Family Reunion Part One- No divorce yet!

We survived the reunion. It was hectic, hot, hilarious and heavenly. I had threatened to divorce the Johnsons this week and the Hulses next week, but I think I will keep them. Steve and Mark spent hours preparing the rib and brisket feast. It was fantastic. I am suggesting that Steve start a Gentleman's Smoking Club in the neighborhood. Thanks to Ron and Rick for getting him started.

The aftermath...sorry I should have taken a photo of the delicious ribs. 

Marinda's face artistry was the best.

The master at work.

Love the butterflies...

Should have snapped some of the super heroes...but honestly, I hate being the 'hostess'.

The pits....should have bought more stuff to dig for....the kids loved the sawdust.

Barnyard croquet. A great game, but I was worried because little boys think  it is golf. I was worried about windows, cars, passing pedestrians etc. so it was short lived. Tomorrow? the guests.

Daddy Bird

Wow! We love watching the birds. We are hosting a family of Bullocks Orioles. The nest is in our apple tree. We love hearing everyone chirp for their supper when a parent flies into the nest.

Daddy bird

In flight (Way to go Steve!)

Home Tweet Home

Our best photo of Mom

Happy Happy Day

Happy end of the school year to me! And of course to everyone. I am sitting in a clean office with a clean library and all sorts of plans for next year already racing through my head. The last few years, I have felt a little meloncholy about leaving for the summer because I like my job and co workers so much. But I am feeling very excited to be home for a while. I look forward to morning bike rides, weeding gardens, sweeping patios, chasing magpies out of chicken coops, looking out for trotting deer, water my planters, barbecues, late evenings and of course- parties with the grandkids. Get ready guys, Grammy has lots of squirters and fun ideas for summer, just give her a couple of days to wipe the haze from her mind.

I hope the whirlwind of my running from the school doesn't cause someone an injury....I am outta here!

Wow!

In our Stake Conference, a member of the stake presidency told of how a few weeks ago, he forgot his anniversary. A relative sent a text message wishing him a happy anniversary and in a panic, he went to Lowe's and bought his wife a riding lawn mower. The congregation snickered. The Stake President got up and said it was so good to see the confused looks on the men's faces at that story. I giggled and smiled at Steve. I think our riding lawn mower anniversary was about 10 years ago! The day before was our 34th anniversary. Can you imagine? Thirty four years of happily ever aftering! We bought our gifts together. A new camera!!! and a new Weed Whacker!!!
We are excited about both. We did ditch the Saturday night meeting. I felt guilty, but loved that Steve commented, " It's my anniversary. I am not going to a meeting." We enjoyed a quiet lovely meal at a Chinese restaurant. and just had a fantastic day. I love you Superman. Thanks for a great anniversary. The following are some of the pictures from the new camera.

(Lesley, does this show the 'pet' better?)

Our little friend - a Bullocks Oriole

Caught one in flight

A Memorable Weekend

This is a quick overview of our fun weekend. Thursday evening we enjoyed a fantastic concert at BHS. Then we had a fun dinner at El Matador. Finally we motored to Provo so we wouldn't have as far to drive the next day. (Hey, this is probably NOT going to be as short as I thought.) Steve asked if I would mind if we stayed in a cheaper motel the first night to which I agreed...Let me say, next time, I will care! It was pretty funny. First off the lights wouldn't turn on. The sink didn't work, the toilet handle had to be held down to flush. bathroom door hit the toilet seat when trying to open or close it. no plug in tub. holes in closet wall.eetc, etc. It was funny. (No breakfast offered)  We got breakfast at Smiths and headed to Goblin Valley. We loved being with most of the family. The goblins were fun... so were the rock hoodoos! Our goblins had captured a lizard, taken hikes and were generally enjoying the desert. We loved them and left them. We drove to Grand Junction, Colorado. We had never been there, but loved it! The hotel was very nice. ( See tomorrows post for a funny video we made to tease Carter) We enjoyed our trip and spent Saturday bumming the thrift shops in town. We made a purchase of a beautiful set of German china in the first store. I love it. Steve was so cute and supportive of my whims. The tea cups will make lovely bird feeders and I am going to use the very feminine dishes for entertaining friends. (let me know if you are willing to come lunch with me!)
We had a great ride home, stopping to enjoy the ancient art on the scenic back road we took home. That was Steve's only request. He is so great. He truly is Superman, although he has a new name bestowed by my niece's little boy, Red Guy. This is just a sample of my photos. Hope they convey how much fun we had.

Popie, Ethan and the lizard

Looking through the window

Friends and Cousins

Stopping for one picture

Not stopping for one picture

The art on the streets of Grand Junction was very quirky. Loved it!

Frog with a golden crown

 

Brand New Pet

Grammy has a brand new pet. She needs help naming him. Look at the pictures and think of a great name. The name that gets chosen, wins a prize for the grandchild that suggested it. Contest will go through June 10th.

Con-grad-ulations

Here is our wonderful Lacey. She has worked so hard and received her Bachelors degree. We love her so much and are so proud of her. She is also making another graduation, of sorts. She and Mark are graduating into parenthood. We are excited for that!
All our love!