorgeous landscaping. It was peaceful and beautiful and I couldn't help but think about Donald and the meeting that was taking place with Mother, Annette and Buster. I almost envied them.
April, Donald's oldest granddaughter.
The service took placed at the San Diego National Cemetery for retired servicemen. Donald served in the Navy for 28 years. They had a Chaplain administer the service or last rites. Lynda Ann and I both shed tears. Parting with a loved one and saying a final 'goodbye' is always difficult, no matter the circumstances. I am so grateful for my knowledge and understanding of where I came from, why I'm here and that our sojourn here on earth is just another stepping stone in our eternal progression. Families are forever. 
I LOVE this picture of mother and Donald walking down the streets of Seattle.
Donald was 14 1/2 years my senior. He joined the navy when he was 18 and basically lived away from home the rest of his life. 
Neal was getting something off of the garage shelves. He did his usually, using the car as a ladder. As he was coming down he stepped on the windshield and . . . well you can see from the picture. We are both grateful that his whole leg didn't go through the windshield cutting him seriously. Tender mercies? Yes. Guardian angels? Yup, most definitely!
Neal went to the doctor's yesterday to have a biopsy. There is a growth on his thyroid. We won't know for a week what the results of the test are. :-( You can all remember dad in your prayers and let's think positive! 
My friend, Sally, is one of those kind of people that you can go to any time for any thing. She is especially gifted when it comes to sewing in the clothing department and alterations department. Sally is the one who made both my dresses, slips and pantaloons for the pioneer trek, has made a couple Halloween costumes and has altered a few items for me. I can follow a pattern but don't ask me to alter or change the pattern. Sally and I frequently exchange grandchildren Christmas gift ideas. We have often commented that we weren't sure who causes the most trouble, me or her when it comes to adding projects on top of projects! I call Sally my 911 friend. When I need help physically for a project or emotionally for my mental well being, she is always there! By the way, I started this the first of June and finished it before the months end! Not bad, huh? I will be excited to give this to her at Christmas time.
