Wheaton, Illinois Sunset

We have some beautiful sunsets here in Illinois too. We just have to put up with the darn telephone poles and street lights!

Florida Bound

We are headed for Florida soon to visit the Estes clan down there. This is a picture from last year when Ruth Estes, Kim's mom celebrated her 80th birthday. We are looking forward to spending some time down there soon. The picture on top is of Mother Estes and her children: Kim, Christie, Johannah, and Steve. So glad for your life "Mom"

January Morning

It has been unseasonably warm here, so there has not been any snow for awhile. This morning we awoke to this beautiful sight out our back window.

The snow brought all the birds to the feeder for food since the snow now covers all their food sources. Welcome!
Mr Cardinal

Mr. Nuthatch takes his turn. Kim got me started feeding the birds and now I have taken it over. Jeff and I seem to share the same passion. He counted 65 birds in his back yard last week and named 12 different varieties. And he lives in Tennessee where it doesn't even get cold!

Showalter Reunion at Deer Run Camp and Resort

Welcome to Deer Run Camp and Resort where we would like to have the 1st annual Showalter Reunion. This is the main building with 7-8 bedrooms and complete kitchen, dining and activity areas. Each bedroom has it's own bathroom.

The house has a complete kitchen and dining area. This shows part of the kitchen. The rest is around the corner to the right as you can see below.

The other end of the kitchen has this and other tables to eat indoors if we decide to have some meals in the house.

The main house has lots of rooms for reading or talking and as you can see below, all kinds of activities.

Lots of rooms for gathering and chatting or playing games. The deer head is for you Greg. We just want you to feel at home.

Out the bedroom windows is nothing but trees. By July we are counting on green instead of bare trees.

Deer Run Camp and Resort Continued

It was tough to see the bedrooms and bathrooms as there were some people staying there while we were taking the tour. But you can see it is pretty plush.

This is in the "Treetops" bedroom as it is on the top floor. If you go over to where everyone is looking down you can look right into the kitchen 2 floors below.

The back porch is a wrap-a-round porch that we could use for eating or just sitting out to play games.

Dena, the ogranizer, talks to the camp director to make sure everyone has a place to stay. This is Dena and Jeff's second trip to tour the grounds to make sure this is not just a reunion, but a great family vacation.

Down behind the house is the camping area and lake. This building is the shower/washroom/and eating lodge.(brand new!) The gentleman who manages the camp is also the builder and he is doing a good job of creating a rustic feel. He is also going to build a grilling area, so we can do outdoor cooking. There is a complete kitchen in this building as well.
There are five miles of biking and hiking trails, so there are places to be as active or as relaxed as you want to be.

Across the creek from the lodge is a campsite if you want to sleep in tents with your kids or build a fire in the fire pit and make smores.

This is the fun part. A lake to go swiming, canoeing, fishing, and a cable line to swing out over the lake and take the plunge! I believe the lake is stocked with fish and it is spring feed. Burrr!

It will be beautiful setting to be together as a family and Dena is planning a fun excursion to Nashville on top of this, so please try to make it this summer, July 1-5. Check-in will be 3:00pm Saturday the 1st, and checkout by noon on the 5th.

Ya'll Come!

Meet the Martin Animal Shelter

Meet Summer

and Magic

and Holly, who spends most of her time trying to play with the bird in Dena's office. Jeff gets the frogs!

Spencer and Joshua

Spencer gave us few concerts, but spends alot of time in his room. I think his family calls him "The Mole in the Hole" Great job on the piano Spence!


Aside from giving us concerts, Spencer helped me set up my iPOD that I received for Christmas!

Josh stretching for "Fight Night"! Spencer is into Ta Kwon Do. That's not how you spell it but you know what I mean. They hit each other alot and someday will break huge boards over their heads!

Josh in action

Martin Family Activity

Jeff is suffering from cauliflour ear and it's not from wrestling.
This is where you will find Dena, when she is not in the car driving somewhere. You can see that she has company.

Visiting The Martins in Spring Hill Tenn.

We took a quick flight down to visit the Martins over the weekend. It feels like the Nashville area agrees with them. Don't be surprised if Jeff is the mayor of Spring Hill in a few years!



Jeff is the leader of their subdivision and on the Planning Commission for his city so he is on the way.



As you can see Spencer has surpassed his parents in height and Josh is well on his way. I will post some pictures of their activities later. Stay tuned!

The Showalter Family Christmas 2005. Scooter and Jo Hill with their three children Zeke 6, Eli 4, and Abigail 3 months. Paul and Allison married 1 1/2 years, and Grandpa and Grandma Showalter

Zeke and Eli actually like their new sister! 

Abigail Ruth Hill

This is our new grandaughter born October 21st 2005. The "Princess" has arrived!