Remembering Grandpa...

This spring the world lost a treasure and heaven gained a spirited, full of life angel in Richard Bonderson. Grandpa is truly missed down here and we are thankful for the memories and the stories... all of which have some sort of lesson or punch line {and some even have both!}

In fact, this Christmas Grandpa commented on my blog... saying that he checked it often and 

enjoyed reading all the stories and looking at the pictures. Seeing the girls growing up through their 

day to day made him smile. He did however have one question... "Nikki, now tell me... with all 

those pretty pictures you put on your computer, I can't for the life of me understand why you put 

that picture of your rear ends at the top?" 

Good question Grandpa...

 and now I can't take it down because every time I look at that photo it reminds 

me of that very conversation. 

We all came together to celebrate Grandpa's life, his accomplishments, his charity and his family. 

Family meant the world to Grandpa... and we all knew it!

Time is precious and we make the most of those moments we all get to be together. This trip was a deep reminder that although we aren't together everyday and don't get to see each other as often as we like that we still think and care for one another! 

Anytime you get the family together to visit it's a true treasure and this time was no different!  

"My cousins are here!!!"

Swimming at the hotel...

{aka. get the energy out!}

Nothing keeps these three busier than sidewalk chalk...

Afternoon down time with Wreck It Ralph...

Tired babies...

Getting out the old bubble toys that Tony and Keli used when they were kids. 

Sometimes it is best to go with the classics!!!

This girl takes bubble making seriously!!!

Steady... steady now

Please note I am doing this in kitten heels people!

Avery's new best friend... 

She's trying REALLY hard not to let him know that they are friends!

Curling up on the couch with Grandpa...

Giggling with Grandpa Wayne...

Smiling faces...

Silly faces...

This picture gives new meaning to the food train...

Choo Choo!!!

Two little sisters, falling asleep watching DiGraphs... 

learning in their sleep I tell ya!!!

It's snowing!!!

We put together some of the great pictures but found out that we were running out of room!

So many pictures, wonderful stories and for the family so many cherished memories!!!

I was happy to see the elephant made the board!!!

Aunt Kim with Keli and Tony...

doesn't my hubby look thrilled!

Grandpa with his two daughters... 

Got to love old pictures... and Mardell's hair!!! 

A favorite from Jana and Shervin's wedding last year.

These two couldn't resist going out in the snow. 

They would last all of 4 minutes and then come back inside to warm up, then back out again.

As Addison would say, "It's a pattern!!!"

Trying to eat the flakes...

Finger prints on Grandma Mardell's door...

She said she didn't mind and that they would remind her of the girls.

Of course before we left we had to get in extra hugs!

Hugs with Great Grandma Mardell...

Hugs with Grandma...

Hugs with Aunt Wanda...

We were still nursing our sunburns from Monday while trying to remain warm on Wednesday!

Proof that it snowed on Wednesday... and needless to say we were unprepared. 

They were completely played out which made for a quiet trip to Omaha.

Again, I just LOVE going through old pictures!!! 

Isn't my hubby a cutie!!!

We love you and miss you Grandpa. 

Thank you for being the rock for the family!!! 

Cheers & Blessings!