Gifts

Our fabulous children gathered photos from our family's past 50 years and Becky,(our Number 6), put it all together in a wonderful 35 minute video.  It is amazing to see that what started with just two people has become this terrific family of 41.
   She also put together a book of messages from dear friends and family,  Thanks so much to those who contributed.  It has been just a delightful walk through memories and dear people in our lives.

We consider our children our greatest gifts from Heaven and we are so grateful for their good lives.

They have fabulous spouses which add so much to the family...

and of course our grandchildren are wonderful

Golden Wedding

Aspen Grove is a wonderful family camp up Provo Canyon, begun by BYU Alumni many years ago.  It is now a terrific place for family reunions and staffed with darling BYU students.  Our whole family spent a week there to celeberate our golden wedding.

There were activities for each age group, including care for the babies and toddlers.  So the siblings could spend time together and then connect wth their individual families at meals and nights.  Lots of fun whole family activities as well.

 High Adventure ropes course, frisbee golf, laser tag, swimming, archery were just a few of the things to do.

 Not worryng about meals was one of the best parts.  And the food was excellent.  It was such a fun celebration.  Perfect for us.

Celebrating

We flew to Clovis (Fresno), California  for our grandson, Jake's baptism on July 1.  Jake was born on his dad's (Chris) birthday who was also baptized on the first of July.  Chris was born on his dad's birthday (Jim) so it was a major celebration for all three generations.

 Jake was lucky enough to have both sets of grandparents attend.

We drove this great car back in a transfer from brother to sister.  Celebration on both sides; there, getting the extra car out of the driveway and here getting a new car that runs.  We drove home the northern route past Sacramento, Lake Tahoe, and Reno.  The scenery was beautiful.  It was a great trip.

Celebrated the 4th of July with the family including a BBQ and fireworks.

Reconnecting

The last week we have had a great time reconnecting with friends from missions.

On Thursday, June 22, we met  in Jay and Linda Smith's beautiful backyard for dinner and visiting with missionaries and friends from the England MTC experience including, Stevens, Hansens, Pecks and Cooks from Chorley who are serving on Temple Square as one of the two missionary couples there.

 

 Sunday we drove to St. George for Trudy and Bob Larsen's  report in Sacrament Meeting.  It was so fun to get caught up with them as well as the Mordues and Manwarings. Good to get some recent news from Copenhagen.

In their home ward we ran into Roger and Valerie Millar.  We trained with Roger and Diane at Duke Medical Center.  Diane passed away several years ago.  But such good memories.  Valerie happens to be from Chorley, England and they were able to serve as President and Matron of the London South Mission recently.

   

Arizona Adventure

Heidi, a granddaughter, was baptized the 10th of June.  We drove to Tucson for the special occasion.  We've missed a few in the past, so it was fun to be part of it.

While there, we were able to attend the Tucson Temple Open House.  The temple is beautiful and unique and fits well with the desert area.

From Tuesday till Saturday we tended the kids while Becky and Matt went to Girls Camp. We had a great time and the kids were terrific and we survived.....

Spring Stars

We have spent several fun nights watching our grandchildren perform with Clayton Productions.  Thirty years ago I had all 7 of my children at the studio in various groups and now there are 9 of our grandchildren in various groups.  Eight are in groups that will be going on tour, Maggie is only 6.

 These 2 groups have four cousins going to Chicago together: Samantha, Sarah,  James and Josh.

 These following two groups are younger and  will go to San Francisco with three cousins; Thea, Topher and Sophia

The other cousin, Michael James, goes to Portland. His dad will be chaperoning, such a fun time. It has been a successful performing season for everyone.  It's like stepping back in time. I've loved it.

Memorial Day/Scandanavian Festival

I am having a hard time keeping on top of my life.....But I will try to hit some of the good stuff.

Memorial Day is a wonderful day to remember our ancestors and those who have died for our country.  We get to have fun as well as decorate graves when we go to Ephraim for that weekend.

 There was a parade,

 including Viking Families

 horses

 floats with their city royalty

 booths, craft desplays, story telling, house tours, music and lots of food.  And for added celebration, a grandniece's wedding in the Manti Temple.

It was a great weekend.