Anniversaries

The big events this week consisted of anniversaries. Alex & I celebrated 11 years of wedded bliss on the 23rd. That same day was also the 3 year mark of when we bought the dental practice. I guess it's our day for entering into long-term committments. To celebrate we tried out a newer restaurant in town -- The Deli. The food was delicious. The next day was the 70th anniversary of Alex's grandparents, Mac & Ouida May Matheson. We partied for 2 days in their honor. Friday was a temple sealing session which was, as always, a sweet experience. Afterwards we had dinner at the new Matta's. That evening, cousins Aaron, Stephanie, Megan & Matthew Shumway were starring in the Mikado at Chandler Gilbert Community College. Since it was going to be a late night, Alex & the girls stayed home and did makeovers while Brad, Carter and I went with sundry cousins, aunts, uncles & grandparents to watch. It was fun and they even made Grandpa Mac & Grandma Ouida May guests of honor and ad-libbed them in a few times. Saturday was a party at Grandpa & Grandma's clubhouse. I think the last time we were there was at their 60th anniversary. The kids were especially fond of the pool & food. Aunt Leileen made a magnificent wedding cake and the evening ended with a program.

Most of my spare time this week went toward practicing the piano. I accompanied Valerie Shumway & Monte as they sang some of Grandma & Grandpa's favorites -- The Hawaiian Wedding Song & I Love You Truly-- and then I played Intermezzo from Carmen which I've learned is Grandma & Grandpa's song. Everyone also danced to The Blue Danube waltz and then to In The Mood. The story goes that they first met at a dance where Grandpa Mac was the DJ. Grandma Ouida May liked to "jitterbug" so she asked him to play In The Mood. Instead he played The Blue Danube Waltz and had the nerve to ask her to dance. The rest is history.

As for the rest of these pictures, some are recent, some are not -- I didn't realize that some of my pictures were saving to the camera and not the SD card.

Other happenings over the past few weeks: We had our good friends, Ben & Brianna Richardson & their family over for dinner before they moved to El Paso. We will miss them. They left with a bang -- literally -- as Ben just couldn't resist getting a few "very small and non-explosive" fireworks to try out when they were in New Mexico the day before coming over to our place. For Father's Day we had a good time having dinner at the Stephensons. Cousins Edison & Erin Suah unexpectedly had their baby that day as well -- 4 months only and only 1 1/2 lbs. she is doing OK for now and we pray that that continues. Wednesday, the 22nd was the last day of work for Rachel Bertola who has been our wonderful employee and friend. She's due to have her baby this week.

Last time we had irrigation, our Stephenson cousins were over. The kids found a "clay mine" in the sand box and made a mountain/volcano. Here's JohnDavid, Lauren & Brad. Bradley and Carter went a step further and made several pots out of it which they dried in the sun.

And last, but not least, Alex proved that he is the most patient and wonderful husband ever. Not only did he gladly and willingly finish painting the family room/kitchen area but he uncomplainingly helped me paint the kitchen for the 3rd time in 2 1/2 months. It was dark green when we moved in. I painted it a light green. It wasn't working so we we painted it the same brown as the family room -- that was terrible. With a little help from a friend we found a blue that is perfect. As he was painting I kept hearing him singing the song 'Every Man of Mine'. It thought that was kind of odd until I heard the line, "And when I change my mind a million times, I want to hear you say, ya, ya, ya, I like it that way!" Thank you Alex for your patience -- you really are amazing!!!

 

Here's Camille trying to pull a fast one on me. I told the kids to load up in the van to go somewhere and when I came out and opened the door this is what I found. You have to reward initiative so I told her that was fine for just this one trip. OK, just kidding . . . she had a reunion with her carseat.

Just this week Camille has started to push herself up into crawling position. Right now she just kind of does a modified bridge/pushup but it won't take long before she figures out the real thing. That girl if busy and quiet -- a dangerous combination.

Lydia found this wig and thought she'd try long hair for a change. Brad helped her dress up, Eve is always good for a photo-op and Carter is showing off the $5 he got for taking care of our neighbors mail & chickens while they were on vacation.

Some days just plain wear you out. We'd had a good long one which I think included swimming and Carter crashed that afternoon. It reminded me of that cute little boy he used to be. Luckily, he's still cute just not quite so little.

For spirit week at the boys school one of the days was Nerd Day. Carter got into the act right down to his mismatched sock.