Christmas Party 2012

So many good things happen and I don't take the time to record them. Luckily I can use my blog for my journal as well as my written journal. I figure between all of my different creative outlets, I should have things recorded somewhere. If not in written word, in pictures.
Recently Wayne and I had the opportunity of vacationing together in Kauai. It was a beautiful week together in a beautiful place. I've recorded most of that information in my travel journal but I may post some pictures here on the blog but not immediately.
As soon as we got home from Hawaii we finished preparing for our Christmas party. It was a polar express theme. We had the house decorated in snowflakes that each of the kids had made the week before. We made lifesaver trains and Karie helped the kids decorate sugar cookies. Our dinner was yummy. We had tenderloin (bacon wrapped of course), garlic mashed potatoes, brussle sprouts, fresh bread. Our cookies and the hot chocolate later in the evening was our dessert. Jocelyn helped everyone make popcycle stick stars and my dad told the little kids about the Christmas in 1937 or 38 when he received his toy train that we were using under the tree. Emmett told us a story about the Christmas he got his first BB gun and that was quite the story.
Here are a few pictures from our party.

We Need Humor in the Workplace

Like Minds Think Alike! Too Alike!

These 4 Sonic Route 44's have a very funny story. It started while I was talking to Wayne on his way home from work. I told him how thirsty I was and how I was craving a lime ricky. Not much else was said and Wayne was still in Bountiful so at least an hour away. I had errands to run and I left home to run to Brigham to go get gas in my car, go to Walmart, the dollar store and then back home. Wayne got home about 6:00 with 2 Route 44 lime Ricky's. Thinking he had done a great thing and was going to surprise me and make me so happy. I wasn't home and I didn't get home from my errands until about 7:00 and when I did, guess what I came home with? Yup! And thus we have 4, count them, 4 Route 44 lime ricky's. More calories in one than either of us need and we each have 2 now. I'm pretty sure that 44 is for 44 ounces. So 88 ounces of soda for each of us. $10 spent and some of the best laughs we've had in a long, long time!! You know they say when you're married long enough you start to finish each other sentences... Sometimes Wayne and I almost amaze ourselves at what we are capable of. This takes the cake today don't you think!?!

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!