Trip out to Willmar to say goodbye

We went out to Willmar last week to say good bye to Sarah and Kadence as they took off for Tulsa.  Sarah is going down early to find a place for them to live.

Below are some pictures of their cute little house they've been working on so hard to get ready to sell.

Just a little over a year ago we were helping them move in, now it's time to move out.

 Underneath all that ugly carpet was this beautiful hardwood floor. 

 While they were in the Bahama's I laid this new floor in the kitchen. Sarah had already painted the walls and cupboards. When they got home they had a new countertop put in. Looked so nice.

 Their bedroom almost done. 

 I love the upstairs of this house. It's all wood. So pretty.  This has been their office space.

 Kadence's room

 Another view of the kitchen. I love the high chair they found. It's the same kind I had for my kids growing up. 

 Here we are with our sweet little (tired) grand baby Kadence. 

 Total joy comin' at you!

 Kadence got a hold of Sarah's toothbrush while she was packing, and carried it around chewing on it for about 45 minutes. She only has two teeth, so she was really working it good. 

Auntie Kristi and Kadence. 

I know the people in Willmar are really gonna miss Tyson and Sarah and Kade. We are too, it was so nice having them somewhat close (within a days drive) for a while. I know God has many great things in store for you in your move to Tulsa. The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord.

And Kade, I love my family too!! 

Happy 1st Birthday Kadence!!!

Gramma and Grampa love you lots!

Kade, we so wish we could be there to celebrate your first birthday, but we're not able to. But all our love, thoughts and prayers are with you on your special day!!

July 11, 2012 you are a whole year old. How much you have blessed our lives!!

Love you sweetie!

50 years of the Mandan Rural Fire Dept.

Today the Mandan Rural Fire Dept. celebrated 50 years 

My Dad, Donald Shaw was there from the very beginning of it's creation.

Here are some pictures of their celebration

 Dad also served as Assistant Chief from 1962 till 1991. He was also on the board from 1961 till 1996, when he retired.

 Showing past members. 

 Philip reading the board of past members and former Chiefs.

 This is my dad, Donald Shaw, giving a speech on the history of the Mandan Rural Fire Dept.

 This is the last truck my dad helped the fire dept. purchase before he retired. He was in the process of helping them get the truck when he had his heart attack and stroke. After his recovery, he helped with the final process of securing the purchase of the truck and then he retired.

 Much of my life (my whole childhood) revolved around the Mandan Rural Fire Dept. I spent a lot of time a the fire hall with my Dad, and saw more fire safety movies than I'd care to mention.  Dad was very dedicated to the fire hall, and his years as a volunteer are to be applauded.  We need more volunteers to help protect our rural community.  It was sad to see the member numbers so low, compared to what I saw as a kid.  

Yellow June Fields

Todd, Quito and I went on a walk the other night to look at the beautiful Canola field behind the house. Here are a couple of shots from our walk.

 Dad was baling across the road.

 What this picture doesn't show, is the heat. It had been in the 90's all day, and my dad was out there baling! As you can see there's no AC on his tractor.

 I'm trying to learn to take landscape pictures.  I'm still working on it. Just always seems like there's something missing in them. Oh yah, people.  Love taking portraits.

 Just can't get away from getting someone in my pictures. My handsome Cowboy Todd.

 Dad's bales lining the bike trail.  Guess he doesn't get as many bales now that the trail is in.

 Canola Flower. They're really pretty but smell awful!

 Todd and Quito having a little talk.

 There's just something about a cowboy and his dog. :-)

 Something just so pretty about a North Dakota sky

View along the bank.

The Canola field. Oh so pretty!