HAIRCUT DAY

We forgot to take the camera along, but today Dad went out to the barbershop for the first time in a couple of years(in healthcare he went to the beauty shop and before that the barber came to their apt). Rog said he looked 5 years younger sitting in that barber chair. It was a nice day and was good for him to get out. Mom and I go walking each day and yesterday Rog took Dad in his wheelchair for a ride with us. He looks pretty good with those ears lowered don't you think.

Liz came over to visit Mom & Dad tonight and I informed her that she was about ready for a haircut. She said, "Oh yes, I was going to ask you if you would give me a haircut" so we went out on the patio with the porch light on and proceeded to get the job done. I did have a little trouble trying to take the picture and cut her hair at the same time but everyone else was busy. In case you think I just trimmed it, there was enough to make a wig. She has one thick head of hair.

Rog and I wear several hats in our home these days. It may be cook, bottle washer, cleaning lady, laundry lady, beautician, preacher, counselor, caretaker, maintenance man, or grandpa & grandma, but we are happy to do whatever we can to bless or help those around us and especially our parents.

HAPPY TOGETHER

As we look from our part of the house into where Mom and Dad are, it is rewarding to see how happy they are to be together. Liz is visiting with them in the picture.

DAYS OF 4 GENERATIONS

The last several days we have had Greg & Susan's boys staying with us. Greg has been working and Susan has been in KC helping June and enjoying the time with her sisters. They went out to eat one day and they always hate being the first one at the restaurant because they ask how many and the one that is there first says, "16 - 4 adults and 12 children". After they roll their eyes, they proceed to take them to a table and they have everyones attention in the restaurant. They are often asked if they have a daycare and they reply, "no, these are all ours." I don't know how much socializing the girls get to do but they all have a good time.

The boys have been building with K-nexs and it takes a lot of time and helps with their crativity. Brendon and Trevin worked with them and made several pieces of playground equipment and some vehicles. They have a merry-go-round, a slippery slide, a teeter-totter, a swing set, monkey bars, and a tire swing. It is time consuming and they really enjoy playing with them.

Caleb made a space cruiser, an airplane, an SUV, and a grandfather clock.

Then below you see Mom & Dad and myself and Brendon playing Sorry. Trevin is shuffling the cards for us when they need to be shuffled. Mom won the first game and Dad won the second game so we youngins have a lot to learn.

ENJOYING NEW HOME

This is Mom & Dad's bedroom and one of the many beautiful quilts that Mom has made.

This is a wall in the main living area of their apartment. The picture is from their 50th wedding anniversary and a knick knack rack with very few of Mom's prettys that she enjoys.

This is the kitchen area and you can also see their TV. Their bedroom and bathroom are down a little further beside where the refrigerator is.

This is one wall of the room that Mom & Dad are using for a sitting room, sewing room, and just overall family room.

This is where they spend a lot of their time enjoy one another's company and watching TV once in a while. The doorway behind Dad's chair goes into our living room. Dad has his eyes shut listening to Mom play the piano.

Mom came out tonight and wanted to see if she could still play the piano. I was glad to have her do that and after not playing for over 2 years, I thought she did a fine job playing many of the old hymns.

Another view of their living area in their apartment

This is their family room again with their couch, desk, sewing machine, grandfather clock, and their dresser.

Mom & Dad made their first doctor visit here in Hutchinson yesterday and really appreciated their new doctor. They also had good reports(Mom on her CEA and protime and Dad was taken off the dilantin) after blood tests etc. Dad has been very content here and even calls it home so we are so thankful for that. It is a real blessing for us to have them here with us.

GREAT GRANDPA & GRANDMA

Great Grandma is enjoying seeing some of the great grandchildren that live in Hutchinson.

Great Grandpa Tucker is enjoying them too and since Meryn isn't in school, they see her more often. Grandpa has nicknamed her "Snookie" and she just grins. She wanted to eat breakfast with him this morning and she did. Rog took Grandma to Salina so that they could run a few errands.

We are enjoying having the family together and Grandpa Tucker is doing better than we ever expected. I'm sure we can account that to answered prayers. He even played sorry the other night and he has not played that for many months and more than that, he won!

ARE WE HAVING FUN YET?

When Liz gets off work each day, she comes over and helps with unpacking a few more boxes from the garage. Last night when we were done we decided to play a game of sorry. Mom has not played it for a long time but she did not have any trouble beating us.

February 1 was my Grandma Burkholder's birthday and she would have been 120 years old if she were still living. She did live to be almost 103.