Aren't we a handsome family?

Back row right to left - Dave & Marcia Rundhaug, their 4 boys (Jeff, Mike & Amy, Dan & Melany, Todd & Kim), Don Sunman, Kim & Doug Porter & their 3 boys, Linda Porter & Mark Carpenter.

Second row from right to left: John (Karen's boyfriend), Karen (Brad Sunman's widow), Kristen (used to be Sunman & Martin & 2 girls), Dot, Ken, Avery (Mark's granddaughter), Mary, & Bob Porter.

Third row from right to left: Russ & Bethann (used to be Sunman & their 3 boys), Nadine Sunman holding 1 of Kristen's & 1 of Todd & Kim's girls), Sharon Sunman, Danny & Diane (used to be Carpenter), Josh & Kate (our kids), Carol & Gary.

Fourth row right to left: Ruth, Glad, Christopher (all in chairs)

on the grass in front right to left: Todd & Kim's boy & girl, and Mike & Amy's boy & girl

Matriarchs of the Carpenter Family

The Carpenter family had their annual reunion this past weekend at the home of my cousin, Dave Rundhaug. My cousin, Diane, was kind enough to send us some photos, and I wanted to share the following with you.On the left is Ruth Carpenter. I'm not certain of her age, but I know it's in her early 80's. Her husband was my Uncle Mayne. His name was George Maynard, and while my dad called him George, all of the rest of us called him Mayne. She just started having oxygen 24 hrs. a day due to breathing difficulties. She lives with her daughter, Diane, in Byron Center. (Previous reunions have met at Diane's home.) In the middle you see Dorothy, my mom, who turns 83 on September 14. The lady on the right is Gladys Porter. She is my dad's sister. In birth order, she is #3 and also in her 80's. She lives in a retirement home in a Detroit suburb. Her husband, Dick, passed away several years ago.

Final pics and reflections of Jordan G's visit

Jordan returned home very early on Sunday morning to be reunited with her mom and two pets. Here are three final pictures:

When we thought about what restaurant Jordan would enjoy on her final days with us, we thought that a carnivore like Jordan would most likely enjoy a place with steak. We went to the Sizzler where the meal was rounded out by their ice cream topped with chocolate AND caramel sauce.

Grandpa's motorcycle was a big success - they not only used it
for local trips but a half-day trip to Mary's Peak was fun, too.

Jordan and I went to see the movie "Kit Kitteredge" at Northern Lights dinner theatre. The neat thing about this place is you can eat and watch your movie. Jordan specifically asked that when I took this picture I was careful not to show the title of another movie that was showing at this theatre. She didn't want the word "sex" shown.

What a wonderful opportunity we had to enjoy this visit with Jordan. One of the meaningful things she said to me was: "Most grandmas are sweet to their grandchildren, but you are sweet to all of the children." Whenever I gave her something she asked for, there was always a "thank you". She didn't mind going to church for three hours even though it meant repeating the same kids' service while we served in one service and attended the other. We had opportunities to have some serious conversations about burdens she has on her mind, plus we had lots of fun. I trust she has lots of good memories of times spent together this summer. I know I sure will!!!

Motorcycling across Oregon, 8/08

Herm and I took a 4-day motorcycling vacation this month beginning in Salem, driving to Bend and calling it a day since it was 102 degrees. Next morning we continued on to Burns, then south to the Steens Mountains. During that leg of the trip we experienced driving with lightning flashing around us, rain, hail and then sun. We stayed in a historical hotel and had a pot roast dinner served family style with the other residents (plus a few folks that were camping nearby). The reason we chose this part of the state is because it is the only area where we have never travelled. We decided we won't be returning - it's dry and desolate.

One of our favorite parts of the trip was the trip between John Day and Prineville. We saw some majestic, rocky peaks. The two mountain pictures that follow are of the Blue Mountains just outside of John Day.



Our favorite town was discovered when we stopped for lunch in Vale where we noted all of the businesses that had murals painted on the buildings. The artistry was beautiful, and Herm and I have always enjoyed the history of the times that included the Oregon Trail.

The above mural was painted on the side of a church.

The following four murals were side by side, but due
to their length, I've broken them down into four individual photos.

Sew Much to Learn

One of the things that Jordan wanted to do while visiting us this summer is to learn how to sew. Boy, did she ever get a chance to do that. She spent several days each week at Jennifer's making a quilt. I wasn't there for that event, but Jordan also got to pick out fabric and cut out a nightgown with me. She learned how to find the pattern pieces, place them correctly on the fabric, pin and then cut them out. We found a large piece of purple gingham in my fabric "stash", so Jordan recommended that we make three nightgowns altogether: one for her and one each for her cousins Maya and Sarah. That way, when they have sleepovers, they can all match.






Because Jordan was also doing actual sewing on a sewing machine making a quilt at Jennifer's, I ended up sewing this project. After all, a 9 year old can only stand to have sew much fun when they are learning a new skill. I will try to get photos of her finished quilt included in my blogs when Jennifer gets it assembled.

Golf anyone?

Herm enjoys hot wings at a local restaurant that also has miniature golf course, so that's where we headed this evening. Jordan was so proud of her high score til she realized that in this sport that means you actually lose. But it wasn't a loss, because she had a great time (and so did we). Not only that, but Jordan got the only "hole in one". Way to go, Jordan G. (that's what Andrew calls her).

I get the green ball!

It's OK Grandpa, just do the best you can.

I've been studying Tiger Woods so I can imitate his form.

That's an easy one.

Don't worry, Grandma, I won't fall.

Ocean Fun 2008

We took Jordan over to the beach while she was staying with us this summer. The following pictures show how much fun she had exploring the beach and playing with Molly. Although she was pretty certain she wasn't going to get too wet, I'm glad we brought along towels and extra clothes because we went shopping at the outlet mall afterwards plus had delicious clam chowder and seafood at Captain Ron's in Lincoln City.