Melissa Ross and Kellen

So here I sit. It is 10:00 p.m. in the delivery room. My beautiful and courageous wife is resting after her medicine. New Years Eve, a baby on the way. Not sure if this little guy wants to be born in 2013 or 2014, December or January, or the 31st or the 1st. So many choices and it is all up to him. We had friends and family in for a "party". Jimmy Gardner brought whiskey, Melissa and Jet brought the wine and champagne. They also brought take out burgers from the Ale Works. Fred and Angie hung out and had a few cocktails. Angie, not Fred. Now all are gone to give Momma some much needed rest. The room is quiet. Hopefully, our first born is snuggled in with Grandma and Grandpa at home. What an amazing night.

Just hanging around waiting to get this thing underway...

Before we left for the hospital this morning and before Greta headed off to school, we took one last family photo with the 3 of us.  Wow, what an amazing feeling to know we will have one more member of the family as soon as this evening.  It is now 1:08 p.m. on December 31, 2013 and we are waiting for the operating room to be ready in case of emergency with the inversion.  No one expects there to be any issues, but need to have it available as a precaution.  They are also not allowing children in this portion of the hospital because of the flu.  Our little Greta will have to wait until we bring the baby home to meet him in person.  This is VERY disappointing for us all, but we do understand their reasoning.  Fred and Angie are at home watching the dogs and will pick G up at school later.  

We are back!  December 31, 2013.  We are heading to the hospital at 11:30 a.m. to get this new baby turned and get the delivery on the way!  We couldn't be more excited to meet the newest and final member of our family.  Check back for updates!

Happy Birthday Grandma Carol!!!

We surprised my Mom for her 65th birthday this weekend. We stopped at Pam and Jim's place for the night and headed to the cabin at Swan Lake on Friday morning. Mom was sort of surprised as she called my work phone to find out I was taking the day off. Bad move on my part. But, it was fun none the less. We were able to spend Friday, Saturday and Sunday morning with Mom and Roger at our family cabin. Greta is the 5th generation to be spending time there.


We had a great dinner Friday night at the Swan Bar. It is a great little place with fish night on Friday nights.


G and her Mom having fun in the back of the bar. There is a little creek that runs through with horse shoes.


We went on a boat ride on Saturday afternoon. It was during Greta's nap time and needless to say, she didn't see much. I held this little umbrella to keep the sun out of her eyes. Nice look huh?


G with icing from Grandma's Birthday Cake (cupcakes).


G and Grandpa Roger.




Family photo.



I couldn't believe how mature Greta looks in this picture. There are those times that she just takes my breathe away. This would be one.


Of course it wouldn't be right if Aunt Candy (my Mom's twin sister) didn't spoil Greta even though she had no idea we were going to be there either.


Greta sitting with my Mom as she reads her card from G. I love these little moments. And to make it even more special, it is at a place that is near and dear to my family as we all spent time here growing up.

Memorial Day weekend and finally some decent weather last weekend!

We headed West to the Grover's place for Memorial Day weekend. The weather on Saturday was pretty nice, but it rained the rest of the time. We did have a chance to sit outside and enjoy the beautiful views of the very green grass and mountains near Garrison.

Jim Gardner brought Greta a gift. She is SO SPOILED!


Of course a kiss on the lips is a must!


We went to the park for some sliding and swinging. As you can see, G had no fun...and neither did Jim.


The other parents would probably not approve of the road beers. Hey, it is summer...sort of.


Nice work Jim! I am not sure if the swing can handle that kind of torque!


Conferencing before the big slide. I not sure Jim will be doing that again. Nice beer!


Greta fell down on the way home. Of course she needed the bink. As you can see, she was not too happy at this point.


G hanging with Mom.


Jim displayng Greta's boat for their creek. It floated great without the sail.


The boat team.


I loved the color of the grass.


G and her Mom.


We were invited to John and Merilee Glover's house for a BBQ and John and Josh from "The Clintons" Band. They have a sweet spread of 40 acres with 8 horses and the most beautiful views in the valley. Greta had tons of fun on the big trampoline, slide and of course dancing to the music.


From left o right is John from the Clintons, John Glover (our host and our attorney) and Josh who is married to Katie who works in my office. What a great evening.


Greta "cheersing" her Mom.


Just a touch of parenting going on.


Josh taking a break.