Aunt Donna

A couple of Fridays ago, was my Great-Aunt Donna's funeral.  While most people aren't very familiar with their Grandparents brothers and sisters, I was very lucky.  I got to know all of my Grandma Ellis's brothers and sisters because of their close bond through Bear Lake.  Aunt Donna always called me Rosie... I was always Rosie to her, no matter how old I am.  I loved watching her with her puppets. And I especially appreciated the fact that she looks like my Grandma after my Grandma passed away... it was a link to her.  My favorite moment of the funeral was when the remaining Harding siblings gave each other hugs.  Frank gave the summary of who was still living and who had passed on before her... It was very sweet to see the rough and tough cowboy tear up at the mention of his brothers and sister that had died.  Then him, Doug and Lynda all hugged tight and I loved it.  I also got to have a good talk with my Uncle Reid on the way home.  I like to see him, I hope he knows that he's my friend.

I've been slow

I haven't had a chance to really blog for a couple of weeks, but here's one that I'm ready for.  Saturday was my awesome Dad's birthday.  Every year that I can remember, we spend Dad's birthday at Cascade Springs, Bear Lake, etc... This year we went to Bridal Veil Falls.  I've got some more pictures on my camera, but here are the ones from Jer's phone.  Jer took the oldest 4 kids and climbed up the falls to play at the base for a little while.  I was so proud of my troopers.  They were so cute getting up there.

Dancing

Ada and Aubrey were dancing together and a Carpenters song that they'd never heard before came on... Ada happily said, "It's like us!"  "Look at the two of us strange girls in many ways!"  The real thing says strangers... not strange girls... Hehehe.

Yeah

Only took an hour for Evelyn to go potty this time... last time took an hour and a half.

Bad sign?

It's a bad sign where you don't know where you put your vacuum right?  I mean, there are only so many places to look in one house.  Hmmm... which unused corner did I tuck it into?

Proud mama

Letter Jer brought home from work... yes I feel like a mom saying how well her child did, but he's been working hard and deserves this!

Jeremy:

This is to inform you of your promotion to a .... With this new grade level comes an increased expectation for outstanding performance.  Please accept my personal congratulations on this well-deserved recognition of your continuing excellent contributions to your team and this organization.  Thank you for being here, for your work ethic, and for being an undying advocate for our customers.  We are a better organization because of you. 



Good job Jer!  Too bad we're going to use up the "extra" money buying formula in about a month... but babies grow up.  Maybe we'll be able to replace Jer's car sooner than later? 

Anniversary

Yesterday was Jer and my 9th anniversary.  It's neat when you think that we've been married for almost a 3rd of my lifetime.  Honestly, I couldn't wish for anyone else.  Jer is thoughtful, kind, hardworking, loving, spiritual, musical, not to mention that he's also a very good dad.  I'm glad that I've had him the last 9 years, and here's hoping that the next 9 years are as fun and don't go by too quick to enjoy them. 

Jer took the day off work for our anniversary.  My parents, brother and sister all wrestled our kids.  We watched Dr. Who, slept in insanely long, went to Shoga for lunch, went window shopping, read our book out loud, went for ice cream and went to a photography class put on by Becca.  It was a very fun day.

Yes, I've changed a bunch.  Not just physically, but look at all the things accomplished in 9 years... 4 babies growing and learning, trying to take care of a house and church callings... so many good things.

Sharon and Brad's openhouse

While I'm not in top form, my sister and her hubby are doing great!  I thought I'd share a couple pictures from their Openhouse yesterday. 

The sweet newlyweds...

Evelyn abandoned me for someone who is more sympathetic to her plights... such as her popcorn bag ripping when she rips it out of my hands instead of taking it nicely.

New Grandpa again... 2 new grandbabies in 3 months.

Evelyn and both grandmas

The Gilchrists

The cake cutting... after about 10 years of making everyone else's cakes, Sharon made her own.  It was super cute and the fruit was super yummy.

Evelyn and her "Bear Lake friend" Kat  (my cousin Landon's youngest)

Tball

Shoe shopping for daddy

Bear Lake week 2

When it got warm we gathered sea shells in the sand, made hand puppets, played with cousins, etc...  I'm so grateful for family and Bear Lake... gave me a recharge.

 

Sam and Braiden

Ada and Emma

Maggie and Evelyn

Ada "posing" for the camera

Evelyn, Devin, Jordan and Lance

3 headed mermaid

Seth and all his ducklings.  They all went on a frog hunt, didn't find any frogs but did find other cool things like golf balls, sea shells, etc...

Jordan was upset that Evelyn was teasing Seth by taking his hat away.