Sister's Birthday

My younger sister turned 40 today. Unforunately, she took most of the pictures, so I don't have any of her to post. We had a combination 4th of July/Birthday/Welcome Home party. The welcome home party was for my neice, who just returned from 21 days in Ireland, Wales, and England. I guess that's collectively Great Britain. She was still jet-lagged, and I actually got a picture of her in a relaxed state (not posing/hamming it up).

My brother in law is not jet-lagged. However, his portrait is the epitome of weekend relaxation. Cold beer in hand, scruffy weekend beard, sitting back in the lawn chair, under a large maple tree, listening to the Indians/Kansas City baseball game and chatting with my dad.


You tell me if this guy doesn't have "redneck farmer" written all over him. He's my dad, and I love him dearly. Damn fine looking man too. I wonder if I'll look that good in 30 years. I'll probably be much heavier. You know, from beer drinking, for motorcycle passenger safety.


My sister is the master of capturing embarrasing moments on camera.... Katie just kept doing her business. Kerry finally realized what picture she took, and got a lot of ribbing for it. Of course, I had to post it, so the ribbing can go on. Nice pic, Kerry! Next time can you zoom in on the poop? I'm sure we'd all like to know if Katie has solid, healthy poop, or runny poop! (For those with inquiring minds, it was semi-solid)


My friend Steve's wife and two daughters joined us for volleyball. We didn't play much because it was so hot, but we got a bit of 2 on 2 V-ball, and some frisbee. Notice how the eye drifts to the right to my sister's shirt.... I probably could have cropped that out, but naaaa.


Steve's oldest daughter was on the injured reserve list, having taken a bee sting to the middle toe. She watched Katie for me, proving to her mother that they could actually get another puppy, or a kitten.... (You're welcome, dudette!)


But his youngest daughter was indefatigable! I tell you, I thought I was in decent shape, but that about kicked my ass. No, it didn't "about" kick my ass. It totally kicked my ass. I need to work out some! I'm still panting!


It wouldn't be a very good blog of mine if I didn't post a picture of myself. This is me with my nephew. Actually, I'm such an egomaniac, I had to post one of me, and this is the least embarrasing one Kerry took. Remember Kerry, the taker of the dog-pooping picture...well, you can imagine what pictures she took of me.