If the sun shines they will come

The past week was lively and full of fun visits from our grandchildren. I believe everyone was happy to see the sun shine and anxious to get out and enjoy. We started off with a visit from the Maestri family. We headed first to Paula's for lunch and then to the Red Hill to hike around.


Since last Monday was also Emma's birthday, we had to stop at 25 North Main to celebrate with a cupcake. YUM!



Wednesday brought the Jon Lee Family and we did all kinds of crazy things. Dressing up in the Dutch clothes made the girls happy.
There isn't a photo but there should have been one of Grandpa and all the Lee kids cuddled up on our bed watching Snow White and 7 Dwarfs. They watched it to the very end - some seeing it for the first time.



Then on Saturday the Simmons clan came to visit. The boys were determined to climb the Red Hill again and find the "Crack" and hike on through.
Jodi and Sarah came to help Grandma set up a bridal shower for cousin Amber.
Every week should be as full of fun as this one was.

Nutcracker

This weekend I was invited to attend a performance of the Nutcracker Ballet with my
granddaughters Emma, Ellie and Kelsey and their moms. We had a fun time and really enjoyed the ballet. Afterwards we had super deluxe cupcakes at the Sweet Tooth Fairy Shop.

While we were enjoying our ballet the guys all went to the Conleys to watch the BYU Football Bowl game. Then for dinner we gave up waiting in line at the Texas Roadhouse and tried a fun new place in Highland where the Lee's recommended the Macaroni and Cheese.
Our weekend was full. We attended the Maestri's Ward Christmas Party, Jennie's performance Sunday in the Ward Choir, A lunch that included Jason's freshly smoked bacon,
We watched Barb make yummy neighbor treats, wrapped Christmas gifts until after midnight, had a fun FHE concert with piano performances by Kayson, Keanon and Christian. A recorder performance by Barb and a guitar duet by Kayson and Grandpa performing an original song written by Kayson. We woke Tuesday to a world covered in snow - but we needed to go home so we inched our way slowly southward - stopping for a short visit and gift delivery at the Simmons home.

A Busy Week

This has been a busy week for us. First we started off by celebrating Dutch Christmas - our only guest was Paul Yssel - but we celebrated in traditional style with the opening of gifts - SURPRISE! It was a pair of socks. But Paul "whooop, whopped" it up in great style.
Tuesday we were honored by a visit from the Simmons fam. I had a fun time cuddling with Miss Sarah and chasing Sam and filling Zach with candy.
Next was the boys big trip to the NFR rodeo finals - you might not recognize the young man on the right - but believe it or not that is our Travis sans BYU bonnet.
He's sporting his new look. Doesn't he look handsome. So does Max and Jon.

While the boys were at the rodeo we girls (plus Dallin) had a party of our own.
Jolynn got in some shopping time and the girls and I went swimming at the Washington City Pool. We spent time dressing up in the nativity clothes and Miss Becca makes an especially beautiful angel.

To round off our busy week we made a quick dash to California and back. The highlight of our weekend was the visit to the new Yssel Estate. Wow! Beautiful and peaceful! I think the Yssels have found just the right spot.
Although we were a little late and the chocolate letters were limited to N's and P's and G's, - we had to make a stop at the Holland America store in Artesia. We did find some of our traditional favorites and loaded up on Speculaas cookies and mousies.
We made it home Saturday night in time to party with the Hafens and watch the final round of the NFR. Yeah Cody!

Turkey Eats Crow

"Al" makes his final appearance in our blog sporting the wrong colors.
As a promise to our new friend George - we pose in the colors of the winning team.

Turkey Day continued

To reach our destination we had to travel through Zion National Park which was glorious in the snow.

We arrived at the Clear Creek Ranch and we welcomed by the Jon Lee fam and the party began. The next morning we found these cool icicles out our window.


The most popular activity of the week was enjoyed by the kids. They loved being pulled around in the snow on their sleds.

While waiting for dinner time - Jim and Dad went to winterize the cabin only to find that it was already winterized.


We had a moment of panic went the electricity went off for awhile but never fear for Jon had propane ovens and he and Jolynn had dinner under control.

"Al" poses proudly here with 12 of our cute grandkids - just before our Thanksgiving dinner.

Turkey Day

To continue our turkey story we show you "Al" amidst the snow as we traveled to our meeting place.

Sleep when the wind blows

With "fowl" weather being forecast for the next few days, we decided to enlist the aid of our friend "Alamo" as we finished up a few chores that we thought might be better accomplished while the sun was still shining.



Aunt Trish kindly shared some iris bulbs with us - so we got those planted and Dad is always glad for a helper when its time to hang the Christmas lights.

Now we are ready! Bring on the "fowl" weather!

Alamo the Great Gobbler

Perhaps some of you will remember "Alamo". He is our prize turkey from a previous trip to Houston.
Well here he is celebrating with us this holiday season.
Alamo, Dad and I wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving!

trick or treat

Found this picture while working on our family scrapbook. Thought it was a good time to share it. Aren't you all so cute? I love the shoes.

being a grandma

After spending a few weeks here in Houston I am re-working my definition of being a grandma. But rocking this little one to sleep has been part of my ideal of the
grandma job description even if I have to stand up sometimes to finish her off and my arms get tired cuz some babies aren't lightweights. (I think boppy's were made for Grandmas)
Maybe the best view of a grandchild is when they are sound asleep. No, I think the best view is when they look at you and smile.