playing in portland

I just can't help myself from starting this post with two of the cutest pictures of our precious grandchildren:

 Tanner

Lucy

 

 Megan and I took the opportunity to visit Portland for a few days just because....

It only took minutes before the baby swap began.

Lucy and Tanner seem to be bonding quite easily as cousins.  Katie is sooooooo cute with both of them.  Seeing relationships build is one of my favorite things in life.

Having fun at the zoo....one of Lucy's favorite things to do in Portland.

Katie kept Tanner good company while the rest of us shopped. 

 We actually fit in a 'Heart Walk" We weren't the first to finish but we weren't the last either.

We celebrated  Katie's birthday a week early by doing a progressive dinner at two of her 

favorite restaurants: Tasty n Sons and Urban Fondu.

Thanks Katie for making sure we made it to Urban Fondu....if you are ever in Portland....don't miss this place.

We love to visit Portland....family, fun and good food!  

graduation and grandchildren

Jesse graduated a little over a week ago.  Congratulations Jesse.  He is now completing a summer internship in Ogden.  After his internship they could go anywhere from Portland to D.C.  I know two girls who would be happy if they ended up in their city.

Here I am as the very proud mother-in-law.  It has been a joy getting to know Jesse, seeing him work so hard in his schooling and watching him as a wonderful father.  

Crazy picture here...so I went to Park City this week-end with a friend of mine.  The mountains were beautiful, the sky was pristine blue and the only picture I took was of this trailer parked in the gas station lot....but there is a camel in there....touring the US. Don't know what that is all about but it is my visual of the week-end in the famously gorgeous Park City.


The next two pictures are simply to make Carl a little more homesick.  He will be here in two weeks and he will get to spend some time with each grandchild, but in the meantime....pictures will have to do.

Hurry back grandpa, we miss you.

springtime joys

Tanner sent me flowers just to say thanks for taking care of him when his mom is teaching and his dad is at school.  It's always fun to get such a lovely surprise at your front door. 

I drove to Salt Lake to attend a very special reunion....which included friends who are from Malaysia and are visiting or living here now, and friends who worked in Malaysia and have returned from their assignments there.  It was a lovely, special day to see them all.

One of my dear Malaysian friends, Cathy, married a man from Arizona.  Turns out he is recording some new songs he wrote.  We persuaded him to sing for us during our reunion.  He graciously consented and we enjoyed listening to his incredible voice.  He does country/patriotic music.  If you are interested in hearing some of his music, his name is Russ Marsh.

A perfect day....working on a photo project and watching Tanner sleeping on my couch.  

Women's Conference is always enlightening with great classes and women meeting together from all over the country....but the best part is enjoying the whole atmosphere with family members.  This year Megan and I went together (thank you Jesse for watching Tanner) and we met up with Merlene for the two days.  And the beautiful spring weather (with a spring storm during the night) made everything even that much more wonderful.

I know you can't tell who this is, but I had to put it in anyway....it is Dallyn Bayles.  He is one of my new favorite singers.  He has been in the touring company of Phantom of the Opera and Les Miz.  He performed twice for the ladies at Women's Conference and words can't describe how touching his music is to me.  He has an incredible voice and I felt blessed each time he sang...even if the room was huge and I was far away.

 On March 13, Carl's father passed away and the family asked Carl to conduct the services.  His father was an atheist so it was rather impressive to have his Mormon son conduct the service.  There were many overtones of our belief in the resurrection and the plan of salvation.  We were impressed with how many friends from near and far came to pay their respects.

The following week we were able to attend the funeral of the 61/2 year old son of my cousin Eric.  Will had been born with severe handicaps but led a full and loving life.  The funeral was very special with both of Will's parents speaking of the joy Will brought into their lives and the joy of knowing his little body will be whole and perfect at the resurrection.  During the day I felt particularly blessed to get better acquainted with relatives from  the Sevy side of the family.  (Eric's dad is my Mom's brother).  

One of the reasons I feel particularly close to Eric is that Jen and I stayed with him in New York City when he was a student at Columbia 13 years ago.  

New York 1999
What great memories!!

connections

Our home has seen much activity with everyone wanting to meet 'baby Tanner'.  

 Lucy came from Oregon and was so cute with her new little cousin.  She was very protective.  Every time he started to cry she would come and give him a kiss. 

 Britt came from D.C. to meet him.  You might not be able to tell but his little onsie says "I love DC"  Britt is so good with him and seemed to be a natural at meeting his needs.  Tanner loved being in his Aunt's arms.

 Carl came from Malaysia to meet his new grandson.  His attentive parenting skills came back quickly as he has been able to calm Tanner at just the right moments.  It looks like the "grandson" thing is a fun new aspect of his life that keeps a smile on his face.

 Great-grandma Prince came from Panguitch Utah to meet Tanner.  She has always been so sweet and cute with the little ones.  I am so glad he had a chance to rest in her loving arms.

 This is the day of his baby blessing in Logan Utah.  I think he feels very loved with special family members traveling near and far to be with him for this special day.

 Jen got to met Tanner soon after he was born but still didn't miss this chance to be here again and enjoy more family time together.  Tanner was a little sad, so Lucy stopped by to give him a kiss.

And Katie came a week later....she wanted Tanner all to herself.  Every time I saw her, she had Tanner in her arms hugging and kissing her new little nephew.  The bond formed easily.

  

My favorite moments were having both grandchildren in my arms.  I never dreamed that it would be this good.

This week-end I attended a RS party with Megan.  These three cute sisters were the entertainment.  

 I received this book for my birthday from my Mom and sister.  I have only begun reading it, but am already finding some favorite quotes: "because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ [we may] learn from our experience without being condemned by that experience."  (Elder Bednar is quoting Elder Hafen) 

Today is Megan and Jesse's 2nd wedding anniversary.  I get to watch Tanner for the next 24 hours for them.  I thought I would take a self portrait of my favorite moment so far.....it's when he falls asleep on my shoulder.