The Cinderella Ball

Bryan and Jamie had a military ball to attend and I told Grace it was like a Cinderella Ball. She was so sad that she didn't get to go that we decided to have our own Cinderella Ball. Before Bryan and Jamie left she got to dance with "Prince Daddy".

The girls got dressed up and I did their hair with pink glitter so they could be all ready for their own ball. We danced "princess style" (slow) to the

Chipmunk Christmas music.

Grace was sure that we had more fun

than her mom and dad did.

We decorated Christmas sugar cookies and ate lots of sprinkles.

When baby Jack woke up he got to enjoy his liquid refreshment and get

some cuddles with Grandma.


This is our parting shot as I departed Oklahoma. It is sad to say goodbye, but we'll see you again next summer when we can swim in the pool and play with your
California cousins! Don't grow up too fast!

Oklahoma and Baby Jack

Jamie looks so good and happy to finally have baby Jack here. I took a picture of his head of hair for all to see. He is covered with blonde and brown swirls of locks... quite a handsome guy.

Here's a close-up of his little head. His hair is so fun to look at and he has such a rosey complexion. He also is a very relaxed baby. He just looks around and doesn't really cry.

Grace and Raegan were quite excited to go see him. Grace held him for quite a long while and didn't want to leave. But we had a Primary party to go to and she finally agreed we could see him later.

At the primary party we went to a retirement center to sing Christmas songs to the "grandmas and grandpas". Then we came back to the church for dinner and crafts. I told Grace that there was going to be a special visitor, meaning Santa Clause. While we were walking down the halls of the church to see him, Grace said, "Is the special visitor Jesus?" I told her that the special visitor was not nearly as special as Jesus. It was nice to see where her priorities are.

We came home pretty tired after a long and exciting day. The girls opened their bags of goodies from Santa and we ate oranges and drank hot chocolate before going to bed. What a day!

Shop 'Til You Drop

This was definitely a fun day! It was squeezed in between Thanksgiving and leaving for Oklahoma. It put me in the mood for all the holiday festivities. Thanks to good friends and fun traditions. We're just some grandma's with baby strollers spending a whole day in the mall!

Home from Hawaii...on to Park City

Thanksgiving at the condo was an adventure for us all. We had four of our children, their spouses and twelve grandchildren. The kids had fun making decorations, playing games, and running around with each other - quite a lively group! And I'm missing, Emilee, Spencer, Madison, and Joshua from this picture. Where are you?



They did lots of eating. We went through eight dozen eggs, tons of milk, bread, sandwich makings and all the Thanksgiving feast they could eat. No one went hungry, I dare say.



At the end of the reunion Ray and I looked over the place and were so happy that the effort was made by those who could be there to join us. It was well worth the time spent. We also enjoyed the evening that Dennis, Rosemary, Don, Cindy, and some family members were able to join us. It was good to see them.

Emilee and I had matching soccer shirts from a Kansas City Wizards game we went to last year on the fourth of July. Emilee has grown so much since then!

"Happy Birthday" to Paul who celebrated his birthday his last day there. He was treated to crepes by the experts, Taub. Pretty delicious birthday treat, I must say.

We managed to get all the granddaughters by us on the couch for a parting shot along with tons of girly giggles. Aren't they a cute group? Of course it's not complete without Grace, Raegan, and Ashlyn, but we were thinking of you and missing you with us.

Here, There, and Everywhere...Good Times

Some sweet faces for my parting shots from Hawaii. Who can resist this cheesy grin - especially when wearing this t-shirt. We were morning buddies snuggling on the couch with chocolate milk, favorite bear and blanket while watching "Dora". And this cute little face snuggled from the wind at turtle bay. It was Jaxon's first drive to the north shore to see the big waves. He slept most of the time however - such a good traveler.