Celebrations

~~~Happy Birthday, Mother.  Congratulations, Laurie.~~~

Yes, Mother Tibbs, pictured above,  has turned 91 today.  I haven't seen her yet, but we're hoping to take her to the Bonner County Fair Horse Show today.

If that doesn't work out, we'll find a good way to celebrate with her. 

We're sure that she will be very happy to congratulate Laurie on her triumphant dressage comeback yesterday. 

Just three days after shedding her therapeutic boot and her crutches, Laurie and her dressage mount Mani took three first places in three classes at a Spokane dressage show.

Adding to the excitement, in the very precise sport of dressage, which is scored on individual performances in a special dressage ring, Laurie earned her highest score ever in her last class:  a 72. 

Of course, there was joking afterward that maybe she needed to break the other leg, if yesterday went so well after six weeks off.

Well, for many reasons, we all agree that the suggested strategy probably is not a good idea.

One thing was for sure, Laurie wore a continuous smile throughout the afternoon.  It has not been an easy summer for her for a variety of reasons, so we're all extremely thrilled with her special day yesterday.

Speaking of special days, Willie, Debbie and Bill enjoyed a wonderful Saturday on the Moyie River.  Yesterday Willie and Debbie celebrated 11 years of marriage by setting up camp near Copper Falls.

Bill met them later with two pontoon boats.  While Bill and Willie fished from the pontoons, Debbie and the pups swam and hiked.  

Later, they enjoyed a fabulous dinner of ribs and corn on the cob, prepared by Debbie, the capable cook and Girl Scout.  

Bill remarked this morning about how tidy and attractive their campsite is. 

While we were in Spokane, our brother Jim flew in from Oregon to help with Mother's birthday celebration.   He'll be here for a few days.

Meanwhile, off in Europe, Annie spent part of her last day today geocaching with friends while boating down a canal in Amsterdam.  

Words can't explain the wonderful time she's had on her European/African saga.  She was especially pleased with the outcome of a fabulous geocaching event yesterday in Germany-----which included requests for her autograph.  

We have lots to celebrate as a family this weekend, and we'll continue today as we watch Barbara and her horse Dusty compete in Bonner County Fair Horse Show classes and do our best to help our Mother enjoy her birthday.  

Happy Sunday to all.