Hundreds of Prairie Dogs make their home in front of the McMahon Auditorium and the Great Plains Museum next to it in Lawton OK. After the graduation we spent the weekend visiting the area. I was surprised at how playful the prairie dogs were.

The Kids Playing Ball with the Prairie Dog

Prairie Dog Running After the Ball

Prairie Dog Chasing the Ball

I presently have and in the past have had family members to serve in the military. Last week I attended my nephew Joshua's boot camp graduation. This was the first one I ever attended which made me realize that we should thank our soldiers for the sacrifices they make for us and for our country. Josh's first sacrifice was that his son Jackson was born while he was away. He first met Jackson at six weeks old last week. I know this happens everyday to families but it became a little more personal after this experience. And I know greater sacrifices are made, so I want to pay special tribute and thanks to our soldiers and their families.

Joshua received the Distinguished Honor Graduate award who through performance and evaluation was rated as the best in the class. Congratulations Josh!

We live just a little over a couple of hours from Ft. Sill so we decided to attend and be of support to Joshua and my sister Beverley's family. Not everyone could attend the actual graduation but Peyton and I hitched a ride with Joy and Rob and the kids on Friday morning then Bob, John, Casey, Jack, and Angie and Brent came later to spend the weekend.

Never being in Lawton OK. we were amazed at the beauty of the land and the interesting museums. I will post pictures of that later.

Joshua Receives Award

Me with my sister Beverley

Josh with his family and his Mom (Bev) and Dad (Joe)

Peyton, Austin, & Brooke holding Aidyn (Josh's son)

Josh with Me

Josh and his Dad, Joe

Kristina and Josh

Double Your Trouble!

Here are a few more images of Jane, Ben and Jake's visit. Jake's birthday was a week before they arrived so we had a cake for him. This was great because we usually do not get to celebrate with him.

More Fun in the Water and Sun

Tamara's Baby - "Let me tell you something?"

Sydney - " Just One More thing!"

Happy Birthday Bob!

I noticed a recent change in my grand children. It is very difficult to get a serious picture of them. Their personalities have turned "silly' especially in front of the camera. But I still need these pictures for my journal so I accept the change and am dealing with it. Actually, it makes me realize that there are enough serious days in life and it is fun when you are a little silly sometimes.

During Jane's family visit we went out to eat a few times and relaxed by the lake and did water sports. The photos below and photos to come will reflect those experiences.

Brooke, Peyton, Casey and Jack

Casey

Brent and Jake

Joy and Rob

Joy, (a friend) Ben, Angie, Brent and Jake

Jane

Peyton's Eyes, Casey and Jack

Boat Shots

The first day Jane, Ben and Jake arrived we took a boat ride. It is a good thing we did because the remaining time they were here the lake was very rough due to high winds. It is very difficult to get our boat in the boat house under the rough conditions. I can't believe how calm the water has been since they left.

Jane and Jake on the Boat

Bob and Jake Driving the Boat

Captain Bob Driving

Ben and Jake on the Boat

We were very fortunate to be visited by Jane, Ben and Jake for a few days. I will have several photos from that visit in the near future. Below are some of the grand kids. With Jake being here it completes the group. But, try and get a serious picture from all of the kids at once. It is not easy.

The Grandkids!

Making Faces

Austin, Peyton, Brooke, Jake and Jack

OK let's get serious!

Grandpa with the Grandchildren