EJK Reunion Weekend 1998

This is a picture from the EJK reunion in Decatur, AL Memorial Day Weekend 1998. One of Mark's family found it and passed it around at Christmas. We had some good laughs at how no one is paying attention to John Michael in the high chair in the back, and yet is the only one acknowledging the photographer with that sweet little hand up. It appears he isn't waving just hand up. Throughout the Christmas weekend we would look at John Michael and just put a hand up. He was a good sport and played along as well. He's just as cute now as a freshman in college as he was at almost 16 months old.

 

Dad, Ralph and Catherine are looking pretty good as well.

 

One Year Today

Keith and I moved to Parkside Retirement Community on Jan. 26, 2015.
It doesn't seem possible it is already a year.
We have a very nice apartment with an atttached garage and our own laundry.
They serve 3 meals a week - and we have to eat 4 a month.  The food is very good.
Keith is doing well.  He helps me with everything. We walk quite a bit in the long halls.
There are about 40 units here.  Right now there are several for sale.
We like it here but at times we still miss our old home on Fernwood.

Love, Alice

Back home in Illinois

Ada and I returned to a very cold Illinois.  When we came up Center Street at noon the bank's thermometer registered "0" .  We returned after being gone for nearly five weeks.  We spent the week prior to Christmas in Jax at Angels's since Nathan did not have school.  I have already posted pictures of Christmas 2015 with the Christensen's.  It was marvelous having all of our children, grandchildren, and great grandchild in Florida.  The weather was perfect, in the mid 80's so the kids were able to partake of all the things that teenagers do in the sun.  For Ada and me, we were overwhelmed knowing that our family now has memories that they will be able to share for many years to come.

After Christmas, Ada and I returned to Indian Rocks Beach, where we have spent nearly 7 or 8 winters at 50 Gulf Condos on the beach of the Gulf of Mexico.  The first week was awesome, but the second week was cool and rainy.  We returned to Jax for one night to say goodbye to Angela, Jerry, and Nathan.

On the way to Illinois, we went through Anderson, SC and spent a night with Lynn and Mim.  Mim fixed us an outstanding

dinner and Ann Bailes came over for the evening.  Lynn and Ada really enjoyed sharing stories for their childhood in Gridley and compared all the differences.  Of course, Jay, Ralph, Alice, and Lynn were virtually gone when Ada was little.  It was interesting, for an outsider, to listen to all the "old town Gridley names" came up.  Who lived where, which houses were torn down or moved, and which relative owned what business.  Of course this old Chenoa boy "smiled" when Harry Hill's name obviously came up!!

We are thank full that we traveled safely, our family was together for Christmas, and that we were able to visit Ada's older brother.  We give God all the credit and praise for allowing this.

I will attempt to add a picture of Ada and Lynn, picture of baby Jett Heather text us, and just some other various one left over.

Ada and I wish each and every one of you good health and happiness in 2016.

The older I get, I think The road gets longer, and in many respects more difficult and complicated, but the Lord has assured us that the reward the end will be with Him on streets of pure gold.

Happy New Year!

Every year has it's ups and downs; last year had perhaps more than others. We have so much to be thankful for including ending the year on a real high note with a trip to JAX. Thanks to Ang & Jerry for hosting! I thought I'd share a few of my photos from the trip and take a moment to wish you all the best in 2016!

I call this one "Sunrise Selfie"

Grace kayaking

Owen explaining something while sailing

the entire Christensen family spent several days at Angela's house in Jax Florida.  The weather was perfect for trips to the beach, eating at outdoor restaurants, and driving go carts on a track!!   We made rockets and launched them and spent time in Angela's pool.
the pics above are 1)  Heather and Jett, who stole all the attention, 2) Jason, Jerry, and Janice 3) Kelsie made this gold leaf poster for Heather...the love of sisters, 4) duplication..sorry 5) Grandpa Jerry and Jett, really had fun,  6) Ada and I spend time doing adult coloring...this is my latest.
Our family had an awesome time and made tons of memories fotr Christmas 2015 in Florida.  All Illinois residents have returned to Illinois except Ada and I.  We will leave Sunday to go farther south in Florida for a couple of weeks.
Hope all our Illinois family is safe, warm, and your electricity is on.   Happy New Year to all of you from our family and Blessing for a Healthy and Safe 2016.