Happy Birthday to ME

Well as you might suspect this is the infamous
Birthday Blog I had mentioned in our previous BLOG. I'm not that big on birthday parties at least for myself, but get great joy in having my family come together and watch them as they get to celebrate with me. Kim worked really hard to put things together, and both she and I got a big surprise when Joshua was able to pop in and join the party. Now that he is an area supervisor (or??? for Dick;s Sporting Goods" one of his stores is here in Charlottesville, and he worked it so he could drop in and surprise us and he did. I still have not gotten the knack for getting the pictures or captions for the pictures figured out yet, but I hope you will get it sorted out as you have the opportunity to read. As you can see in this PIC food is always a big part of a birthday party. I got to wear the outdoor cooks belt that Jessie and Tanner got me for Father's Day and made sure that we had some great grilled hot dogs, my famous baked beans, and Kim took care of all the rest. So we know no one left hungry! Then came the "Hot Fudge Cake" Kim made. It is not my favorite, but I will have to admit it was pretty darn good, and by the way it disappeared, everyone else must have thought so also. Then came PRESENTS. I'll have to admit I was too well treated this year. Holly and Micah bought me a bunch of fishing lures. Holly made the mistake of going into Dick's and asking for help, and the salesman tried to sell her the store, and from the picture you can see she bought a good part of it. I've already tried several of them, and caught fish on every one that I have tried to date...what an awesome gift for this Dad. Then I got another big surprise when I got a group gift from Josh, Mark, Jacob, Jessie, and their spouses (even though some spouses didn't want anything to do with it...but thanks anyway)...a 357 magnum 6 shooter, with enough ammo to pretty much do whatever I wanted to do with. I have wanted a nice pistol for the house for years but would never spend the money for it. It is a beautiful gun, has a big bang (see video), and requires much practice to be accurate (see video again). Jacob, Tiff, and Jessie took me out to shoot some last week, (see video again) and I came back a little bloody from the kick of the gun, but had a great time. But with all the goodness that was poured out upon me by my wife and kids and family, the best gift of all was to be together. I didn't get to take a group photo this gathering even though I know some were taken. The closest I got was this one of everyone getting ready for the family PIC. But I rallied in having us all together, and having opportunities like this to show we care for one another, will make sacrifices for one another, and that we find great joy when we are with one another. Are we the perfect family....not even close, but when the need is there we will be there one for another. And that is one great birthday gift for me. So I say thanks Kim, Josh, Ellie, Luke, Emma, Mark, Danielle, Holly, Micah, Jacob, Tiffany, Jessie, Tanner, Mom, and Charlie. You each made my birthday, truly a celebration of living. I love you all...hope you enjoy the video....love Dad....Well looks like the video will not post Sorry...but it was really cool........shucks!!!