Random Rambles

We traveled to Nebraska yesterday to visit Wrex’s paternal grandparents, or Grandad and Lalice if you ask the kids.

So excited!
So excited!

We met Grandma at Perkins for brunch then headed on behind her to see Grandad.  He hasn’t felt too spiffy the last month or two and that’s sure hard to see but it was good to be with family.

Wryder Douglas is named after Willard Douglas (Grandad) and William Douglas (Papa) AND he’s the elder WD’s first great grandson…in other words, he can do no wrong.  🙂

WD and WD
WD and WD
Special bond
Special bond
I love this one
I love this one
Sweeties
Sweeties
Snuggling Aunt Deb
Snuggling Aunt Deb

We grabbed some Burger King to eat on the way home and the kids had to get a crown (so cute!) and make silly faces and do silly things – you know, kid stuff!

Silly faces
Silly faces
Where'd they go??
Where’d they go??

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We got a new kitty last week, appropriately named Kitty.  She’s a sweet little thing and the kids adore her.  She’s gotten a little attention since she’s been here…

Kitty tucked in bed
Kitty tucked in bed

Sawyer used a dollar she got in the mail and bought Kitty a toy, which she loves!

Yes, that's a shirt...
Yes, that’s a shirt…

Kitty has even made nice with Booey…

How sweet...
How sweet…

And the cat scratch/bed/stand?  Well, I should’ve known WD would use it  more than the cat….

Boys will be boys
Boys will be boys

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We’ve worn lots of cute clothes this week…

Cuties
Cuties

and painted pumpkins…

IMG_5070IMG_5071IMG_5072IMG_5073IMG_5074and made some Halloween pretties…

Sawyer and her bat
Sawyer and her bat

and dressed up in all sorts of costumes to practice trick-or-treating…

Oh. My.
Oh. My.

They are ready!

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Sawyer’s reading is getting better everyday and she read to Sayble the other day…it was the sweetest.

Swoon
Swoon

I love how much they love their little sister…

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Now, I’m just finishing up our Halloween costumes.  They wanted to be the PAW Patrol this year so I’ve been getting my hot glue on…

IMG_5155I can’t WAIT to get everything done and them on them!!!  And, of course, I’ll post pics. 🙂

85 Years Young

This handsome cowboy turned 85 on Friday!

WD Phipps
WD Phipps

The family got together this weekend to celebrate him and I had the distinct honor of supplying a little decor.  I was inspired by a roll of newspaper print paper I picked up at a garage sale for a buck, so we went with a black and white “theme” of sorts.

I used the newsprint paper as a table covering and then set it with black and white ware.  DSCF2223We used old records as chargers, I painted the silverware to match (remember that?!) and we found these black and white dishes at the good ole Dollar Tree.

DSCF2211I filled old soda bottles with baby’s breath, green hydrangeas and some black and white feathery balls.

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DSCF2222We made paper fans for each guest, which came in quite handy during set up!

DSCF2218DSCF2219I used an old record as the “guest book” for the party.  We used a paint pen and everyone left the birthday boy some good wishes!

DSCF2213DSCF2214DSCF2215By far, our favorite piece of party decor was the picture timeline we put together.

DSCF2216aGrandma had previously given us some pictures of Grandad growing up.  We enlarged them and had them printed, in black and white, of course. We then wrapped them around foam and made faux canvasses.

DSCF2210They turned out AMAZING (if I do say so myself!) and served as the thank you gifts for the party goers, as well.

Everyone was a trooper and wore black and white.  We had the guest of honor wear red so he stood out on his special day!

The birthday crew
The birthday crew

It was such a fun night to honor a very worthy recipient.

I think he liked it!  ;)
I think he liked it! 😉
WD and WD
WD and WD
Four generations of Phipps men
Four generations of Phipps men

Happy birthday, Grandad!  We love you so much and are so proud of the legacy you have left (and are leaving) this family.  You are one of the world’s true cowboys; a genuine stockman who knows the reward that comes from the work of your hands.  Thank you for instilling the importance and love of production agriculture into your family.  Thank you for serving our country (and looking good while doing it – just ask Grandma)!  Thank you for raising some of the finest people I know and for loving the same woman for 59 years.  You are a treasure.  We can’t wait to party at number 90!

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