Christmas Family Picture

It was fun to talk to Elder Huff for Christmas.  We also got to 'meet' his companion.  Logan sounds great and seems very happy.  He is eating well (has gained 15 pounds), and teaching many.  We love him.

Logan

My Logan is growing up.  Next week he graduates from seminary, then the next week he graduates from high school.  He started working last summer as a window washer, and will continue with that job this summer.  He was accepted to BYU, and will defer his acceptance until winter semester 2018, because he will be out of town.  Just this week he got his mission call, and will serve in the North Carolina Charlotte mission.  He reports to the MTC on October 7th.  Last week we went to his last band concert, and as I sat there listening, and watching him play the clarinet, I was thinking to tell him that he should raise his stand and sit up straighter for the next concert.  Then I realized there was no more 'next' concert.  Then I realized that I have mostly finished raising him.  I don't have much more time to teach him what he needs to know.  I hope we've done a sufficient job.  

No more car seats

On August 2nd, 1997, we put a newborn car seat into our car.  From there we have had infant car seats, forward-facing car seats, and booster seats in our car.  Last week we took out the last booster.  That's it.  For the 1st time in over 17 years, there isn't a car seat in our car.  Our baby turned 8.  We had quite the party for our Easton.  It started when his Aunt Elizabeth came to town, and ended when his Aunt Suzanne and cousin Emily left town 6 days later.  For his birthday, he got to have orange rolls for breakfast, a Lunchable for lunch at school, then we tried out a new place, the Pizza Studio, for dinner.  He even had jalapenos on his pizza.  That evening  he was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by his brother, Logan.  A lot of family and friends came to support Easton.  That night we enjoyed Ewok cake (thanks to Elizabeth) and some game-playing.  For his birthday he got a set of scriptures, and he has been very diligent in reading them.  He even bore his testimony in church today, about how he loves the scriptures and feels the spirit when he reads them.  The 8-year old Easton is funny, missing a front tooth, tall, smart, and loving.

New Job

So, I started a new job yesterday.  Actually, it's not really a new job, just a new baby.  I've babysat before, and there is nothing like spending the day with a newborn for me.  Her name is Olivia.  We're going to be friends.  She's sitting here on my lap just being mellow.  Good times.

The year of big things

So, we're ready for the year of big things.  Summer went by too fast, but it always does, so maybe I'm getting used to that.  With school starting, we begin the year of big things.  Lauren started 6th grade, which now means she's in middle school.  She likes it, but wishes she had at least one class with Eliza.  Here's hoping it happens next year. Logan is a senior.  That's all I have to say about that.  In October, Easton will turn 8 years old and be baptized.  In January we will have been in our house 10 years.  In June, Logan will graduate from high school, and possibly have his mission call by then.  In July, Lauren will turn 12 and graduate from Primary, and Logan will turn 18 and be ready for a mission.  In August, David and I will celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary.  Hopefully we make it that far.

Logan 6AM

Lauren 7AM

Easton 8AM

1st Annual Reunion

This year David's family decided to have a reunion.  So, we did.  His parents and all their children, most of the in-laws, and plenty of grandchildren and great-grandchildren attended.  We started on the 24th of July, in St. George.  We drove down that morning, had lunch with Stephanie and Rachel, then the kids went swimming.  The first night we got together for dinner and some fun 'minute-to-win-it' games.  We sang a few songs, ate some food, did a craft, etc.  On Friday morning, our family and some of Rachel's family went with Curt & Kami on the boat.  We all tried this new 'surfing' thing, and I really liked it.  I liked not having my foot (or feet) in a boot(s).  It made the wipe-outs less painful.  Then we went back to the pool at the resort, hung around, then met up for ice cream.  On Saturday, we went to the pool again. We all met at Chuck-a-Rama for lunch, yum yum.  Then David, Cindy, Ed, Myles, Courtney, Clay & I went to the St. George temple to do some sealings.  Cindy brought some of their family names, so that was cool.  I have always wanted to go to the St. George temple, since my parents were sealed there.  That night we all met up for pie (then more swimming).  On Sunday we all checked out of the resort.  Most of us went to Sacrament Meeting in St. George, then some of us went to Ed & Dolores' for lunch.  Then we drove home.

Lauren, Becca & Aubrey

Mama w/Easton

David resting

Logan about to try

Logan after trying

 

Lauren about to try

Pool time

Kids in our condo

Cindy, Lisa, Curt, Becky Stephanie, Rachel, David
Dolores & Ed

Becca, Aubrey & Lauren

Scott, Logan, Matt & Easton

Lauren's 10 year old trip

A million years ago when my niece turned 10, my parents decided to take her on a trip.  They continued that tradition, taking the grandkids on a trip when they turned 10.  When my mom died, my dad continued the trips.  Logan got to go to Las Vegas for his 10 year old trip.  His desire was to stay in a cool hotel with a pool that had a slide, and go to a medieval dinner.  So, he stayed in the Excalibur, and had a great time doing many of the child-friendly activities available in Las Vegas.

When my dad asked Lauren where she wanted to go for her trip, she chose Sea World.  Then, unfortunately, he died.  So, David and I decided to take Lauren (before she turned 11) to Sea World.  We informed Liz (Lauren's step-grandmother) and she also came.  She actually took Lauren to Sea World on their own,

while David and I went to the USS Midway.

David the pilot

Rozanne overlooking cool statue

That night we ate Mexican food in Old Town.

Old Town San Diego

Then we went swimming in the hotel pool, until 5 bajillion boys got in.  The next day we took a surrey ride in Balboa Park,

Liz and Lauren surreying

Lauren, David & Rozanne taking a break

then went to the San Diego Zoo.

Scary monkey types

That night we visited the Mormon Battalion Visitor Center.

Lauren and another boy ready to join the battalion

After our journey with the Mormon Battalion

 The next day we drove up to Long Beach and had lunch with the Steeles (minus Emily and Ryan).  Then we flew home, and Liz came with us.  On Sunday we rested.  Logan took Liz to church in the truck, she wanted to have him take her for a drive. Monday, Liz treated Lauren, Easton and me to fun times at Liberty Park.  We rode the pedal boats and the ferris wheel.  Lauren and Easton rode the big swings (twice) while Liz and I watched.  Then the kids played in the water features.

Mom & Easton

Liz & Lauren

Lauren, Liz & Easton admiring flowers

Lauren & Easton cooling off

We got some frozen custard on the way home.  That night Liz requested In-N-Out for dinner, and we happily complied.  The next day she flew home.  Lauren really enjoyed her trip, and the fun times we had even after we got home.  It was a great start to our summer vacation.