Robert & Barbara McKinney

Audio Armada

2011-05-03T17:41:00.000-07:00

With your new gig Josh, are these going to be worth a lot more?

Looks like Audio Armada is playing in Salt Lake this summer. The music never dies.

Good luck Matt

2011-04-17T22:22:00.000-07:00

Landon, Mason, Izzy, Lydia, Jacob and Quinn looked so cute the day Matt was called to be a counselor in his ward's bishopric. Grandma forgot to get a pic of Matt, only the grandkiddos!

Cousins celebrating together Jacob's 4th birthday.

Jake had fun birthday party with lots of cute little friends.
Lydia and Izabel having fun a Jacob's birthday.

Utah in April

2011-04-17T22:10:00.000-07:00

Polly will be thrilled that I put this pic on my blog. Happy Birthday Polly.
It was nice to get together with my four sisters to celebrate Polly's birthday.
Bob, Cameron and Jack had fun playing HORSE.
It was great that Josh was in SLC when we were there and we could have time together, but it was much too short.
Stephanie, Josh and Melisa were glad to have time together.

Jack was baptized.

2011-04-17T21:53:00.000-07:00

Seeing Jack baptized was joyful for Grandma and Grandpa.
Mason, Landon and Cameron love being together and have so much fun.
Chris, Jack and Bob looking good.
At Jack's baptism, Melissa directed a children's choir while Kaitlyn accompanied on her Violin. It was perfect.

2011-04-17T21:43:00.001-07:00

Both Lydia and Jack get to be baptized this year.
Having great grandparents come to Jack's baptism made it extra special.

One night when Lydia was spending the night she went to a rock star party first and this is how she came back!
We are proud of Landon for being selected to be apart of the district choir. They did an outstanding job and put on a wonderful program.

Aloha

2011-03-11T20:37:00.001-08:00

Sunset on the whale watching tour

Whale watching on the last day

a early morning freind

Kayaking to the Fern Grotto (just before Arick went over)

Swimming in the Queen's Bath

(before any tsunami)

The coast of Kauai

The top of Wiamea Canyon

Our condo balcony - a great trip and a beautiful island. We will go back!

February Doings

2011-03-11T20:28:00.001-08:00

Landon's Free-throw: NOTHING BUT NET

Priesthood Ordination Day

Snowshoeing @ Snoqualmie Pass

2011-01-16T18:16:00.000-08:00

On Saturday we had an adventure at Snoqualmie Pass

Snowshoeing with Landon and Mason

A first for everyone

Mason at the taril head

Landon at the trail head
So far so good

We made it

Snowshoeing was a lot of fun and you stay

really warm because it is real exercise
"Determination"

Tail end in sight. Landon and Mason want to try

the half day hike now.

With all the rain we stopped at

Snoqualmie Falls to see how it was doing.

Very impressive!

January 1, 2011

2011-01-01T15:29:00.000-08:00

Cold and crisp on Lake Tapps the first day of 2011

5 trumpeter swans made a visit to the lake on their

way to who-knows-where

Thanksgiving Family Fun

2010-11-28T19:50:00.000-08:00

Lydia made fun turkey place cards for our
Thanksgiving Feast.

Lydia was the winner when we played

Pin the Hat on the Turkey.

2010-11-28T19:39:00.000-08:00

We all had fun Dancing with the Wii.
Zeke is a fun dancer.

Our family feast!

the other end of the table --
see the snow outside the window.

The Great Northwest "Blast of 2010"

2010-11-23T13:06:00.000-08:00

7.5 Inches of snow - No more eating outside
The lake is down a little but still a very nice view

We went to Yellowstone

2010-10-31T20:18:00.000-07:00

Beth and Barry Stratton are wonderful friends who invited us to stay at their Groberg Family cabin in Macks Inn just outside of West Yellowstone this Sept. The four of us had a great time together exploring Yellowstone, mostly by bike, hiking and eating and playing games each night.

2010-10-31T19:57:00.000-07:00

Yellowstone is a treasure - we had such a great time there.
We hiked up a hill and watched Old Faithful from above - it was an amazing site.

We loved the grand canyon of Yellowstone with it's spectacular water falls.

Even though we did alot of biking, where we could have met a live bear, we only saw these bear claw marks on a tree and avoided becoming bear food.

We found Yellowstone to be a spectacular, beautiful adventure with great friends.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

2010-10-31T19:34:00.000-07:00

Jackson Hole was a fun place to stay after Yellowstone.

We loved going to the Bar J Ranch and especially enjoyed the Bar J Wranglers show.

We love to dine at Maddox and seem to celebrate there alot - this time we celebrated Richard's "29th" birthday.

JoAnn, Jenna, Jace, Mom and Dad were there to celebrate Richard.

It was especially nice to be with three of my sisters, Vicky, JoAnn and Kristie, my parents and my only brother, Richard on his birthday. (we missed Polly)

Fun in California

2010-10-31T18:15:00.000-07:00

Jett and Amelia were so happy to run into Elmo and Ernie.
Sea World in San Diego was exciting.
Bob with Jett after the Shamu Show - and still dry.

We all spent two days in Disneyland - one very wet day and one dry. What fun we all had together.

You just never know who will sneak up on while you are eating breakfast in Disneyland.

Minnie Mouses Breakfast with many of the character friends was delightful

Joshua, Melisa, Amelia and Jett enjoying their first family trip to Disneyland.

Not every kid gets both grandmothers (and grandpas) to be with them in Disneyland were we made lots of great memories.

Bugs were everywhere!

We grew up with Mickey Mouse and the Mouseketeers!

Mickey Mouse with Amelia and Jett.

In Disneyland anyone at any age can drive.

Who is your favorite Princess?

Amelia and Jett couldn't get enough of all the princesses.

We need to teach Jett how to read.

Beautiful mommy Melisa with an adorable son Jett!

Being in Disneyland right before Halloween was extra spooky and fun.

For the grandchildren that lived nearby we had a fun Halloween Party that even included drinking "witches brew," eating mummies, brains, bones and wormy brownies among other things!

Mason the Jedi, Landon the wolf, Lydia the pioneer and Jacob batman make Halloween lots of fun.

Lydia celebrating the magic of autumn leaves.

July was such a great month spending time with our family.

2010-09-05T18:54:00.000-07:00

It is always fun when the grandkids come. Jett and Amelia were the first to arrive in July.Lotsa picnic's this summer.Fun little Jett was just hanging aroundOn a rainy summer day - go BOWLING

Amelia and Lydia are sweet happy little girls.
Swing me higher Grandpa!Erik Odie put on a great show for all the kiddos at Remingler Farms

Jett is a fish!

We have the cutest grandkids ever - even the ones missing from this pic.

We spent may beautiful days crossing the golf course going to our little beach on the lake.

In July we all enjoyed playing in Lake Tapps - right in our backyard.

Jett, Jake, Stephanie and Zeke riding on the farm train.

Grandpa and Amelia in a flying pumpkin.

Matt and Quinn having fun on the roller coaster. Hold on to your head Mason! Amelia and Jake had a fun day at Remlinger Farms.

Izabel looked so cute at her first birthday party.

Izabel enjoyed her first birthday cake that Jama made and it looked like watermelon.

Three McKinney "men"- Josh, Jett and Bob at Dash Point.

Sad summer memories are those days we had to say goodbye to our out of state kids and grandkids.

Bob and Barbara helped with the Ragnar, but the real stars were Stephanie, Melissa, Matt and Zeke who ran hard. Chris was a great help as the driver. It was quit an accomplishment.

Kaitlyn, Jack and Mason as well as all the other grandkids loved going to the pool.

This summer Quinn and Jake loved splashing in the pool often.

An fun money making venture that Kaitlyn, Landon, Cameron, Mason and Jack do every summer in front of our home.

What do you do when you have too many tall trees? "Timber" in our own yard!!!
This was certainly an interesting process to watch - and very much a NW experience.

Lydia wearing her boa and Jack wearing his hat invited Jacob and Quinn to their tea party.

It was fun celebrating Zeke's birthday. He is such a terrific father and husband and such a wonderful son-in-law too!

We got to see our baby doll, Izabel, learn to walk this summer.

Lydia, Piper Drinkwater, Patti and Barbara had a very fancy "Tea Party" at Patti's home.

Northwest Passage - RAGNAR Runners

2010-07-25T18:42:00.000-07:00

The McKinney Children were well represented on team "Where's the Finish Line"
for the Northwest Passage RAGNAR run this past weekend. Steph, Melissa, & Matt were runners and took a photo of Josh so he could be a part of the activity. We are really proud of all our children and the fine adults and athletes they've bcome. Steph, Melissa, and Matt ran respectively 17.5 miles, 11.6 miles, 17.0 miles (son-in-laws Zeke ran 15.2 miles and Chris was the support driver and he drove 188 miles)

Forever friends

2010-07-06T21:01:00.000-07:00

Barbara with her childhood friends Karen and Shawna

Family Gatherings

2010-07-06T20:53:00.001-07:00

The spread at Melissa's
Celebrating Jenna's birthday at the Haslams and then the USU fireworks

We met Monet for the first time. She is loved by her big sister Macy and mom Emily

Utah Adventures

2010-07-06T20:22:00.000-07:00

Steph and her family were in Utah and it was fun to be with them
The high-light of our Utah trip was to see Cameron ordained. We stayed with Melissa and her family and had a wonderful time

Cousins ready for church

Two cute cousins who had a lot of fun together

The man of the hour

Thanks to Josh we were able to see a show in Vegas (Donny & Marie). It was high energy and very enjoyable

Our Vegas home for two nights

We stopped in St. George and saw the temple. Such a pretty white stucture against the blue sky and red cliffs.

July 2010 Adventures

2010-07-06T20:14:00.001-07:00

Finishing the 40+ mile MS bike ride in under 3 hours.

Next year maybe the 100?

Pretty in "pink" in Utah for Cameron's ordination

Why we love living on Tapps Island

Lydia even tried her luck at fishing on Lake Tapps

We went/saw/did the Show Me State - Brothers

2010-05-27T19:24:00.000-07:00

John's farm is in beautiful rolling hills of green

about 80 miles west of St. Louis

A highlight of the trip was reconnecting with John and his family.

Front row: John and Karen

Back row: Matt, Nick, Chris, Patrick

We really enjoyed the visit and John's family

A beautiful, peaceful place to retire

the back of John house

Brothers - who's got more white hair?

We went/saw/did the Show Me State - Branson

2010-05-27T19:17:00.001-07:00

Branson Missouri nestled in the Ozark Mountains. It was really pretty but somewhat of a culture shock

Our condo was really nice and we enjoyed staying there

Elvis is alive and well and living in Branson, Missouri

We tried our hand at a pontoon boat on Table Rock Lake and really enjoyed the outing

We went/saw/did the Show Me State - Nauvoo

2010-05-27T19:05:00.001-07:00

We went to the play put on by the senior missionaries two nights in a row. It was at the "cultural center"

The mighty Mississippi at Nauvoo at sunset - very peaceful at that time of day

We also made it over to Carthage, Illinois and visited the jail

Nauvoo Temple at dusk. We were also able to do a session at this temple and it was just beautiful inside. Nothing like it.

We stayed in this hotel in Nauvoo - 2nd floor, right two windows. It had a view of the temple as well

We went/saw/did the Show Me State - Webster Groves

2010-05-27T18:45:00.000-07:00

Webster Groves High School

The Saint Louis Arch was impressive and hard to get in a single frame. The day we were there it was really hot and humid
The mighty Mississippi was overflowing its banks in downtown Saint Louis and 1st avenue was under water. This is right below the arch.

The day we arrive we did a session at the St. Louis Temple which was really pretty

This is the first house I remember living in (603 North Rock Hill Road) before we moved to Webster Groves. I went to grades K thru 4 while living here

Well of course we had to go here and have a treat. We ended up going twice, once at the beginning and once at the end of our trip

The Home of my teenage years with a new garage and driveway. It looked really good

Bristol School - grades 5th and 6th

Look who is a biker!

2010-03-28T22:12:00.000-07:00

Bob's new hobby

In March, it is Josh, Bob, Chris, Jacob and Melisa's birthdays. Unfortunatly we only got to watch Bob and Jacob blow out their candles.

January Highlights - Retirement and Eagle watch float trip

2010-02-28T20:05:00.000-08:00

36 years with one company was a wonderful experienceMy home for that time

the last long walk

Skagit River float trip and eagle watch
Saw about 20 eagles on the 3 hour river trip
It was really fun.

Highlights in Boise

2010-02-28T19:53:00.000-08:00

No more "stranger - danger" I think she likes me!
Bonding with Grandma

All Quinn wanted to do was help grandma make jewerly

We visited Matt, Jama, Quinn, and Izabel in Boise

and really enjoyed the time with them. We even got to babysit.

Three generations

December Highlights

2009-12-27T21:03:00.000-08:00

Now that Barbara has retired, she has more time to do things she has missed doing like sewing. For Lydia and her new doll "Holly" she made matching dresses and several other outfits for this special look alike doll. Lydia was thrilled, and it was lots of fun for Barbara too.

We are so happy that we get to spend Christmas with some of our grand children, and we wish we could be with all of them and always miss them so much especially at Christmastime.

We always enjoy it when our grandkids do the Nativity. Two year old Jacob kept it interesting this year.

2009-12-27T19:41:00.000-08:00

On January 8, 2010, Bob is retiring from Weyerheauser after 35 + years. He has enjoyed working in such a beautiful facility all these years.

Bob's collegues gave him a very nice retirement dinner where they had fun "roasting" him.

Stephanie and Zeke's family came to Bob's Weyerheauser retirement party.

Some of the people Bob has enjoyed working with came to celebrate with him.

Landon gave Bob a count down to retirement bag of chocolate chip cookies (his favorite food) which he loves too much - retirement will be soon if you go by how many cookies are left!!

Decorating Christmas cookies at grandmas is sweet!

Stephanie, Lydia and Barbara had a fun girl day attending the Pacific Northwest Ballet performing the Nutcracker.

2009-12-27T19:33:00.000-08:00

Lydia (far right) is a beautiful ballerina who loves to dance.

Fall Memories

2009-12-07T21:14:00.000-08:00

Lake Tapps views are always picturest in the winter

Thanksgiving dinner on the lake

Seattle Christmas Parade - at least not raining

Seattle downtown Christmas lighting display

Participants in the Seattle Kids Marathon

And they're off and running

Another holiday - another parade (Auburn Santa Parade)

Lydia in the Auburn Santa parade

Lake Tapps Ward Trunk -or- Treat

two handsome McKinney's came to visit

Jett & Josh's visit

2009-11-15T09:12:00.000-08:00

Lunch @ Weyerhaueser with Jett and Jacob
A nice view form the cafeteria on a typical Washington November day

Go Seahawks

But I am all dressed for church and plan on being really good

I am musical like my father

It was really fun to have Jett and Josh for the weekend. Jett is such a nice happy little boy

All smiles since the Seahawks won!!!

Autumn at Lake Tapps

2009-10-25T09:48:00.000-07:00

We are enjoying the spectacular fall colors in our yard and everywhere this year
Even pink colors soccer shirts add to the color mix
Lydia and Coach Zeke at their Saturday game

Lydia at Spooner's pumpkin farm in the pumpkin house

Grandma made a trip to Utah

2009-10-12T20:50:00.001-07:00

Why is everyone smiling?? Because grandma is driving Dad's suv really F A S T!
Special day with Kaitlyn at a session of conference

Kaitlyn's goal! Very nice looking young lady. Mom and Dad, we need a pet!

Ready for school, don't forget your shoes.

The east coast adventure

2009-10-12T20:26:00.001-07:00

We arrived in Baltimore and first stop was the Washington DC temple. That was nice.
We had dinner with some old friends from USU married student housing days. Hadn't seen them for 36+ years. (Julia Anderson, Parvone, Barbara)

Visited the Arlington Cemetary and watched the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Williamsburg was a living museum, where we spent several full days

Continued trip

2009-10-12T20:17:00.001-07:00

We spent 3 full days in Willamsburg, Va and saw a lot of re-enactments
We went to a concert, where among other things this fellow played a glass violine. One of only two in the world.

We decided to visit the Atlantic coast and went to Virginia Beach. Very pretty. In two weeks we had visited both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. (Last saturday we went to the Washington coast for the day and enjoyed that just as much)

Virginia beach was having their Neptune Fair with about 2 dozen sand sculptures. This was just one of them

We toured the battleship Wisconsin which is moth-balled in Norfork, Virginia

East Coast History Trip

2009-10-12T19:41:00.000-07:00

We visited Mt. Vernon - home of George Washington

The Vietnam Memorial was really interesting with all the symbolism. Since we lived through that era, it really brought back many memories
The World War II memorial was impressive since so many lives were lost.

We got tickets from our representative and were able to tour the capitol

Nobody was home at the White House so we decided to just take a picture outside the gate. The President didn't know we were coming, or for sure would have invited us in.

Special Places and People

2009-08-24T10:40:00.000-07:00

Our sacred placeOur learning place - Go Aggies!!!!!!!!!!!

Four generations visit Bear Lake together

A time to remember

2009-08-24T10:16:00.001-07:00

A 2 year old + Jack and almost Lydia "pig-pile"
Izabel Emmalee McKinney - it's official

The proud parents with our 11th grandchild

All in a row.

Landon, Amelia, Mason, Jett, Cameron, Kaitlyn, Izabel, Jack, Quinn, Lydia, Jacob

(all so cute and fun to be with)

The ever growing McKinney family

Be-lated birthday wish

2009-08-24T10:11:00.001-07:00

Happy birthday Zeke!

A dad who takes a lot of "shots" and enjoys every minute of it.

Amelia is now 3 years old!

2009-08-10T16:20:00.000-07:00

It is hard to believe that our little Amelia is already 3 - time just flys by. We love it when Amelia and her family come to our home for a visit. She is a fun little person.

Amelia swims everyday and is a great little fish!

Happy 1st Birthday Cowboy Jett

2009-08-04T10:05:00.000-07:00

Today, our baby Jett is ONE year old! Where did that year go? Happy Birthday dear Jett.....

Jett is a cuddle bug with such a happy face.

We can't wait to see him again this summer in Idaho this month.

2009-07-21T19:12:00.000-07:00

Today, July 21 is my mom's birthday. My mom is a great grandmother, grandmother, mother and wife who has given her all to her very large family. We all recognize what a great women she is and the example she is to each of us.

Izabel Emmalee McKinney

2009-07-20T10:53:00.000-07:00

Our eleventh grandchild was born on Sat., the 18th, to Matt and Jama. She is beautiful and looks very healthy you can see fun pics if you link to Matt and Jama's blog.

It was 88 years ago today

2009-07-12T18:23:00.000-07:00

someone wonderful was born to Adella Kazia and Joseph Franklin! Roland Lynn Nielsen, was was the sixth child in their family of 10 kids.
My dad was also a sailor during World War II.
He was a successful missionary, husband, father, dairy farmer, active community leader, grandfather and great grandfather and a very honest hard working man who has lived a really good life for all of these 88 years.

For 88 years his life has been a blessing in my life!

Happy Birthday to YOU, Happy Birthday to YOU, Happy Birthday dear dad, and may you have many more....

What an "HONOR"???

2009-07-09T22:10:00.000-07:00

Our yard was chosen "Yard of the Month" on the island. It was a shocker! Now, for the month of July, we get to have this sign in our yard which means WORK! (we also got a gift certificate to the clubhouse cafe)

4th of July in Paradise

2009-07-09T22:02:00.000-07:00

We enjoyed traveling up to Mt. Rainier with Kathy and Rick. It is an amazing mountain.

July 3 is a day to celebrate!

2009-07-03T08:44:00.001-07:00

We are blessed to have Jama in our family. She is such a great wife, mom and a beautiful person through and through. Today, we celebrate her BIRTHDAY!

Jama and Matt's small family of 3 will soon be 4 in just a few more days. Quinn is about to be a big brother to a little sister. Stay tuned in!

Mom and Dad celebrate over 60 years of living Happily Ever After. Thank you mom and day for being an example and for all you've done for the huge family you have created.

We all love and appreciate YOU. Happy Anniversary

Is it Christmas?

2009-06-29T22:34:00.000-07:00

No, it is REALLY Cameron's 11th birthday! Our handsome Cameron is very cool. We hope this is his best birthday ever. We will give you belated birthday hugs in August.

Lots been going on here - time to catch up.

2009-06-22T14:51:00.000-07:00

What a great DAD and GRANDPA! It was a HAPPY Father's Day for Bob who got lots of "money" from the grandkids in his cards and even a cold stone ice cream cake for dessert! Can't get much better than that!

Lydia danced beautifully at her dance recitle and we were so glad we got to see her - she is a "cutie pa tutie" for sure!

NEWS FLASH FROM BARBARA!

I have officially RETIRED as a public school teacher. For many years I've taught for the Auburn School District. (Bob counted and said I taught 700 kids!) No wonder I needed to retire! I started back teaching when our youngest son, Matt was a senior in High School. I was invited by the ASD school board to a meeting where they honored us for our years of teaching (see first photo). My school, Lakeland Hills Elementary, also had a very nice Kindergarden retirement celebration for us on June 11th. On the last day of school, at the awards assembly, we were called up and received a hearting warm and very touching standing ovation from all the student body, staff and parents attending. It was a moment I will never forget as I shed many happy tears.

I have to say it truly was a joy being a teacher.

Beth and I were surprised with the wonderful program/party in our honor and also the awards and gifts presented. What a happy memory.

Many former collegues and friends came to our retirement celebration.

It was fun to visit with students and parents at our party. Nick Miller is one of my all time favorite students. (I have many favorites) His mom, who is also a teacher at Lakeland Hills, will be Lydia's teacher in first grade (Dianna Miller was also Mason's first grade teacher).

The school case on the left was put together to honor me -- showing some special things from my life. You can see down the hall to my classroom. The one on the right is Beth Stratton's my teaching partner the last two years. We always called our kindergarten "Our Kindergarden

I will forever treasure the many happy memories at Lakeland Hills, but do look forward to adventures life has to bring! I'm not retired, I'm recharged!
To add to the celebrations,

Josh brought his family for a visit while he went to Canada fishing with people he works with. We were so glad that Melisa, Jett and Amelia got to hang out with us for a few days and be apart of everything. One day we went to Northwest Trek - wishing Melisa was in this pic.

Our younger set of cousins really hit it off. Jake loved Amelia.

Amelia is a beautiful 2 year old with amazing eyes. She wasn't a big fan of braids though.

Josh's time here wasn't long (he went fishing in Canada). Jett is an adorable busy baby boy - soooo cute. He reminded us of baby Josh. Josh works so hard we are proud of his accomplishments and the great dad he is.

You've come a long way baby!

2009-05-28T22:14:00.000-07:00

Our youngest son, Matt, started school at 3 (which he didn't like - interferred with playing)! Today, we celebrate with Matt who passed the orals and will now receive his Master Degree from Boise State. What a guy! He did this while working full time, serving in the church and most of all being both a great husband to Jama and daddy to Quinn.
CONGRATULATIONS

Lydia is lots of FUN and now she is SIX years old!

2009-05-10T23:05:00.000-07:00

Lydia was a lot of help at a wedding shower for a friend

Lydia and her special "Who" hairdo with her friend Aylissa (on the right)

Lydia was a star in Seussical Junior at her school

Happy 6th birthday Lydia

Happy Birthday Barbara

2009-04-21T05:00:00.000-07:00

Always a snappy dresser
Pre American Idol / Dancing with the Stars training
The perfect grandma ( missing Jacob and Jett)
Hope you have a lovely birthday - you are loved by many

Utah Highlights

2009-04-14T22:26:00.000-07:00

Wish I could play the organ like my dad.

2009-04-14T21:39:00.000-07:00

My sister Polly's birthday was the day I went to Utah. We celebrated a few day's later at Mom and Dads, enjoyed watching conference together and had a nice time together.

Cameron gave an outstanding school report on Kansas. I learned lots. Cameron is a great kid who I love taking to lunch.

Seeing Jack in his kindergarten class was fun for this kindergarten teacher. Jack is a very smart boy who has excellent writing and reading skills for a six year old!

It was great to be at mom and dads even if it was only for a few days. Wish it could have been longer.

The conference center is such a beautiful building where you can feel the close to God through the speakers and the music.

It was wonderful to attend conference with Melissa and Kaitlyn.

Happy Birthday Melisa

2009-03-31T20:36:00.001-07:00

Happy birthday to a special daughter -in -law.

Hope you had a very special day with your family.

You are a great addition to our family

It is great to be TWO!

2009-03-28T13:13:00.000-07:00

For a whole TWO years,
JACOB
has been such a fun addition to our family.
He has a strong ball throwing arm, he can
dance, he likes to snuggle with grandma AND
he is grandpa's wrestling buddy.

"Come on everybody let's LIMBO" -- Jakie is TWO!

Happy Birthday to YOU!

Your how OLD!!!

2009-03-22T09:40:00.000-07:00

He came into our lives with a twinkle in his eye! Thanks to Kathy!!

He is the father of our first grandchild!

And two more delightful grandsons! Happy Birthday To Our Chris!

"Will they still need me will they still love me when I'm --- ---?" Said the Beatles

2009-03-20T07:40:00.000-07:00

"Look out world - full speed ahead," he said.

A really good day - our engagement day! (almost 40 years ago)

Our children have continued to make birthdays extra special.

And all of our grandchildren make our life lots of fun and they keep us young.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY WONDERFUL HUSBAND AND AN ALL AROUND GREAT GUY!

Happy Birthday JW

2009-03-11T20:31:00.001-07:00

Children's Friend Preschool picture

Always having fun!

Age 14 @ the temple with Matt and Steph

A handsome young man.

Attentive father.
We are very proud of our son and wish him a very happy birthday.

Happy Birthday Quinn

2009-02-25T18:22:00.000-08:00

Quinn: (at Hut's hamburgers - Austin Texas)

"I'll have your double beef burger - chocolate malt - large order of fries." My birthay is next week and I'm celebrating.

Cute times 2

Quinn: when you could easily hold him

Happy #2 Quinn!!!!!

We love Austin, Texas for many reasons.

2009-02-20T09:43:00.000-08:00

Visiting the Alamo and finding out that there was a Robert McKinney who fought in the battle there.

Calling all MCKINNEY men!
Quinn, Jett and Amelia stole our hearts! We wish they lived closer.

Downtown Austin is fun to visit. Texans have the star of Texas everywhere and on everything.

It was a challenge to get Quinn and Amelia together for a photo - busy busy two year olds.

Jama (pregnant due in July) Matt and Quinn

Josh, Jett, Amelia and Melissa - thank you for letting us hang out with ya all.

Happy Birthday - Jack

2009-02-15T00:00:00.000-08:00

Don't kick sand in this boys face!!!!
Concentration is the key word here.

Happy 6th Birthday to our "happy-go-lucky" grand son
(Ho! Ho! Ho!)

Tagged by Melisa

2009-02-09T20:39:00.000-08:00

There were only six pictures in our 6th folder and this was the last one. The other five were of individual families at the 2007 reunion in Cannon Beach. Good memories, however this picture is out of date. Missing Jett and Matt and Jama are expecting their second.

Happy Birthday to two born on two.two.ninety-nine

2009-02-01T21:26:00.000-08:00

Remembering their exciting birth
Best buddies
Still inseperable and full of fun

Happy Birthday Stephanie

2009-01-29T21:19:00.000-08:00

Even at dinner time, you had to dress warm in Washington. Oh!, to have dark hair again!
Our little cupid doll
Steph and the family airloom ( the red wig)

Steph always enjoyed serving her brother and his friends at Trotters.

Birthday wishes to our lovely 2nd daughter

Happy Birthday Melissa

2009-01-13T20:58:00.000-08:00

4 months
"High School Musical"

Blushing bride

We are proud of our talented and beautiful first born

Monday on Lake Tapps

2008-12-22T12:31:00.000-08:00

On today's walk we saw several white trumpeter swans on Lake Tapps. Also notice the Great Blue Heron as it flys by. (at the end of the video)

Announcing

2008-12-22T11:46:00.000-08:00

Eleven

This is our new favorite number! Quinn is going to be a big brother. Matt and Jama announced they will become parents again, in July, and bless us with our eleventh grandchild. This news was a great Christmas gift.
link on to Matt and Jama for more info.

"Evergreen State" is now White

2008-12-22T10:28:00.000-08:00

It is very unusual to have snow for so long. It just keeps getting deeper and deeper. Unfortunatly there is no school, work, church, parties... when it snows here, everything stops! Bob and I have enjoyed long walks in the snow, reading, baking and watching movies.

Our neighbors palm tree's, decorated with Christmas balls, looked funny covered with SNOW!

Our spectacular very white view from all of our back windows.

14 years of grandchildren

2008-12-21T10:10:00.001-08:00

Then ( a big bazzooooma )
later (3 years)

now
Happy Birthday to our beautiful / oldest grandchild

Christmas in the Northwest

2008-12-19T13:18:00.001-08:00

The first of about 6"-7" of snow. Yes - no school / a snow day

and no workday - the "stang" doesn't like when there's ice on the road

"Little Bear's First Christmas"

2008-12-18T10:47:00.000-08:00

On Dec. 16th, our school's four kindergarten classes (100 kiddos) put on this evening Christmas program. It was just as we hoped it would be --- PERFECT (kindergarten style)! Having Lydia as one of the kindergartners was especially fun for me. She was the STAR! What a special memory she and I now share.

HOLIDAY FUN

2008-12-07T20:25:00.000-08:00

Tacoma's "Festival of Trees" was amazing. We were inspired to come home and add spikes to the top of our tree. (No, this photo isn't our tree) Bob liked the tree where you got a sporty Lexis if you won the bid on that tree. (No, we didn't bid) Each display was over the top!

2008-12-07T20:19:00.000-08:00

Bob with his High Priest singing and Kazoo playing group really "WOWed" the ward! It was a great Christmas party.

2008-12-07T20:07:00.000-08:00

Bravo!!! Mason and Santa (Landon) on another great recital.

Thanksgiving 2008

2008-11-29T21:33:00.001-08:00

In Seattle for the Thanksgiving weekend.

Had a great time

Lydia and Jacob celebrate Thanksgiving

2008-11-29T21:24:00.000-08:00

Pilgrims

Dancing with Elmo

Thanksgiving Weekend

2008-11-29T20:33:00.000-08:00

Zeke, Stephanie and their family joined us for a thanksgiving feast

(it wasn't the traditional turkey)
Friday was the annual Seattle Christmas Parade. It was a great childrens parade with lots of floats, candy, and marching bands

Back from the loss in Dallas, the "Seahawk" still was in a joyfull, friendly mood

Santa arrived through surrounded by snow flakes

On Saturday we did the Seattle Kids marithon. Friends of Steph's and members of our ward ( the Biddulph's) joined us this year. Landon was kind enough to run with grandpa so he wouldn't be get lost. Thanks Landon. Grandma made sure Jacob was at the finish line when everyone came across.

Thanksgiving Morning

2008-11-27T11:03:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving from Lake Tapps Washington

(our view when we woke this morning)

Remembering Veterans

2008-11-09T20:54:00.000-08:00

US Army, 1970 Washington DC

SPC 4 McKinney

Landon and Mason Singing in a 4th grade Veteran's Day program

Their cub scout den did the color guard ceremony for the program

We went to the Veteran's Day Parade downtown Main Street in Auburn on Saturday

It's one of the largest Veteran's Day parades in the West. Even the Govenor of Washington showed up (She grew up in Auburn)

This is for Granpa Nielsen - who was in the Navy.

There were a group of "swabbies" that marched down the street in their dress blues.

Aaaa loha from Maui

2008-11-02T22:13:00.000-08:00

Enjoyed the dancers and food at a luau
Pretty flowers were everywhere

Hula dancers were fun to watch

Beautiful sunsets on the beach every night

Paradise fun

2008-11-02T22:04:00.000-08:00

Grandpa - hanging ten

Can you see the sea turtle? and we still have a Washington tan!!!!!

Ioa Valley and the needle

Maui adventures

2008-11-02T21:47:00.000-08:00

Learning to open coconuts

We took the road to Hana with its 600+ switchback curves and 52 one lane bridges.

Views like this were everywhere.

Celebrated our arrival by jumping from cliffs into fresh water pools next to the ocean

Pre - Halloween Festivities

2008-10-20T21:37:00.000-07:00

Halloween came early this year since we will be gone on that night. Grandma had Landon, Lydia, and Mason make some witches brew, blood, frog eyes and brains and added some magic ice. She also made a scary cake which tasted really good.

A good time was had by all.

Other Joyful Moments

2008-09-29T20:04:00.000-07:00

Generations times 3

A visit to the zoo

2008-09-29T19:55:00.000-07:00

Big Sister Amelia was a delight to be with

2008-09-29T19:51:00.000-07:00

Blessing Clothes

2008-09-29T19:47:00.001-07:00

Jett Joshua McKinney's big day

2008-09-29T19:41:00.000-07:00

Two teachers, grandma, and Lydia

2008-09-05T20:51:00.000-07:00

School is now in session

2008-09-05T20:47:00.000-07:00

Kindergarden Teacher and 3 Lakeland Hills' Students

It doesn't get any better

2008-08-25T21:15:00.000-07:00

Row, row, row, your boat .....

Lake Tapps is a beautiful place to live with lots to do in the summer.

2008-08-25T20:30:00.000-07:00

Everyday this summer was spectacular here on Tapps Island. Our family lived at the pool and lake.

This summer was all about being with family for Bob and Me.

2008-08-25T20:25:00.000-07:00

We were so glad that each of our kids and their families could come home this summer to visit.

Missing first tooth

2008-08-25T20:19:00.000-07:00

O..oh look in Lydia's mouth and what do you see? A great big hole where a tooth used to be! Well she wiggled it and jiggled it untill it wiggled free now there is a window when she smiles at me.

Summer Birthday

2008-08-25T20:08:00.000-07:00

Zeke's birthday was nice - we are so glad they live near and we can enjoy special occasions together.

A visit by Quinn

2008-08-25T20:05:00.000-07:00

Quinn loves cars and even found one that looks like his Moms car when he was at our home.