Flashback Friday!

Mom & Dad's 50th Wedding Anniversary - June 2002

For my mom and dad's 50th wedding anniversary, my mom didn't want a big formal party. She just wanted all the family together. We decided to surprise them with a 2 day getaway. My little sister Maria found a cabin you could rent.

She took my mom and dad there as if they were going to buy into a time share for it, and were wanting my parents opinion. (They didn't suspect a thing since their real anniversary wasn't until September, but June was the best time we could all get together.)

This took a year of planning, and sometimes I can't believe that we pulled it off. We were all waiting in an upstairs bedroom, and we all said surprise when they came in. My mom and dad were really surprised, and I know it thrilled them to have all of us there.

I don't remember exactly how many there were of us crammed in that room, but there was a lot, including small children of whom we were trying to keep quiet.

The surprise however was not over. My brother and his family had flown in from Ohio and my parents did not know that they were here. They had been hiding in a bathroom in the same bedroom. Once we all came downstairs and were laughing and talking about how we put all this together, my brother Doug and his family came downstairs.
Needless to say there were more tears, and plenty of laughter too.

My sister Robin had made of video of my parents kind of like when you get married. Here we were all watching it.

Some of us camped in the yard, and went on 4 wheeler rides. Even my 90 year old grandma!

It was great just relaxing together. Watching t.v. and hanging out.

We played games, visited, and enjoyed being together for 2 whole days. I even think every single one of us was there at least for part of the time. A definate memory I'll never forget.

The whole group! What a crew! I think now that picture is outdated by
about 15 or so additions!

A Day at Hogle Zoo!

Here is the family at Hogle Zoo on March 21, 2009. We decided to head there for fun one Saturday, and we went with Eric's uncle and his family.

Here is Russ, Talina, and their kids.

Mr. Elephant

Still watching the elephants! Cade never smiled or anything. He just stared at everything. Not quite sure of what to think.

Oh, the favorite job at the zoo. Cleaning up elephant dung.
You definately gotta have a good back. :-)

A very tired rhino.

There were so many people!

A beautiful giraffe.

Russ and Afton

Here areall the kids together.

The kids loved to see the snakes.

They even have a new carousel ride since we were there last.

Alyssa and Jaida waving.

Eric and Cade riding a polar bear.

Eric and I.

Sally the camel has 2 humps. (Sorry, I'll never forget that from Barney.)

This is a cool elephant statue. It plays a little song, and in the summer it sprays water at you.

We had a good time, and now since it has started winter again,
we're glad we went when we did. Ha Ha

Flashback Friday!

SPRING PICTURES 2004

Today for my flashback friday post I thought I would post some old Spring pictures of my kids. These were taken in 2004. They were taken by me, so they are not that great, but man my kids are little cuties if I do say so myself.

Just being goofy. I'm not sure if Alyssa ever looks at the camera.

Here is Jaida leading us all in a song. :-)

Now the song is over, and she is getting ready to cut us off. Preston is just really happy to be there in the background.

Wow, adorable! They grow up SOOO fast!

Look at the chub in his cheeks! Man, that is long gone now. Now he is a bean pole! We are hoping to beef him up a little before high school.

Slight little mischevious, crooked smile. But adorable none the less.

You can't beat that little grin. Such a happy little soul! And look at her cute little bottom teeth poking out. I love these posts! It is so fun to look back.

4th Picture Tag!

Oh boy, this is an exciting 4th picture tag post. The rules are you are to go to your 4th folder, and blog about the 4th picture listed in that folder.

This is on Jaida's 1st birthday. Don't ask me why this photo was even taken, but here I stand, and my niece Jessica, and my sister Robin in the background.

Don't they look thrilled to be there?

It must have been a boring moment. I have no idea what I'm doing.???

Thanks for the tag Jenny, and Hydee a couple weeks ago! I wish it could have been a more exciting post for you all. :-)

Flashback Friday!

Alyssa'a 1st Birthday!

Since we finally got our hard drive situation taken care of, I decided I better get back to posting my Flashback Friday posts. On the 1st of March it was Alyssa's birthday, so as a "flashback" I decided to post about another birthday from the past.

In our family on the 1st birthday, you get a jello cake. Your one chance to play in your food, and make a complete and total mess. None of my kids have ever really gone to town in it, but we can't not do it because it is tradition!

Happy Birthday Alyssa!!!

Draper Temple Open House

Like many of you in the valley we were able to attend the Draper Temple Open House today. It was such a neat experience, and I felt like my kids really could sense the reverence, and special spirit felt there. I was amazed how strongly I felt that we ALL needed to be there together to experience it. Just another testimony builder that families can be together forever thanks to these wonderful buildings!

It is times like this that remind us why we're here, where we are going, and our purpose here on earth. We are also blessed to know where we are going after this life, and that there is a place and divine purpose in all things.

Cake and Ice Cream!

The pictures turned out horrible, but here is a couple pictures from that night. We just had cake and ice cream and grandma's and opened a couple more presents.

Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday dear Alyssa,

Happy Birthday to you!

Happy Birthday Girl!

Alyssa Turns 6 Today!

Alyssa Fun Facts:


Favorite color: Pink, Yellow, & Blue

Favorite food: Pizza

Favorite activity: Jump on the Trampoline

Favorite friends: Kylie, Marissa, and Jaida

Favorite Restaurant: Chucky Cheese

Favorite Store: Kid to Kid (with the pink "kid" door)

Favorite Song: Mary Had A Little Lamb

Favorite TV Show: Tom & Jerry

Favorite Movie: Pocahontas

We Love You!!! Happy Birthday!