In January we welcomed Marshall William into the family! It’s been such a joy to see Will and Elyse as parents – and of course, the grandparent gig is AWESOME! We made a QUICK trip up to NC to meet Marshall as Will and Elyse were a little closer to FL at Will's current training assignment.

February brought the usual onslaught of birthdays and getting older. Speaking of getting older – Clayton continues to sprout, no longer a baby, but practicing his Big Boy to welcome his new little brother in the summer! Andrew and Saundra were in Clarksville until May, when there would be BIG changes in their lives – and ours.

The WHOLE family gathered here in Florida for Easter – all four of our sons together in the same place, at the same time has become a truly noteworthy occasion, and with Laura's folks making the trip as well, it added up to four generations together!

We celebrated the risen Christ in church and then gathered to welcome Marshall into the family and to bid bon voyage to Andrew, Saundra, Clayton and the soon-to-come Lincoln.

In May, Lamar joined friends from his college Gridiron pledge class for a 40-year reunion in Enid and Oklahoma City. That's Lamar with Mike Bryan, Joe Cox, and Mike Babb, on an Enid sidewalk.

Not pictured, and unable to make the reunion, was (Marvin) Joe Urban. We missed you Marvin!

While it was just a weekend visit, it was good to catch up with these guys. They may look a bit more seasoned, but are still the same rowdies at heart.

It’s hard to get farther from Florida than Alaska and still stay in the U.S., but Andrew was transferred to Fairbanks – so “NORTH! To Alaska!” they flew. Little Lincoln Memphis was born in July, an Alaska native! We’re still suffering from grandson withdrawal – Clayton is such a fun little nut.

And we’re anxious to meet Lincoln, but time, distance and $$ are keeping us here in the lower 48 until at least NEXT summer! The penny saving has begun!

Summer brought some other changes as well as that THIRD grandson.

Simon moved back to Buttonwood Way in June and began working at Walt Disney World in August. (He began as a part-time employee, but went to full time this fall.)

Also, our neighbors and good friends Pam and Jeff moved out, as the house was sold, and now we have George and Kathy as our new neighbors. Welcome!

In June we took a trip to NC to see Will complete his training there, celebrate Fathers' Day, and see Marshall baptised.

Just for fun, Will took us skydiving in a wind tunnel! Here's one of us "in flight" as the escort strides alongside keeping a watchful eye.

It's a thrill you won't want to miss if you ever have the chance!

The end of July Laura had a chance to head to Miami, OK for her 40th high school class reunion. Forty years since high school graduation?! YIKES!! She had a good visit with old friends, her mom and dad, Luke – AND his girlfriend Kelli Crane!

Laura got home just in time to start yet another school year – her 26th. No, not retiring just yet ... Four more?! We’ll see.

Fall had its ups and downs ...

The BIG UP – was Luke announcing his engagement to Kelli! The wedding will be in April 2015, and we'll be thrilled to add another daughter to the mix! It’s such a joy to see Luke so happy!

We had a medical scare with Lincoln that had him and Saundra spending time in a NICU in Seattle. He’s doing fine now – there IS power in prayer! (and good medical care)

Laura's mom and dad spent more time at the hospital in Miami than either of them wanted to, but Laura's dad’s newest knee had an infection that required them breaking out the big antibiotic guns twice a day for a month. All is finally well there. Prayers of thanksgiving are good, too!

Laura spent many fall weekend hours standing in the water of Mosquito Lagoon and the Indian River with a fishing rod. That is ALWAYS an UP for her, as ichthyotherapy has proven effective keeping her sane (and us eating some delicious redfish filets)!

After being laid off at Electronic Arts, then finding another position there that would start in two weeks' time, Lamar mounted up on his motorcycle for Tennessee and points southwest. The plan was to visit a day or two with Will, Elyse, and Marshall, then to head into Arkansas and Oklahoma for some curvy roads and visiting with other relatives.

The bike had a different idea.

About 30 minutes south of the Tennessee destination, the drive shaft broke on the interstate off-ramp as he was making a gas stop. To make a long story short, the day or two in Tennessee turned into a full week; while he missed the southwest leg of his trip, G-Paw enjoyed an extended stay with Marshall, Will, and Elyse!

In November, we had a family gathering in Oklahoma to celebrate Laura's mom’s 80th birthday. Wanda and Neil, Daniel, and the T.V. star Paladin Jim ... Will, Elyse and Marshall ... Simon and the two of us ... all conspired with Dad to surprise her.

A good time was had by all!

Most recently, we celebrated Sarah-haha’s graduation from the University of North Florida in Jacksonville with a degree in Communications!

Not only did we get to see her walk across the stage, but had a great family visit with Beth, Sarah, Robert and Joyce.

Now Sarah’s on to the next adventure – a JOB!!

WOW! We were blessed beyond measure once again this year. We hope the coming year brings you and yours health, happiness and blessings too many to count!!!

Love,
Laura & Lamar