What happens in Vegas . . . . .?

I’ll tell you what happens in Vegas. These five amazing people ran a full marathon. Yes, that’s right, 26 miles UP and down Red Rock Canyon. I can’t report on the beginning because I wasn’t there. Chris and I were doing grandparent patrol (our own mini-marathon) back at the hotel. We did manage to get the grandkids ready and to the spectator bus in time to see them cross the finish line, everyone except Jorgan that is. He was too fast and crossed the line before we arrived. Gordon and Ella had fun holding up “Go Mom, Go Dad” signs. Taylor was the first one we saw cross the line. Jake sneaked in shortly after Taylor. Alison and Laura were all smiles as they rounded the corner and headed for the finish. Jorgan ran down to meet them for the last stretch, and escorted them in. I was amazed at how peppy everyone was as they came into the home stretch. I guess it was a sigh of relief and the thrill of an accomplishment. Months of training had paid off. They were able to reach their goal. Way to go Jorgan, Alison, Jake (Jorgan's dad), Laura and Taylor!! YOU DID IT!!!
Before (4:30 a.m.)

After

Run Taylor, Run!

Charlie's Angels (or OUR angels)

A kiss well deserved.

Picture perfect family.

Happy Birthday Ella!

We celebrated Ella's birthday this weekend. She loves being a princess. Her favorite movie is Sleeping Beauty. She sings the words and dances around the house. So of course, her cake had to be Aurora. I just couldn't resist. What little girl doesn't want a pink tutu and fairy wings? The shoes were about three sizes too big, so she'll have to wait a little while to wear them.

Great Grandma gave her a card that plays the Sleeping Beauty theme. Ella LOVED it, and kept opening it to hear it again and again!

Laura is so creative. She found this doll house on Craig's list. She took all the old stickers off, found really cute clip art on line, and then ModPodged them onto the house. Ella's house has wallpaper, princess posters in the girl's room, rugs, temple pictures in the living room, her family picture, a bookcase, and lots more. Both she and Gordon had a great time playing with it.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ELLA, WE LOVE YOU!!!

Up, Up, and Away!

On Wednesday, February 10, I did my first Jet Blue "stand by". Alison is working for Jet Blue and as her parents, we get to fly for free. Woohoo!!! I flew to the Long Beach airport which, by the way, is a piece of aviation history. I felt like I landed in 1923. If you ever long for the simpler days, just book a flight to Long Beach. It's a cute airport! Laura pulled up curbside and we were soon off to her home in Los Angeles. We got things ready and packed for our road trip. Eric's family came Saturday, and we had fun playing in the court, decorating valentine cookies, and eating Valentine food (pink alfredo and heart shaped pizza).

Happy Birthday Dad!

Today my Dad would be 82. Words cannot express how grateful I am for all that he taught me and provided for me throughout my life. Below are pictures taken at his funeral in November. We love you and miss you Dad, Grandpa, and Great Grandpa!

A little late . . . .

We hosted the High Council Christmas dinner this year and Laura asked me to post pictures. It's a little late, but here they are. (Just the table settings, not the people.) Thanks for your help with the mantle Laura!

Zoom, Zoom

The pinewood derby is tonight. As mentioned in the last post, I am now the second counselor in Primary. One of my responsibilities is to support Cub Scouts. We combine with two other wards and the refreshments are rotated among the Primary counselors. I just happened to get the pinewood derby pack meeting. Enter Martha Stewart. I remembered the car shaped cookie cutter I have from the grandkids playdough stuff, so I spent most of Monday baking and decorating cookies. Chris even got into the action. For FHE we frosted cookies and he added the racing stripes. Brownies separate the lanes and mint patties hold up the checkered flags. I emailed the cub master to let her know I would bring the table cloth for the refreshment table. She was a little surprised as they normally just put refreshements behind the kitchen roll-up window and keep it down until after the meeting. I guess food makes it hard for little boys to concentrate. After I explained that I got carried away with the theme, she consented to having a refreshment table in the cultural hall. What can I say, I'm NEW! Oh,did I mention that the blue cars turn your mouth blue, and. . . two of the Dads are dentists. They are going to love me!

Change is Inevitable

After serving in the Young Women presidency for the past four years, I have been given a new calling. I will really miss these sweet young women. Some of them have graduated and moved on to college or a mission. Others I have watched come in as new Beehives and they are now Laurels, driving cars and getting ready to move on.

These pictures were taken during our temple trip in December. I don't love being in pictures, but I couldn't get them to be in a picture unless I joined them. Below is sweet Alyssa who was one of my Beehives and is now a gorgious Laurel.

My new calling is second counselor in the Primary. Even though I'm sad to leave the young women, I'm really excited about serving in Primary. I have never been in Ward Primary, so this will be new and fun.