The Big 4-5

Well, it's been a big day as I have been crafting ALL day trying to get ready for the craft fair next week in Vegas. I'm making some clocks this year and I'm very happy with the way they turned out:) I've got quite a few projects going on and I'm hoping I can get them all finished by next Tuesday when I leave.

Gary and I are just relaxin' tonight while Rick is at the church. We're watching "Snow White" and I think this show is adorable. I love the music and how it's in time with all the Dwarfs moves. I have to laugh out loud when Dopey swallows the soap. He's so cute!

We celebrated Rick' 45th birthday last Saturday. His birthday was actually the 17th but we were on our vacation so we planned to spend this night with the kids. Here he is with his presents. He got 2 pair of cuff links, 5 new shirts, a pair of shoes, a clock for his office (which I'm returning 'cause I'm going to give him one that I made) and some other stuff. Kendra bought him a tie and a journal and Gary got him a tie pin. I say he did quite well!

We had a BBQ and I had made Rick his favorite cake! Lemon Pudding! He's excited to get at it!

Kendra had to get a picture of her wearing her dad's funny reading glasses.

Straight from the 80's! Happy birthday hunney!

Fall Trip to Pennsylvania

Last week Rick and I took a little trip back east to PA. We left on Saturday the 17th (Rick's B-Day) and flew into Baltimore. We got up on Sunday and found a little branch close by to attend our meetings and then headed up towards Gettysburg. It was a rainy day but after our 2 hour drive the rain had stopped and we were able to enjoy seeing the sights! Here we are at Little Round Top. It's amazing to think about the loss of life that took place here. On the plane ride out we watched the movie "Gettysburg" which was very stirring. I can't even imagine how life would be if the South had won this war. Our government would be very different.
This is the Soldiers Nat'l Monument where Lincoln gave the Gettysburg address!
After Gettysburg we drove up to Hershey where we stayed at a B&B called The 1825 Inn. We stayed in the Amish Room. It was decorated with all sorts of Amish stuff. I couldn't resist putting on the outfit:)

The house was built in 1825, thus the name. I love these old houses!

They have such character !

The next day we toured Hershey. I had heard that when you drive into the town you smell chocolate. Nope, not true! We did go to Hershey's chocolate world and got to see how their chocolate is made.

We also went to a chocolate tasters class. I love all kinds. Rick on the other hand does NOT like dark. Here he is sampling a Hershey's Bliss!

Of course, we had to stop at the gift shop to choose some GIANT candy bars for the fam!

Next we drove down into Lancaster County and stayed at another B&B called Hollinger House. That night we drove around the area and were so enthralled at the little Amish buggies going full speed down main streets. They are such an interesting people living simple lives. One of the little towns is called Intercourse. I felt a little funny saying the word like it was something I use everyday but it's not a big deal to the locals.

The next day we were able to take a buggy ride with a Mennonite fellow. He took us to an Amish dairy farm to see how they do things. Mennonites are a branch of the Amish. He told us all about their customs and beliefs. It was very interesting!

An Amish man working his land.

As we were leaving the area we saw a bunch of schoolkids getting out for the day. They were so cute with their little hats and lunch coolers:)

That night we headed into the big city of Philadelphia. We stayed across the river in New Jersey. We got to visit a lot of historic sights. The Liberty Bell.......

... and Independence Hall.

This is the room where the Declaration of Independence was signed! It really is a neat feeling to stand in places of such value.

Great men made great decisions in this very room.

Of course while we were in Philly, we had to get a Philly Steak and Cheese sandwich.

Good Stuff!

This is Elphreths Alley

Just a cute little place where these homes have been for hundreds of years.

You can't go to Philadelphia without stopping at the Museum where Rocky climbed all those steps after his infamous run. Yes, Rick ran to the top of the stairs too. You can't see them in this picture but they are off to the left. After walking 50 miles (or so it felt) this day there was no way I was climbing those stairs. We still had a couple of miles to go to get to dinner and then back to the car.

Overall we had great fall weather and the foliage was absolutely beautiful.

Let's do this again sometime:)

20th Halloween Party

On October 16th we had our annual Halloween Party! This is our 20th year of hosting these parties. For about 18 years we all wore costumes (minus a few party poopers whom I won't mention). As you can see, in our old age, we have all become pp's!

Through the years we have had some GREAT costumes! One year Brent and Lar came as Lamps! They sprayed their heads with flourescent spray and put a lamp shade on top. They actually glowed! That was so cool! Back in the nineties during the Persian Gulf War Ken came dressed as Suddam Hussein! That was great! Of course, Rick and I have had lots of fun with it too. One year Rick was a carrot and I was a bunny. A few years ago we actually rented some costumes from Hale Theatre and came dressed as Robin Hood and Maid Marian. It is really weird to see your husband in tights!

I remember saying, "You're not actually going to wear those, are you?"

What great memories we have made through the years!

Gary's a "LIFE"

Gary had a court of honor a couple of weeks ago and earned 3 merit badges and up a rank to LIFE! He is very determined to earn his eagle. He's almost there! Pinning on the Life Pin! Gare's been working really hard at school. He has a full load including 2 math classes. I'm worried he'll crack under the pressure of so much work but he seems to be holding up just fine:)

MTC Day

Yesterday was the day that we've been knowing would come for 19 years. Our Sky boy has finally entered the MTC! It was a sad but good day! He started packing the night before at 10:00 and shortly thereafter the power went out. (Typical Granstville) He finished packing by flashlight:) I guess that's what happens when you procrastinate:) Here he is sportin' his new short hairdo. What a good lookin' kid!Before we left we gathered outside to take some photos.
Kendra is going to miss her buddy. They've been good friends since the beginning!

Gary is happy about the fact that he gets to drive the Buick now. He got it all cleaned out today. That is one big difference between the two boys. Gary likes his stuff organized and Skylar, two words: walking hurricane!

We picked up the twins on the way to Provo. We stopped and had breakfast at IHOP then we had to stop and take some pics with Kait!

At the MTC it's kinda like your dropping someone off at the airport. Hop out of the car, get the bags and off you go. Just a little anti-clamactic.

Doesn't this picture make you want to cry:(

Off he goes! I held my tears in until I got in the car. Two years is an awfully long time!
I feel very blessed to have had this valiant boy in my home all these years. I know when he returns he will be a man with many experiences behind him. God be with you, my dear son!

I love you!

Mr. Missionary, Mr. Bigfoot, & Miss Mafia night

Last night (at Skylar's request) we had family night in Settlement Canyon. We invited 'The Becketts' and the Allen's (which of only two could come) out to have a dutch oven dinner. Rick made some wonderful chicken and potatoes and corn to which I added a green salad , watermelon and snicker salad. Tracy Jane brought along some donuts and fixins for smores. We enjoyed dinner and then had a lesson given by Skylar on baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost.

He will give that lesson many times in Paraguay I'm sure.

Mindy told us her dad roasts the perfect marshmallow so he piled on 10 at one time so we could each try one. Yes, it was great on my smore! Before he could roast them though he had to regale us with his bigfoot story. We love those!

Skylar's enjoying the firelight and strummin' on the guitar:)

Kendra and Julie ready for fun!

After the lesson we played a round of Mafia. One of these three innocent faces was the ruthless killer! I'll give a hint.....it wasn't Seth or Allie.
Yes, it's true sweet little Mindy knocked each of us off one by one until she actually won the game.

Austin, Dalton and Seth Allen added to the fun of the evening.

What a great night with great friends!

UEA at Capitol Reef

Last week for UEA we took a family trip down to Capitol Reef Nat'l Park. It's one of our favorite places to go! Rick's company does work there during the spring so we get rooms and food on trade at the Sandstone Inn. (Formerly Wonderland Inn) It has been a fun getaway destination for us for many years. The first morning we packed a Subway lunch and headed up the Hickman Bridge hike. Kenni and I stop for a pic on our way to the bridge! We made it! It was not a tremendously hard hike but we had to take a few rest stops. Mostly for me:) Gary and Kaitlyn started out with us but somehow didn't make it to the bridge. Gary was way ahead of us and must have taken a wrong turn because he was nowhere to be seen at the bridge. I can't tell you how often we've lost that boy thru the years.

I think Kaitlyn just plain gave up.

After the hike we stopped at the little store in Fruita for a treat! It's tradition!

Enjoying our treats outside the store!

Skylar and Seth met us that evening at dinnertime. Goofy boys!

The next day the boys (except Rick) took off on another hike while we drove 1 1/2 hours to Marysvale to go 4 wheelin'. We brought our two 4 wheelers and rented something called a Teryx (pronounced t-rex) a 4x4 vehicle that was really fun. We drove up the mountain and got to experience some beautiful fall colors! Chester came along too and was crazy scared!

Afte a couple of hours we took a break and hiked around by a small river to a waterfall.

Rick in the teryx! We all had such a great time. I love fall!

The colors on the mountain were amaing! Let's do this again!

Family Pictures

Our family picture proofs came back a few weeks ago! There were a lot of pics to choose from. This is one of my favorites and maybe will have this one over the mantle. This is a fun one of all the girls! Courtney Ryan, our photographer, has done a close up of the girls the last three times we have used her and it's fun to put them together to see the changes through the years:)

My handsome guys!


I love this picture with the flowers. I wanted flowers! But the lighting was not good on any of these pictures. Courtney warned us but I loved this background. If all else fails trust the photographer!

I love this pic too. Me and my girls!


This is one of the first we took and one of my favorites! My family is growing up!

Rick and I. So happy together:) Life is good!

Even though family pictures have ALWAYS been stressful this one went pretty smoothly and our photographer was great. Her company is called Lizards and Ladybugs and her prices are very reasonable.