Lagoon Part 2

It took two visits to get most of us there. We opened and closed the park yesterday. We had a great time. The weather wasn't too bad, and the lines weren't either. Thanks to all that came. So fun to be together!

London and Max

It is always fun to visit the farm animals. Chickens, sheep, and llamas!

Happy Birthday Lindsay!!

Well the LAST of the "good" birthdays. This is exactly the age I was when we moved to Farmington. Almost the exact same age I was when you were born! Think of that !! We are so very, very proud of you and happy to have you as a wonderful part of our amazing family!! Loveyoutonscutie!!

See you soon!

Some thoughts on being assertive.....

The next day I took a walk down around Bayview Drive, and who should I run in to but "my guy"? He needed a ride to SL to pick up a car. We had to take Trace and his friend in to a concert. He actually picked me up. I think this was a first time his car was parked in my driveway! We visited in the car while we waited for them to pick up their tickets in SL. I remember that conversation as if it were yesterday. He told me I wasn't very "assertive". I was very surprised by his directness. I was also surprised by how much his opinion mattered to me. I think he noticed my reaction. He let me know that he didn't think that was a bad thing. I think if we had that same conversation today, the outcome would be different. I think he would say that I am at least somewhat assertive, and I think he would mean it as a compliment. I am more assertive now than I was then, mostly thanks to him. I believe that he did everything he could to help me with my confidence after the experiences that I had just had at that time in my life. He always tries to make sure that I feel secure. We also talked about how badly I felt that I hadn't made him eat. He explained to me that if he had wanted anything to eat, he would have said so. How interesting. Someone that said what they meant. He explained to me that he was straightforward and honest about his feelings. This continues to be my favorite quality of his....honesty about his feelings and his opinion. He also asked me what radio station I listened to! How cute is that??!! (can you even imagine how grateful I am that I kept a journal).

Nose Trick

Ally Girl and Papa Bill have a very special bond. We miss them both very much but we have faith that these two best friends are taking care of each other.

Ally-Dog

Our dear and beautiful Golden Retriever, Ally-Dog, has been diagnosed with cancer. She is not doing well, and her days are few. This will be a big loss to all of us. She has been a wonderful part of our family, and it will be hard without her. We have many fond memories of her from the time she was a marvelous surprise Christmas gift for Liz eleven years ago. Bill often said that she was his favorite, of all the dogs he had ever had, even as a young boy. I would certainly second that. I think we all feel the same way. She almost always performed the "nose trick" perfectly for him. She is a loving and gentle dog, and we all love her very much.

Lagoon Day

Memories everywhere. Hard day, but fun. Spenceroo, Kate the Great, and Big J loved it. So did the big kids!

BANANAGRAMS!

When Tracie lets you win at a game, you know you are pretty pathetic. Thanks kid! Oh well, still tons of fun.

Welcome to the Nortons

Tracie and Aaron officially started the "Lewis Wing" of their Utah trip. We are trying to get out of the house as much as possible because Aaron doesn't do too well with our dogs. So today we introduced Spencer to the ducks at Barnes Park. This is a favorite of the grandkids. Gorgeous weather til the rain came up.

Perfect Fit

Liz was right in her comment. He was there for only about ten minutes and spent most of it trying to get her to talk. No go. I had to wait a week for the next date. He called and left a message before I got home. I think this is when I learned about the "late" thing. We were supposed to go at 4:30, and he called me at 5:30. He was late because he had bought an old car to fix up and sell. So now I was learning about the "selling" thing and the "car" stuff. This was a fun date because he showed me all of his family pictures. I learned about Jim and Peg. They are very dear to him. We talked about how comfortable we felt with each other, and how much we enjoyed being together. We had to go to town and get his truck. We had to go to my house first. He was very cute with the girls and they with him. Liz, too. I "met" his office on South Temple and learned all about what he was doing then. He was working on drilling a well in Nevada. It was so interesting to hear him talk about his hopes and dreams. Before we drove back to Farmington we had to establish "who" would follow "who" home. Our pattern for me "following him home" never varied from that night on. I stopped by his place to thank him for being so cute to the girls (any excuse to stop would do). We had our first awkward moment when we "kind of" hugged. I think we were both surprised at how perfect the fit was becoming.

Happy Anniversary Trace and Lisa!

It is only a year late! But I think you are going to like it.

Boys' Night Out

We are having our "big boy" movie-sleepover night. Isaac, Jonah, and Noah are here. We have our treats, drinks, and we are just getting ready for popcorn. We have already put on our first pick of the evening. Isaac's choice was "The Count of Monte Cristo". This is the first time that Jonah and Noah have seen it. Sweet, sweet boys. Their dads didn't want to miss any fun so they are here as well. Making a tidy garage out of a not so tidy one. In this picture they are just getting ready to demolish the big old ugly shelf that has been in the garage for 30 years. Simply amazing! Awesome kids. Thanks SO much Todd and Jeff. You are wonderful!