Searls Stuff

Sunday, June 5, 2022

50 Years Part One

When Ron and I celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary, we took a cruise out of Seattle to Alaska. We really expected it to be a once in a lifetime experience. However, when we reached our 45th anniversary, we decided to let our kids know that we intended to go again for our 50th. We told them we would love for them to go as well; but, there was no way we could foot the bill. I said, “ You have 5 years to start saving. If you don’t want to go, that’s fine; no hard feelings.” We were pretty darned excited when we made our reservations in early December. Ryan and Jamie, Scott and Molly, and Leslie and Gerson soon made theirs and the planning began! Unfortunately, Rebecca and Seth weren’t able to join us. They have had quite a few obstacles to overcome financially and it just was an impossibility for them.

There have been many anxious moments during the past few months. We have all been hoping and praying nothing would keep any of us from sailing. COVID exposures being our greatest concern. Not having cold weather clothes set off a shopping frenzy. Picking a date meant shuffling around so many work schedules for the kids. Dog care for 8 dogs needed to be arranged. Ron and I have been packing to move from one city to another. Just so many little obstacles! Plus, technology has become a real pain in the patootie when traveling. We have to have several apps and so much pre-cruise documentation has to be done through the apps. It really makes my brain feel old. Thank goodness, the girls have walked us through much of it.

We are now all gathered in Seattle, doing some sight seeing, enjoying the cool weather and beautiful Pacific Northwest scenery. We miss those who couldn’t come and wish so very badly we could share this experience with them. But, Ron and I are not letting it dampen our spirits. After a few years of major health scare, we are just so very thankful that we can have this amazing experience. We might not even get a 60th anniversary; so, we will enjoy every moment of this one.

I will most likely update the blog several times over the new few weeks. We are going to be so busy!

Sunday, November 7, 2021

Gwen's 66th Birthday: October 2021

A few years ago, the Temple Firefighter's Association purchased an office building downtown. They use it for association gatherings (meetings, parties, storage, etc.) and allow family member to reserve it. I never thought that purchase would be such a plus for our family. Little did I know, it would turn out to be the perfect party place.

Our family hasn't been able to gather together since the COVID-19 pandemic began. We did attend Scott and Molly's wedding; but, masks were worn, we were socially distanced to the point where hugs and kisses weren't even considered. Now that all family members old enough to be vaccinated have that added level of protection, we felt confident about getting together again.

With Leslie's family driving in from the Ft. Worth area, Ryan's family coming up from Leander, Rebecca's family driving in from Gatesville, and Scott and Molly coming over from Killeen, Temple is kinda sorta mid-way. But, the condo is way too small to host any parties! We decided to reserve the Union Hall and meet there.

Things were kept simple: catered soups, salads, and bread sticks from Olive Garden, snacks, cake, pie, ice cream kept everyone fed. Each family brought a game or activity to keep us entertained. The Union Hall has a foosball table, pool table, basketball game, dart board, and tons of extra room for the grands to have their own space. The adults were able to sit around and chat; something we haven't done in such a long time!!

Our gathering was simply wonderful! I think we will be using the Union Hall for most family gatherings from now on. The pictures below are captioned to record what was going on.

Scott being his typical goof ball self.

Chowing down on soup and salad.

So much room and yet cozy enough that we could all share in the conversations.

The kids playing foosball. I don't even know if that's the right term or how it is spelled; but who cares!?!

Scott still being a goof ball. Poor Molly.

What a great picture, Becca!

Gwen and Ron

Leslie and Ryan

More foosball for Sophie, Samantha, and Sophia.

Team Maggie won!

"Can you really tell the difference in colas" challenge.

Cola taste testing.

Is it Coke, Pepsi, HEB cola, or RC!

Honestly, the only thing they could tell was which one was the HEB version.

Evidently, it doesn't taste as good.

Sophie and Samantha

Becca

G and Molly

clockwise from the bottom: Sophie, Samantha, Scott, Becca, John, Leslie, and John's daughter.

Thanks to Aunt Jamie, a game of ax throwing.

We had some wild throws thanks to Sophia!

I can't remember the name of this game! A movie game that included quotes, phrases, one word clues, acting it out, and other methods to guess the names of films.

A super funny game of Meme's. It was a little PG-13 rated at times.

A cruise-like "Newly Wed Game" planned by Jamie.

Party Mimi and her Party Thor shirt.

Texas sheet cake... yum!

Ryan and Jamie

Samantha trying out the basketball game.

Ryan and Sophia

Samantha and Boomer

Molly and Gwen

Simply the BEST birthday celebration EVER! But, not, I'm not finished yet. Here are some pictures taken during our non-professional photo shoot.

We had Scott and Jamie bring their cameras and took photo's at the church next door to the Union Hall. Considering the fact that we didn't have a professional photographer, I think they turned out fantastic. Well, most of them did. Some are just hysterical!

The entire crew!!! It made this mother's heart so happy!!