M- For Hillary

I can count on one hand the number of people I've stayed in touch with since middle or even high school. I know that's not saying much about me, especially with the invention of Facebook which I'm sure I'll end up joining to everyone's surprise one day. But, that's all beside the point.

There is one friend who I know will never escape me. And, to top it all off, today is her birthday! So, this one's for you, Hillary, and probably no one else.

Over the years we've had a few laughs

From counting blue vans to IHOP name gaffs

From laughing at guys in grocery stores

to buying dry ice and water and more

From singing songs as loud as we could

to talking on the phone later than we should

From staying up late with frozen Dr. Peppers

to writing each other in code in letters

All these were fun and memorable too

Still there's more that we've shared between us two.

We've been with each other in spirit or person

to listen to the other when hard times worsened.

We've been with each other in good times and bad

And angered each other with a few fights we've had

But no matter the season of life that we're in

I hope you're my friend till the very end.

Happy Birthday, Hill.

M- Puppy Love

Joel loves dogs (woof woofs). Every time he sees one he barks at it until he can't see it anymore. The funny thing is that he generally won't touch them. This was not the case last night though. He had a great time with Buddy. Here are some pictures Uncle Mike took.

First they played chase.

Then Joel fell down and Buddy attacked.

At first, Joel thought it was funny.

Once he'd had enough, he decided to practice his martial arts skills to get Buddy to go away.

Happy Father's Day

N - South Dakota

Recently I made a weekend trek with several friends to Colorado, Wyoming, South Dakota and North Dakota . We had a great time - camped out, saw Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, Devil's Tower and even the geographic center of the United States.

Evidently we made quite an impression on the good folks of South Dakota, so much so that they decided to honor us in a somewhat peculiar way.

Here is us posing for the artist.

M- Sleepy Swinging

Joel is a very schedule oriented child.  He likes things to be done at a certain time and certain way.  Everyday after lunch he lays down for his nap.  Today, I thought I'd take him outside to swing to get him good and tired.  He lasted approximately 3 minutes before this happened.  

N - First Pic

In case you haven't heard, Mary is prego!  Here is the first picture of Joel's little brother or sister.  The little one is expected to arrive on January 22, 2010.  We are very excited, as is Joel.  He just doesn't know it yet.

M- Just a picture

Uncle Mike took this picture in McAlester.  I wanted to share it because I think he actually looks sweet instead of incredibly ornery.