California Trip

July 2009


We had a lot of fun just visiting Gary's parents and going to the beach. Lizzy Day came with us and kept us entertained. We did catch her talking on the phone to her soon-to-be hubby, but she wasn't too distracted, which was nice.



I loved the picture of Ty and Scotty in the wave. They have more fun playing in the sand now than they did when they were little! It's much more elaborate.
Evie taught Rach how to boogie board. She got a little braver and got pretty good at it.

We have a tradition of having a bonfire on the beach. Karen makes an awesome potato/hamburger/sausage casserole and we cook corn-on-the-cob in ocean water (with husks on). Then we make S'mores. It's a lot of fun!!!

Happy Birthday, Josh!!!

April 26, 2009

Look at the little Josh! He looks so young. These were taken shortly after his return from his mission (except the wedding pictures).

Look at him now! We've got a 3 generation! I love the wind-blown picture as it reminds me of a picture Dean has of my dad. Doesn't he look like a happy father?

I hope you had a great birthday, Josh! I can't believe you're 28 years old! How did that happen? I sure love you and consider myself lucky that I was chosen to be your mom! I love you, Cheeky!

Salt Lake City Marathon and 5K

April 18, 2009
Last Saturday, Jake ran the 5K in Salt Lake City. While they were there, they ran into Dean and Kiana. She ran it as well.

Also that day, I ran the marathon with Ellen and our friend Patty. This was Patty's first, so we did it together. Even though she had a lot of pain in her knee, she was able to finish!!! Manda, Ty and Rach joined us for the finish.

We appreciated those who came to support us and cheer us on. Ellen's family included Larry, Kira and Jeremy, Whit and Aubrey. Mom was there with Gary and the kids. Tami and Brandon came as well since Tami had been planning to run. It was nice to see everyone.

Dinosaur Museum

Gary took Ty and Rach, Chandler and Kenadi to the Dinosaur Museum at Thanksgiving Point. There is so much to do there that they always have a great time.The area with the sand and water was their favorite spot! It shows them how sand and water (the elements) have covered the dinosaurs up over time. Plastic dinosaurs and trees are used to show how they can get buried.

There are puppets, dinosaur toys, puzzles, computer games and books to help with learning more about dinosaurs for little kids.

The top pictures show the dinosaur they built and the bottom pictures show the area where they uncover dinosaur bones in the sand. It's a great place to take kids of all ages. I even learn things each time I go!

Chandler's 5th Birthday

April 15, 2009

Happy Birthday, Chandler!

Chan had his 5th birthday. I have so many pictures that it took me a whole week to choose what to post. I have great memories of being there when he was born. It was hard for Stacie to leave him under the lights for his jaundice.

He had plenty of people to hold and spoil him. Manda babysat him for Stacie. He had his blessing on the same day that Shaun had his mission "Farewell."

I have loved the times they came on vacation with us. I love the way he used to smile at the camera. He looked like he was in pain, but it was so cute that we had him do it all the time.

He has been present through the years for Easter Egg Hunts, 4th of July races, and many other events.

He has grown so fast and it's hard to believe that he'll be going to Kindergarten next fall. (Notice the picture of Rhyder grabbing Chan's hair. Very typical.

We sure love you, Chan, and hope you felt very special on your birthday. We're very proud of you for the good brother you are to Rhyder and helper you are to your parents. Happy Birthday!!!

St. George Trip

April 6, 7, and 8th
Since Ty and Rach were off track, we decided to go get some real sun with Lisa and Isa and Stacie, Chan and Rhyder. Kimberlee decided that having a baby so recently was a good reason, but we were bummed that she couldn't come this year since we had so much fun last year. Next year I hope to have all of them.

We stopped at Krispy Kreme Donuts on the way. Look how those kids sport their bakery hats. Ty gave Chan an early birthday present so they're sporting them as well. They have matching Boba Fett shirts. The Budget Inn in St. George was awesome for kids. They had both an indoor and outdoor play area as well as indoor and outdoor swimming pools! They had so much fun! They even had free wireless Internet to boot!

On the way back from lunch, we discovered this water park for little kids. It was perfect for entertaining this group! Isabelle even had a good time.

We loved having enough sun to actually hang out by the pool for hours. I got a good sunburn, but everyone else was smart enough to wear sunscreen. Isn't it too early in the season to sunburn...? Oh well, I loved every minute of it!

It was such fun this year that I can hardly wait for next year! It'll even be more fun with Isabelle being that much older, and to have Stacie and Rhyder with us instead of napping! It was much needed rest for them!

More Birthdays!

April 7th and 15th, 2009
April is a busy birthday month! Bobby's birthday was on the 7th, and Des celebrates hers tomorrow. I don't have many pictures of you guys, so this is the best I could do, but watch out for next year! Happy Birthday!

April 6, 2009

We want to wish David a Happy Birthday.