Journey to Utah

I will admit I was a bit concerned about Naomi and I venturing on our own with the two babies on a trip to Utah. What normally would be a 13-14 hour drive could be miserable for an adult, yet alone a little one. As it worked out however both Savannah and Lexi were such troopers. We would stop every 4 hours or so to get out, stretch, and let the babies play for about an hour. The popular place was McDonald's play yard. I'm OK with the idea of never going to McDonald's again. Anyway I thought the journey was going pretty well until we got just 4 hours from our destination, just outside of Snowville. We received a call from PJ in Plain city Utah saying that they just got hit with a snow blizzard that left them with no power. Since we were without both snow tires, or chains we decided to press forward at least to Ogden for the night in hopes that the blizzard would blow through and leave us alone. As it worked out we slowed way down in Snowville when the snow was really coming down. Our position was pretty nice however following a truck who was following a snow plow. It was amazing how many cars continued on there way at full speed ahead, only to be slowed down miles down the road when they would hit ice and flip the car or truck in the middle of the highway. So the last few hours were a white knuckle ride. We arrived at PJ and Cole's at about 1:00 am for the short night. Pour PJ had to work the next day, so we had little time to visit. Her little guy Gage seemed to have fun with both Lexi and Savannah in the morning, and he is all BOY ! When he was using his machine gun full with sound effects, Savannah was putting the gun to her mouth and also did sound effects of a trumpet or horn. Both Angie & Warren came by for a quick visit. It was fun to see how excited Angie was as she prepared for her up coming wedding on the 17th of April, just the day after JoAnna's wedding.
After a short visit, and Savannah getting lost in the snow with excitement, we were back on the road toward Lehi Utah. The destination was Linda and Hal's were we could visit with many more family members, but also for Naomi to visit with room mates from the past. She hasn't been back to Utah for years, so this gave her time to show off her cute little ones.
We spent one evening at Elisha & Paul's, and Sandi & Eric's. It was fun to see all that they had accomplished on there home, but also there little one. Savannah always would get excited when other children were involved.
One evening we went over to see Jeff & Jen Card with all their children. Once again Savannah was swept up by the children, and off she went to play. I was so excited to see Brynlee Card, and how well she is doing with her health. She had just got a cute hair cut and style. Yes, she has all her hair back. Yippee !! She loved playing, or holding Lexi. What a hard road she has traveled the last couple of years, even still she is so good natured.
It seemed that the two days in Utah were very full, and come Thursday midday we were back traveling to Rexburg Idaho for more fun and adventure. Mariah decided to conclude her time off work by driving also to Rexburg for JoAnna's first visit to the temple, so the two cars carivaned, and sometimes played leap frog.

Easter in Oregon

This has been a very busy, and enjoyable few weeks that I am in hopes of catching up and sharing, so please bear with me as I back track a bit.

Saturday April 3rd Naomi, Savannah and Lexi flew into Oregon for a 2 week adventure with us, which got them here to have Easter with lots of family on both sides. Everyone was excited to see them. We started with our own Easter egg hunt in the morning,

then went to Grama DeRoest's for lunch.

Naomi and Jessica both decided to color their hair red without knowing about the other. The funny thing was that it ended up being the same color.





Lexi was not to sure about Uncle Randy's beard.





















For dinner we went over to the Dover's. Savannah was soo.. excited to play with kids, and there were allot of them.








It was a full house with 4 of the Dover children and families there, so lots of excitement to be had, and delicious food to enjoy, and one amazing egg hunt, or should I say a collection of eggs. The kids didn't need to look to hard to find these eggs, and they all had a blast collecting them.

Brenna's party

Tony and I drove to elk Washington this past weekend to attend Brenna's 1st birthday party at Randi's mom and dads. It was the first time we were able to celebrate a birthday with any of our grandchildren because they are all far away, so we decided to make the long journey for an opportunity to see Brenna and Randi. With the business of our schedule lately it was also a good time for Tony and I to get away together.
The weather was very sunny and beautiful, which made the drive down the gorge even more amazing.

After work on Thursday our drive was 5 hours to Ritzville Washington where we spent the night. Then Friday we drove the last couple hours for the 5:00 pm Party.

Randy senior was in charge of the BBQ for dinner. He made some terrific beef and venison burgers that would make your mouth water just to look at. (Brent, Randy said that this picture was for you.)







I wish it wouldn't take so
long for Brenna to recognize who we are.
She seemed quite uncomfortable for us to get very close, so most of the three hours were looking at her from a distance. I did enjoy watching her face as other tried to get her to smile. I am sure she was thinking "what a bunch of goofs".
Occasionally she would crack a smile, or wrinkle her little nose with excitement. I usually was too slow with the camera to capture those expressions.

After an evening outside by a large campfire, loving the doggy, and enjoying her Birthday cake,
the evening air got pretty chilly so Randi brought her inside to warm up, and open her gifts. We watched a few more minutes then left to make the 2 hour drive back to Ritzville for the night.

















Now that we are all back at home, I am sure that today being her actual Birthday she is enjoying yet another gathering with friends.


Happy Birthday Brenna! Love Grama & Papa D.