The view from the porch of the house our kids rented for Dad's birthday weekend. What a wonderful birthday gift -- three days of family fun away from the hubbub of Atlanta (... and television!) I cannot remember a better birthday gift. Thanks to John, Sharon, James, Gretchen, Julie, and Daniel for making it happen!!

John and Grandma Jan enjoy one of the more strenuous activities of the weekend.

Ian introduces Dan to his Thomas the Train collection. By the end of the weekend we knew most of the trains by name.

Andrew helps James up the hill.

And then helps GrandPa.

Gramma Jan, Gretchen, Andrew, and James begin the return trek.

Ian and Chace work on cleaning up the hot tub.

Sharon, John, and Julie wind down the afternoon's activities with round of Scrabble.

Abby kept in touch with her friends through her iPod.

John relaxing ater a tough day.

A wonderful birthday dinner ...

... followed by recollections of good family memories.

... and a marvelous birthday cake.

Mom and I felt like technological cretins in the midst of all the iPads, iPhones, and iPods.

But Andrew and Ian like us anyway.

Baby 3 kicked Andrew off Mom's lap.

Packing up on the last day of the trip. Thanks again for a marvelous time!!