Teresa Kay - Through the Years

Today is such a special day in our family.  It's the trifecta of birthdays - a day where we actually have three family members with birthdays.  So this post is starting with Teresa's.

As I've done this year with all adults, I'm posting pictures taken every few years to show some highlights and changes in her life.

During that first year she and Dan's go-to activity was camping - usually with Dave and Patty.  That, of course, was after the birth of their first child.

Three years later found her in Hawaii, looking like a movie star a few days after she had given birth to Baby #2.

And a few short years later found her and Dan stationed in Georgia at Fort Stewart.  Here they are after a fabulous dinner on Tybee Island.

 

And then, later that same year we see her writing to Dan during his first deployment which was to Kosovo.

In 2003 she was supporting her troop in Iraq.

 

 And working full time while holding down the fort.
 

2005 found her in Slidell, Louisiana checking out what Hurricane Katrina had done to her house.
 
And in 2007 not only was the family was in Ft. Leavenworth but they now number five!

Here she is welcoming Dan home from yet another deployment in 2010.

With these pictures I've presented some clues into the amazing changes and many experiences that have constituted Teresa's life but they are just clues.  I couldn't possibly show pictures from all the many places she's lived and deployments she's been through.  Even now, she and Dan anxiously watch the smoke of nearby wildfires and pray for rain. 

But throughout it all there have been a few constants.  Although it's not easy to find pictures of Teresa by herself, I had no trouble finding pictures of her with her babies throughout the years.

 

  

And certainly no trouble finding pictures of her with Dan.

Which tells us that she is first and foremost a family girl.  Over the years she's blended that with many work, school, and personal accomplishments including a half marathon last Spring.

Right now, though, she's just assumed a new identity as Household 6.  And I know she'll rock that challenge as well.

In conclusion, here she is trying out Dan's office for size.  As you can see, it looks like a perfect fit.

So Happy Birthday, Teresa!  Here's hoping it's the best one ever but not half as great as all those to come!

Ethan James - Through The Years

Today is Ethan's 7th birthday. He missed being another anniversary present for us by a matter of hours so in our hearts he'll always be another awesome anniversary present for us.

Here's Ethan - through the years - pictorially.








Ethan is smart, cheerful, helpful, and loving. He's an awesome big brother, an amazing son, and an incredible grandson. He's interested in everything interesting and always willing to try something new.

We love you, Ethan, and we're hoping you're enjoying your best birthday yet!

Matthew Clinton - Through The Years

Matthew was born on March 9, 2002 which happened to be our 34th wedding anniversary. He was the best anniversary present we ever got - bar none.

Here is Matthew pictorially - through the years.

You can tell by the pictures that Matthew is an active, hard-working and hard-playing boy. He's a joy to be around - fun loving, smart, athletic, kind, and an awesome grandson.

So Matthew, Happy Birthday! Here's hoping it's your best one EVER!!

Patty Jo - Through The Years

Today is Patty's birthday. She's far away in Virginia but that doesn't diminish our wishes for a beautiful day for her.

Here is Patty 'through the years' pictorially starting with the first picture in the album we started for her back in 1993.

After that, as I plan to do for all the adults, I've tried to include pictures from each five years until now. Here she is at Chelburg Farm. I was so proud when she volunteered to lead the group in Baa Baa Black Sheep at a sheep shearing.

Here she is at Beth's wedding. You'd hardly believe she was about six months pregnant here.

And in 2004 on vacation in Michigan City.

2008 with Dave at the Christmas House.

And a couple of weeks ago just as she was leaving for work.

Patty's been a blessing to our family since we joined Dave in loving her back in '93.

So Happy Birthday, Patty. Here's wishing you the best day ever with lots of downtime and happy celebrations.