Friday, October 29, 2010

Happy Birthday Scottie!


Scott is now a 1/4 century old! Crazy how time flies! Scott was such a cute baby, and a good baby. Other than the teenage years, Scott has almost always had a smile on his face. Anyone who knows him has heard many many fish stories, and/or snake stories and/or movie recaps and and/or music commentary. Scott loves living on his own and has become pretty independent working at Dixie College and riding the bus all over town. Its still his dream to live and work in Alaska some day. Love you Scottie!








Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Happy 30th Birthday Brian


Happy Birthday Brian! What a wonderful son you've been. It seemed no one could ever be mad at you. Since the day we brought you home from the hospital, you have brought peace to our family (except the time you cut our deer hunt short when I went into labor with you in Pine Valley and we had to make a mad dash home, and then the day you took a ride in the dryer when you were two years old, and then interrupting our night's sleep when the police called about the egging incident, and then . . . . and then . . . ). Still, all-in-all, raising you was pretty painless. Sure love you!




Friday, October 15, 2010

Happy 34th Birthday Kenny!

O.K. I guess its not September 28th. I'm only 3 weeks late in wishing Kenny a Happy Birthday on my blog. Kenny—tape ball incident not withstanding—you've been a wonderful son to raise; you're more valuable to our family than the biggest fish Dad ever caught. It brings us such joy to see you as a great father and husband to your own family. Sure love you! Enjoy the little walk down memory lane in photos. What was I thinking with the shaggy hair? Another good reason you married Christan.



Friday, September 3, 2010

Telegraph Cove in Beautiful British Columbia

Kirk and I just barely had time to catch our breath after our trip to Virginia, before we were off again. This time it was north of Victoria, BC, Canada. What a spectacular place! It was so gorgeous right there amid the pine trees right on the ocean! The view was picture postcard perfect right out our window. It was so cool and green, and quaint. We stayed in a place that used to be a sawmill village, and it was so much fun to walk the boardwalk and learn the history of the Cove.
































Our friends, Jim and Linda, invited us to share the week on their boat, The Silver King. We had a great time catching salmon and halibut, and watching all the wildlife surrounding us. We saw humpback whales breeching out of the water not far from the boat, a pod of killer whales traveling close by, and dolphins performing for us around the wake. We coaxed eagles out of their trees to come get fish, we saw otters playing on the dock, and sea lions lounging in the sun. Right in front of our boat, we laughed as a seal with a salmon in its mouth was getting harassed by seagulls who wanted to share the meal. Kirk even saw black bears. It was quite the wildlife viewing experience.































































We really enjoyed attending church in the little Port NcNeill Branch on Sunday. There were 24 people there total (that included 5 of us visitors and two missionaries). Their young men's program consists of 3 brothers, and there are no young women. Pretty impressive for teenage boys to keep going to church when there aren't any cute girls to flirt with! I was so inspired by those young Priesthood holders who come bless and pass the sacrament every week, and fulfill their responsibilities and callings.

Exciting Happenings in Virginia: Bailey's Baptism and Grandchild #9 on the Way!





We took a quick trip to Virginia for Bailey's baptism. It was wonderful to be able to share her special day, and we were happy to participate in the service: Kirk gave a talk and I played the piano. It was great to see Bailey as the newest member of the church in our family. It reminded me of the great privilege and responsibility it is to have the gospel of Jesus Christ in our lives. What a wonderful blessing. We didn't get any pictures of Bailey and Kenny in their baptism clothes, but Bailey had a beautiful white dress that she wore to the church. Bailey's best friend Rina and her mother came to support Bailey, and asked lots of questions about our church and the baptism. Bailey has explained a lot of things to Rina about the Church and what we believe over the last two years since they've lived in Virginia.

While we were there we also squeezed in a blackberry and peach picking trip in the rain (Drew picked the best rocks around), a shark tooth hunting afternoon, and a trip to the Manassas Battlefield where the first battle of the Civil War took place - just a few minutes from Kenny and Christan's house. Kenny and Christan also announced that they are expecting a baby in March. Grandchild #9 is on the way. What exciting news!

Random photos