SOOOOOO BIG!!!

Okay, I know, I haven't been keeping up with much all that well, so here goes!

Olivia will be 6 months old soon, is rolling around like crazy on the floor from one end to the other, so by the time of the reunion she may even be crawling....watch out Grandma! It's hard enough to leave the room for 5 minutes when she's in her bouncer because all she does is wiggle over and practically fall out of the darn thing. Growing? DEFINATELY! She goes to the Dr. on the 9th of July for her 3rd round of Shots (6 months) and then we'll be good to go until she's a year old. Been healthy and happy all this time and I can't wait, for those of you that haven't had the chance to get over, to meet her.

I dunno who's heard what, but I am back to work, now. I, along side Brett, am also working for CVS, just at a different store (I'm at Crystal Lake, he's at Barrington). I am the "Photo Lab Supervisor" but the title is something in itself. It has all been enjoyable thus far and I hope to continue there for as long as I can, or until something better lands in my lap. Jack had an interview with Sears today, and he'll find out tomorrow if he got the job (as a technician). So hopefully that pans out, then he'll be on a normal schedule, unlike the one he has now at Bull Valley.

Well that's the update on us!! Here's a couple pics of Olivia...

Euchre anyone?

Before I forget, congratulations to Inlaw2 and Outlaw2 on their retirement. Enjoy it!

Last Tuesday, we went to King and Queens for dinner. Afterwards we played cards, King and Outlaw 4 vs Queen and Inlaw4. King and I were killed in the first game but came back to even the score in the second. In the rubber match King and I were way behind but made a tremendous comeback. We tied the score at 27. We split the next hand at 3 each making the score 30 all. (Is the suspense killing you or what) I bid first but didn't have a thing in my hand. I bid 3 just to push the stakes up. Queen passed...King passed...and we waited for Inlaw4 to bid. FOUR she says. Holy cow, she took all 6 and the boys went down in defeat.

We went to Mirror Lake State Park yesterday. Our guide pointed out plants both good and bad. The main thing about the hike is we didn't follow any trails. I enjoyed the trip but I don't think Inlaw4 had that much fun. Here are a couple pictures from the hike.


































It's hard to tell from this picture but this is one of several steep ravines we passed. It's probably a 65 to 70 degree angle leading to Dell Creek. A couple of us climbed down one and that's the next picture.


































This hike was a little more challenging than I anticipated. Still, we enjoyed the trip.

We're Back from the Cabin

We were up to the lake this week and everything seems to be in good shape. We finished off Inlaw3 groceries and some of his beer. We caught 1 walleye, 1 small muskie, numerous rock bass and perch. The boat's fish aerator needs 2 size D batteries (I think). We had a great time.


















A couple of the ducklings took a stroll down the pier and then jumped to catch up with Mom.













Proud mom with her 8 ducklings.
















The loon is nesting in the same location. We didn't get too close.


































We saw several eagles.





































The view from the pier early in the morning is unbeatable. The bay was clear but the lake was completely fogged in.


















And here comes the rain. We dodged a few rain drops this week but for the most part we stayed dry.

Tucker comes to visit

Dave and Julie brought our 3 1/2 month old Grandson Tucker to visit. He enjoyed playing with Grandpa, Grandma, and our other Grandson Damon. He is of the English Mastiff lineage side of the family. Only about 40 pounds now, but we are expecting a 200 to 250 pound full grown weight. What a charmer! You can tell his parents have been raising him well!

REALLY Shooting Turkeys!

This is what I consider REALLY shooting turkeys! Got 2 this year. This one was BAGGED on May 2,07.

Shootin' Turkeys

Hey there Outlaw2! As you probably already know, I drive the church van once a month. I pick up a women at Cora Maria nurseying home and I've been trying to "shoot" these turkeys for months. Finally, today, I bagged 'em. How's my hunter terminology?

Inlaw4 and I went out to Severson Dells last week. I "shot" a couple deer and posted their pictures on the Mills' Mail blog.

Congratulations Lisa

Hi Everyone! Lisa graduated from U of I yesterday. Congratulations!

Cabin Clean Up

Hey there King and Queen. Here are some pictures of the cabin from last weekend. You'll notice that there is a new cabin being built across the lake. It seems they just keep building them bigger and bigger. The Lake is low and if you look at the pier you can see the white dot you painted to line up the shore station. You can easily see how far back the station is. Also, Jack, Jess and I cleared out some of the old trees and brush on Quick's property. It looks better but there are still several dead trees that could come down. There are pictures of Kiss' place, one of Outlaw1's favorite cabins, and Leo's place. I even included a couple of the night sky even though it wasn't much sun it still looks great. If you don't recognize some of the spots give me a call.