Shawn and Family 2007

Thanks Shawn for the pictures of your family. (l-r) Shawn, Carrie, Connor, Zach, and Lexi.

The Maestro at the violin

On Sunday afternoon, November 11th, Tanner performed in a violin recital. These are some of the other performers that were in his group.

On your mark, get set, and go.

Tanner did very well playing his number after just 3 weeks of practicing it.

He looks very much at ease don't you think?

Covered bridge 2007

The second week of October will find the McMullen clan heading for Parke county in Indiana to attend the annual covered bridge festival. It has been a tradition since the Peaks invited us back in about 1975. Whenever possible we have camped at Turkey Run state park for a weekend of fellowship and flea market browsing.

It use to be that many of the covered bridges one could drive through but now very few remain open to vehicle traffic. This was one that our kids remember driving through on the way to Bridgeton.

The family at one of the covered bridges in Parke county Indiana.

Kylee, Tanner, and Cheyenne at the entrance to one of the covered bridges.

Thanks to Cindy and Edwin we had a popup trailer for the covered bridge without having to rent one. The kids enjoy a campfire.

Tanner checking out the ashes just before we broke camp.

Cheyenne and her friend Kylee enjoying breakfast.

Tanner waiting for a fire so he can warm up. It was a very nice weekend with only one night getting down in to the 40s. During the day it was 60s and low 70s with some cloud cover.

The Manley's all packed up Sunday morning and ready to go flea market browsing before heading home. We really miss not having the Peaks with us. just not the same. Our numbers have dwindled over the years to just the Shows and McMullens/Manleys. Maybe the younger generation can get other families to join them so the tradition continues.

The Square Dancers

Grandma returned from her trip to Canada with some of Great-Grandma and Great-Grandpa's square dancing outfits. The Manley family modeled them.

Twirlling Tanner

Tanner and Cheyenne taking a bow

Peaks 2007

We attended our annual lab reunion held again at the Peak's "cabin" on beautiful Silver Lake just outside of Tommahawk, WI. Fran got to see and hear her favorite bird the loon. We also got to watch a bald eagle give chase to 2 ducks. It tried to catch them but after flying half-way around the lake he finally gave up the chase.

Sunset from their pier.


The fellows worked on fixing the steps down to the pier. Not a professional job but it makes it easier for Lavonne to get up and down the hill.

This year we had the grandkids (well some of them) come for the reuion as well. Our kids Lori and Brian with Tanner and Cheyenne are on left. Jodi and Charlene Marsh (Herb and Lavonne's daughter) with their children Adelle and Jared also were present.


These are the individuals that worked in the lab at Hinsdale (l-r) Owen and Sandy Spencer, June Clements, Al McMullen, Herb Peak, Steve Clements, Dick Show

The Hinsdale reuion (l-r) Sandy, Owen, June, Steve, Lavonne, Herb, Fran, Dorothy, and Dick. Al's taking the picture.

More changes to house

With the addition of a new garage door we decided the house needed repainted so this is the beginning of a big project. ecided not to go with white but rather a sand color with white trim

We haven't decided what color to paint the black enclosure yet so come back to see later changes.

Tyler in hammock

This past Sabbath Daryl, Tammy and kids came over for dinner along with Lori and her two kids. I took this picture of tyler in the hammock Lori brought back from Guatemala. He's not too sure he likes it.

New look to our house

This past week I added the white vinyl railing to the front of the house. I think it added to the look.

This is the before view.

Seen over our house

One two consecutive days the Goodyear blimp flew over our house. The first day it had a strong head wind and took a long time to pass over. The second day it was very still and it moved over fairly quickly.

July 4th

On July 4th Lori and her two children, Tanner and Cheyenne along with Grandma and Grandpa McMullen had a lovely dinner at Elaine Manley's (Nana) then went and watched the fireworks from the bluff overlooking lake michigan in St. Joseph.

The ladies painted their toenails patriotic colors.

Lori and Kids in Denver

Lori had to go to Denver for a week to some meetings so she took the kids with her for a mini vacation. She sent back some pictures. Looks like Tanner and Cheyenne are feeding the camels. I think this may be at the Lincoln, NE zoo where they spent Sabbath with the Russells.

I know this is taken at Lincoln, NE since this is a "world famous" pizza place. All Union College students rave about the pizza. Will have to try it some time we are in Lincoln.

Lori and the kids with ??? Will have to have Lori tell me who this lady is. Stay posted for update.

Shawn shared some pictures

Both boys are in to sports, both winter and summer. Here Zack is taking a mean cut at the ball.

Connor is about to slip one past the goalie - if it would just stay on my stick!!!

Zack wears the 'A' on his jersey. His team did very well this past winter.

Connor seems to enjoy the out of doors

Love that smile!!

Lexi did very well again this year in Track & Field

Zack waiting for his turn to slug it out of the park

The boys!!

And they have a dog - Missy is her name.

Counting my blessings

Today my screen saver brought up this picture and it got me thinking about how blessed my life has been. Even though this picture is several years old there has been no additions or deletions so to me it is still current.

I have been blessed with a loving wife and three of the greatest kids. Although Shawn and his family live 5 hours away I don't think there is a day goes by but what I don't think about them. Shawn and Carrie work hard to provide a loving home environment for their three children and all three kids are great!! They love sports and are active year round.

I am blessed by having Lori and Brian back in Berrien where I get to see them and their two kids on a regular basis. Last night I went to their school's Spring concert and got to watch Cheyenne playin 4 numbers while having Tanner sitting on my lap. Now that is heaven for Grandpa. Tanner also plays in the beginning strings section.

Daryl and Tammy live only 25 miles away but it seems further since they are very active in their church and work activities. It is great when we can get together on the odd weekend. Their three kids are growing so fast and it is great to have them come visit. Allison and Rachel took ice skating lessons this spring so the Canadian blood is still flowing. And Tyler - well being the youngest grandchild makes him just real special.

So I thank God each day for His blessings and thank you kids for making this old heart happy.

love you all, Grandpa

Canada wins Gold

IHWC.net 2007

First picnic of 2007

On Friday May 4th Grandpa just finished construction of a new shed. Since the grandkids were coming for a picnic he left it empty so they could enjoy it one time as a playhouse.

The 10' x 7' shed where all the junk can be stored instead of in the garage.

Allison, Rachel, Cheyenne and Tanner enjoying the hammock

that Lori brought back from Guatemala

Time to eat

The kids enjoying their temporary playhouse

Hard to get them all in the picture at same time - had to get tyler in it but rachel disappeared