Help Graden Help the Kids of St. Jude!

Dear Friends & Family,

I am participating in the 12^th Annual Dick Hiley/St. Jude Bass Classic to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital on May 1-2 in Wabasha, MN. I am contacting you to ask for your support of my participation in this cause to raise much-needed funds for St. Jude.

St. Jude is the single largest center in the US for the research and treatment of childhood catastrophic diseases. When St. Jude first opened in 1962, a child with leukemia had virtually no chance for survival. Today, thanks to the research at St. Jude over 94% of children with the most common form of leukemia, (ALL) will survive. St. Jude has treated children from all 50 states and from around the world. No child is ever turned away because of a family’s inability to pay for the lifesaving care of St. Jude, which is why fundraising efforts like the Dick Hiley/St. Jude Bass Classic are vital to the success of the hospital.

This fishing tournament is by far the most inspirational and unique event I participate in throughout the year and offers inspiration to all participating anglers. The hospital is working against the clock to save the lives of these children but need our help to make it happen.

If you would like to contribute to this great cause please visit www.mystjudeevent.org/gradenh.

Please call with any questions and thank you in advance for your support!

For the kids,

Graden Hansen

Metal Mouth: One Down .... One to Go ...

After just over a year, Dayne had her braces removed this afternoon! She will have them off (but wear a retainer at all times) for about a year, then will get braces on again. Weird as it sounds, I guess that teeth move quicker and easier when they are younger so they did some of the work now so it won't take as long next time.

She looks so much older now! Very pretty little girl!

Boys & Girls only weekend

This past weekend Graden and Hunter went to Stockton Lake for the weekend while Dayne and I had the house to ourselves! We enjoyed "Girl" time while they enjoyed "Man" time! We went to see the new Miley Cyrus movie, "The Last Song" and they caught fish!

Christmas In March!

Traditionally we celebrate Christmas with Dad & Susan in mid-January, but this year time just got away from us and before we knew it, it was March!

Dad & Susan arrived early Friday afternoon - Hunter's "new" truck in tow! - and we enjoyed the afternoon running errands trying to get the truck inspected & registered, etc. (unsuccessfully, I will add!). We made plans to "do" Christmas that evening and do some more shopping Saturday - Cabela's, The Plaza, etc. Lots of running around, but always a pleasure just to spend time with Dad & Susan!





Interesting fact about Kansas City and Fountains: Only Rome has more fountains than Kansas City! They are everywhere; and they are very pretty! There are over 250 in the area! If you are ever in the Kansas City area, check it out! Here is a lis of many of the fountains in the area: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_fountains_in_the_Kansas_City_Metropolitan_Area

The fountain featured in these pictures is the Pomona Fountain.

The Loss of A Friend

Sadly, Donna's best friend, Liz, passed away this past weekend. Liz and Donna had been friends for over 30 years and went through a lot of good times, and not-so-good times together.

Liz (AKA Mimi Liz) will be missed by your many friends!

Dayne, Kylie, TJ, Hunter

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On a positive note, any time we spend in town, we like to be able to get together with our friends! I was so happy that Chris & Jen were able to drive to Waterloo to visit us and join us, and the Benhams, for dinner and beverages!

We spent a lot of time visiting Dad & Susan while in Waterloo. It was really nice to see them again, so soon! They had just been to Lee's Summit for the weekend a few weeks ago (we were a bit late having Christmas!). Susan and I even spent some time bonding while "Sweatin' to the Oldies!"

Dayne's 5th Grade Photos

Fall Picture (start of 5th grade):

Spring Picture (mid year photo):

Watch Out Lee's Summit Road Patrons!

Hunter got his driver's license a few weeks ago and this past weekend Papa & Susan visited and were so kind as to deliver his truck (we bought it from a friend in Waterloo who owns a car dealership)!

While Hunter is an "okay" driver, it still frightens me to think of him driving all by himself ... without me there to boss him around! I have to remind myself that I wasn't *always* a perfect driver, right!? : )

It will be nice that Hunter is able to take himself to school on days he needs to go early ... or go to a friend's house and, eventually, take Dayne to a friends house!