Memorial Day Weekend

TRADITION!
Since 1970, it's been tradition for me to decorate the
the graves at the cemetery for Memorial Day.
In the 70's I hoed weeds in the dirt which I disliked
very much because I always got dusty, dirty and
hay fever. Times have changed and this year
was a pleasant five generational experience.
This sweet head stone in the Fredonia cemetery,
marks Grandma' Honey's little sister Lila's grave.
She died from diphtheria when she was 10 years old.

Generational shot, taken for us by Trevor Petersen.

Sheldon, Hayze, Terril, me, Adisyn, Lisa,
Derek, ZoRae, Breana is standing behind Taysja,
Marley, Granny JoAnne hugged by Shelly Jo,
Kristin holding baby Ayden, Melanie holding Livi,
in the very back, Terra Sue, Colten, Brian, Emily,
Lance and Grandma Honey in the front at the new
headstone for Grandpa Don.

This precious picture of Hayze reading the headstones

to Marley and Adisyn touched my heart. Love those girls!

I am gaining new perspective as I stand back and take
pictures. Maybe that is what I should do in my life, stand
back more often and watch what happens instead of direct it.

Eleven year old Taysja loves roses. I talked her into
letting me take her picture. She chose the spot,
which was perfect. When I showed her this
photo, she said ,"WOW!" I agree, it really is
beautiful-granddaughter and picture.

Band Concert

Tonight was Derek and Breana's band concert at the high school.
Breana is a Sophomore and plays the clarinet. She has ALWAYS
been so good at music, with her piano and now her clarinet.
I was so proud of her. They sounded really good.

Derek is in the 7th grade and plays the saxophone.

He did a great job. He seems to enjoy it.

Pre-School Graduation

Marley and Adisyn had their pre-school graduation.
Marley will be going to kindergarten.
She looked so darling in her safari hat.

Adisyn will stay in pre-school for another 3 years.
She is a fun little girl. She makes me laugh all the time.
It was cute to see them find the beginning letter of
their name. Then Marley got her dad and
Adisyn got me to go to the front of the room.

Where we all sang with our tongues and bums out
A Roup Da Sha. It was pretty funny. Richard ducked
lower then me so you can't see him very good.
Marley has Richard's sunglasses on.

The Baby Photo Shoot

I had fun taking these pictures of the baby
cousins who are growing up way too FAST!

Baby Vi

Baby Ayden

and Baby Livi

Spring Concerts and Graduations

Adisyn  was in the preschool end of the year program along with Marley who graduated from preschool. She is now registered for kindergarten. Melanie won't be teaching there any more. Miss April was the teacher, with Miss Patty and Brent as the aids.

We did a great photo shoot at Angels landing with Andrea and Dee's family.

They love to see the temple. Adisyn and Marley were so impressed with the temple when they spent the night at Aunt Krisitn's. They are such sweet girls. They both begged to go inside.  Adisyn said, "I still love Jesus." Even though she couldn't go inside.     

Mother's Day

I couldn't believe I only took two pictures on Mother's Day.
We had 29 people for dinner. Lisa's family, Burton, Granny
JoAnne, Grandma Honey, Terra Sue and her kids, Sheldon,
Andrea, Dee and their kids, Melanie, Richard and their girls,
Kristin, Lance and Ayden plus Terril and I. Shelly Jo was there
and she had helped fix food for two days to be ready to serve
sweet pork salads. Shelly Jo is getting to be quite the cook.
Great, Great Grandma Violet and baby Violet gaze across
the many generations to connect in the present.
Little antique girls.

We tried the cellphone thing where it's suppose to pop

popcorn. It did NOT work so don't try. When we turned
our backs each child grabbed a phone and started
pushing buttons. Where do you think they have seen that
before? They watch EVERYTHING we say and do. I made
a new Mother's Day book for the all the mother's entitled
"Thoughts for Mother's." It was fun to create it with quotes
and pictures. I love making books. But then I love taking
pictures. But then I love being with my family. I was so glad
that Andrea came up from Queen Creek and I was sad that
Crystal was in Texas BUT I got to talk to her on the phone
and she loved her book. It was a wonderful day to be together.

The Next Best Day Ever

As a Grammy, sometime I get tired and it's hard to mentally gear up, sounds like being a mom all over again. I love everyone of my grandchildren, but at times, it's a physical challenge. Yet I am ALWAYS blessed and amazed at the wonderful memories we make. Today I tried to capture those moments with my camera. I really like the shots from today. It was a little cloudy this morning when I framed the happiness in little seven year old Hayze's eyes. I love it when I can see her happiness. Little children are so sweet and innocence. It’s great to hang out with them.

We were going to go on the golf cart so I dressed Hayze in
my coat and glasses. She looks like a movie star!
These pictures make me smile. It makes me happy t
o preserve sweet memories. Elder Packer said,
"Young men talk of the future because they have no past.
Old men talk of the past because they have no future."
Sometimes that how I feel, no future. . . so I want to
save these precious memories. We took lunch to the Jacobs,
because they are moving. When Doug opened the door
he called us the "lunch ladies!" We had to laugh at that one.

We sure had fun hanging out together especially when
Hayze demonstrated how she could do a head stand.
I was impressed. She has always liked doing gymnastics.

She invited her friend Savanah over. They had a great time,
playing with their wiggle worms, jumping on the trampoline and
going for a golf cart ride to feed the horsey and the donkey.
Hayze and Marley were great help making meatballs for dinner.
Then we all eat outside.

The Next Best Day Ever Continued

Adisyn is so fun to photograph because she has so many
different expressions. Her bright blue eyes
and her little smirks are a delight. I love her!
She got sick tonight with a fever. I pray she will be alright.

Marley LOVES watermelon and strawberries.
Caught her right in the act of taking a bite.

We had fun being outside this afternoon, eating fruit and catching

LADYBUGS!

It was great to hear these granddaughters laugh as they
caught the ladybugs and then they would fly away.
This has to be one of the next Best Days Ever!