Ma and Pa Jeffs

2011-01-13T08:13:00.000-08:00

"Laziness is nothing more than the habit of resting before you get tired."

These pictures are more of RELAXATION, not laziness. Also, everyone's idea of relaxation are so different! I like watching others relax! And others like to relax while others keep busy. But mostly for me, relaxation is being with my family and having them enjoy each other.

2011-01-12T07:31:00.000-08:00

"IF THERE IS ANYTHING HALF SO MUCH FUN AS BEING ALIVE, I'D LIKE TO KNOW WHAT IT IS!"

LAKE POWELL

BIRTHDAYS

A DISNEYLAND SURPRISE

FIRST TRIP TO DISNEYLAND

SISTERS! A NEW FAMILY MEMBER

PRETENDING

BEING A KID

AGAIN

AND AGAIN

RIDING A BIKE

SOMEONE ELSE'S BIKE!

August 2010

2010-09-17T13:18:00.000-07:00

So Maybe I'm going to have to just blog once a month. So here is our August activities.

For our anniversary trip we went back to where we honeymooned; in the Uintahs. It was beautiful. I think we have found a favorite camping place. When I was younger my dad took me and my brothers here too for the week of the 24th of July. I took David to where we always camped. This is a miniature falls, that we called "Disney Falls". It's tiny and so perfect.

We got in a lot of 4 wheelin'. Such beautiful country and we had some gorgeous weather. Although we did get in rain storm.

This is the spot where my family camped. WOW! What a flood of emotion I felt. Memories are still happy and strong.

I took the big girls shopping for a couple of school outfits. Here they are posing for you all!

There was dinner and dancing at Leslie's. Jaxon and Emily were the stars!

On a visit to the cabin we saw this deer on our way down. What's really funny is Tyler and Christine are on the four wheelers, but they are on the trailer behind the truck!

We loved the Uintahs so much we invited family and friends to go again. It was even better! The kids loved the 4 wheelers. They didn't even have to be going.

Oh then there was fishing too. Kevin was so excited he couldn't wait to get his own fishing pole so he borrowed Kylee's Barbie pole.

And then there was the moose! Or should I say Meese. There were 3 big ones.

Ahh, baby Jordyn was a gem. She likes camping and so does her mommy when she is so very good.

AHHHH! What precious kids. They love being together.

Here are the kiddies sitting by the fireside that Kevin was bound and determined to have going, to the dismay of his brother in laws!!

Walking through the Fairy Forrest was a highlight for the kids. We are going to have to remember to add to it next year.

They really do like the four wheelers. And they are such good kids to wear their helmets.

We had a great summer. I am going to miss it, but there is this beautiful fall and winter coming, so get ready!

JULY 2010

2010-08-02T15:10:00.000-07:00

The month of July was very busy. We had birthdays and trips. It was so fun.

And . . . there is no rime to my reason when it comes to displaying the following pictures.

Happy Birthday to Leslie. Couldn't find a picture of the festivities, but here is a picture of her four sweet girlies!

Just got home from Lake Powell. It was a great trip, more relaxing than we've had in a long time, but tons of fun.

It definitely was a "kid" trip. We docked on a beach for them to have room to play.

Blake just chillin' in the boat.

Grandpa laid down for a few "z's", and Jaxon kissed him awake.

Getting the kids to get out of the water was not always a happy one. Look at Jaxon's face!

Here is Andrea "relaxing" in the water with 3 kids!!!

Kevin and Nicole got to really relax and enjoy the trip. They left Katelynn with Grandma Chamberlain in Richfield.

For the 24th we went to the Demolition Derby in Fairview. What a hoot. It was a ton of fun. Here are 22 cars going at each other.

And another Birthday. It was Katelynn's first birthday. Here are ALL the kids in their birthday hats!

We got to keep Katelynn for a late evening while Kevin and Nicole played. Guess I was more tired than I thought.

Having the kids over is always fun!

Blake and Katelynn like the baby bouncer more when they are too big for it than when they did fit in it.

So that's our July in a nutshell. OHHHH we went to Sun Valley Idaho for a few days inbetween all the other stuff.

Now for some Spain Pics!

2010-07-09T16:28:00.000-07:00

This is our 4th trip to Spain. I think sometimes we should go somewhere else, but when you love a place as much as we love Spain, it's hard to say no when an invitation is given to visit the place. Here are a few of my favorite pictures.

Our first evening in Spain was in Madrid. We stopped and enjoyed some 'tapas' in Playa Mayor. We had tortillas and squid (I didn't say enjoyed that one).

We went to the Temple and went through a session. They even did it in English for us. Out of 11 visitors, there were 8 of us who spoke English.

YEP! We even went to a Bullfight.

There's always time for a little craziness. Christine was imitating a toyota commercial.

Spain has everything! Can you believe it, windmills. The story says that this is a place Don Quixote visited.

Beautiful flowers in the alleys and all over.

Look at this bunch of blooms.

Tyler did almost anything to get a good picture! If I remember right he was trying to get a picture of a duck.

Here's David with his 'monkey' buddy when we visited the Rock of Gibraltar.

It still is so amazing to me that we were on the Rock of Gibraltar. It was not a stop we intended making. But we talked to some ladies at the Temple and they told us we shouldn't miss it.

We saw such beautiful places. This was taken from a bridge.

This picture is on the other side of the road and looking down.

Here are my traveling buddies. And this was our last day trip. We were pooped but not quite ready to go home.

From Easter to the 4th of July

2010-07-07T16:26:00.000-07:00

What a great time we have together as a FAMILY.

(And my pictures are put in backwards.)

Here is the Jeffs' fireworks display. Everyone gets involved. Firebugs!!

Even the Big B(lake) got in on the fun. Although he got a Big B(urn) when he touched the wrong end! So very sad when the little ones get an owie.

Blake wanted to help Tyler!

Happy Jayce at the Parade, with a hot little face of Emily beside her.

More happy faces with Jax and Kaja.

The adults liked the parade from the shaded areas.

Those of us in the sun tried to find some respite from the heat. Tyler got Emily to cool down his armpits.

Ahhhh! My babies all decked out for the 4th!

These two are always posing.

Jaxon was having a good ol' time with gramps at the Stadium of Fire.

Kevin and Nicole were able to enjoy the evening free of baby Katelynn who got to stay with Aunt Leslie and Jayce and Emily. We missed you!!!!

Tyler and Christine are always posing!!!

Kylee with her daddy.

Ha, ha! We snagged a pic of Paul with those very flattering glasses!

Tyler planned a bar b q up the canyon and everyone came. Here's Andrea and Paul's kids waiting, not so patiently for the food. It's not fun to forget the main ingredient for a successful bar b q, the matches to start the bar b q! Thanks to the guys with the cigarette lighter.

We tailgated from David's truck.

Jared patiently fishing with the girls and their Barbie and Dora fishing poles.

Emily shares her punch by spoon with Jax and Kaja.

Here's sweet, patient little Katelynn waiting to be fed her yummy baby food!

EASTER IN ST. GEORGE

2010-04-14T14:50:00.001-07:00

I've got the pictures from end to beginning. Oh well. You'll still enjoy them.

OK this Easter Sunday morning! YEP! we had great weather and you here at home had SNOW!

David's helping Kaja find eggs. Oh, I've got to tell a funny story. So here David is telling Kaja to roll her eggs down this little hill, and I mean LITTLE (this is so sarcastic). Kaja picks up an egg and chucks it a few feet right on the pavement! Oh what a great sound a smashing egg is!

Here are the kids with their stash. This is only a small part of it! Kaja needs to look a bit more excited.

I hope her basket is big enough.

Paul helps with the high places.

We went 4 wheeling on this great ride. Tyler had found several and gave us choices. This is the one we picked. Oh, Christine and David are pulling up the rear. See them way over on the other side?!

We saw all sorts of beautiful country. We even rode where the pioneers took their handcarts. It was treacherous. I was wishing I could have lent them my 4 wheeler.

Lovely picture of the riders. When we first picked this trip we were planning on a 34 mile trip. It ended up being 57 miles. It was so great!

And here we are at the end of the trip. We wore ol' grandpa out!

A DAY AT THE ZOO

2010-04-13T19:48:00.000-07:00

Leslie invited me to go with she and her girls to the zoo last week. We thought it was going to be a warm day; well warm - er ----BUT were we wrong. It was really pretty chilly! Oh well, we still had a great time.

Here's a little pose at the entrance.

There are lots of monkeys at the zoo! Wink - wink! Ha, ha that was supposed to be funny. The girls were very interested as you can see by their peering through the window.

Here's a fake elephant. He was very noisey and scared the girls. Kylee was the only one that would go near him, of course she had to have her mommy go with her, but she did it.

This is a great background with the giraffes! There were four of them. The girls were so amazed at how tall they are.

Emily was really good to stay on the 'leash' with Grandma. And don't you love the hat?! I made it a couple of years ago. She loves it and wears it everywhere. She even wore it to church on Sunday over her pretty hair that her mommy had curled.

Emily was my picture taking baby! No one else wanted to be in my pictures.

I was missing my MOM.

2010-04-06T16:35:00.000-07:00

For the last little while I've been thinking of my mom. It's been 11 years since she passed away and not a day goes by that I don't remember her. I called up the kids and invited those who could to join us at the cemetery. I wanted my grandkids to hear a little about my mom.

I took a picture of mom and dad to show the kids. I'm not sure they get it, but I think mom and dad would appreciate it.

Two of our grandkids are named after my parents. Kylee Maureen Keisel and Blake Larsen Hadlock. Mom and dad would be proud.

Emily stood still long enough for this picture and then she was off exploring and climbing.

Afterward we went to GLADE'S. That is one terrific hamburger joint. It was very cold.

Thanks kids for coming.

Fireside with Sister Dew

2010-03-17T15:48:00.000-07:00

Aren't we lucky! Here I am with my Stake Relief Society Presidency from BYU. We invited Sister Dew to come a couple of months ago and our night finally came and it was wonderful. What a great lady and what beautiful words of wisdom she gave our sweet sisters in our Stake.

Can you tell we had a lot of fun! We did.

Fall is way over and now Winter is almost gone.

2010-02-09T18:35:00.000-08:00

It's been a way long time since I have posted. Life's just crazy and some things get put on a back burner. So I just do what I can when I can. Especially being with the grandkids. Here are some pics of them at Grammy's house.

Blake has this new little face where he sucks in his lips and wants to be picked up!

Kaja loves to pose for the camera. She has a beautiful smile.

Leslie's girls are saying goodbye!

Here's little "Emmett", I mean Emily. She is one of a kind.

Kevin is feeding Katelynn, a pass time she really enjoys as you can see.

Tyler and David are taking a rest.

The Boys! Blake and Jaxon play very well together.

The Next Generation

2010-02-09T17:48:00.000-08:00

Skiing with the kids is always fun, but now it's skiing with the grandkids! And what fun it is! Seriously, I get to watch David teach them!

Here's Tyler and Christine and Leslie. It was a beautiful day and great snow (and easy runs!)

Here's Kaja with Grandpa in front coaxing her down! She was a great sport and did very well.

Kylee loved the skiing. She didn't want to stop.

"Hang on Leslie!" She's thinking this is a piece of cake. Yeah! Because David took Kylee!

Andrea brought her whole family. David skied with Jaxon down to the bottom to hang with Grammy!

This does not look easy! David is a good teacher and even better Grandpa!

Another cheesy smile, this time from Christine! This was her first time (with us). She's only been a couple of times before and that was when she was 10 years old, or somewhere around there. She did a great job. Tyler got her up on the ski lift and she was amazing.

Kylee didn't want to stop. Even after going up on the lift and not really enjoying the coming down at all, it was her idea to go back to the rope tow.

It was a great day.

Don't you love the FALL

2009-11-05T10:12:00.000-08:00

This is a tree in our backyard! I love it. We have had a great fall.

I love having the kids over. Here's Blake with big sis Kaja.

Here I am with Jaxon and Kaja.

Little Katelynn has now joined the fall parties.

Kylee and Jayce and Emily always have big smiles for the camera.

FAMILY FUN

2009-11-02T12:54:00.000-08:00

For General Conference we (who could) went to spend some quality time at the cabin. It was a ton of fun.

The kids are always on the floor playing.

See what I mean!

Some of us like the couch better. It's softer.

Blake is getting so big. He is a very happy guy!

But there's always school work to find that needs to be done.

Or of course there's always WORK to do!

But mostly we like to play and be with the babies.

Everybody loves Katelynn!

It's just great to lounge around.

Jaxon is now the older cousin.

Kaja really gets into coloring. She is very focused.

Tyler is either doing school work or writing in his journal.

Christine was a big help on the family calendars. She finished one for me.

Kevin gets 'down' with the guitar.

Andrea relaxed with some crossword puzzles.

Kevin got some down time with Katelynn.

What is Blake looking for!????

Happy, happy babies.

Grandpa gets to fix breakfast!

It was a lot of fun. We haven't done the cabin for a long time.

Four Wheeling

2009-10-31T13:31:00.000-07:00

David and I took Leslie and Jared four wheelin' near Mona. This was a trip that Jared 'bought' at the family Christmas auction. It was a real fun ride, and very pretty. We ran into some snow and it got very cold.

I always have to get a picture of the riders!

I think this is the picture with the deer! Maybe not. Now that I think about it I didn't think I had my camera with me so I used David's camera. This is just a picture of the snow.

And more snow. It really was a fun ride.

Katelynn's Blessing

2009-10-31T13:19:00.000-07:00

Our 7th grandchild was born on July 22nd and she is beautiful. Her parents are Kevin and Nicole. She was blessed on October 11th.

This is her blessing dress that I made. Nicole picked out all the material and pattern that she wanted and I went from there. It was fun to make.

Here is proud papa!

Here is the busy new mom!

This is Katelynn Alice.

Here is the new Jeffs' Family.

Silly Me

2009-10-29T10:56:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I didn't mention this before. But, while we were in San Diego we saw the broadway "Lion King"! So fun. We had front row seats. The costumes were fantastic and the singing and dancing were awesome. It was so much fun!

Beautiful San Diego

2009-10-29T06:54:00.000-07:00

David and I just went to San Diego. He had a seminar and I went to take it all in. AND I did. David was in meetings from 8 to 5 or 6. He got breaks and I would sometimes see him but we always met for lunch and that was good. There was a really cute village nearby and we would find some quaint place to have lunch and enjoy the warm weather and scenery.

This is our hotel. I walked for hours during the day and this was from one of the walks I took. I would love to have the view I had in San Diego every morning when I walk. It would make it so much easier!

There was a naval station nearby. This is the USS Midway. I think it's just a museum now. It even has a restaurant on the 'fantail'. It's awesome. Can you see the helicopters and the airplanes on top? This kind of stuff is a thrill for me.

This was a HUGE monument. So very cool. See what I mean about the views?

This is the pool at the hotel where we stayed. I got to enjoy a couple of hours by the pool and in the pool and reading and sleeping. Yes! I feel guilty David didn't have as much fun as I did.

This is a night shot of the marina that was just behind our hotel. Actually, it's part of the hotel business. I walked past it everyday. Our boat looks like a dingy in size to the boats in this marina!

Happy Halloween

2009-10-28T18:40:00.000-07:00

What about 'Crazy August"! Where did September and October go. I can't believe how behind I am in this blogging thing. As well as my house, my goals, my job, my friends. What have I been up to!!!!????

Here are all the grandkids! Yep 7 of 'em. We went to pick out pumpkins and had a fun time. We hit the weather right. It was beautiful on Monday!

Jaxon and Kaja were very ready to hike in the field and find a pumpkin. Kaja was worried about the littlest pumpkin that didn't get picked. So she was looking for 'little' pumpkins. Jaxon kept saying we needed the 4 Eelers! (4 Wheelers)

They really enjoy climbing on the hay and going through the maze. Kylee liked the real high ones that overlooked the pumpkin patch.

Here's all I could get of the kids by the pumpkin water tank. Kylee was very frustrated that the kids were hiding the jack'o'lantern's face.

Here again are all 7! I had them over for a little pre-Halloween party. They got new shirts and we had macaroni and cheese and hotdogs and chips. Their favorites. Of course there were cupcakes.

Katelynn didn't go for the pumpkin carving thing, but she came dressed up and was in good spirits so we could get cutting.

Jaycelynn was very good with the 'knife'. She didn't even mind pulling out the 'guts'!

Emily likes sitting in the baby chair when it isn't occupied.

Kylee's the cheeser when it comes to picture taking.

I love Halloween. I like the decorations and the excitement that little children bring to it. I'm not a real costume person, but I enjoy seeing the happiness in others doing it. Halloween also has a smell and taste for me that are so yummy. I love the autumn time and the colors and crisp cool air. I hope you all enjoy your Halloween.

CRAZY MONTH OF AUGUST

2009-09-02T07:45:00.001-07:00

So August has been so packed of activities! I'm exhausted.

I had some fun with the kids. We had a little swim party and popscicles after.

The kids really love getting together.

I don't know why chairs have to be in the water.

Say "CHEESE"!

I may have to hold on to this picture for Jaxon's future girl friends.

Look at 'Little Miss Blue Eyes'.

We went camping with our friends. It was a great trip, but another lonely one without out kids.

Camping with the trailer has got to be the best! (even if the furnace didn't work one night and it rained and we had a missing vent cover)

I'm not through yet with what went on in August. Stay tuned for more fun.

Flaming Gorge

2009-08-30T06:06:00.000-07:00

We have had one crazy August! David and I went with Jim and his family to Flaming Gorge. WOW! What a beautiful place. It was really hot though during the day, but the nights were just right. We split up doing meals, and MAN did we eat well. Everyone tried to do their best food.

We got in a little fishing and a little 'fun' boating and visiting. It was a great camping trip. I really missed MY family though. Better luck next time in scheduling.

It's hard to tell who this is? It's grandma. She and Deanna came along with David and me in our little fishing boat. It was really quite hot and so she covered up as to not get too much sun.

Ah, the ol' Santa. He's been sitting out on our back porch for some time now knowing it was his time to go. David put him in the back of the truck knowing this would be a good time to send him off. It was very sad. We had a few moments of silence and set the blaze. This ol' piece of wood served us well.

This is one of the fun time boating trips. Makayla really got in to it all.

We were able to enjoy a couple of good fire - sides. I love it. We had some great laughs.

As you can see everyone can join in with their stories.

There really is nothing like sitting around the campfire with family.

AND here's David helping out with the setting up of tents. Notice the beautiful background.

FUN AT THE CABIN

2009-07-29T08:43:00.000-07:00

We went to the cabin last weekend to have a little get a way. People came when they could. We missed Kevin and Nicole and Katelynn. Katelynn was born only a day before we left. David had the great idea to bring the slip N slide. It was just perfect to have on the hill. The "kids" all had fun. Even those of us who just watched from the sides and those of ME who took pictures.

Tyler tried hard to encourage Jaxon that it was a ton of fun. But, Jax hit down a couple of times and he did not like that.

Here is how they started it, because there wasn't quite enough water to make it real slippery. The pulled them with a rope.

This is how Jax did it. He would start and the top and run on the grass by the side of the slip N slide.

It took Jayce a couple of times watching before she got up the nerve. Her technique was unusual too. She laid down at the top and Leslie would push her down.

Leslie wasn't afraid of getting wet!

Kylee caught on very fast how the slip N slide worked. She pretty much put everyone to shame!

She was really good!

Yeah, I know the face looks like she's scared, but she truly loved it!

Here's grandpa! Why the arms are out? Don't know.

Emily was too little to do it herself, so she hopped on mom's lap and with a push, down they went.

Kylee, Kylee, Kylee. She made 'gravel' angels to get warm!

OK, now the big guns! Here's Paul on his first run down. He slapped so hard he lost his breath for a few minutes.

Don't know if I'd call Christine a 'big gun' but she certainly was a sport to give it a try!

Now Jared had to get in on it. On this run he kept going, and going, and going - - - right down to the weeds!

Christine tried again - all the way down, even getting her shirt wet!

Kaja sat back with her mom and me. She just recently had casts put on to help strengthen her leg muscles. She was a good sport too. Now the casts are off she's wanting to do the slip N slide.

Fun at Grandma and Grrandpa's

2009-07-15T19:17:00.000-07:00

Remember Sundays with your Grandma and Grandpa! Well, David and I are there! And we love it. It was the Sunday after the 4th and we were preparing for the best firework show ever!!

We had some cap guns my dad had given the boys years ago. He had several extra ones and gave them to David and me. So we pulled them out and let the kids have at them. They were a bit hard to work for the kiddies, but they were fun for awhile. We'll just hang on to them for another 6 years.

Jaxon would shoot at anything! And anywhere!

The kiddies took turns having rides on my scooter. Yes we consider Tyler and Christine - the kiddies. David pulls out the Ninja Turtle helmet for the passengers to wear, and Christine is so obedient!

Leslie handed out poppers! Now there's something the kiddies really like and can do!

Grandma and Grandpa Jeffs really enjoy watching the kids play and are so good to come.

Jaxon is patiently waiting his turn for the scooter ride. He gets right out in the road so they can't miss him.

Kylee and Kaja are always good for a "pose". They are so fun and love being together.

They are always wanting to be together and 'close'!

Jaycelyn is wanting to 'hang' with the big girls. She is getting older!

Well, just another Sunday at our place. Doesn't get much better than this!!!

The 4th of July, 2009

2009-07-13T16:15:00.000-07:00

We had a great 4th of July. David's always busy with the Kiwanis' breakfast. The rest of us (those who like parades) go to the spot Grandpa Dayle got up early for and saved so we all could enjoy the parade. He even put up a couple of gazebos for us.

The kiddies get a front row seat. They wave and clap and shout for everyone.

The girls were all decked out in the "fourth of july" attire. Aren't they cute?! A photographer from the paper came and took lots and lots of pictures, took the kid's names - AND we still didn't get in the paper. Oh well, their loss.

There was some serious parade watching going on . . . .

and some serious studying going on!! Kevin takes the Bar Exam in a couple of weeks and uses his time wisely!

Don't you agree this is the cutest picture ever! And to think we got passed by for the front page!

The girls like to have their picture taken and really hammmmm it up!

Say CHEESE! Kaja didn't get off the wall once, the whole parade long.

The best seats in the house!

It's been way too long since my last blog!

2009-07-11T15:23:00.000-07:00

Yes, it has! (That's for you Christine!)

We've been having some fun and I haven't been recording it for you all. So sorry.

As you can see here, Tyler can never miss any of the fun. David pulled this bike out of the shed. It was Tyler's old bike that we saved for when we have the grandkids come over. Tyler just had to see if he still 'has it'! And yes he does!

And here's Kylee following Tyler and taking the curbs like jumps. Her dad was a bit nervous because she would slow down just before she got to the curb. But, she made it.

I don't think jumping the curb for Tyler is quite like it used to be!!

And of course, Christine had to get in on the fun. And she did the curb first thing!

Tyler gives Christine a little encouragement (push) to help her feel secure1

Kylee really like the jump! Notice Christine stays on flat ground. Although, she did end up taking the jump!

Grandpa's helping Jayce with the two wheeler, but she's not quite sure!

Kylee is quite the athlete. She loves biking. In fact, Jared took her to get a new, bigger bike right after this.

Tyler thinks he's one of the kids! Well, he really is!

Jayce played it safe with the trike.

2009-06-17T20:17:00.000-07:00

Ok I need to make a correction to the Orem Summerfest entry on my blog. I have been humbly corrected that it was not 30 years ago, but more like 27 years ago. So sorry girls!

2009-06-17T13:58:00.000-07:00

Orem just finished celebrating it's Summerfest. Well here are two beauties who appeared in Orem's Summerfest parade 30 YES I said 30 years ago.

They are on this boat, back in the corner.

You can pick Andrea out in the corner in the white, Leslie is over one person in the middle of the back of the boat.

No one we know, or know that we know, just the firing of the canon. This is State Street and 400 South in Orem.

Compare Andrea to her boys

2009-06-17T13:44:00.000-07:00

Andrea has been told a lot that her Blake looks just like Jaxon. I thought I would add my 'two cents' and show you pictures of Andrea at a young age and see what you think.

Sorry girls, but this picture is way too cute and shows a great face on Andrea.

I couldn't find any real young shots of Andrea, this is as young as I could find.

Four wheelin' and campin'!

2009-06-10T10:16:00.000-07:00

It's so much fun to get out in the mountains and get away. It's kind of a bit of work to prepare and all, but oh so worth the trip. We went this weekend with good friends and family. It was a GREAT trip. I can't believe I didn't get a picture of the trailer and campsite.

David's always good for a picture moment. This was at the top of a kind of scary ride. There was so much water every where. In this climb we rode up a road with water coming down it. Kind of like a little stream. The views were spectacular.

SEE! I always have to get my flowers in. This picture really doesn't do justice for the pretty purple, yellow and white flowers.

It's always good to have a map. It's even better to agree on where to go?

Serious contemplation! These are the times we really miss Duane!
We see some really pretty sites. Can you believe this wall of white.

Can you read this sign? Notice where it's telling us the road goes. It really goes the direction David is headed and goes right up a rocky stream bed.

Here are the "WHEELERS". What fun we had with our good friends. We saw everything; pine trees, snow, waterfalls, streams, flowers, deer, snakes, etc. It was a great ride. We were gone for 8 hours and did 39 miles.

The kids arrived Friday night and this is at the beginning of Saturday's ride. Tyler and David checking out the little stream. Yes, the water was cold.

Kevin; always the 'goof'. He is fun to have along. Jared's picking him up on the way down.

Tyler doing a little log throw. I missed this picture.

The kids were throwing rocks at Kevin to get him off balance. Didn't work.

Here we all are. Left to right: Christine, Tyler, Kevin, Jared, Leslie and Denise. David had to take the picture. I wish I had taken a picture of this stream just to the left. We crossed it earlier. Probably 20 to 30 feet wide. Leslie did it twice for Jared could get her picture.

When looking for a place to "do my thing" we found this man made latrene. Didn't dare use it. In fact, didn't dare go anywhere near it. I went the other way.

And here's this little "man cave". We didn't get too close just took pictures.

Kevin and Jared had races through the mud puddles on the way home. I think Kevin got the worst of it.

We had a great trip and it just got us more excited to get out this summer.

2009-06-09T10:02:00.000-07:00

Andrea and the kids came over to spend some time with me. Here is sweet little "Blakers" just chillin' to his mom and sister playing Guitar Hero.

Kaja loves to join in on the fun.

Here's David taking a little rest on our way home from Lovelock Nev. Tyler and Christine were on their way home (a day early) from her sisters wedding reception in California. when their car broke down with only 3 hours out of town. David and I left home Monday night, went as far as Elko then met the kids in Lovelock where we picked up a car dolly and started our trek home. Ya know you would think the rental people would have helped us with the instructions and directions of hauling and loading the dolly, but nOOOOOO, this guy was not helpful and soooo very slow filling out the information on the computer. But, we met a real nice LDS guy who helped us with loading the car onto the dolly and made us smile. He was a funny guy! in several different ways. He gave Christine his nephew's name and told her to call and say Hi from his uncle and that was payment for his help.

Here's our ride. It was most interesting. Tyler and Christine did well. They were cheerful and had a great attitude.

Yard Work Has Begun, and will probably never end!

2009-05-31T12:18:00.000-07:00

Here is what keeps David and I busy on the weekends - YARD WORK. It's all really good, but it is work.

One of the big jobs is cleaning the pond after the winter season. Not a real fun job. Very stinky as a matter of fact. David usually does it by himself, but this year I got "dirty" and helped.

Here are our happy fish!

It's tough to see, but there are 3 goldfish. There are 2 darker fish, not sure where they came from. Seriously. They are hard to see and even find. But, every once in awhile I will see them darting in the pond.

The fountain is working. This means one of the pumps is working. It's always a good sign when it works on the first try. Probably cause I was there!

David is clearing out the other two smaller ponds of debris. And the big pump also worked on the first time! We are 2 for 2! Yeah, for us.

Little fisherman is happy! I also planted lots of flowers, notice the hanging baskets! Leslie planned a planting party where we went to the nursery and then went to her place to plant and then have some dinner together. Christine and I went early to the nursery and to buy plants with Leslie. Then David and Jared came later - for the food of course. Not exactly true. David helped Jared with the swingset.

Here are more of my flower planting. This is a little garden David made in the backyard just before Tyler and Christine's reception. It's always fun to plan it out and then plant it.

More planting, but this time some veggies. But first David made these planter boxes for me for Mother's Day. Our soil is not real great so this helped to get some decent topsoil in and plant some tomatoes and green peppers and beans for summer meals. (I hope!)

This is the second box with the same mixture of veggies. Love it!!!!

Our Last Graduate for 2009

2009-05-25T06:34:00.001-07:00

I am going to be bold and say, "That last the best of all the game." Here are my 3 reasons for saying so: 1). It only lasted 30 minutes; 2) There were only 10 graduates; 3) It produced the cutest graduate.

Kaja is taking it all in.
See what I mean - the cutest graduate! I really like the robe!

Way to go Kaja! You make this old Grandma proud. I love you.

THREE DOWN AND ONE TO GO

2009-05-20T09:16:00.000-07:00

Yes, another Graduate!!! What a couple of weeks.

Kevin David Jeffs graduated from Law School at the University of Utah. I thought the robes were very nice. They had some nice color to them that we haven't seen yet.

It wouldn't be Kevin if the picture didn't have a "GQ" pose.

Here's the little family. Nicole was a very big part of Kevin's schooling!

Oh, yes! There's always goofing off. Especially when you have 'props'! See what I mean about the colors! Cool, huh!

You can always count on David to get in on the fun.

We are so proud of Kevin and this great experience. He has worked hard and diligently. He is now taking a course to get him prepared for the Utah Bar Exam in July. Hang in there buddy!

St. George Fun

2009-05-13T11:00:00.001-07:00

We went to St. George last weekend. We had fun and did lots of stuff. I told myself it was not going to turn out to be a shopping weekend. I already bought the grandkids outfits at Wal Mart. I would not have found a better deal in St. George! We did go when the guys took off for a ride, but I didn't feel like it was something I had to do. It was just fun and easy. And it wasn't me buying!

The little ones brought their bikes and had a good time riding in the back.

I guess Jaxon riding a pink and purple bike is pretty embarrassing to his dad. Jaxon got a new GREEN bike for his birthday.

David and I took off early Friday morning for some four wheelin'. David asked me if I was going to take a jacket - since the temp. has been in the 90's, I said NO. Well, we got up to where the ride was and it was like 10 degrees cooler. Since we left early it was only 60 degrees and chilly so I wore David's jacket! We had such a good ride. I love being out on the bikes.

Baby Blake was our weekend centerpiece. Pretty dang cute, huh?

Friday when everyone arrived was the night for TICKET TO RIDE.

Saturday afternoon David and I and Tyler went on another 4 wheelin ride. We didn't go as far up as David and I had gone. It was a different ride, but still very fun - and this time much warmer.

On the road home! Tyler laid down almost as soon as the truck got rolling. This doesn't look too comfortable does it?

I love to get out with the family. We always miss those who didn't come terribly.

Mommy misses her big boy

2009-05-13T10:43:00.000-07:00

For the last couple of days I've had Jaxon with me. He tested positive for Influenza A on Monday. He's very contagious. So instead of risking baby Blake getting sick Jaxon has been with me. We would really hate for Blake to get sick. Andrea asked that I send some pictures out so she could she her big boy, Jaxon.

He's been really good. I never have had to deal with the throw up thing. He was a bit down on Monday, but he's acting like good ol' Jax and eating, as well as Jax can.

I think he finds it a bit boring with ol' grandma. He's eating me out of fruit snacks.

We had to go outside for a minute so I took this picture of him by my Mother's Day flowers from the boys.

Here's the boss! We went to St. George for the weekend. Jaxon didn't have his own helmet (David and I gave him one for his Birthday on Friday) so he wore this Ninja Turtle hat of my kids until the new one came.

Where's Jaxon?

"Hi Mommy! I love and miss you."

LOOK - ANOTHER GRADUATE

2009-05-05T16:13:00.000-07:00

It's been quite the busy couple of weeks for Tyler and Christine.

Christine graduated on May 1st from UVU's dental hygiene program. She was in a group of 14 other young ladies. Most of them, including Christine graduated with High Honors. We are so proud. Now comes the daunting task of finding a job. Some of us are wishing her well. She knows what I mean! See if she does find a job that means I have to go back to work, since she's doing my stuff at the office.

Tyler was quite embarrassed! He wouldn't let us take pictures in the front yard. Christine asked him to wear his robe and take a picture together for posterity.
We are very happy for these two and are proud of their accomplishments.

Our Graduate

2009-04-29T06:07:00.000-07:00

Can I believe it? YES! Our 'baby' graduated from BYU on April 25th, 2009 in Mechanical Engineering. Whew! What a great achievement TYLER. We are so proud of him.

He conquered the BEAST.

It's hard to do alone, but Tyler was never alone. He had the support of his loving wife, Christine. We are happy she was there to see him through.

It was a beautiful day for pictures. We got up early to beat the rush of candidates who will wait in line for pictures by these signs.

Good Luck Tyler. We appreciate your dedication and hard work. Congratulations.

(Too bad your schooling isn't completely over. Tyler returns to BYU in the fall for Law School.)

This Crazy Weather

2009-04-25T17:00:00.001-07:00

I just had to put in some pictures of this Crazy weather we have had over the last few weeks - days really. I meant to do it earlier this week, but my week's been Crazy tooooo.

Here is a snow storm we had on April 15th. 13 inched fell in Orem they say. It was so surprising to wake up to all the snow. It was so beautiful. David and I went out and took lots of pictures.

Look how thick. This is on a branch on our big tree in the back yard.

When the sun came out, the snow just twinkled.

This was before the sun came out. The snow was so wet and heavy.

My sweet little grand kids, Kaja and Kylee. They really wanted to go out and play, but neither one of them had the best of shoes on. Leslie took them to the store with her and they just HAD to walk in the snow.

OK so this was Sunday April 19th! The kids were over for Sunday dinner and we just had to go out and put up the slide and enjoy the sunny weather. We went from30' to 78' in 4 days! Oh, this is Emily walking around with Kaja's flip flops.

Here's Jayce at the bottom of the slide. She has the cutest giggle!

Jaxon needed help at first, but by the end of the fun he was doing it on his own!

Kaja broke the speed record. And she'd land with a jump and a thump.

Kylee kept going and going and going.

And these are my pretty flowers that made it through the winter storm.

There's nothing quite like Utah's changing weather. I hear we have snow in store for later today. I hope you find a happy, warm place.

OUR EASTER

2009-04-20T15:49:00.000-07:00

Okay, Okay and Okay, I'm late - very late. I just get busy . . . . Anyway, here are our Easter pics. We had a great time coloring and searching for the eggs. I had to boil additional eggs. Everyone was just so creative and had to try everything there just weren't enough for Grandpa.

Isn't it all a colorful site. I had about 4 different boxes of dyes. We had quite a lot of color.

Ah, ha! Kaja was successful. If you notice in the background - 'everyone' got in on the fun.

You never know where that silly bunny is going to hide eggs.

It was just plain fun to get out in the yard!

Looks like the kiddies got tuckered out! Yeah right!

Now it's time to survey the 'loot'. What did we get???? Hmmmmm!

They want a little of everything.

Our newest family member!!!

2009-04-19T06:08:00.001-07:00

Here is our sweet baby Blake Larsen Hadlock. He arrived on April 14th, 2009 weighing in at 6 lbs. 15 oz and 18 inches long. He was born at 4:34 pm. We are so happy he is here. He and his mommy are doing very well.

Here he's not so happy. He was hungry, but grandma just wanted a picture so bad to send to all her friends. Isn't he just the cutest!!!!

A long time ago, my dad gave us this great big bunny for an Easter decoration. Kaja calls him "Easter". Very creative don't you think. Anyway the kids love him. Here Jax and Kaja are riding him. I can't believe he survived. But he stayed inflated.

Here is a crazy thing Jax has 'picked' up. For those of you who's stomach's get a bit quezzy (sp??) you may want to look away. Jaxon likes to take off his socks and pick his toes! Gross, Gross, Gross.

The kids like the salsa and chips. All, but Jaycelyn that is. But she doesn't stop trying. I don't know how many times she put it in her mouth and then spit it out.

Jaxon will take naps at grandma's. He can even sleep on the big bed, but you notice I surround him with pillows!

2009-04-15T10:14:00.000-07:00

Can you believe this snow. I posted these pictures yesterday and didn't get a chance to make my comments and now this morning as I look out the window and look back at these pictures - what a changing world we live in. I love it. I love the change and the variety we have in our weather. Come to think of it, I love that this is how my life is, changing and variety. It is all GOOD. We went to St. George for conference with some of the kids. To the right is Kevin on the slide. My kids still haven't grown up. They have to get in on the fun, can't miss a thing.

Next is David lounging while watvhing the kids play. It was 'nice' weather while we were there not quite what we wanted, but all in all better than in Utah county. We had a great time.

Tyler and Christine - I'll say it again, the kids can't miss a thing. They climbed and slid, and were a big help with the kids; helping them and teaching them new tricks!

Ky
Kylee loves the slides, both ways. Leslie was bound and determined to do the monkey bars. It wasn't as easy as the little kids there made it look.

It was nice when the wind didn't blow so when the sun came out we sat out on the porch. Christine, our Californian, just couldn't warm up.

Leslie had activities for her girls during conference. Jayce found her own; she loves to "DO" Leslie's hair!

We have a short walk to the pool. Here's Kylee on her bike and always wears her helmut.

Kevin got himself a guitar with birthday money and still to come Graduation money. He serenaded us a few times. He's loving it.

He carried his guitar and amp around with him to every room.

Here's Jayce and Kylee - oh and look there's Leslie inbetween them!

Oh Christine - just enjoying some time away from studies and the stress of finishing school.

Look at father and son. That does not look comfortable to me. I kept my eyes on them and they sat like this for a long time!

Tyler kept himself busy with legos! In fact the space ship he was building was envied by the little girls. Tyler had to put it up high when he wasn't around. The girls really wanted to play with it. When my kids were younger I would buy them car models to work on during conference time.

I forgot to put the picture in earlier of Jayce with her helmut on. She was going to ride a bike and then decided to push her sister instead.

Emily had a little incident with her sisters pouring water on her. She loves her Tigger robe.

When Leslie and I got to St. George on Thursday it was in the 70's so the pool here was great fun, but the weather cooled and the girls were pretty sad. The big pool didn't open until the next day when the weather as cool. We did make it over there but the water was very, very cool. Kylee got in, but only for a short time.

We had a great time and can't wait to get back there. Grandma and Grandpa are so generous with their place. Thanks.

I LOVE MY GIRLS

2009-03-16T15:22:00.001-07:00

I just want to say Thank You to Leslie and Andrea.

Some days as a mom you want to be taken care of, yes even when all the kids are gone. And it's especially hard when my own mom is gone and that's who I would turn to when I needed a listening ear or a smiling face or a shoulder to cry on. It feels like all we do is give, and serve, and cook, and clean, and worry, and teach, and shuttle, and fix, and hug, and make better, . . . . the list goes on. Anyway, my girls took care of me. Yesterday Leslie had Sunday dinner and today Andrea came and got me to treat me to a drink and little time away. WOW! They may seem like very small things to most people, but to me the were ginormous!

I love you girls.

Sunday Family Time

2009-03-16T14:38:00.000-07:00

On Sunday Leslie had invited us over for dinner and FHE. As a family we take turns doing a FHE once a month. Leslie's turn to do FHE is really tonight, but we had some other things going so she thought she'd do it on Sunday and we could also celebrate St. Patrick's day! She made us sherbet and lemon-lime drinks and had a treasure hunt for the little kids with a little box of candy for the treasure. Tyler went around with Kylee and Jaycelyn.

After a very delicious dinner of Shepherd's pie (this is as Irish as this family can get- we're not to excited about the cabbage and corn beef thing), we went outside to work it off. For Christmas we gave Kylee and Jayce these scooter bike things. Everyone got in on the fun. Here's Christine doing tricks.

Tyler was doing tricks too, but slumped down after Leslie made a comment about him teaching her girls bad things.

There were a couple of neighbor kids in on the fun. They were trying to see if they could coast to the corner. They did, but not without some wiggling!

Tyler and Christine - always being a bit cheezy!

WEEEEEEE! My kids used to do this same kind of thing in an old blue plastic wagon at my parent's house many years ago. We have fond memories of those times. In fact, I still have the wagon and occasionally you will see the grandkids pulling each other around in it. I even have pictures of Tyler doing it last year!! Some of us never grow up!

Go Christine! I think the big kids were a bit disappointed when the little kids came and wanted to ride the bikes. But, they all shared very well and there were no tears.

Little Emily enjoyed the ride with her mommy! She didn't want to stop.

Jayce traded with the neighbor for a ride on her scooter. Although, it was a bit frightning going down the driveway. Soooo . . . .

She sat down on it!

Kylee likes to ride fast, so mom and dad made her put on her helmet.

Kylee rides pretty good, but she won't let her dad take off the training wheels yet!

Jayce, still sitting. She was like this more than she was standing on it.

Who's having more fun? Leslie or Emily?

I love our time together. And I love my kids.

IT'S ALL ABOUT THE GRANDKIDS

2009-03-15T09:14:00.000-07:00

It has been a really long time since I posted any pictures on my blog. I have been busy, and lazy I guess. So here you can see what I do with my time and what makes my life so busy.

Kaja's doctor said skiing is one of the best activities she could do to help with her muscle tightness. So when Andrea came to visit David pulled out skis and boots and off we went to a nearby school that has a pretty good sized hill for practicing. Kaja loved the speed but didn't like to do it herself. She liked grandpa to hold her and go fast!

The kids are having a "rootbeer" party. The best and safest place is on the floor. It makes clean up relatively easy.

Cookies and rootbeer, doesn't get much better. Unless, you're more of an adult and diet coke and chocolate is what hits the spot.

Oh Emily can't miss out on the party! She gets milk and cookies.

The kids really enjoyed the home movies of Lake Powell. It may not have been a good idea to show them though, they are bugging us to go NOW to the lake and ride the boat.

Jaxon made us nervous climbing up the playhouse. He's not known for stability when climbing, but he's happy!

Kaja loves to smile for the camera and Jayce is always demur!

Emily found the 'tupperware' cupboard and pulled them all out. Isn't it funny how you can have such great toys in the other room and they want the kitchen and the drawers.

I had Leslie's kids for a couple of days while she and Jared played in Florida. They were in the sun and we were cold and still had snow. The girls really wanted to go outside. I said no at first, but they just kept buggin me and I caved. They really liked to wear the old jackets grandma has and I wrapped my big scarfs around their necks.

You can see Jayce's little red face. The scarfs were long enough I could wrap their necks and heads up. They look like little 'sheik" princesses.

Jaycelyn really doesn't care for the camera. Kylee does!!!

I'm not sure what Kylee is doing! The sweater she's wearing. I knitted for Leslie when she was 5.

This jacket was David's when he was a boy. My kids wore them and now our grandkids are wearing them.

Here's Emily playing with the plastic bowls and keeping warm inside while the big girls played outside in the cold.

Andrea and the kids came over to keep us company and hang out. As you can see they all get into the Guitar Hero thing.

Kaja has her own special way of holding the guitar. She gets pretty serious about it.

Then there's Andrea who can play it cross legged and sitting down!

This past weekend David and I went to St. George. He had some business meetings so I took my sewing machine to make the grandkids pillowcases for St. Patricks Day. Hey - so it's wierd! I had a great time and did just what I wanted and finished my project!

Here are the finished projects!

I had the whole set up going. I had an ironing board, my cutting board and my sewing machine! Great fun!!

Another picture of the finished pillowcases. When I was at the store getting the material a lady asked me what I was going to sew. When I told her I was making them for the grandkids, she told me she had 57 grandkids!!! I was amazed, and a little sad. I don't think I could do this for 57 grandkids. This may be my first and last year of making pillowcases. Then I thought a little later about it . . I don't think I will get close to 57 grandkids!!!

Well, that's been my life for the last couple of weeks! I love it! My kids joke with us about getting what they want. All they need to do is tell David and I that the grandkids would really like, let's say for example: a swimming pool, and we, David and I, would go right out and get it! As I look over these pictures and my life right now, maybe they aren't so far from the truth.

I hope my kids know that we love them very much and will do what we can for them. We support them in their efforts now as they make a good life for their families and do the right things. We are blessed to have such great people as our children and their spouses. They bring joy and happiness to our lives every day!

CALENDARS

2009-01-26T09:20:00.000-08:00

I love doing the Family Calendars, but 6 of them!!! What am I thinking. I hear I can go online and do them. When I mentioned that to the kids, they said "Your's are so much better because they are 3 dimensional." I am flattered. I know the kids love them, and so do I. Well, we will see what next year brings. So, here for your viewing pleasure is our calendar. I'm sorry the pictures are pretty blurry, but you will get an idea of what I do.

I started January off with me and David and OF COURSE the grandkids.

Then there is February and Valentine's day with all the couples.

March brings kite flying and grandkids.

April is Easter with egg hunts and grandkids. It also brings an additional grand child.

May is Mother's Day, and here are my, very terrific, kids.

June brings fun with all the family.

July is the 4th, and fun in the water with grandkids. And July will bring us another grand baby.

August is our anniversary -34 of the best years of my life.

September is more family fun outings.

October is one of my favorite months with Halloween and cookie decorating and costumes and grandkids.

November is David's birthday and fun with the grandkids.

YES, the grandkids. What would Christmas be like with their sweet little wishes and dreams that come true.

I hope you all have a wonderful 2009.

It's all about the children

2009-01-14T08:18:00.000-08:00

It has really been a while since I have done any blogging. A lot has come and gone. To be honest, I didn't take too many pictures; shame on me. I let Kevin and Nicole take my camera to Richfield because they had left their camera at home. And they only took about 10 pictures. Well, that's my poor excuse. But, I have no excuse for not blogging because I have just plain been lazy. Well, not really lazy just doing other things that kept me busy. I make calendars for the family every year (6 of them) with pictures and stickers and fun stuff. I can't ever seem to get them done in time for the 1st of January. I may take some pictures of my calendar and blog it later. It's a ton of fun, but a lot of work.
On with my pictures; It's all about the children. It most certainly is. Here are some fun pictures of my darling grand babies and some of my own darling children. My kids and David and the grand babies are the grandest part of my life.

Jayce is a bit shy of the camera. The girls were wearing "crowns". They can turn anything into a princess gala.

Here's Kaja with her sweet face. She really does pose for the camera!

Oh, and little Emily likes to eat. I don't know whether to blame this on her or her mom!

Well, Leslie got in the fun of wearing garland. But, taking her own picture, she missed the whole crown thing!

Kylee started this whole "T - wa - wa" thing. She lives for the princesses!

Here's Kylee and Jaycelyn dancing and twirling in their new dresses.

Jaxon wears the goggles when they go sledding. It's really funny, because he doesn't mind wearing them - anywhere!

Much to his parent's chagrin, Jaxon pulls the chairs over to the counter to get to the "real" good stuff!

We had a great time at grandma's and grandpa's. It's so neat to be with everyone. I know that's only 4 people, but they're the best! Whoops! It's just plain hard to get everyone in the camera lense.

No really, here are the best of all the best! From the left - Emily, will be 1 on Saturday the 24th of Jan; then Kylee who is 4, Kaja is 4, Jaycelyn is 2 and Jaxon will be 2 in May. And to add to the "bestness", we are expecting 2 more grand babies this year.

We have been very blessed and are grateful to our Heavenly Father for all good things that come to us.

Our Road Trip

2008-12-08T13:37:00.000-08:00

David and I went on a little road trip on Friday after Thanksgiving. We found we had a little time so we went off to enjoy some scenic Utah. Now - I'm still a 'blogging novice" because I am starting with out end of trip. Whoops!

Here we found some Christmas lights in Teasdale on our way home. It was really a quaint little part of Utah with some beautiful landscape. Here they put lights in the over hanging trees. Imagine what they look like with snow on them!!!

We drove through the Natural Bridges National Park. There are 3 bridges, and we only hiked down to this one. It was shorter and easier. Some day we will have to go back and do them all.

These Indian ruins are just off the road. It's almost like a rest stop, but with some interesting views. David of course had to get down in and check it all out.

We stayed our last night in Monticello and took pictures of the Temple there.

Here we are in Canyonlands. David got a real bad case of nostalgia and walked up Elephant Hill. We once did this scary ride with his parents. I can't believe we did it. I would not do it now and would not want my kids to either.

This is a room, they called it a home, where several people were allowed, by the government, to reside. They dug a whole in the rock! Not so fun.

Here we are at a look out in Canyonlands. We even took a hike where we had to follow the cairns (small rock piles to tell you the direction) to stay on the path.

This is our first excursion on the trip. We went to Dead Horse Point. The weather was quite cold, but it was so fun to be there in a different time of the year.

We had so much fun doing this, just the two of us. Although, we said several times how much the kids would have loved this trip.

Thanksgiving

2008-12-08T13:27:00.000-08:00

Whoa! I didn't get a whole lot of pictures at our Thanksgiving dinner. Here are a few of the family eating and hanging out. It was a good time. We had 18 people here at our house for dinner.
Here are some of the girls eating and contemplating and eating and talking!

There was a lot of WII action afterward. My grandma and mom used to make us walk around the block. Now we just drive and do a bit of bowling and tennis! It was still great fun, not too much of a work out, but who wants to work out on Thanksgiving.

Kaja loved the traditional shrimp cocktail. It's really funny when you know her parents don't like fish of any kind! Oh, they like to go fishing, but not to eat it.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

2008-11-26T15:45:00.000-08:00

I thought I would tell everyone Happy Thanksgiving. Then I had a great idea to go back . . . way back and share some photos of Thanksgivings in the past. I have such great memories of being with my family at Thanksgiving time. It was a big day, and a full day of love and laughter. I hope that all of you who read this will have that same kind of day tomorrow and make sweet memories for your kids.

This is me at the counter helping my mom make her famous, delicious rolls. I can almost make them like her.

Whoa - look at mom! She's taking a sneak bite!

This is me and my mom and brothers with Nana at her home after the big meal. She always made us walk around the block before we could have pie!

Here are my brothers with Nana ready to dig in!! Nana was my dad's mom.

This is little ol' me gnawing on the leg. Can't do that anymore. It's all white for this girl.

Here's my mom encouraging my brother to eat all his food. Which was really not hard to do. He had quite a good appetite.

Again, Happy Thanksgiving to all my good friends. I love you. Denise

ONE OF THOSE DAYS . . . .

2008-11-21T12:25:00.000-08:00

Have you ever had one of those days;

You just can't move fast enough.

Too many things to do and you don't know where to start - so you don't start.

Just like to think & think & think & think.

Things just don't get done like you had planned.

Ya just can't get going!

AHHHHHH!

Well, that's my day. To be honest it's been my last few days.

Thanks for listening.

The Accordion

2008-11-06T17:57:00.000-08:00

Tyler and Christine came over the other night for dinner. That's always fun in and of itself, but this night was special. Tyler and I went downstairs to find a box and Tyler found his dad's accordion. He lugged it upstairs, it is very heavy. But no matter how we begged David would not play for us. He just sat on the couch with his socks on backwards! (You had to be there!) So, anywho - Tyler entertained us instead. It was downright tear makin' music.

David took lessons many years ago. He doesn't pull the instrument out very often, well never would be a better word. This might be due to the fact that the first time he pulled it out, Leslie and Andrea were 3 and 2 years old. When he sat down, put it on his lap and began to play - the girls started crying and not because they loved it! I think David was just as surprised at their reaction and they were to what he was doing.

Great fun and times with the kids!!

2008-11-03T06:10:00.000-08:00

Yesterday most of the family were able to come to dinner. We missed Leslie and hers, Kevin and Nicole and David! (David went to the Sunday Fireside at the Marriott Center).

Tyler's helping Kaja fly like Tinkerbell.

Here Jaxon's flying like Spiderman!

Saturday night we tended Leslie and Jared's girls so they could go to a JAZZ game! Grandpa was a great help!

Andrea and the kids came over one night for dinner and games. Andrea's doing the WII fit thing and Jax and Kaja were standing on cookie sheets and driving!

Here are my little trick or treaters! Leslie brought her girls to the office to trick or treat and then they went with Jared to a NuSkin party. Here Kylee is showing off her Fairy Princess wings.

We went to see the grandkids. Here is Jaycelyn as a spunky little fairy! Don't you love the headband.

Emily gets in the 'spirit'. She curls her tongue. Something her grandma can't do!

We zipped over to Springville too. Here are Kaja and Jax testing out the candy in the back of the van. Andrea and Paul's ward do "trunk or treat". It was really quite organized and fun.

Jaxon was Spiderman (with a gut)!

Kaja's always got a cheesy smile for the camera. She was the cutest Super Gril ever. Yes, I spelled it right, according to Kaja's pronunciation!

Happy Halloween

2008-10-28T08:23:00.000-07:00

We had some fun last night. We had our FHE pumpkin carving last night and it was fun. Leslie and I cleaned the pumpkins out earlier in the day, to make the carving a little quicker. It was a good idea. Oh, we didn't clean out Tyler and Christine's pumpkins.

Emily enjoyed some time without everyone grabbing at her.

Tyler and Christine got pretty serious about the whole carving thing!

Leslie gave Jared the "easy" one!

Everybody got into the fun! (Once they got over the slimey stuff!)

Whoops I did it again. I forgot to take the after shots of our pumpkins!

Isn't the Fall fun!

2008-10-25T10:37:00.000-07:00

I had the best time ever yesterday with my daughters and my grandkids. And they are GRAND.

Here's our annual Halloween Picture with all the kids. What you really miss is Leslie jumping up and down and screaming - trying to get them to focus on the camera and smile at the same time.

The kids played so well together. They really love being together.

Kaja and Kylee are looking at magazines and deciding what they want for Christmas or whatever they can have.

Jayce's watching the big girls frosting cookies and then eats them.

Jaxon's ready for another cookie.

Kylee and Kaja liked frosting cookies. But their idea is a bit different than grandma's. In their mind when they frosted the first cookie they ate it, then frosted another and ate that one and so on and so on. They didn't get that we just frost all cookies and share them.

After all the fun at grandma's we went to Jaker's Pumpkin Patch and played in the maze and picked out some great pumpkins to take home. Here's Kylee on top of a bale of hay and considering the maze and how to get out.

Jaxon ran around and around and around and around.

Jayce walked around and was way cute!

Kaja like climbing on the bales and getting off "all by herself". Tyler got in on the fun too!

Tyler and Christine and Emily went clear out in the field to cut their pumpkin!

I think I'm going to have to do this every year, but I think Grandpa should come and enjoy the time with the kids.

Happy Birthday Kylee

2008-10-21T11:06:00.001-07:00

What a sweet precious little girl our Kylee is. She certainly is our little princess.

I LOVE AUTUMN

2008-10-21T08:47:00.000-07:00

I looked out my window and what did I see . . . oh, wrong season. I did look out my window and saw this beautiful tree. Some years it's just this beautiful, and others not so. I think we've had some cooler temperatures for a longer period of time, usually we go right to winter. I've heard that the cool temperatures are what add to the color of our foliage. Anyway, enough - isn't it pretty.

Happy Birthday Jaycelyn, we love you.

2008-10-20T13:50:00.000-07:00

Here are some of my favorite pictures of Jayce.

We've been a little busy

2008-10-20T13:06:00.000-07:00

I know I'm not real great at blogging and it's been awhile since I last blogged. But, you know you get busy and find some other stuff that needs to be done. So some things get put on the back burner. That's how my blogging goes.

David and I went to St. George a couple of weeks ago for his business and my play. I just wanted to show you what he can do to a room and table with his "stuff".

And 2 briefcases full of files. This really isn't too bad, now that I see it in pictures. It is a lot of paperwork for him.

Saturday we went 4 wheeling. We are trying to get in as much outdoor play as we can before the weather turns bad. We went above Wasatch State Park. It wasn't the greatest ride of all, but it was fun to get out. Here David and Tyler took a rest under a Deer Valley ski run sign. I wonder what happens to the couch when the snow falls.

Nice lookin' couch, huh? Better lookin' guys!!!

And here we stopped and had some homemade, or 4 wheeler-made, ice cream. Tyler and Christine gave David an ice cream maker for the 4 wheeler. We mixed up 1/2 and 1/2, sugar and vanilla, put it in a jar surrounded by ice and salt, tied it to the rear of my machine and 60 minutes later, ICE CREAM. It was delicious. Tasted just like homemade from the machine at home. What a great invention, and what a great gift from Tyler and Christine. THANKS!

The Butlers, our very good friends, gave us this picnic table for the grandkids. They loved it. Of course, they can't sit on both sides because they have to sit next to each other!!!!

So we have had a busy but wonderful couple of weeks.

A great get-away and being home weekend

2008-10-06T17:29:00.000-07:00

It has really been a long time since I have put something on my blog, so here's a lot!!

Here the kids are getting "crazy" with Mario Carts on the WII. "WE" sure are having a great time with our new game. It brings the kids home!

Jayce saw grandpa tickling the big girls so she tickled Emily, our little girl.

David likes to get down with the kids and play. And they love him for it.

David and I went to Strawberry on Friday afternoon and Kevin and Nicole followed later that night. David and I went fishing out on the boat when we got the trailer all set. It was cold and rainy and unsuccessful.

Nicole tried to get some school work in, grading papers is always what she loves to do.

Kevin got in his "frog togs" to go out fishing with David on Saturday in the rain. It rained all day!!! But, it didn't stop the guys.

We rode around on Sunday to listen to conference. David really doesn't like his picture taken.
Here are some pictures of what we enjoyed while listening to conference. It was just beautiful. My pictures really can't describe how pretty the colors were.

See the snow!!

I feel so blessed with all the Lord has given me and mine. What a wonderful world we live in. And to top it all off, I have a great family.

FAMILY HOME EVENING

2008-09-19T07:26:00.000-07:00

It was 'Ma and Pa's" turn to do the monthly FHE and David chose the activity of bike riding. Since most of us enjoy it! There was only one exemption from the group. Nicole had dance and couldn't make it. We missed her, and I know she missed us. ??
We started at the mouth of the canyon and rode to Canyon Glen for a bar - b - q. It was a little chilly and not enough seats for little Emily, so Jared did the greatest dad job and kept Emily and drove the food. Andrea also helped out with transportation and drove the transport vehicle for the bikes. She didn't ride, she is in the 'family way' and was not feeling so good.

Andrea has not been feeling well the last few days. She doesn't like missing anything so she did come to enjoy the food (NOT) and company. Paul took the kids in the carrier.

Kevin and Leslie worked up an appetite for hot dogs. They are my two who follow in the tastes and enjoy a good dog every now and then.

Here's Jayce (what is she doing) and Kylee. It started getting dark pretty quickly so we had to get on the move. Kylee took her applesauce and Jayce has her Oreo.

Jaxon was getting tired, and just say "smile for the camera" and Kaja can put out the biggest grin. (I think maybe GP should get a carrier for GM.)

And little Em is just happy sitting and having all of us around.

Jared got stuck at the grill fixing the hot dogs. David watches.

Here are the kids waiting on their 'dogs'.

No picture of Tyler and Christine! They did do the ride with us, but turned around and went home to their studies. They are the two responsible members of the fam. Oh, Kevin too, he brought his school book thinking he might read while the food was cooking! Didn't happen, but he wanted to.

We had a real good time. We should have done it more. I

A GOOD WEEKEND

2008-09-08T14:28:00.000-07:00

We had a very good weekend. We went fishing at Strawberry, we caught 2 fish, but had a good time. Sunday we had all the kids over, and grandma and grandpa, and Matt and Kerry and Makayla and Greg. Oh, and conference was so good. I love hearing from our Leaders.

Here's dear ol' David enjoying his new little boat. He looks pretty serious about this fishing stuff.

Christine enjoyed it more than she thought she would. We sat up in the front, covered ourselves with blankets and caught up on all the gossip from the TV Guide. I finally finished Harry Potter #3.

Tyler taking a snooze. He caught the one fish we got to keep.

Kevin's enjoying the relaxation of watching and waiting for the fish to take the hook. Kevin did catch the first fish of the day, but the wrong size, color, and all that nonsense, so we had to let it go.

Sunday all the kids came over. What a crazy house we had. Here the girls are taking a trip on GM's scooter. Kaja is saying "WHEEEE". (The big kids are in the house playing "WII". Hahahaha, aren't I funny!)

Jaxon didn't like the very back, but he liked to ride. Jaycelyn likes to drive.

They flew to Grandma Judy's house and they flew from airport to airport. That's what they told us. This is the only way the kids will ride the scooter. The minute the engine comes on they are in the house bawling.

Happy Birthday Andrea

2008-09-04T14:01:00.000-07:00

Here's Andrea with Grandma Maureen. She's 10 months.

Now with Grandpa Paul. she's probably 3 or 4.

People think we kid about her lack of hair until she was 3 years old. Here she is about 1 and a half.

Andrea's about 3 here at her Uncle Rob's wedding.

Look how great her hair is here.

Even when her hair came in we were always asked if she were a girl or boy. We had this t shirt made up so they would stop asking. Why didn't we do it in PINK.

Our little dancer!

Andrea liked cowboys and their stuff.

I thought I'd put up some pictures of Andrea on her birthday.

2008-09-03T17:14:00.000-07:00

I am just going through pictures again and here is one of Andrea washing her hair at Lake Powell. Scrub A Dub Dub. Look at that belly.

Look at the tan line on Leslie's back. It almost looks like a swimsuit. (What size of panties did I buy that little girl!)

LOVE MY FAMILY

2008-08-25T14:46:00.000-07:00

I just want to say how much I love my husband and kids. I was going through some pictures and couldn't help but think of them.

This was on the autobond at Disneyland. David really doesn't enjoy the place, but I love it and he went with me anyway. We did have a blast!

Here are the Keisel's. We went to St. George for Easter this year. Leslie bought the girl's dresses to match and a tie for Jared that 'went' with the girl's outfits. Leslie is such a great mom and wife. She works her tail off keeping up her house and her Young Women calling and chasing 3 little girls around and still stays sane. Leslie has been working hard to train for a triathalon that was this past weekend. She did great. Jared is a good provider for his family. He is the executive secretary in their ward in Payson. He is working hard at getting their basement finished. He loves to hunt and fish.

Here the Hadlock's are decked out in Hawaiian attire for Leslie's birthday party. They looked so dog gone cute. Looks as though Paul and Kaja and Jaxon should have taken from Andrea's example and worn sunglasses. Andrea is such a conscienteous mother. She has had to take care of sick kids this year. And on top of that she does a bang up job in the Primary Presidency and keeps a spotless house. Paul is working hard and now is going to include in his busy schedule an MBA course at the U of U. He is a real fan of REAL SALT LAKE and has season tickets.

Kevin and Nicole are always the Happy couple. Kevin enjoys biking, golfing and wakeboarding. He starts his 3rd and final year of Law School at the U of U and works at his dad's Law Office. Kevin is in the YM's presidency and Nicole is the nursery leader. Nicole is teaching math and dance at a Middle School and keeps up their cute apartment, and loves scrapbooking.

Here's our other Happy couple, Christine and Tyler. Tyler is working very hard at an internship and takes care of our small house they are living in and starts school next week, his final year! in undergraduate school. He will be going on to Law School next fall. Tyler was just called as Elder's Quorum President and Christine is in the Ward's Primary. Christine took over my work schedule at David's office this summer, but now needs to return to the dental hygienest (SP????) program at UVU. She works very hard at helping Tyler keep the yard looking good at the house. They have become very responsible at going to the rec center regularly and seem to enjoy it!

I love you all!

Slumber Party

2008-08-22T07:59:00.000-07:00

David and I had the big girls over for a sleep over. We were tending Kylee and Jaycelyn while Leslie and Jared did their responsibility to the YW of their ward, so David called Andrea and asked if Kaja could join us. What a treat! I've got the pictures backwards - so excuse me!

Kaja and Kylee liked sitting in GP's "little" boat. Kylee didn't like it at first. When she saw that Kaja enjoyed it, then she got in.

I don't really know what Jayce is thinking right here. She has a whole slew of faces that confuse me.

There's no doubt Kylee is lovin' to color. We did that for hours (it seems).

Ask Kaja to smile for the camera - and you get Cheeeeeeee sey!

BATH TIME.

We had ice cream and cookies before bath and bed!

It's so much fun to have the girls over. I can't wait for them to be 14 and 16, and see if they still want to sleep over and GM's and GP's.

OUR BYU FAMILY

2008-08-20T14:02:00.000-07:00

David and I are blessed to serve down in a BYU Stake. We love it. We serve with the best people ever. The Robbins, a new Bishop and one on my counselors in the Stake RS, had us over to their home for a FHE. They have the greatest backyard.

This is the Robbin's basketball court/dining area.

Here are the Vandemerwes (Brother Vandemewre is our Stake Clerk), the Walkers (Brother Walker is the Exec Secretary) and David.

Here you see the Robbins, (new Bishop Robbins, and Char who is one of my counselors, Char of course gets one of the best seats in the house.) and the Andersons (Brother Anderson is assistant Exec Secretary).

Here are the Ashes (Cathy is the Stake RS secretary and Bishop Ash) and the Hatches (Stake President Hatch and Cindy is the Stake RS 1st counselor).

Here's the set up. Isn't it a great place!!

The guys were in charge of cooking the steaks for themselves and their wives. David did a great job I might add.

We have a great Stake Family at the Y.

Jeffs' 2008 Summer Olympic Games

2008-08-19T11:07:00.000-07:00

I know we are all enjoying the 2008 Olympics. It makes us proud to be Americans and have the freedoms we enjoy and see us pull together as a nation.

Well, Tyler and Christine pulled together an Olympic Event for our FHE. We used our new WII stuff and had a blast!! Thanks to Tyler and Christine.

Andrea wasn't NOT going to play. As you can see she used every available benefit she could.

Here we are playing tennis. David and I took the gold on this event.

Here they are getting some "well needed" rest and enjoyed watching the rest of us excel!

Tyler and Christine took on GM and GP. GM and GP were such great sports to come and play. GM came up to me at the beginning and said she hadn't told GP we were going to play games because he wouldn't have come because he hates playing games. WELL I couldn't see his HATE of the games. He got into it with all his heart! (You need to notice Tyler already has won a gold medal!!!)

THE CHAMPS! We took 5 medals! David took darts and we took bowling and tennis!

GUYS WILL BE GUYS

2008-08-15T07:52:00.000-07:00

You all know the our wonderful, generous GREAT Grandpa Jeffs took all his 'boys' (except 'way too young" Jax) to Alaska for a most memorable fishing trip. Well, at first I was kind of 'ticked' thinking "the guys get to do everything". Yeah I know very childish, but I'm honest. BUT, and this is a big BUT and I am confessing that I feel real bad about my first thoughts. After looking at their pictures and hearing their stories, I cried. YEP, what a terrific trip and opportunity these family guys had to be together and do something they enjoy so much . So here I have put on some pictures to show you just how great a grandpa we have, and what great guys we are related to.
This is the first group of our guys to hit the island of fishing. They were so pumped about riding on a float plane. This is something David has mentioned that he wished we had been able to do last year when we visited Alaska.

This is one of the homes they knew for a week. And isn't the scenery just beautiful

Here is a mad card game they enjoyed so many of the nights without their "wives" or other dear family they left behind.

Goofy guys. They wanted to do something to make the picture more interesting.

Now to the fishing! Here's Jared reelin' in the big one. Better than Strawberry, Jare???

Some meaningful conversation about the technigues and strategies of fishing!!!

WOW! Way to go Grandpa. You caught a great one.

Here are my boys bringing home the "bacon". These two (the fish) were eaten by a bald eagle.

What a great group! Is this the BEAR you wanted to see?

I have no bad feelings anymore. When I see my guys having a great time, a once in a lifetime experience together, I am grateful for the blessings we receive as a family.

2008-08-11T11:41:00.000-07:00

The guys got to go play in Alaska so we girls went down to St. George and had our own fun.

Sweet lil' Jax; always smiling!

And Jayce was happy to play in the toy box

Kylee and Kaja pretty much liked to be together all the time. Here they are eating breakfast.

The always popular bath picture. (The kids will hate me some day for this)

Here the guresome twosome are coloring after swimming.

Jayce and a great big smile. Lunchtime was always a blast with the kids, oh I meant mess.

Baby Emily just layed around and cooed and was covered with love and kisses from the other kids.

Here's our group! Getting ready for bed.

Again Kylee and Kaja! This time eating their meal on the floor.

The big girls were so good to let the little girls do their hair. Kylee liked to accessorize Christine's hair with legos. Kylee said it was her crown, and that she was a Princess.

Nicole sat so still! The little girls had to have her hair parted down the middle so they each got a share.

We even got some swim time in.

Here's Kaja and Nicole stretching to start the day off right!

"Say good-bye girls!"

We had a great time. I love having my family around. I am blessed with the greatest and bestest daughters and sweetest daughter- in- laws and I can't forget my most fabulous grandkids. I love you all so much.

Memories

2008-08-10T12:16:00.000-07:00

I am getting all sentimental! Today would be my dad's 81st birthday.

Happy Birthday Dad.

This is me with my dad a few years ago!

Leslie and Andrea and I were talking a couple of days ago about how they dress their kids, and how I dressed them (they didn't think I did too great a job) and how I dressed myself. So here I am with my brother's coonskin hat. I loved it! I wanted to be Davy Crockett.

Here in this picture - I really did dress myself. OH I am the one on your right. Starting from the left is my brother Geoff, then my beloved MOM, then my baby brother Brad and then the ever stylin' Denise. It didn't help that mom put my hair in pin curls and covered then with the bandana.

Best Friends in the World

2008-08-06T11:14:00.000-07:00

Look at this cute cake! My friends who work with my up at BYU called and said they were a bit frantic about a fireside we have to prepare for and needed a 'lunch' meeting. Char and Cathy came to pick me up at noon. Char asked how to get back on the freeway and I directed her South and Cathy was telling her North! Hmmm. We went North. We went to pick up Cindy and they surprised me with this cute cake and a sweet card, and they took me to lunch at Pei Wei! It was so much fun and such a great get a way for me. Man! I tell you I have the best friends ever. Thanks girls.Tuesday was David and mine's 33rd wedding anniversary. He is might joy. I've been with him longer than I've been without him, and that's the way I like it. I love him to death.

Fun with the Grandkids

2008-08-06T10:48:00.001-07:00

What a great couple of days with the girls coming over with the grandkids. There is always some fun to have when they are around. I love 'em.

We had to take a movie and popcorn break. It didn't last a long time, but the mom's and grandma needed it. It was so hot outside.

The kids are not afraid of the jeep anymore. They will drive it by themselves. Jaxon was afraid at all. All the girls have been afraid of it at some time or another.

The big girls were good at taking turns doing the driving. It's really quite a scare thinking they are going to be in real cars at some point in time.!!!!

Jayce wasn't quite sure!

Jayce did like to look on. It's too bad it only holds two kids, and an occasional hitch hiker as you saw.

This is how they ride three at a time, although the jeep doesn't like it! We were lucky that the machine would drive on the grass. We didn't have to get them in the road. It was a fun time.

Summer Burn Out

2008-08-01T14:35:00.001-07:00

I don't mean to complain, but as I was doing some long overdue ironing, I started to think about how tired I am. WHY? I looked over the summer plans we had - and now I know why!! So I am going to give you a little run down. You, too, may have to take a break after a few pictures, but you can come back. I'll let you.

In May we walked and ran a 5 K for our very good friend NANCY who was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Here I am with Nancy. I just want to say that she is my hero. She has handled one of life's worst situations with laughter and courage and strength beyond my comprehension. I love her.

To add to Nancy's load, Lindsie her daughter was married in June. We got to be a part of the special occasion.

Then we had another very special and really beautiful wedding. Matt and Tyce were married at Millcreek Canyon. The setting was beautiful. And we celebrated with family and friends.

Here's the happy couple on Father's Day (lovely picture of Andrea in the background). A dinner with family.

Then a two family affair, helping the Hadlock's putting sod in the backyard.

We did get some four wheelin' in. This has been our only trip of 2008 thus far.

Then we planted some flower pots.

David and I went to Disneyland with Tyler and Christine and had a terrific time.

Then there's always the pool parties; with or without swimsuits. (But, always with clothes on!!)

We had to have some boat trips. this is Tyler showing us how it's done.

And grandpa chillin with the kiddies.

And exercising is always good. Too bad it has to be the baby showing me how to do it!!

Another pool parties. Apparently, you can never have too many!

There's always time for a party. (Even if you have to do your own birthday party Leslie!)

Here's Tyler taking some time to do some fishin'.

Another boating trip always is fun! If you have your mommy near and a blanket!

Then there was Lake Powell. Always such a great time.

We got together as a great big family. David's brother from Hong Kong came here with his wife for their daughter's wedding. Grandma and grandpa had us up to the cabin for dinner to meet all the family of both sides.

It was great to be with those we don't see too often.

I have not seen grandma do this in a very long time. She just had to get in on all the fun.

Here is Deanna at the shower Kerry, her sister in law, gave for her. This is another wedding we have had in the family.

These two are having fun???

More pictures of girls having fun at the shower. It really was nice, I'm just making fun.

Ah Ha - some one is having fun!

Don't get me wrong I don't mean to sound unhappy, I am not. It was a great and very fulfilling summer (as you can tell). I'm just looking forward to a little slower pace, Maybe even being able to read more than a chapter in a book without falling asleep. Maybe having the whole house clean instead of just one or two rooms. Maybe being able to sit down to dinner at the table instead of

getting dinner from out of the pan on the stove and out of bags on the counter.

I am blessed! I have a wonderful family that I love and that love me. I enjoy being close to them physically and emotionally. I thank Heavenly Father every day for them.

Lake Powell 2008

2008-07-28T14:49:00.000-07:00

WOW! The annual Lake Powell trip came upon me way too fast. I anticipate it for so long and then just like that ! it's gone. We had a great time. Sixteen people in all, 15 big people and 1 little four year old (who by the way, got spoiled like crazy). The Butler Clan came along with us. Paul and Jaxon came late Thursday night and were able to play with us Friday. As I look the pictures over, I realize there aren't too many action pictures; wake boarding, or tubing, or skiing, or on the "rocket ship". But, they are on the video camera. It's hard to take pictures when I'm holding a baby, and Grandpa's driving crazy!!

Kaja drove the houseboat to get us to our landing spot. She was top dog for 4 1/2 days.
Trevor Butler is in the background sleeping. Yes we'd only been on the boat 30 minutes and he was out!

There was a lot of time on the houseboat to get some reading, sleeping and visiting in. Christine was bound and determined to get the 7th Harry Potter book completed. SHE DID IT.

Tyler's telling Kyle some great stories. It was great to have the kids together again. It's been such a long time since our boys have spent some good time together.

Kevin has a week long class coming up in law school, so he rationed himself with 50 pages a day to read. Nicole finished one book and started another.

We took an early morning ride in the boat. Apparently Kaja couldn't wait to get dressed. She conned grandpa into taking us our for a joyride.

Kevin, of course, has to fish. Here he's using Kaja's BARBIE pole. He and Kaja caught some ugly catfish.

This is as good as Kaja and Grandpa could get on the water weenie, or as we now call it; the RocketShip.

Here's DA MAN! Yep, the guy who makes it all possible for us. He drives the boats and makes it all so much fun for all of us.

Here are the GIRLS in our cover ups. I made the Jeff's red and the Butlers' are yellow. Thanks Nicole for getting us together for this picture.

Jaxon liked the water for a minute or two at first, and then not so much. He was very good on the trip. And he too got special treatment from everyone!

Kaja and me taking a little down time reading. She's real interested!!!

OK! It's the last day and I told David I wanted to ski and didn't want to take the time to change so we rolled up our sleeping bag and I went skiing in my jammies. Yea, Yea! It's been awhile and I'm still on two skis. I'm too old to move on, they were lucky to have me do this much.

MEMORY LANE

2008-07-16T11:08:00.000-07:00

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you. If you don't want to play on your blog, or if you don't have a blog, I'll leave my memory of you in my comments.

Still Having Summer Fun

2008-07-16T10:20:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since I put anything out here for all to see. We have been busy trying to fit so much fun into every minute. There have been birthday parties and water parties and bar b qs and boating and on and on and on. I'm exhausted!!!!

Here's Leslie at her birthday party, which she planned. She is an amazing mom, wife, daughter, sister and friend. She teaches us all so many things. We share recipes because of her, we party because of her and we are blessed because of her. Love you girl.

Oh, and this guy?? ? Just a tourist - showed up at Leslie's party. No, really it's my David all decked out to leave for Hawaii at a moment's notice. (Not sure I would be seen with him!)

Oh - and grandma and grandpa were all decked out too. They are so amazing. They always come and participate in our parties. We love 'em. ( I was really surprised grandma got grandpa to wear a skirt!)

I didn't take my camera to our other July birthday party. Sweet little Kaja turned four on the 10th of July. We had a water party at Andrea's. Take a look at her blog and you will see the fun. She also knows how to throw a party. (Where did my girls learn this???!!!) We had a great time with all those important around us.

Again - this goofy guy. He just had to try on Kylee's glasses! Isn't he so attractive. Yes he is!!!

Last night we took a "last minute planned" boat trip to Utah Lake. Leslie really wanted to go and try skiing. I didn't get any pictures on my camera, well movie pictures yes, but no stills. Hopefully she will put some pictures of herself on her blog, check it out. She was amazing. Then she takes care of her beautiful little girls.

Whoa! Kevin just loves wakeboarding. He's quite good! Jared took these pictures with my camera. He got some real good pictures.

As you can see we are enjoying our summer. I hope all of you are too.

Pool Party

2008-07-01T20:20:00.000-07:00

Leslie and her girls invited me over for a Pool Party. We went to get lunch at the . . . . a local hamburger joint, the name excapes me right now. Anyway, lunch was good and then it was out in the back for water and heat.

Jayce was supposed to go in and nap, but GM got her undressed too fast to try the water, and missed mom's plan. She played with us for awhile, but did go in to nap later.

Kylee took a few minutes to warm up and made faces at the camera. She says "cheese".

This is a great 'little' pool Leslie has. Since Jayce was supposed to nap, there was no swimsuit for her. She will be upset with GM in a few years for taking this picture.

We can't forget little Emily. She played inside in her exersaucer for a little while and then she went to nap also.

It was a fun afternoon Les. I think we should do it again.

First Boat Trip of the Season

2008-06-29T12:19:00.000-07:00

We were able to get the boat out this last Saturday. And we had a great time. We went to Yuba Lake. We haven't been there for a very long time. Tyler says he's never been there. (Trying to put the guilt on David and me.) It was so much fun, we're going to do it again. So kids get your boating gear and attitudes on - we're doing it.

The steering wheel was a distraction for Jaxon so his mom and dad could pump up the tubes. It worked, but he also lowered the motor so when we tried to leave the shore, we were stuck. It took a minute for us to figure out why we couldn't get the boat out of the mud.

Kaja loved everything about it. Tyler got her to raise her arms like a roller coaster ride. She went for quite a ways like this!

Andi needed a break, and took a minute in the shade to put her head down,

Christine tried to keep in the shade. She and Kaja are taking a water break. But, you get stuck with the water jug and have to serve everyone.

Kaja was pretty happy here. She had her soda pop and a couple pieces of licorice. Can't get much better than this.

Jaxon enjoyed the mud and shore walks with mom and dad and grandpa. He kept going to one place though, and that was towards the dog.

This is Tyler jumping the wake. He got on just like he knew what he was doing. OHHHH, he does know what he's doing. "Good Job, Tyler", that's what Kaja would tell him. Then when he fell, she say, "Tyler, get up!".

Here's Paul. He hasn't done this for a couple of years and he made it look so easy. He's getting ready for the BIG jump.

We had a really good day. We missed Kevin's and Leslie's families. We will have to do it again.

Fun In The Water

2008-06-20T11:07:00.000-07:00

The grandkids were over the other day and this is what happened.

Andrea and I were in frosting cupcakes and graham crackers and could hear Kaja giggling. We looked out the window and there she was, soaked from head to toe. She had gotten in the swimming pool - IN HER CLOTHES! It was the funniest thing to see. She was having a blast!

The only thing left to do was to let Jax go and let him join in the fun. He wouldn't get in, but he loved to splash, and Kaja, of course, was a great help to him.

Then Kylee had to join in, although she wasn't in the splashing mood. She wanted to jump on the Tramp instead. She's found a new love - grandma's trampoline.

I love the summer time and having the kids over. They always entertain us.

FATHER'S DAY

2008-06-17T07:08:00.000-07:00

We had a great Father's Day. Tracy and Rob had us all over to their home. We had delicious food and good conversation with the Fam. We are so blessed to have such a wonderful family and I'm so happy we get together often.

Here are a few pictures of the fun.

What are you doing Bill?

Cute girls!

Jaxon provided the music!

These two are having way too much fun!!

Here's some of the younger set, No I don't mean Rob.

Enjoying a little down time. The weather couldn't have been better.

The steak and chicken were so good.

Happy Father's Day to all the father's out there who have given us so much and who we love.

Four Corners

2008-06-14T06:44:00.000-07:00

This is kind of goofy of me, but this picture is mostly for Christine.

I'm not sure what my dad is doing here, but this is a picture of the four corners of the States. Christine had told me she like to go here, this is it.

Some Things Just Don't Change

2008-06-13T14:11:00.000-07:00

Look at this!

Here is Kylee, Leslie's oldest wearing a pair of my glasses.

And, here is Leslie, my oldest, wearing her Daddy's glasses. (He still has these, and wears them!)