Joyful June

We had a heat wave in early June while the Mallory's were here so we decided to dust off the boat and see if it would start up for a day on the water. Jaxson made sure grandpa stayed on course and we all had a fun time.



All that wanted to, got in a ski run and then we played on the water.  Wanna guess who skied first? Can you tell who's who? Amie first and Danica second. They look alot alike don't they, ummmmm they must be related!!!



Then Danica helped Kennlyn get a little taste of knee-boarding and Amie doubled on the knee-board with Jaxson to give him a ride.

Danica even mastered a 360 turn on the knee-board----

Way to go Danica!!!

Guess who skied last? Right again, Dad! Yep, he's still got it!

We have an up-date on our California kids-----Nate and Kim still get in a bike trip when they can----

They also know how to mix work and play. Nate had a medical conference at Disneyland (in May) and Kim went along. In Nate's "down time" they were able to see the place where dreams come true----Disneyland!

After  Nate finished his  grueling 2nd year of podiatry school they hooked up with some friends who had some connections and went and spent some time in Kuai, HI. Then it was back to the real world and hitting the books again, but I can't think of a better way to rejuvinate your mind and soul.

Our "Traveling Trio" has been able to see more of the south. They've been in South Carolina, Alabama, Georgia and Flordia. Titan's growing like a weed and starting to take baby steps.

Our workers in Washington have been staying busy. Garrett got the distinguished award of having the largest dollar sale in his area. His efforts are paying off. Zandra's working as a waitress at Olive Garden and is making good on tips. They've also been able to see some of the sights and Zandra got to go visit her family for a bit.

Dale took off four days of work just beacuase he could (which hasn't happened before--maybe he's getting it) and fished a dayin Idaho with his buddy, Floyd Griffiths, and worked in the yard a day and then Danica, Dale and I took the boat to Oakley, ID and stayed with the Mallorys for 2 1/2 days. We tried our luck at fishing in Goose Creek Reservoir---- all we got was cold. Matt and Jaxson were determined to catch a fish in spite of it all, but to no avail. Oh well, maybe next time. They got some good practice casting and reeling though.

We also hiked into Phamton Falls. It was the perfect day for a hike and after wondering if we'd ever get there we were greatly rewarded. The falls made me think of being in Washington state again. It was all green and mossy and just pretty.

Matt and Danica even braved the cold spring water and run through the falls so they could be cool for the hike back in the sun---Burrrrrrrr!!!!

We ended our stay by cheering on Jaxson's T-Ball team. Jaxson has quite an arm, a good swing, and even knows how to slide into home. It was fun seeing him shine. Way to go Jaxson!!!!

The rest of the month was pretty average. Dale and I did however, go to the temple and do sealings and then out to dinner with my brothers and their spouses, in honor of dad and mom's anniversary. We also came to our house and went through the photo albums I acquired of dad and mom's and we got pictures each wanted, and shared some of our memories.

June has been another good month-----maybe Joyful says it all.

Memorable May

We started off the month greeting our "Hotel Hoppers" and saying good-bye to them in the same day!

Dale, Danica, Garrett, Zandra and I left for Bellingham, Washington to visit Zandra's family and to be part of a post-wedding open house for Garrett and Zandra about 5 hours after Andrew, Lindsay and Titan arrived here to stay for 9 days. They looked after Tag, our dog, and the house. Their plan was to visit family, attend a couple of friends weddings, sell their car and purchase a motor home to drive back and live in for the next 6 months.

We caravaned with Garrett and Zandra driving all night and arriving in Bellingham around 8:15am. What a beautiful place Washington state is!  We had breakfast with the Dennis' and visited, then Garrett and Zandra got settled in while we killed some time by touring the area a bit before we were able to check into our hotel.

We went to the beach and saw a lot of starfish------the most I've seen in one place ever. Fun, fun!!!

We finally got checked into the hotel, got settled and took a nap to catch up on our lost sleep. We went to Padden Lake State Park and walked on a trail that went around the lake. It was just green and lush and beautiful!!We also went and walked around the Historic District that's kind of by the bay. Danica said, "It's got a cool vibe to it --- easy-going."

Day 2:

We crossed the boarder and went into Vancouver, Canada. In the town, the roads are pretty narrow and it's pretty crazy, but Dale just plowed on through and we did alright.

We went to the Calipano Suspension Bridge where we walked across the bridge as well as went on a Cliff Walk. What a fun, place and just breath taking!! Garrett hopped in with us on this outing and it was fun to see sister and brother hanging out again.



We went to the Vancouver Aquarium, that's located in Stanley Park, and saw jellyfish, starfish, spider fish, octopus, birds, seals, otters, sharks, sea turtles, etc. Pretty cool stuff. We also went to a couple of 3-D shows. Impressive!

We walked around the downtown district and while walking along the street we saw a Marajauna March going on. Garrett and Danica got caught up in it for a bit. Those in the parade marched along and chanted, "We're here, we're high, get used to it!" It was pretty funny. Canada is a pretty interesting place in a lot of ways, but it's pretty nice as well. I'd love to go back and visit longer and see more. Now I have a passport I'm open to world-wide travel!!!

Day 3:

We went to the Dennis' and helped get the food ready for the Open House. I even learned how to make-up and roll sushi and I cooked Lumpias. The Open House was as the Marine Park in Bellingham, with the ocean as the backdrop. It was a nice sunny day, a little chilly, but not bad. We met some wonderful friends of the Dennis', ate great tasting food, visited, played ping pong, and walked along the beach. It was a good to see and meet Zandra's friends and family. Good people.

After we got everything all cleaned up we went back to Lake Padden Park and Danica had Dale take pictures of her for her Sr. pictures. Mother Nature provided the perfect backdrop.

Day 4:

We took Garrett and Zandra and caught the Ferry at Antacortes and went to the San Juan Islands---Friday Harbor. We went to a whale museum and to a park where you were suppose to see whales swimming. We saw a seal and two Dell porpoises, but no whales. It was a beautiful day, so we soaked in the sun and got a bit to eat, walked around town, checked out the shops and caught the ferry back.

The Dennis' hosted a farewelll dinner for us. They have been wonderful hosts and it's been good getting to know them better. They have an international student living with them, Sakurako, from Japan. She and Danica really hit it off and became friends. We said our good-byes and Garrett and Danica went to see the show "Avengers" for her final "out" with her big bro. She won't see Garrett until Christmas because Garrett's going to work in Portland, OR for the summer and Danica leaves for college in Iowa in July. There's nothing like seeing a brother/sister relationship! We have been blessed with some pretty good kids, I must say.

Day 5:

We packed up our bags, got breakfast at the hotel and headed out!! Good-bye Washington, the Dennis family, Garrett and Zandra---Hello Utah, Andrew, Lindsay and Titan!! I drove for 5-6 hours, Danica drove for 3 hours and Dale drove the rest. It was nice to be able to break it up a bit. We made it home safe and found all well. Andrew and Lindsay were good to take care of the homefront.

I had three more days of my DIBELS testing to finish up the year and had a potluck lunch here after our last day to get the group together to visit and relax. I work with some pretty neat ladies.

Andrew and Lindsay purchased their first home, a motor home!! It's HUGE!! They will drive it to Georgia and live in it for the duration of Andrew's job. I'd say that keeping the family together is a BIG priority for Andrew and Lindsay---my hats off to them. They went to a couple of their freinds weddings and we went to Dale's niece's wedding. Krissie and Jaden O. got married in Syracruse at a park. It was a nice day for the wedding. We wish the best for them.

Andrew and Lindsay packed up their home and headed out for a long drive, but they're together and will be living in their home together. We wish them the best!

For Mother's Day we had Dale's folks, Sue and Reed (Dale's sister & husband), Dale, Danica, and I. It was a small group, but good food and good company. I also got a call from Jaxson and Kennlyn telling me that I'd be a grandma again!! Amie is expecting a baby Dec. 4th!! There's nothing better than being a grandma again!!! We are excited for them.

Danica had her last high school dance, the Sr. Ball. It was held at The Riverwoods in Logan. She got to get dolled up one last time!! I'd say she was looking mighty fine!!

It was a cold and wet Memorial Day weekend, but Monday it cleared up some so we visited the graves and then Dale treated us to a late lunch at The Noodle Company. It's pretty different with just Dale, Danica, and I around.

We had the Mallory clan come visit and be here for Danica's graduation though which livened up the house a bit.

Danica graduated with the Sky View class of 2012!!! She was pretty excited and we were pretty proud of her accomplishment. She's done alright. Her graduation was held in the USU Spectrum. It was a nice ceremony. Dale's highlight was being able to hand his last child her diploma. The highlight for Jaxson was getting to blow the horn when they announced Danica's name. After, we treated Danica to her favorite-----sushi, for dinner at the Kabuki Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar, a local restaurant that cooks the food right in front of you on a grill! It was fun and good to be together with loved ones. My baby girl is growing up----welcome to the real world of life!

So, thanks for the memories-----that's what made it a Memorable May! We were busy and it got crazy at times, but it was worth every minute. We'd like more months like this----full of fun, family, and celebration.