Emmie's Soccer Game

Emmie had a soccer game this morning, here in North Carolina, which her team lost! However, she's a good little player--really the only one on her team who hustles and gets the job done!! It was great getting to see her play! Bree, Brooks & Shirley's little girl watched and cheered Emmie on!

Mesa Verde National Park

Mesa Verde wasn't a National Park when I grew up--and the history was different. We were taught that the Indians that lived there, disappeared. They never found evidence of their cultural anywhere else. They just up and disappeared! No bones were found, which would have indicated war, or some disease that killed them off--Now that the park is a government "National Park" they have a totally different explanation! Perfect example of how they've tried to change our history! Nevertheless, I find it fun to visit and think about. How these Indians lived in these cliffs, or why for that matter remain a real mystery to me!

Happy Birthday Trenton

Today Trenton is 10 years old! We can't believe he is already this old---Where did the years go? I remember the day he was born, and how surprised we were that he was a little red head--He is the first in our family! He was the best baby, and by the time he was talking, could carry on a conversation with any adult! The first time he flew, he literally made eye contact with everyone on the plane--then he'd smile at them. Everyone commented what a wonderful baby he was to fly with!
He reminds me of my granny, who never met a stranger, and could talk your ears off! I love him, and miss him---Hate that he's living in Oregon, and so far away from all his cousins!

Labor Day

Just had to throw in a cute picture of Dane--Little Blue Berries~
The kids had a ball riding the 4-wheeler--Kora loved Uncle Jeremy--She was his girl most of the weekend~

Lonely in Colorado

Everyone has gone home~ Myrle & I are still wrapping things up here in Colorado. He claims there are still numerous things he "has" to do before we head back to AZ--I may just go back without him!
We enjoyed all the kids so much! Storie woke up this morning, and wanted to go back to Grandma's Colorado House! Misha & the twins left bright and early this morning, so she can be back in Idaho Falls for piano lessons this afternoon! She should make it fine--
We took the kids to Mesa Verde National Park--they are now Jr. Park Rangers! It's such a cute program for the kids--they fill out a booklet, as they visit the various ruins, and museum--then they swear them in, and give them a badge!

Misc Photos

Back to Arizona

We're heading home---hate leaving Kevin, Helen, Anabeth & of course Nolan! But I'm sure they're ready to be "company free" for a few days at least! I think Myrle was disappointed that Anabeth didn't cry when he left--He really enjoyed her, and of course she seemed to be his girl--I don't understand the attraction!! Ha! All the grandkids seem to think he's just wonderful~????
Yesterday we went for Dim Sum--- It's a Chinese Tea---They come around with various dishes, and you choose what you want, and they keep track on a little piece of paper at your table! They keep coming around, and you keep adding things to try---family style. It was very good, however Myrle kept wondering where the main course was, or where the bacon & eggs were? Truly eating out in San Francisco/Bay area is like eating in a foreign country~ So many wonderful choices---After the Dim Sum we hit Kara's Cupcakes!! I spent $41.00 on 13 cupcakes!! They were all different/ Not sure which was my favorite! Very good stuff!!
So far Nolan seemed to be a wonderful baby---Helen is a pro now--He'll have fat little twiddle legs before we know it!! ha! Anabeth, is still laughing every time he cries--I'm sure she thinks he's entertaining her!! I'll miss them~
Kodi & the boys went back to Oregon yesterday also---Dane calls me Memaw---I love it! It's a first---Trenton is TT and his shoes are GoGo's---funny!
Trenton is getting so big~ Can't believe he'll be 10 on Sept 7th!! His school starts on his birthday~ Poor boy! But, he's excited for it to start~

Dane, Kora, Anabeth & Nolan

I've laughed & laughed at Anabeth--She laughs whenever she hears the baby cry!! I think she must think he'd doing it just to entertain her!
Kora is very flexible, she's trying now to get out of her high chair--
And Dane--Poor kid, the only pictures I post of him, we're eating & he's contained in a high chair!
California is finally cool again--there for a few days we thought we were gonna die--this humidity and heat just don't work for me! It's been wonderful with just our bedroom window open at night--with 2 blankets!! Awwww---I know it isn't going to be that way in AZ for a very long time still~
Kodi & the boys are still here, we're trying to hit all of Kodi's favorite places to eat! Had to shop for Trenton==he needed new jeans for school. He won't be 10 until Sept. but is wearing a size 12 pants!! His feet are bigger than mine now, and he's almost as tall !!
Helen is feeling wonderful==She just can't believe how good it was to not have any drugs! Nolan is doing great---She's having a little trouble diaper changing--she's been wet on several times now--and yesterday he got me too!! ha! BOYS!! He's such a sweet baby--reminds me of my Kevin--so many years ago! Lots of dark hair--little dimples, and he makes this sorta half grin we all love!

Random Pictures

I need to take more pictures of Nolan---and of course Anabeth! But in the meantime, Kilee sent me pictures, and I stole some from Bailee's facebook account--did a little editing, got rid of her companions! ha!

Nolan Shane

We have a new baby boy!! Nolan Shane was born early this morning~ weighed 8lbs 8ozs==21 inches long! Dimples,long fingers, long toes, lots of hair,& smells wonderful! Ha!
Helen had a wonderful birth experience~ Couldn't have ask for anything different! Except perhaps, I should have taken her to the hospital earlier! Her total labor was around 4 hours. She spent some of her first labor on the toilet (very much like a birthing stool) From there, we went to the family room, where she knelt, with head & upper body leaning on the couch. We had Kevin straddle her, and hold her tummy when she had a contraction. This really helped moved things along. She started having the urge to push, so we loaded her up in my Honda, and headed to the hospital, which is about a 20-30 min drive. Before we left the neighborhood, she was concerned that we should just call 911 or go to a closer hospital--But I thought we could make it! On the way to the hospital, her body kept wanting to push---We talked her through it--She felt something come out--I had Kevin's handy flashlight, when I checked, part of her water bag was bulging, I thought for sure her water might break--But we continued to the hospital--When we got to the hospital, driveway, the nurses met us, ready to deliver--the Russian midwife, Olga--rushed out, and basically told her to push if she wanted to---However, we loaded her up in wheelchair--got her inside on the bed, where she pushed out a beautiful little boy, in two pushes! The water didn't break until he was delivered--it was just a wonderful experience--very natural, her body did exactly what Heavenly Father meant for it to do~ He didn't goof when he created our bodies to give birth. Women have let Doctors manage, and control their births~ Many have simply forgotten that it all happens naturally if you just let it~!

Missing everyone!

Whenever I'm out of town, my girls seem to send me pictures of the other grandkids, so I'll be missing them and not forget them! ha! I love getting the pictures!
Emmie got her hair cut~ now she has bangs--Looks very cute on her! Kade had his birthday! I got him Toy Story Legos--He was thrilled! I've bought him "orange" clothing for years now==so, he was surprised that grandma actually bought a toy!
Trvor & Cole are keeping Christtina & Phillip busy, and Storie & Kora are into everything!! I miss them all~
Hopefully when Helen has the new little one, Kodi & the boys will come down from Oregon, to see new baby, and hang out! Trenton hasn't started school yet~ Thanks Heavens!! It's still summer!!

California!

We are in California waiting for Helen to start labor, and give birth to a little boy (We hope it's a boy, not 100% sure it is)
Let me just say : I hate California!!! I'm not sure why they love it so much~ We have had beautiful weather, until yesterday---but that's the only redeeming thing I can find. The freeways are filthy! I've never seen so much trash along side of the roads! Except perhaps in Mexico, or some other 3rd world country! I remember back in the old days, coming to CA for vacation, and being amazed how clean, green & plush their freeways were--not anymore! Some of these welfare people need to get out & clean before they can collect their checks!!
Sunday we went to church, not one single person shook our hand, or ask who we were---Good talks however---but not a very friendly ward! They must have missed that instruction from the first presidency!!
California has a recycling tax on various things you buy--I bought a case of water, there was a $1.05 additional fee, I bought a bottle of blueberry juice, there was an additional .05 ----We were surprised there wasn't a fee on the milk carton! Then Kevin has 3 dumpsters--one for plastic & paper (which CA recycles--so why do we have to pay a fee, they're making twice the money!! And I might add, still going broke, as a state!) One dumpster for regular trash, and yet another one for yard waste--tree limbs, grass etc.
Anyway, I will gladly take my HOT ole Arizona! The cost of living is so much less, even if we aren't as "cool" as all these higher thinking Californians! ha!
We are loving our time with Anabeth!! She's a busy girl--counts to 10 then expects to be cheered & applauded! Very cute! She is still speaking "Anabeth talk" but in the middle of it, comes out very plain sentences-- Reminds me of Bailee, who used to speak "Porkacheese"--when she was little! Anabeth is really a beautiful little girl--beautiful skin, and eyes--and has curls, except for one area --funny!!
We've eaten at all our favorite places---Thai food, Italian food, and THE Lobster Shack!! Let me just say, the naked lobster rolls are the best!! The Thai place we go to, was having a special celebration for being in business for 17 years--they had dancers performing--and door prizes--the dancers were interesting--Not my kind of music--but Anabeth was amazed! Plus I won the first door prize they gave away!! I had to go up, and tell them where I was from, and draw the next prize winner---Not my cup of tea= I hate going up in front of people~

Kodi Dane & Trenton