Braden Family Raft Trip

This summer we went on a two day raft trip on the American River. It was really fun and we'll have some great memories of this trip!

Lori

Mass Transit circa 1910

The man on the right is Carl Gibbs. He was a Conductor on the Inter-Urban, a trolley that ran from Richmond, IN to Indianapolis, IN. The trolley is behind the two men.

Since Carl and Lula were married in 1907 I'm guessing this picture was taken around 100 years ago.

Jaye

SPRING AT LAST

Lori's earlier post showed the whole central valley was in bloom by the first week of March. Indiana is not California. Our weeping cherry tree is the harbinger of Spring around our house in Indiana. This picture was taken yesterday and the bloom is only a couple days old.

Another, less pleasant, Springtime phenomenon is a Cold. Connie has one now. I suppose I'm next.

I've also started my bicycle riding. I did two 18-milers last week. This week I did one 18-miler and one 26-miler (against the wind!).

Jaye

LADIES MAN

Being the handsome brother includes certain burdens—such as attending girls' birthday parties. Notice the expression on Ron's face. Does he look like a deer caught in headlights?

Another interesting feature of most of these old pictures is the sober expressions. Subjects were obviously not told to "smile for the camera". Actually, I think more interesting photos were the result.

Jaye Gibbs

LOVEABLE BABIES

Well, most of you are ready to move on to the next generation (next after those who are the subject of most pictures in previous posts). So here come the baby pix.

The baby picture on top is Ron. The original has the date "4-19" in pencil on the backside. So, I believe this was taken when Ron was four months old. He was always the handsome one.

The picture at the bottom is Jaye, of course. I was always distinguishable by my prominent ears. I took a lot of kidding for that. But it evidently didn't keep me from being happy. I understand Barack Obama is sesitive about his large ears, too. He gets a "pass" for that, but it never worked for me.

Daniel James Braden

This picture was taken just a few weeks ago at Dodge Ridge Ski Resort @ Pincrest, Ca. Though not yet Daniel's favorite sport, he is getting better at it. Daniel and Mom like to ski on the same slopes together...nothing too hard!
Daniel is 14 years old now and almost done with his freshman year of HS at Turlock Christian HS. He really likes school and has earned 4.0 during the first semester. His favorite class is Bible where they are learning about Old Testament characters. He has easily made a lot of new and very good friends at TC.
One of the things he loves to do most is airsofting. In case you are not familiar with this "sport," it is played with rifles and pistols that have a plastic bb's. He hosts most of the "parties" at our house! If anyone hears of a college scholarship in airsofting, please let Daniel know!
He is a great big brother to Eli. He took up where Nick left off after moving away to college and Daniel takes great, loving (sometimes fighting) care of "Little Bro." They have some really fun times together as Daniel is not too grown up yet to be a great playmate.
Daniel has got a great sense of humor! He keeps us laughing all the time with how quickly he comes up with a memorable one-liner. It would not be a complete posting about Daniel without giving you a few of his sayings. They will give a glimpse of his silly side!

I'll do it! This is used whenever he is asked to do anything around the home. Using his military tone, of course.
Lets do this thang! Used often to encourage his little brother to go do something he's been told to do.
Do it Lad! Used to encourage little bro to get up and do what he's been told by the parents.
Kids these days. Should be said under your breath whenever little bro is acting up.
Shebagnii! This is used whenever something amazing has happened.
Good Nations! Use this whenever something happens unexpectedly.
Great Gallader! Same as above
Good Gravy! Same as above
Arriba Derchi! This is when you rapidly enter a room as in "hello!"
Her name was mom...Used whenever Mom enters a room or you enter the room mom is in. Done in a RAP tone and is used to give honor to his mom.
What's this nonsense? Use this often when someone is telling you something.
Fart snacker! Annoying names for little bro.
Bad twerp! Same as above
You Lelly Liver! Same as above. Use mean tone.
I see how it is. Use this when you are being "educated" about something.

That's just a small sampling of his many sayings! There are many more. We've been keeping a list! He's a fun guy to have around!

Over-and-out!

Lori