How can she be 17?

This weekend was spent in Great Bend with my mom, siblings, nephews and nieces, including Aspen, who turned 17 this year. Aspen has an amazing back story. She was born three months premature and spent the first six weeks of her life in an incubator at Wesley. She has grown into a beautiful and sweet teenager. And to think that at one time we were fearful she wouldn't even survive her entry into this world.

Aspen with her dad, Stephen, and TWO cakes.

Me and the birthday girl


This is sweet Will, who is 5 and starting kindergarten this week. He's the son of my youngest brother, Richard.

Me and my oldest brother Craig. (Actually, he's a twin, so my oldest brother really is Chris, who is 5 minutes older than Craig.)


Me and Elizabeth, another of Richard's children.


Aspen and my younger sister, Lisa.


Elizabeth and Joe (also belongs to Richard) with my mom, Mary. Pretty hot for 73, yes?


This is my 25-year-old niece, Rachel, daughter of my oldest brother, Chris. People say we look alike. It was a fantastic weekend. Thanks for sticking around, Aspen!