Happy Birthday Pop!

This is by far the toughest post I have ever written.  I guess that is why it has taken me 9 weeks to write it.  I thought today would be perfect because it is the birthday of one of the greatest men we knew…Sydney William Johnston II a.k.a. “Big Syd” or “Pop”.  We lost Big Syd 9 weeks ago to a massive heart attack.  It was the most sad and tragic event that our family has had to endure.  I feel so blessed to have known him the time I did.  He was the greatest father in law.  Syd and I rarely had to call a mechanic, plumber or electrician because we had Big Syd.  He was a jack of all trades.  He could fix anything!  I just wished we could have fixed his heart!

Pop was one proud grandfather!  He was blessed with 3 wonderful grandchildren.  These 2 girls had him wrapped around his little finger…he would do just about anything they asked of him!

He was so proud the day his 1st grandSON was born.  Everytime Andrew saw Pop he would cluck his tongue.

He loved his 3 sons so much.  He was a perfect role model to them.  He was so kind hearted and caring and I can see those things in Syd, Jason and Scott.

He was an awesome husband to Dinnie.  He treated her like a Queen!  He fixed her breakfast/coffee every morning before he left for work and would bring it up to her in bed! 

Here is Big Syd with his 3 brothers.  They are all very close and always help each other when in need.

Big Syd enjoyed learning new instruments.  He loved playing the bagpipes and he had many opportunities to do so.  He came to play for my students one year on St. Patrick’s Day…kilt and all!

Just recently he took up playing the Cello.  He was a member of the Vicksburg Symphony group.  He inspired Sarah Beth to play the violin.

He was also an active member in the Vicksburg Theater Guild especially with Gold in the Hills…a long time family tradition!

He also played a role in the Boy Scouts.  All three boys were involved in the Scouts.  He just recently helped Scott complete his Eagle Project (building picnic tables for the Knights of Columbus).  He was also an active member of the Knights of Columbus.

Big Syd enjoyed being around family and friends.  He and Dinnie never missed a party or wedding or any other social event that they were invited to!

I am so thankful for all of the wonderful memories we have of Big Syd.  We will be sure to share them with our children and his future grandchildren.  One of the hardest things has been trying to explain to Sophie (3) that Pop is in heaven and he is not coming home.  She doesn’t understand but one day she will. 

Although we are sad and selfish that Pop is not here celebrating with us we are so grateful for his life and his influence on all of us. We know he is enjoying his eternal reward with Christ Jesus…how awesome is that!

Happy 62nd Birthday Pop!!

18 months

Where has the time gone?  This little cutie is 18 months old today…that is a year and half!!

This is his serious look!

At months Andrew is talking up a storm…mostly jibber jabber but some words we understand.

-MaMa,Daddy, sicle (popsicle),Sissy, CoopDog, side (outside), cup

-He makes animal noises for dog, monkey and tiger.

-He can point to his ears, eyes and tongue.

-He loves music and dancing.

-He loves playing with his sissy’s!

-He eats anything that won’t eat him!

-He is a rough and tough little boy(who hits and bites…we have to work this).

-He likes swimming and splashing in the pool.  He jumps in off the side!

We are enjoying this little boy so much!  Don’t grow up too fast Andrew!!

Father’s Day 2012

We had a great day celebrating Father’s Day with family.  We hosted lunch at our house and then we went swimming later in the evening.  Here are some pictures from our day.

 

Dinnie’s friend Carol invited us to swim this evening and she is raising 4 chickens now!  She fed them crickets and meal worms while we were there and the kids loved this!

I know that these 3 children are so lucky to have one awesome Daddy! I am lucky to have an awesome Daddy as well! 

Syd was very lucky to have one awesome Daddy whom we miss very much!

Splish Splash

On Friday afternoon we took the kids to Catfish Row splash park.  It was Andrew’s 1st time and they had a blast!

Andrew was very reserved at first…

but it didn’t take him long to figure out that this was lots of fun!

Even Ko-Ko had fun running through the water!  It was a great way to cool off!

I have to add this picture of Brandon and Cooper.  Brandon used to be so scared of Coop Dog but now he loves him.

Girls Day

We took Andrew to school today and Sarah Beth, Sophie and I had a girls day out!  The girls were so excited!

First stop: Southern Barber and Style for new haircuts…

Second stop was El Ranchero for lunch but I forgot to take pics!

Third stop was Top Nails for Pedicures! 

The last stop of the day was the outlet mall for a little retail therapy and of course a stop at the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory for some yummy ice cream!

I had a fantastic day hanging out with my girls!