Lexi's surprise visit to Georgia

We were all excited to have Michael come to Georgia for Parker's blessing and he surprised us all by bringing Lexi as well. At first she was a little timid around us, but warmed right up with Ethan when he picked her a flower (Dandelion).
Within no time they were playing, sharing toys, laughing and having a great time.

Lexi loved playing with her daddy's glasses. She would tease him by snatching them off his face and putting them on herself.

Come Sunday morning we took pictures outside prior to going to church. She looked so cute in her dress.
Even Grampa D was able to hold her for a minute.

After arriving back home she and Ethan had a fun time in the yard prior to going back inside to change clothes. I asked Ethan to turn around so I could take a picture and instead they started spinning around and around in circles laughing and giggling. They are a couple of teases.


Lexi loved to play with baby Parker as well, which he seemed to enjoy until she scared him by squealing with delight when she got to hold him.

Grampa had fun watching the two of them interact.
As Sunday came to a close for she and Michael's visit it was time to say our good-byes and see them off to the airport.
I know it was a sad moment for all of us, yet I also know how much Lexi missed her momma and sister Savannah, as did we all.

Family time in Georgia

This last week we were blessed to have family here to celebrate some great events. The main reason was for Parker's blessing. All the Grandmas & Grandpas wanted to have an early birthday party for Ethan. Since we haven't been able to see family around that time (other than when he joined our family) we loved the idea. I have a few pics where we are each super involved in finding a Nephite books. Ethan is great at spotting him too but was not nearly as obsessed as the adults. Ethan had a great time with 'fishing,' sleep-overs, fun with cousin Lexi & Uncle Michael, his party, extra outings, movies & exploring with the grandparents. Lexi was a great surprise (I believe Anthony was the only one in the loop about it). I didn't see her until we were all thisclose and greeting her dad. She was well concealed by all of Ethan's overnight stuff I guess. She was missing mom but seemed to be a champ about everything & had a great time with Ethan. Not to mention it's fun to have an adorable niece (there are a few actually!) in lace & bows. So cute! We were able to visit most of each day, plus our typical things & fun again in the evening and night. The dads golfed on Monday morning & the 3 of us went with the moms to breakfast. Though a ton went into prepping for things, plus parents with drama (both in Portland prior to leaving and traveling as well as being away from Grandma and Grandpa Allen), I think all had a wonderful time with many great memories. We are grateful for each of you & enjoyed having you here. Thank you for your sacrifices and overcoming road-blocks to be here. I'm especially grateful to those who kept us in prayers that Anthony wouldn't be called away.

Orlando Highlights

Last week Tony and I were invited to fly to Orlando Fl. with his brothers, wives and sister Mary. Everyone was excited to meet up with Joe & Kim and their daughter Kristin & hubby Eric who all flew in from California.
Each year Joe attends a hardware convention there and with the Grand opening of his new store coming up, it was a time to order supplies as well as get the word out about the store.


Some of the other highlights for the guys were to play golf each day. One day they managed to play two rounds at two different courses. Each course was very unique and challenging, with all the water hazards they lost allot of golf balls. The alligators made them leary of trying to fish the balls out. They were golfing nearby when the last Space Shuttle Discovery lifted off.
What an exciting event that was especially for Tony and Thom.

My highlights were to have Anthony come stay with us for a couple of days. All the Aunts, and Uncles seem to enjoy his company as well. It's been along time since he has seen Joe and Kim.
I even got to ride on his Harley with him for a spin. It was allot of fun.

Friday the girls went to Universal Studios for the day. It was full day of rides,

walking and much visiting, with an occational refreshing mist..

That night was the first time we were all joined together to attend a Mystery Dinner Theater.
The dinner was delicious, the show was comical, and the company was allot of fun.

Saturday was a day of relaxation. After sleeping in a little Anthony and I went down for breakfast and met with Joe for a nice visit before the rest of the group came to join us, minus Tony, Thom, and John who were once again golfing.
Anthony headed out after breakfast to go back to his family in Georgia, and the rest of us relaxed by the pool, or took a nap before we all joined Joe at the convention center for a few hours.
The evening everyone met for dinner at the hotel, celebrated John's Birthday, then went to various areas to relax. Tony wasn't interested in participating in any, however he did go around and took pictures of Kim and I in the hot tub. Others playing Poker by the pool outside, substituting sugar packets for poker chips . Mary and Dale were in the exercising room. No photos were taken, though I would have loved to see Dale on the treadmill walking with her cain, lol, and Mary rode the stationary bike.



Sunday was the time to bid farewell. Though we did all fly together as far as Phoenix Arizona, we all sat apart on the plane.
I think everyone was pretty tired out.
Thanks again Joe and Kim for the invite and time spent together, it was wonderful.

Hooray! A pleasant visit and no cavities

Tuesday was Ethan's exam & cleaning. Knowing 'the worst' could happen (ie screaming, crying and fighting everyone) we talked this up for a while. One of our friends raved about it the day before as well. He was leery about having his teeth polished but I can't say I blame him. He asked about & got a hold of anything he could. He also saw how our hygienist moved the chair & thought it was his personal amusement park. Thankfully she was tolerable of all his activity & constant curiosity. He watched the background screensavers as well as a couple 'shows' with puppies explaining what goes on at a dental visit. He was happy they had a treasure box--I know I always looked forward to that as a kid. This was one of many, many appointments in the last month..and lots of drama and repairs. I'm glad this was a good visit for all. He did great considering he's getting over an ear infection and other sickies. You wouldn't know it by his smile. Daddy was able to be home early with Parker which was nice as well.

A time for those you love.

This past weekend Tony and I enjoyed attending a church dance on Friday night. The first couple hours were for families of all ages, then the last were for 14 years and above. I can safely say we are above that age, so we stayed a while longer. I personally enjoyed the first couple of hours most, because of watching all the little ones enjoy the music so much, and dancing like there was no tomorrow. Even those with babies would dance together with babes in arms. It wasn't the best turn out overall, yet those that attended had a great time.
The Valentines theme continued Saturday night when we were invited out to Cathy and Micheal's for a special formal dinner that they prepare, and serve to there children & spouses each year.This year however two of the family members were unable to attend, so they invited Tony and I. What a wonderful treat that was.



Both Cameo, and Sara brought their little ones, then enjoyed watching a movie, while the couples continued onto there Stake dance.

We have attended out there for years with both Cathy & Michael, and Sandi & Eric when they were here in town.
Needless to say many recognize us over the years, which make it fun to catch up with acquaintances of the past. Visiting wasn't all we enjoyed however. Even with a few aches and pains we had a wonderful time dancing the night away.
So for the many that we are not able to be close with, we wish you a Happy Valentines Day.
A day set aside to recognize the many we Love.