Andy Rooney's Message

I have not posted since Summer. Opps.

Man time flies.

The other day I got a letter from my Grandpa Perry, his annual Christmas letter. I found it very moving, special, and something to ponder about. I wanted to share it with you.

In his letter he wrote…

“Andy Rooney died at age, 92, and before he died he left a beautiful message that all of us can benefit. I hope you will take the time to read it more than once.”

Love you Grandpa!

I've learned.... That the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.

I've learned.... That when you're in love, it shows.

I've learned.... That having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world.

I've learned.... That just one person saying to me, "You've made my day!" makes my day.

I've learned.... That being kind is more important than being right.

I've learned.... That you should never say no to a gift from a child.

I've learned.... That I can always pray for someone when I don't have the strength to help him in some other way.

I've learned.... That no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with.

I've learned.... That sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand.

I've learned.... That simple walks with my father around the block on summer nights when I was a child did wonders for me as an adult.

I've learned.... That life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.

I've learned.... That we should be glad God doesn't give us everything we ask for.

I've learned.... That money doesn't buy class.

I've learned.... That it's those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.

I've learned... That under everyone's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.

I've learned.... That to ignore the facts does not change the facts.

I've learned.... That when you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that person continue to hurt you.

I've learned.... That love, not time, heals all wounds.

I've learned.... That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am.

I've learned.... That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.

I've learned.... That no one is perfect until you fall in love with them.

I've learned.... That life is tough, but I'm tougher.

I've learned.... That opportunities are never lost; someone will take the ones you miss.

I've learned.... That when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.

I've learned.... That one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat them.

I've learned.... That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.

I've learned.... That when your newly born grandchild holds your little finger in his little fist, that you're hooked for life.

I've learned.... That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it.

I've learned.... That the less time I have to work with, the more things I get done.

Costal fun!

Our whole family was able to go to the coast this year and hang out for 5 days. we all had a blast ! and were sad to say goodbye to everyone and the beautiful oregon coast.

here are pictures from the fun memories and adventures we experienced together with brothers, sisters, in-law, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, moms, dads, and of course grandpa and grandma.

view from the top of the beach house.

trail to get from the beach house to the beach.

beautiful scenery at the oregon coast.

grama and Ky walking along the beach.

so we decided to have a battle against each other for who could build the best sand sculpture/ castle. here is the competition.....dun, dun,dun......

heres the winners team :) go team!

heres our sea turtle/ sloth.

we finished quickly because we had so many great helpers, so they went to the other team and helped the competition.... WHAT! I know.... traitors! anyways sad story. both of them got destroyed with the high tide came in..... poo.

heres the remains of our sad turtle.

at the tide pools we found so many cool... yes candice " jewels and treasures " :) it was tons of fun! here are some things below that we found.

starfish

sea anemones

crabs

more sea anemones

hermit crabs

starfish

one day we also decided to go crabbing. it was really cold on the dock, so everyone had to bundle up with blankets. but so much fun!

kylers under there somewhere.

CRABS.

Oswald Park

huge tree that fell over, this is the base of the tree.

caves.

family picture 2011

and of course we had to put down a couple good bon fires.....with smores and biscuits

awwwww sooooo toasty.

watching the sun set.

we drove back on the fourth of July just in time for the fireworks to go off at the stadium, we all watched in the backyard with pizza, and blankets on the tramp. tons of fun!

brookie chowin down on some pizza.

Thanks DAD AND MOM for making this trip possible! We loved every minute of it! :)