The year is zooming by as it normally does. All the kids are going in their different directions with jobs, schooling and taking care of their babies! I have decided that life is like riding a train. Most of the time is feels like we are on "bullet" trains - that stop only briefly and then take off with the speed of light. Every now or then we get to board one of those old fashion steamers that truck along slow enough one may run along side it by foot. But those rides are far and few between.
In July the bullet train did come to a complete stop when Kiana and Ryan tied the knot at Ashton Gardens. They had a storybook wedding and all the family was together again except for Raymond, who was stationed in Europe and could not make it home. We know he was here in heart and missed him greatly. The bride was breathtaking and my favorite comment of the day was when my grandson told his mother "look Mommy, there's a princess" ....this was when he came upon Kiana in her gown from the back. We love Ryan dearly and are so happy to have him as our newest member of the Parker Family!
Kila decided to stay at home this year with her two little ones and I must say I am so excited she is having the opportunity to do this. They are growing so fast and are two of the most adorable children on earth (OK...I am a little prejudice in this area!!) John John is still going to school and loving his trains, while Kennedy just wants to get into everything. She wants everything her big brother has!
Charles is always working and it is a treat when we get to nab him for the day. We had a family get together with everyone in attendance in order for the kids and Richard to all pick their Fantasy Football teams (Nope...I am not into that one at all!) They are all a little football CRAZY in my book! Nuff said! Blair finally graduated from Law School and is awaiting her results of her Bar Exam which should be coming soon. And then the real work starts - finding a job in the legal field. Her father in law tried to tell her not to go there. lol
Raymond is stationed North of London, but is currently serving in Turkey. We have not been able to see him since his brothers wedding last summer and we miss him terribly. He is very good about calling us and stays in touch regularly so that is a blessing. You never know what way the wind is going to blow them when they are in the military, but we are very proud of him and all he has accomplished.
That leaves me to Kai. Kai is 14 and over 6 Feet tall. He grew like 6 inches this past year and is towering over all of his brothers/sisters and his mom. I do believe he will pass his father very soon. Has not been doing the paintball scene lately, but is heavy into the gaming on XBox. He seems to think this would be a good career option.....hmmmmmmm...we think he better start "rethinking" really soon. lol
My three fur babies are still with me and the love of life. Kaizer actually had to go on a diet for some allergies...and lost 10 lbs. Poor boy weighs 95 now and acts like he is starving to death. Ralf is still has arrogant as ever and can not be trusted as he is a biter, while Buster is reaching the age of 12 and has turned totally gray except for about 2 inches on his tail. He is hanging on to his youth we feel with that.
Well thats about it .....the best news I have is that Richard, Kai and I will be traveling north on Dec. 20 for our trip to Panarama, Canada for a white Christmas and some heavy skiing. Counting down the days! The picture I posted is from our 2007 trip to Panarama and one of my favorites. Till next time ~ the train is boarding!
