Let's get cooking!

It's been a busy weekend here (along with some Wii sports last night), but we also were able to get a new microwave installed here at home. The timing just felt right for a new one that fits the house a little better. Thanks to Dad, Mom, and Allison for the help!

Old microwave setup:

New microwave setup:

Sunday Massacre

Well, today was D-Day.  Dakota day.  And boy, was it a massacre!  Just look at all of that hair!  Mommy & Daddy say that my fresh new lion suit is adorable, but I'm having second thoughts.  I mean, I like that I'm nice and cool all the time now - but I don't really look like my Golden Retriever friends.  In fact, they hardly even recognize me now.  Though I did get complimented by the neighbor dog Joe, today.  He said I looked like I'd lost weight.  That made me happy!

So it's not all bad.  Daddy swore not to touch any hair on my head this time around, and he did a pretty good job.  Just don't get me started on my tail!  What use to be cute and wavy is now a thick string with a fluff-ball attached to the end.  Never again.  That made me happy!

Enjoy the pictures & come visit me sometime *Bark*

Dakota Gold

I couldn't handle my birthday post anymore...

OK, so I just couldn't take the birthday wishes anymore. We don't have any pictures yet from our trip to Iowa (get on that, Photographer wife--Oh, yeah, please???) but I just needed another post to replace the week-old birthday one. I'm not a "Scrooge" or anything--I just can barely handle ONE birthday each year. Not seven. Thanks for the thoughts, though, I'm much happier now. And no matter what anyone tells you, 28 is definitely better than 27. I feel like a fine wine already... :-)

And Now a HAPPY BIRTHDAY to MIKE!!!!!

Happy Birthday and happy Monday to Mike! At least next year your birthday won't be on Monday!! Hope you have a wonderful 28th birthday! Have another piece of "carrot cake".....mmmmm........! Have a great day!
Mom and Dad

Rain we can see

Well, we finally had a during-the-day monsoon storm at my house...thunder, lighting, pouring rain and all. Rain is amazing...

Because everyone really want to know

I have started a baby blog.  

You can find it right here on blogger @ http://grossfamilybaby.blogspot.com

Hope to see you over there too!!

Birthday evening pictures

We all went over to Dad and Mom's last night to have a birthday dinner (and most importantly, birthday dessert) for myself and Mike. (Thanks Dad and Mom!)

After stuffing ourselves, it was time for a little Wii action with some bowling, baseball, tennis, golf, and other assorted games. And I'll be the first one to say that I didn't even win a single game! But it was a fun evening, and a couple pictures from last night are below.

Happy Birthday, Jeff!!!!

Happy 29th Birthday, Jeffrey!
Mom and Dad

Everyone Tells Us We Look A Little Strange...

Any ideas why???

Not Wii...it's the real thing...

We all went out bowling earlier today (Dad, Mom, Mike, Holly, Allison, and myself). And it wasn't Wii bowling...it was the real thing! It's hard to beat $.99 games at Kyrene Lanes!

No one said I have a steady hand...

Mike, Holly, Allison, and I visited Chandler's Tumbleweed park for the 4th of July fireworks last night. Storms and wind in the area caused them to be delayed for almost an hour. However, we waited with apparently every other citizen of Chandler (it was PACKED) until they finally started just before 10pm. I took a few pictures below, and two things should be noted: 1) my camera luckily has a "fireworks" setting that *should* make for better pictures, and 2) the "fireworks" setting doesn't help much if you don't have a steady hand when you snap it :)

Kansas Trip

We are finally back from our Kansas trip after being gone for 2 weeks! Sheri and Andy's wedding was beautiful and the weather cooperated perfectly! What a wonderful day. Here are some pictures taken before the wedding! Congratulations again to Sheri and Andy! We love you!

The Gazebo.......



The welcoming committee!!



Grandma and Grandpa in their "wedding duds"!



The beautiful bride!



Lynn, the maid of honor who held everything together!!!!!

Koter & the Smoky Sun

Dakota was really anxious to say HI tonight, so if you get a chance, drop her a comment sometime. Our little ball of fluff is looking awfully cute!

The other excitement around here is a big grass fire about 20 miles to the west. It's burning on the Gila River Indian Reservation (no danger to us here in Chandler) and is painting some beautiful sunsets!

Our quick trip to Illinois

Allison and I were in Illinois last Friday through Monday for a quick family visit. We flew in to Chicago to meet up with her brother (the other Jeff), and then met her parents at her grandmother's house on Saturday. The trip was short but sweet, and I want to thank everyone for their hospitality. We really appreciate it!

Here we are at her grandmother's house in Dixon, Illinois:

Could it Be....

Yes it is!!!  It's RAIN!!!  It rained for about 3 minutes today.  It's our first Rain & Mike, Kota, & Me all ran outside to enjoy the cool wetness.  Of course, now it's all dried up & the once grey clouds have turned white and are floating away.  How sad!

Where is everyone going?

While Allison and I fly out tomorrow afternoon for a short trip to Illinois to visit her family, Dad and Mom are also leaving on a trip of their own. They're heading out tomorrow morning on their drive to Kansas and will be attending Sheri and Andy's wedding on 6/28. Remember to say hi when you see them back in Kansas. We miss you all!!

Horrific Sight in New Orleans!

When Holly and I visited New Orleans a few weeks ago, we were astounded at the news of Kitty's disappearance. Thankfully, it was another cat with a similar appearance who just so happened to share the name with Jeff and Allison's beloved little girl...

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day to Dad!! We plan on going out to breakfast later in the morning, so maybe I'll have a picture or two to add :)

Stay Cool!

Mike here. Just wanted to remind everyone to stay cool this summer. Then again, when it's this HOT in Arizona, even water guns aren't safe. The water is boiling when it hits you... :-) Trust me!

Nothing to Post!

Since my loving wife has all of the pictures from our recent road trip tucked away on her Mac, I haven't been able to post anything creative lately. Maybe this will convince her to give me access so I can show everyone what a great time we had visiting friends and family. *hint hint* :-) Here's one of my favorite old-school pictures of Holly and me since I don't seem to have any of the new stuff to share...

Another Present......

I can't believe it! We found this cactus a little over a week ago, broken off in a neighbor's yard. We brought it home and stuck it in the ground and now it's blooming! Another anniversary present!

Our anniversary present......

The cactus in our front yard came thru for our anniversary, it was blooming this morning! Hard to believe that something so plain for most of the year can look like this!

Happy 30th Anniversary, Dad & Mom!

Today is Mom & Dad's 30th wedding anniversary, so Jeff, Allison, Holly, and I wanted to wish them a Happy Anniversary! We can't wait for another 30 years...and another 30, and so on and so on. :-)

I found an old wedding picture the other day, and thought everyone might enjoy it!

Happy Anniversary, Dad & Mom!!!