Lizzie's biRtHdaY

Lizzie turned 5, and we were there to celebrate her birthday. It's always fun to go to Lizzie's house because she recruits us to play with her. She has crafts and blocks and lots of dolls and houses.

Suzie and Lizzie made this darling house for their Calico Critters. It has little quilts on the beds and scrapbook paper wallpaper and carpet. Lizzie loves arranging the critter families. And putting them to bed each night - in their pjs and getting them up and dressed each morning. A labor of love.

My favorite Disney costume is the (fairly) new Elena of Avalor. It's just a TV series right now...maybe a movie is coming. I just love her red floral print dress...the first Disney princess to be dressed in red! All three younger granddaughters got the Elena dress for their birthdays. 

One evening, we went for a long walk in beautiful warm weather. And had a delicious birthday dinner...Winston is a master at steaks on the grill.

We also went to see several model homes - a favorite activity for Suzie and me. The homes and landscaping (pools) are always fabulous!

Happy Birthday, Lizzie!

haPPy BiRthday Hollis

This little girl turned 3! Hollis is a bright light in our family and a joy to her grandparents. When she was just learning to talk, she got straight to her grandpa Scott's heart by calling him "bompia" in a cute little voice. The name stuck, and for a long time we all called Scott bompia. 

Hollie's birthday celebrations stretched out over about ten days. Between their travel and ours, we didn't get to celebrate on the day. But that doesn't matter to a three year old. She loved her gifts, and like everything in her life, she got right to playing and having fun. 

And here is Hollis in her Elena of Avalor dress. So very pretty. Happy Birthday, Hollis Jean!

Claire's 5th Birthday!

nEw granddaughTer

Our son, Mike, and his cute wife Sierra welcomed their first baby - a beautiful new daughter - on Monday, April 4, 2016! 

The baby came a week earlier than her due date and surprised us all. AND she also suprised us because she came quickly. Scott and I got the the hospital just a few minutes after the delivery. We had expected to be there late into the night - but she came at 10:12 pm after a short (but intense) labor of about six hours. 

We were all so excited when Mike announced her name. Ivy Raymond! I had been hoping for that name, because it's a favorite. I love our little Ivy.

 Mike and Sierra are so happy to finally see their little daughter - fine and healthy and BEAUTIFUL!

  The new dad.

 Aaron and Aimee live close by, so they were able to come and see our newest cousin. Their four kids will have so much fun with this new baby.

 All of Sierra's family were also there - two brothers and one sister and two spouses. And of course, Sierra's awesome parents Bryce and Leslie. This is their first grandchild.

This is a really fun little tidbit. Ivy was born on her grandma Leslie's 50th birthday! And even better, Ivy's birthdate is 4-4-16 and Leslie's is 4-4-66. I'm so happy for Leslie and this special happening.

EasTer dinneR

Easter weekend...in pictures!

EasTer weeKend in St. George

There were several Cache Valley artists in the show. This Michael Malm painting had a long list of bids on the bid sheet. It really was lovely.