Meet our little Baby Nia

So excited to welcome little baby Nia into our family! Zach and Hayan have been waiting for a little baby for a while now, so when they finially became pregnant we were all so excited. We instantly knew that no matter what they had (boy or girl) it would be beautiful with lots of dark hair Nia was everything they could possible hope for. She certainly puts a smile on her mommy and daddy's face! She makes her grandma pretty dang happy too.

Girls Day Out

Quality Friends, a photo by Michelle MaBell on Flickr.

Sometimes the work week is just too long and you just have to take a day for some down time. That's exactly what we did on Friday. Mary isn't working in our office anymore but she will always be a part of our "Quality Friends". We took the time to slip away to the BeeHive Grille in Logan for some yummy food and a chance to catch up on the summer activities for everyone. It's so nice to work with such great people to call your friends.

Sunday is Family Time

Sundays have always been family time for us. Ever since Wayne and I first married 30 + years ago Sundays have been reserved for spending time with family. In the early years Wayne & I were the ones leaving our home to go visiting to our parents and grandparents. Now with the passing of time and the change in family dynamics, we still visit our parents with our kids but now our grand-kids come along with us. Every now and again we are able to stay home on Sunday's and the kids come to our home to visit. It does not matter where we do the visiting, the important thing are the relationships and the memories we are making and the memories we are giving to our grandkids. I hope my grandkids will be able to look back fondly on the time they've spent getting to know their great grandparents. I know my kids have appreciated the time and the relationship they have with their grandparents. I also know how much the grandparents value these relationships with the kids. Better yet, I hope we have instilled a love of family in both our children and our grandchildren. I want to be a home my kids no matter their age, will want to visit and where they know they are loved & always feel welcome.

Here is a great picture of my dad outside in the garden trying to find"the leak" in the garden hose. Instead he's found a great treasure of little great-grandchildren wanting to pose for a picture. Of course they had to help him water the patio as well.

2012 Lake Powell

Lake Powell is always a unique experience. No matter how many times we go. No matter how similar the trip should be, no two trips are ever alike and this year didn't disappoint. First off the crew: we started we 2 men, 4 ladies and 6 children which just happened to include two 2 year olds! We've had babies on the boat before and we've had 2 year olds on the boat but having 2 on the same trip kept everyone on their toes! There was not a quiet moment but every moment was exciting. Everything was new and exciting for the children and watching them play and explore so hard each day that sleep at night came as a treat. Of course we had to lock the kids in a tent while they slept to make sure they didn't wander off the boat during the night. Sydnee and Savannah are pro's now so they made great tour guides for thier cousins Avery and Carter. 
It's kind of crazy to think that Wayne and I have vacationed with our kids since they were Sydnee's age. Now we're taking our grandkids and watching them enjoy this same wonderful vacation.

It's fun to watch our kids go as the parents to Powell. A full circle of life and enjoyment. The memories and stories just continue to grow and grow!

Both Sydnee and Savannah rode the knee board this trip. Sydnee was a knee boarding fool - pulling 360's like crazy! She had a grin so big you could never have gotten it off her face. She was beaming from ear to ear!