Thursday, April 24, 2014

SPRING BREAK IN CALIFORNIA WITH JUSTIN AND SETH: March 8 - 15, 2014

When the Buhlers move to Texas in August 2013, Rhonda begins planning a 2014 Spring Break trip with Kristen's two youngest sons, Justin and Seth.  While these two boys are Disney World veterans, they have never been to Disneyland.  We are very excited about introducing them to rides unique to Disneyland, such as Indiana Jones and the Matterhorn, along with new experiences at California Adventure and Knott's Berry Farm.  Rhonda books spring break flights in September 2013!


TRAVEL DAY - March 8, 2014

With Justin and Seth in tow, we fly from Dallas Love Field to Houston Intercontinental early in the afternoon on March 8, 2014.  During a layover at IAH, we eat lunch, play games and read.  Then it's off to Los Angeles aboard a large jet, filled with spring breakers.  By the time we retrieve our luggage and secure a rental minivan at LAX, it's late (even on Pacific time).  We check into the TownePlace Suites in Manhattan Beach (just a few miles from the airport), then stop at a nearby McDonald's for a bite to eat.
   
Aboard Our Flight from Houston IAH to LAX on March 8, 2014

FIRST DAY IN L.A. - March 9, 2014

We're up bright and early on our first morning in L.A., readying for a 9:00 a.m. sacrament meeting at El Segundo Ward.  After breakfast, we still have enough time before church to drive along the coast, where hundreds of early-morning surfers sit on their boards, waiting for perfect waves.  Following sacrament meeting, we return to the hotel to change clothes, then check out of TownePlace Suites.

The Empeys make the four-hour drive from Henderson, Nevada to Los Angeles, arriving in time to join us for lunch at Johnny Rockets.  We are so excited when we spot the Empey minivan pulling into the parking lot.  We run to greet three precious cuties -- Maddie, Leah and Hannah!  Oh, yes ... we briefly notice that Spencer and Erin are along for the ride...  :-)  We choose outside tables in front of Johnny Rockets to take full advantage of the amazing weather.  Following lunch, we all check into the Manhattan Beach SpringHill Suites.  What a  joy to spend one and a half days with Spencer, Erin and girls -- making for even more fun in the warm California sun!

Lunch at Johnny Rockets - Manhattan Beach, California
Maddie, Seth and Justin -- Enroute to the Beach
What a Gorgeous Day at Manhattan Beach!
Aunt Erin Buries Sethie in the Warm Sand




Erin, Maddie and Leah Build a Sand Castle
Sweet Baby Hannah Enjoys Her First Trip to the Beach
Justin and Seth Race the Pacific Waves
Justin and Seth Beside Manhattan Beach Pier
Hannah Chills in Daddy's Shades (See Spencer's Reflection?)

At California Pizza Kitchen - Waiting for a Table to Seat Nine

After three hours at Manhattan Beach (metered parking allowed for just that much time), we return to SpringHill Suites to shower off the last of the stubborn sand.  We spend quite awhile searching for somewhere to eat dinner, but there are long waits everywhere.  We finally eat a late dinner at California Pizza Kitchen.  At this point, the kiddies seem much more tired than hungry.  We return to the hotel to hit the hay.  It's been an unbelievably long day for Spencer, Erin and their napless princesses.  Thanks for taking precious time and so much extra effort to visit us in California, sweet Empeys!  We love you!!


KNOTT'S BERRY FARM - March 10, 2014

Hooray!  It's another beautiful day in sunny California!!  After a fun visit over breakfast with chatty Leah, we check out of SpringHill Suites.  We hit the L.A. freeways, bound for Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park.  Once inside the park, the kiddies head for Camp Snoopy rides, while Spencer, Erin and Justin get in line for Ghost Rider.  Erin and Justin also do several other coasters, including Silver Bullet and Xcelerator.  Seth joins the coaster crowd to ride Jaguar -- his favorite ride at Knott's Berry Farm.

Justin and Erin on the Silver Bullet
Seth Prepares to Race around Charlie Brown's Speedway
Leah Is So Excited to Drive the McDonald's Car!
Maddie Completes a Self-propelled Lap around the Huff & Puff Track 
All Aboard the Sky Cabin!  This Ride Offers Great Views of the Park
We Say Sad Goodbyes to the Empeys  :-(
Timber Mountain Log Ride -- Our First Post-Empey Ride
Bumper Cars - Our Last Ride at Knott's Berry Farm

It's so sad to say goodbye to the Empeys, who leave for home around 4:30 p.m.  We stay at Knott's Berry Farm until closing, then head to Anaheim Hills, where we check into Fairfield Inn.  We eat a leisurely dinner at Corner Bakery, near our hotel. We also treat ourselves to desserts of giant cookies and cake.  Then it's early to bed -- to rest up for a long day at Disney's California Adventure.


CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE - March 11, 2014

While planning for spring break, Rhonda learns that the addition of Cars Land with its premier attraction, Radiator Springs Racers, drastically changed the ride strategy at California Adventure.  When the gates to California Adventure swing open shortly before 9:00 a.m., Gary and the boys run for Radiator Springs Racers, while Rhonda stands in line to obtain fast passes for Radiator Springs Racers.  Unless you don't mind waiting in line for 1-2 hours, you definitely need to follow this strategy!

Cars Land's Amazing Southwestern Backdrop
Finish Line at Radiator Springs Racers - Cars Land

While Gary, Justin and Seth race around Radiator Springs, Rhonda pulls fast passes at Soarin' and World of Color.  We meet up to ride Toy Story Midway Mania, then head for California Screamin', which turns out to be Seth's favorite ride at California Adventure.

California Adventure's Paradise Pier

Following a topsy-turvy ride on Screamin', we enjoy several other Paradise Pier rides, including Mickey's Fun Wheel, Golden Zephyr, Goofy's Sky School and Ariel's Undersea Adventure.

Mickey's Fun Wheel - Paradise Pier

We use fast passes at Soarin', then we eat a late lunch next door at Taste Pilot's Grill.  Afterward, we head to Hollywood Land, where we enjoy Muppet Vision 3D and ride on Mike & Sully to the Rescue.  Then it's time for Seth to conquer one small fear -- Hollywood Tower of Terror.  Seth rides Tower of Terror for the first time ever!!  Even though he's soooo brave, this is clearly NOT Seth's favorite ride at California Adventure.

While Rhonda pulls fast passes for more rides on Screamin', Gary and the boys see "It's Tough to be a Bug!"  Then we explore Grizzly Peak, where Justin and Seth raft Grizzly River Run.
      
Grizzly River Run - Grizzly Peak

It's time for a snack to get us through the evening.  We decide on ice cream sundaes at Ghirardelli's along Pacific Wharf.  Yum!  Justin and Seth go on Screamin' two more times, then stop in Cars Land to ride Luigi's Flying Tires (bumper cars that float on a cushion of air, as riders lean to the right...left...backward...or forward to steer).

Luigi's Flying Tires - Cars Land

The grand finale of this first day at California Adventure is the 28-minute nighttime spectacular, World of Color, featuring projected animation on an immense water screen in Paradise Bay. The World of Color is accompanied by momentous music, and also includes fantastic fire, fountain, fog and laser effects.


DISNEYLAND - March 12, 2014

The strategy on this, our first day at Disneyland, is to head straight for Indiana Jones, then do other major rides on this side of the park.  This works well.  We enjoy Indiana Jones, Splash Mountain, Winnie the Pooh, Pirates of the Caribbean and Haunted Mansion in record speed, then return to Indiana Jones with fast passes.  (Sadly, Big Thunder Mountain is closed this week.)
  
Justin and Seth on Splash Mountain

Gary, Justin and Seth wait in line at Matterhorn Bobsleds, while Rhonda pulls fast passes at Space Mountain. After riding the bobsleds and taking a spin through Autopia, Seth braves a Space Mountain ride for the very first time ever!
 
Autopia is One of Seth's Favorite Rides
Seth Rides Space Mountain Ride for the First Time!

Seth conquers Space Mountain, but it does not become one of his favorites.  Riding in the dark does not appeal to him.  While in Tomorrowland, we also see Captain EO; eat lunch at Tomorrowland Terrace; ride Star Tours, then Buzz Lightyear's Astro Blasters.

Star Tours - Once a Rebel Spy, Always a Rebel Spy!

We leave Tomorrowland, bound for Mickey's Toon Town.  Instead of pulling fast passes at Roger Rabbit, we decide to wait in (what seems to be) a short line.  Of course, the line is much longer and slower than expected.  After over forty minutes in a tight and winding line, Rhonda's claustrophobia returns. (It's been a non issue for over 15 years...)  Rhonda pushes ahead to wait for Gary and the boys in an open space at the front of the line!  This is our longest wait of any ride during spring break week, with minimal payoff.  Justin and Seth are not at all impressed with Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin.

We explore Toon Town for half an hour or so.  Seth plays in the Chip 'n Dale Treehouse, then poses for several pictures.  Predictably, Seth enjoys Toon Town trappings more than anyone.
 
Seth Enjoys Chillin' in Mickey's Toon Town

After leaving Mickey's Toon Town, we board a Storybook Land Canal Boat to cruise past miniature homes and castles of Disney characters.  (Gary always feels this ride is a huge waste of time, but I have enjoyed it since childhood.)  We skip other long lines in Fantasyland, since we'll return to this section of Disneyland first thing Friday.  Instead, we take in another classic attraction, the Enchanted Tiki Room.  Seth says his mom doesn't bother with the Tiki Room, but it's another less-popular attraction that I always enjoy.  (The pineapple ice cream cones and floats are a definite must!)
       
Justin Waits in Line at Jungle Cruise

Jungle Cruise is our final ride of the day.  It is dusk when we finally get on the boat.  Darkness adds a creepy ambiance to Disney's jungle.

We leave Disneyland with empty tummies.  Our search for nearby fast food ends at a Jack-in-the-Box on Harbor Boulevard, several miles south of Disneyland. It's the usual burgers and chicken nuggets for the boys, plus one Monster Taco for Rhonda.  Then it's back into the Grand Caravan for the seven-mile drive to our hotel in Anaheim Hills.  It's been another great day in Southern California!


ANOTHER DAY AT CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE: March 13, 2014

On this second day at California Adventure, we repeat favorite rides and attractions from the first day.  We also do several things for the very first time, including what I believe to be the greatest stage production in any Disney theme park -- "Aladdin - A Musical Spectacular". 

Look Who's First in Line at California Adventure!
California Screamin' -- the Definite Favorite
Justin and Seth Absolutely Love this Coaster!
Seth Goes on Tower of Terror a Second Time
Dubbing Voices of Belle and Beast in Sorcerer's Workshop

Another first on this second day at California Adventure is a visit to Animation Academy to see Turtle Talk with Crush, followed by various activities in Sorcerer's Workshop.  Justin discovers that the Disney character he is most like is Jack Skellington.  Seth is most like Mickey Mouse.

As we exit Sorcerer's Workshop, the Pixar Parade has just begun along Buena Vista Street.  Following the parade, we leave California Adventure to shop and eat at Downtown Disney.


ANOTHER MAGICAL DAY AT DISNEYLAND - March 14, 2014

At the beginning of our second day at Disneyland, we head straight to the slow-loading rides in Fantasyland, including Peter Pan, Snow White, Pinocchio, Mr. Toad and Matterhorn.  The boys don't care to ride the Tea Cups.  Alice in Wonderland and Small World are both closed.  :-(

Our next destination is Tomorrowland, where the boys wait in line at Autopia while Rhonda tries to pull fast passes for Space Mountain, which is temporarily closed.  After an exciting drive around Autopia (one of Seth's top three rides), we enjoy Buzz Lightyear's Astro Blasters, followed by Star Tours.  We make excellent progress this Friday morning, but crowds are thickening faster than on any other day this week.
  
Justin and Seth at Star Tours

While the boys explore Tarzan's Treehouse, Rhonda is finally able to pull fast passes at Space Mountain, which is now up and running!

    
Great Views of Disneyland from Tarzan's Treehouse
Gary takes great pictures in Tarzan's Treehouse

Following an especially wet ride on Splash Mountain, we eat lunch at nearby Hungry Bear Restaurant.  After lunch, we hop a raft to Tom Sawyer's Island.  The boys have the greatest time exploring the caves, nooks and crannies of Pirate's Lair!  They really hate to leave the island, but there's still so much to see and do at Disneyland.


Sitting atop Piles of Treasure at Pirate's Lair

We do Haunted Mansion and pull Indiana Jones fast passes, but skip the longest line we've ever seen at Pirates of the Caribbean. Instead, we head for the less-crowded attractions along Main Street.  First, we take the horse-drawn trolley down Main Street to the Opera House to see Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln.  A cushy seat in a dark theater are irresistibly comfortable.  At show's end, we find that Seth is sound asleep and extremely reluctant to wake up ... but Grandpa is persistent.  We lure Seth back onto Main Street with the mention of  candy store treats!  Enroute to the candy store, we stop by Main Street Cinema to catch Steamboat Willie and other early Disney cartoons.  We find the candy store near the top of Main Street.  Justin and Seth select twisty lollipops, while Rhonda gets Moose Mix.  Gary opts for a sundae from the ice cream parlor.


Aboard Main Street's Horse-drawn Trolley
Justin and Seth Choose Twisty (and Very Sticky) Lollipops

From Main Street, we head back to Pirates.  We wait in a line that is considerably shorter now, but still much longer than usual. Then we use our fast passes at Indiana Jones.


Indiana Jones - A Top Ride on Everyone's List
Seth Drives Us Safely through the Temple of the Forbidden Eye

We have dinner reservations for 7:00 p.m. at the Carnation Cafe on Main Street.  We return to Tomorrowland until dinner time.  We finally use our fast passes for Space Mountain (which has been closed most of the day).  Rhonda twists her ankle, so rests at a table near Space Mountain while Gary and the boys explore Innoventions exhibits, including a fun Iron Man display.  Before we head to dinner, Gary and the boys also ride Autopia one last time.  We leave Disneyland following dinner.  It's back to the hotel to shower, pack suitcases and, most importantly, get some much-needed sleep.

It's been a wonderful spring break. The boys seem impressed by how closely the times in our itinerary, prepared before spring break, match up with what we actually do!  Welcome to Grandma's World!


TRAVEL DAY - March 15, 2014

We leave Anaheim Hills bright and early on Saturday, March 15.  We allow plenty of time to return the minivan, take the shuttle to the airport, then check in for our flight to Dallas.  Once through security and inside our terminal, there is plenty of time for lunch at Carls Jr. -- more hamburgers and chicken nuggets, of course! 

Leaving the Anaheim Hills Fairfield Inn
Checking in at LAX for Our Flight to Dallas

We arrive at DFW during a severe thunderstorm.  Kristen drives through blinding rain to pick us up at the airport.  We all wait out the storm at Fuzzy's Tacos before driving back to Frisco.


At DFW's Baggage Claim Carousel

We feel very blessed to have spent spring break with Justin and Sethie.  We created precious memories that we'll always treasure.  We love you, Justin and Seth Gary...and don't you ever forget it!


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RHONDA'S VISIT WITH THE BROWNS:  Reynoldsburg, Ohio - March 27-April 7, 2014


It's been way too long since we've seen Kimberly, Tyler and their six beautiful children.  Our last trip to Columbus was for Allison's baptism and Baby Elizabeth's blessing in late March 2013.  (We enjoyed a two-week Florida vacation with Carter and Jacob in June 2013.)  Shortly after Christmas, Rhonda books flights for a spring visit with the Browns -- which again extends from Allison's birthday on March 28th, through Jacob's birthday on April 6th!

The Brown children are nearing the end of spring break when Rhonda arrives in Columbus on Thursday, March 27th, but cold weather prevails.


 ALLISON'S 9TH BIRTHDAY - March 28, 2014

Kim and children join Rhonda for breakfast at the Gahanna SpringHill Suites on Friday morning, then we load into two vehicles for the drive downtown.  Beautiful Allie has chosen to spend her 9th birthday at COSI (Center of Science and Industry Museum) in Columbus.  COSI has been a family favorite for many years, so the Brown children are very familiar with the layout and content of all the exhibits.  Familiarity is a big plus on this day, since COSI is teeming with families on spring break.  We tour the exhibits in reverse order to buck the crowds.  Way to go, Kim...You are as smart as ever!!
 
Allie and Ethan Play Checkers - Progress Exhibit
Carter and Jacob in the "Surrey with the Fringe on Top"
William Enjoys a FREE Kiddie Ride (Very Rare, Indeed!)
Baby Elizabeth - Still Unsure about Grandma
Allie and Her Best Friend -- Leaving COSI

After returning to Reynoldsburg, Rhonda takes Allie, Jacob and Ethan to "Muppets Most Wanted." Meanwhile, two tired babies nap as Kim prepares gift bags for Saturday's party, then makes Allie's favorite dinner -- Stromboli.

Allison Prepares to Open a Huge Pile of Presents
Wow! A Jumbo Bag of Allie's Favorite Candy!!
Thanks, Kim -- For Helping Us Choose a Present Allie Loves!
Allie and Her Birthday Cake -- Both Beautiful and Yummy!

Following dinner, presents and cake, we watch Disney's Frozen.  The kids know the songs, so this is a sing-along showing of this fun movie! 


ALLISON'S BIRTHDAY PARTY WITH FRIENDS - Saturday, March 29, 2014

It's a busy Saturday morning, filled with many activities for the Brown family.  Kim accompanies vocal soloists during a morning competition.  This seems like the perfect time for another movie!  Rhonda takes Jacob, Allie and Ethan to see "Mr. Peabody and Sherman" -- which is so much funnier than we'd expected!  After the movie, Kim and William join us for lunch at Cane's Chicken.  

Birthday Party Girls at McDonalds

It's a birthday party afternoon.  William attends a friend's party.  Kim throws a birthday party for Allison and friends at McDonald's in Pataska. During Allie's party, Rhonda takes Carter and Jacob swimming at the SpringHill.  Later, we join the birthday group at McDonald's for hamburgers, fries and slices of birthday cookie.

Rhonda leaves McDonald's posthaste when it begins to sleet!  It's fun to sit beside the window inside a warm hotel room and watch the snow fall.  It's just scary to drive in it...after 26 years in Texas.  


OUT AND ABOUT: March 31-April 4, 2014

Following a great week of spring break activities, the older kids return to school.  Kim and Rhonda take the babies out for lunch and playtime each weekday of Rhonda's visit.  It's hard to find nice fast food restaurants with play areas.  During a Monday morning trip to Eastland Mall, we learn that their cute Ohio State-themed play area was recently removed.  We eat and play at McDonald's instead.

Elizabeth Enjoys Eating Fries at McDonald's
Cute, Cute Little Lizzie!

Tuesday is the most gorgeous day of Rhonda's visit.  We take a picnic of Firehouse subs, chips and drinks (plus a big chocolate chip cookie for William) to Hannah Park in Gahanna -- not too far from the SpringHill.  William absolutely loves playing at the park!  He is fearless when it comes to climbing, but is reluctant to go down the tallest slides.  He also enjoys throwing leaves and sticks into the water.  We see one duck, who swims under the bridge and disappears -- but William keeps trying to find the duck.  What a fun boy!  William is so cute, sweet and easy to love!!

William Enjoys a Slide at Hannah Park

On Thursday, we make the trip around Loop 270 to Polaris Mall, where the kids enjoy Columbus' premier play place -- Jack Hannah's Zoo Play Area.  Both William and Elizabeth love sitting on the animals.  William explores every nook and cranny of the area.  Elizabeth likes crawling through the big tree.  Kim and Rhonda sit close to the exit, as both babies attempt several escapes.

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At Jack Hannah's Zoo Play Area
William Takes His Turn Sitting on Each Zoo Animal
Happy Elizabeth, Has Tons of Fun at Polaris Mall

We eat a leisurely lunch in the food court of Polaris Mall.  Kim and Rhonda take a chance and order chimichanga plates from an unfamiliar Mexican eatery.  Happily, these meals are delicious!  The children eat nuggets from Chick-Fil-A.  Then we all enjoy ice cream.  This idyllic experience is momentarily interrupted when I slide off what I believe to be continuous bench seating, tray in hand, landing hard on my tail bone.  Luckily, the main injury is to my pride.  Hidden between two tables, I sit on the floor, stunned and embarrassed -- then collect my wits and trash once again, get to my feet and chuckle all the way to the nearest garbage can!

 
William and Elizabeth Really Love the Easter Bunny at Polaris Mall!

Our pattern for the week is to eat lunch out, let the babies play, then return to Kim's around 2:00 p.m.  While the babies nap, Kim and I read books from the Divergent series.  Between afternoon and bedtime reading, we make excellent progress.  When I arrive in Columbus, Kim has just finished Divergent.  She reads Insurgent and Allegiant during my visit.  I begin reading Divergent in Houston, while waiting to board a flight to Columbus.  Once in Ohio, I finish Divergent, read all of Insurgent and most of Allegiant.  While reading, I often speculate with Kim about what I think will happen in future chapters, but Kim is tight lipped.  I finish Allegiant on the flight home, just before landing in Houston.  Kinda like coming full circle, right?  Anyway, thanks for not being a spoiler, Kim!
 
         
Ethan Reads to Grandma

On Friday, we begin serious preparations for Jacob's birthday.  We eat and shop at Meijer, then return home to wrap presents.  Tyler supplies Little Caesar's pizzas for dinner.  We spend the rest of the evening swimming at SpringHill.   This makes Ethan especially happy, as he has begged to go swimming all week!


William and Elizabeth Enjoy a Penny Pony Ride at Meijer
Carter and Allison Play in SpringHill's Pool
Happy Ethan Finally Gets to Go Swimming
Jacob Gives the Pool a Big Thumbs Up
Three of the Cutest Swimmers You'll Ever See!

JACOB'S FUN BIRTHDAY WEEKEND BEGINS - Saturday, April 5, 2014

During our many trips through Ohio on Interstate 70, Gary and I have noticed highway signs for the United States Air Force Museum in Dayton.  We always thought it would be fun to stop, but never seemed to have the time.  I am just as excited as the Brown kids to visit this incredible place on Saturday, April 5, 2014!  The museum is located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and houses one of the world's largest collections with more than 360 aircraft and missiles on display.

Jacob by the Wright/Model A Military Flyer
Kim with the Latest Brown/Model 6
Tyler and Company beside a Halberstadt CL.IV
German Ground Attack Aircraft of WWI
Allie beside a Caproni Ca.3-Italian Heavy Bomber of WWI
William by a British Hawker Hurricane
Consolidated B-24 Liberator - Most-produced American Military Aircraft in History
(Grandpa Williams flew a B-24 heavy bomber over the Pacific during WWII.)

After leaving the museum, Kim directs us to the nearest Steak 'n Shake.  It's been a long time since breakfast at McDonald's and we are starving!  We completely polish each and every plate.  When we get back in the car, we decide to hit the drive-thru for shakes, as well!  Then we make the one-hour drive from Dayton to Columbus.  It's been such a fun, educational day!


JACOB'S BIRTHDAY - Sunday, April 6, 2014  

Jacob has the distinction of being born on the Church's birthday, so this is also the weekend of general conference.  Tyler takes the four oldest Brown children to the meetinghouse to watch the Sunday morning session of general conference.  Kim, Rhonda, William and Elizabeth enjoy this session from home. The babies play quietly and the atmosphere is very peaceful and uplifting.  Between conference sessions, we enjoy Kim's delicious Stromboli, then play Head Banz.   

Beautiful Alllie Helps with Jacob's Birthday Dinner
What a Handsome Birthday Boy!

All afternoon, a slow-cooking roast fills Kim's home with the greatest aroma!  Jacob is honored with the ultimate Sunday birthday dinner -- roast beef, potatoes with gravy, buttery corn, and a sherbet salad ring filled with three-cup salad.
  

Jacob is Officially Eleven Years Old

It's hugs, kisses and warm goodbyes as the kids go to bed.  Then Rhonda leaves for the SpringHill to finish packing for the flight home.  Many thanks to Kim, Tyler and kids for all your hospitality during my stay in Ohio.  It's always wonderful to spend time with you.  I love you very much!


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EASTER IN COLLEGE STATION: Sunday, April 20, 2014

We have not hosted family for Easter since March 27, 2005 -- before the Buhlers moved to Florida. Kyle, Parker and Justin were still little boys.  Seth would not be born for ten months.  Needless to say, it's wonderful to have Kristen, Aaron and their handsome sons here for Easter once again!     

Gathering for the Easter Egg Hunt
The Easter Bunny Leaves Four Big Baskets for Four Great Boys!
Rhonda Sets Out Breakfast
Two Boys Hunt in the Family Room
Two Boys Hunt in the Living Room
Still Many Eggs in Plain Sight ... Go Parker, Go!
Kyle, Parker, Justin and Seth Look Very Handsome in their Suits
Everyone's Ready for Church ... Or Are They?
(Aaron asked me not to include his feet in this photo ... Ha, ha!)
Grandpa's Already at Church, but Grandma's Still Home

After church, Kristen helps prepare Easter dinner.  We feed thirteen, including five hungry missionaries.  As usual, we have too much food.  I send most of the leftovers home with the Buhlers.  On Monday, Gary takes the remaining temptations -- pies, cookies and sweet rolls -- to the break room of his office at Texas A&M.  The graduate students gobble them up!  I'm now four days into my newest diet!!  Hopefully, I'll look svelte by Spencer Dyal's high school graduation and open house...