Naomi Johnson is talking on the cell phone to Perry as he returns from work in Las Vegas. Naomi lived with us for a while in Manhattan, IL when she was practicing her nursing career. Shortly after that, Naomi went to Physician Assistant school at Yale. She is now a PA in Galesburg, IL.
This arch welcomed us to Dixon, IL where we raised our family from 1981 to 1985. Dixon was also the home town of President Ronald Reagan.
Jared and Ryan were born on the same birthing room at Katherine Shaw Bethea Hospital in Dixon, Illinois.
Kevin and I are visiting in the home of Ray and Irene Cossairt, Dixon friends that we first met at church. 
This ranch home on Palmyra Road in Dixon, IL was where we raised our family from May 1981 to February 1985. Both Jared and Ryan were born while we lived here. We moved to this home after living in Jamestown, ND for 2 1/2 years. Kevin was rehired by Northern Illinois Gas Company (now known as NICOR). In the back yard, Perry and Jared had a tree house and sand box. Kevin super-insulated this home; in fact, the gas company did an inspection on our home to make sure he had not bypassed the gas meter. We could heat this house with a candle.
Kevin and I shared a family supper with the Tanner clan in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. We enjoyed time with Kim Tanner, Jeremy/Mandy Tanner, and Nate/Schanina Bennett.
This picture of Jared is really Elena's pillowcase. Jared is giving this photo pillowcase to his oldest daughter to use while he is deployed. 
Adri presents a new granddaughter to Nana and Bompa on Sunday January 11. Miri is 18 days old and very sweet.
Elena with her mother at the rear of the KC 135 simulator - watching what Daddy does at work.
Kevin and Jared take off with the KC 135. They practice several touch and go's.
Kevin and Jared fly the KC-135 simulator around Washington state in the fog. For the grand finale, they flew the refueler under San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge.
Starbucks is a Family Thing. Jared is enjoying a cup of coffee with his wife, daughters, and parents. Washington State is the birthplace of Starbucks. Elena gets a cup of whipped cream. Jared studies at this spot each week. Adri loves to read a book while sipping her beverage.
"I'm going to be a Big Brother!" Michael David informed us this week that he will be a big brother in August. Both he and the new baby will be able to say they were born in Germany.
What a wintery December and January we have had. Almost weekly blowing snow has kept our snow shovels busy. Wish you could join us for hot cocoa in front of the fire.
Brandi and Jori Melius had their first dance recital yesterday. What a bright enjoyable treat on a cold winter day.
