Daddy's surprise

The air conditioner hasn't been working correctly on Daddy's truck for awhile.  Unfortunately, it would NOT work when we were using it to pull the camper, but never seemed to show the problem when we took it to the dealership to get worked on.  Isn't that always the way?  Finally, Daddy was able to get it to the dealership just as it quit working so that they could see what was wrong.  They were super helpful and gave Daddy a loaner truck so that they could work on his old one.  Daddy came home and happily told us that all would be ready in time to leave for the west trip (using that truck to pull the camper.)  We all went about our business never realizing Daddy had something up his sleeve.  :D

Thursday afternoon we got an email from Daddy stating that the air conditioner was working perfectly!  He even included photos of the truck, which at first made us wonder.  Why was he sending photos of his truck to us?  We know what it looks like.  Hmmm... Then my dear (blind!) husband, Marvin, figured it out!  He said, "Wait, that is a Chevy emblem, not a GMC emblem on the front!"  Sure enough!  The air conditioning WAS working fine!  It was a brand new truck!!  Ha!  :)

We called Daddy and he was on his way home with a brand new truck - just in time to pull out west.  He said Pearl Motors gave him and Mama a deal they just couldn't pass up.  And it sure is a great looking new truck!  It is always exciting to check out new 'bells and whistles' and this truck sure has a bunch.  One that I am especially appreciative of, and will definitely use while pulling, is a touchscreen weather radar complete with the location of the truck plainly visible on the radar map.  Very cool!  

When he got back home we were all waiting for him and ran out as soon as he honked his horn.  I'm pretty sure Jackson was the very first one out the door.  :)  

the tailgate lowers itself gently... very nice!  

love this!  3 USB ports, 2 charger ports, and even an outlet!

Jackson had to take it for a quick spin.

Yup, he liked it!  :)

Jonathan pointing out a feature to Grandpa Jack.

Marvin, Daddy, Jackson, Brianna, and Jonathan 

Friday morning he took it down to get running boards and the tool box installed.  Now it is fully ready for our trip!  Can't wait!  :)

with the running boards

tool box in the back

running boards

My birthday

I am so blessed to have many dear friends and wonderful family.  Several folks made sure that I celebrated on my birthday (something that quite often, I let slide by).  A big thank you goes out to all who helped make my day brighter in any way!  (and that includes a bunch of you!!!)

This year, my actual birthday was primarily about spending time with some friends.  We are going to have a family celebration on our upcoming trip west.  (yay!!)  :)

Dear Shonda met me that morning and gave me this
lovely gift.  So thoughtful!  I love it!!

Then I headed out to the lake to meet Susie and a few other ladies for a morning ride on the pontoon boat.  How fun!!  :)

Craig was there to help us set out on our '2 hour cruise'.  :D

Susie, Laura, Patty, Alicia  (Elizabeth was on her way!)

Craig watching us go...

Alicia and Patty were actually ready to swim!!

Susie, our fearless captain!  :)

the lake was beautiful!

We left Patty and Alicia out at the swimming dock to go
back and get Elizabeth, who had arrived.  :D

Coming back to the swimming dock with Elizabeth on board. 

cruising around the lake

Laura and Alicia

Susie

Our selfie on the boat - Patty, Susie, Laura, Alicia, Elizabeth

Susie, Elizabeth, and I went to lunch together at La Fuente, then headed to get pedicures (thanks to the generosity of dear Elizabeth who surprised both Susie and me with gift certificates!!  What a thoughtful gift!!)

Laura and Susie (before photo!!)

We look like we have been on a boat or something...  :D  ha!!

ahhhhh....

Susie, Laura, and Elizabeth

the 'after' shot - Laura, Elizabeth, and Susie

That evening dear Susie, Chris, and Janet came by to visit a bit and brought snacks!!  :D

another selfie!  Chris, Laura, Janet, Susie

The next day dear Brianna brought me this lovely wreath she made me for my front door.  Love it and love her!!  :)

Random June

Just a few random photos from the month so far.

Jonathan welcomed his buddies for an all night video game party.  They had a great time hanging out, eating pizza, playing video games, and even taking a break at midnight to run around outside playing some kind of strategy/army game.  Good thing we live in the country!!  :D  

My friend Karen came by for a visit and we definitely got a little sidetracked when some warned storms rolled through.  We were mesmerized by the constantly changing skies until we finally got a little creeped out and headed to the basement for a bit.  No damage here, but those storms were apparently pretty rough not too far from here.  

And here are a few photos from the St. Louis trip for Brianna's 3rd wedding shower.  We stayed with Shonda's dear parents, Peggie and Earl.  They are wonderful and we had a great time with them.  

The girls were cracking me up - creating dubsmash videos (something I had never even heard of before!).  I took a couple photos while they were creating one.  Wish I could share some with you but they are all on Alaina's phone.  :D  They truly were hilarious to watch!