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Special Bond of Mother and Daughter

"You can see it in their eyes
in tender hugs and long good-byes,
a love that only moms and daughters know.

You can see it in their smiles
through passing years and changing styles, 
a friendship that continually seems to grow.

You can see it in their lives, 
the joy each one of them derives,
in just knowing that the other one is there.....

To care and to understand,
 lend an ear or hold a hand, 
and to celebrate the memories they share."

Out for pizza with the kids.....

Barely a week ago I was with the kids in Ogden.  I miss my time with them!  Shannon is so precious.....always has been, always will be.  Now it was so nice to get to know Cody a little better.  Yes, I really like him.  When we met over a year ago, we didn't have much time with him - now getting to know him a little better.  And fun to meet his family.
A lot of time was spent with Jayme.  And that could not have been more wonderful.  She is the best of daughters!  And we are good traveling companions.  Really miss her!  Maybe that's why we are on the phone together a gazillion times a day!

Shannon and Cody

at the Mayan, eating and watching cliff divers....my last night in Utah.  Enjoyed these two so much!

Happy Birthday David Rogde!

Here's to a Happy Birthday David!  (enjoying a toast with Barb!)

Just as good looking today as he was......

?????? years ago! 

Happy Birthday to my brother!  The youngest of us all.  He has always been a good guy and someone I have enjoyed spending time with and growing up with.  I see in him a man of integrity and character.  I love my brother!

Just back home from Utah....

Jayme and I drove my car to Utah so I could give the car to my granddaughter.  Has a lot of miles on it but I love that car and it has a lot of life left in it.....so enjoy the car Shannon! 

Shanni's car now.

Entering the state, after spending the night in Las Vegas.

Driving along,  we exited, thinking we were taking a little side tour.  Oops! 

Immediately......out of nowhere....followed and escorted out of town.  

Very Creepy - Scarey Place!
aww.............  we didn't get to meet Roman Grant.  (We're sure he was there somewhere.)

Okay, more pics and news tomorrow about the trip.  It has been such a busy couple of weeks....and after 20 hours on Amtrak I need a day to regroup.

Breakfast with my brother Dan

Dan arrived from North Dakota.  Jayme arrived from Utah.

Golden Gate

It was cold and windy but amazingly clear.  No fog.  A lovely afternoon.

Alice In Wonderland - Down the Rabbit Hole best describes the past couple of days!

Brett was Baptized Yesterday....

What are little girls made of?

Sugar and spice and everything nice.  That's what little girl's are made of!  Here is little Miss Emily.....definitely a sugar and spice little girl!  With her Mom and Dad and with Nana.

Debbie!  So glad you came back for a visit!  We miss you!

Sea Lions Everywhere - Monterey Fisherman's Wharf

Sea Lions - Seals - everywhere.  They trample right over the whole pile to get where they want to go.  No wonder some of the babies die because they are trampled by their parents!  I have never seen so many.  They were on rocks, shore and even in the boats! 

"Mr. Attitude"  below is guarding his territory as he soaks up some rays.

Fun-Packed Trip Included Whale Watching

The whales are there - but my sea legs were not. - had a hard time standing still and focusing the camera.  Consequently my photos aren't showing much.  Still it was such a fun time!  We saw Blue Whales, White Belly Whales, Humpback Whales, Dolphins, Porpoises and all manner of Seabirds.  Hundreds of Dolphins swam  rapidly along next to the ship as they were feeding.  It felt like an exciting race!  I had no idea they traveled so fast.  The sea air was invigorating. 
Barb, Char and myself went non-stop as we vacationed on the Coast. 

August Begins!

The biggest reason I am glad it is August:  I will see Jayme and Shannon - I miss you so!

Happy Birthday Autumn!

How long have we known Autumn?  The Dutchman responds, "Not long enough" - And today is her birthday!  So we wish her congratulations and the best of life all year long. She has that beautiful winning smile and personality to go along with it.  Wish we there celebrating right along with you Autumn!

It seems like only yesterday .......

Shannon and Amber were playing dress-up.  Shan on a band trip.  Shannon winning at the  Science Fair.

Congratulations Shannon!

The Whole Megillah!

Back Row:  Chong, Diane, Lisa, Vivian.  Front Row: Cindy, DeeDee and Lisa

The past few months we have soaked up the Word of God and we discovered so much richness as we saw how "God allows circumstances (often crisis) in our lives to redirect our paths". Reversal of destiny had a great impact as we discussed how God has reversed things in our own lives.  What has He done in your life?  in your family?  God made Christ who was completely righteous to become sin for us who knew no righteousness.  Learning about  chaistic structure was a favorite of mine.  Now I notice this inverted parrallelism everywhere!  (ie. If your life is not a message, then your message is without life.)  This study is one of my favorites and I highly recommend it!  Tonight we celebrated with a potluck dinner and lots of conversation over what we have learned and how we have changed as we concluded a facsinating study of "esther, it's tough being a woman" by Beth Moore.

A good looking man!

Another day with my library friends

A fun and full day with these girls.  The two youngest, Jessah and Solene spent the morning with me at the library and then time at my house playing with my dogs before we had lunch.  The three oldest, Brianna, Cloe and Violet  went to the library  where they are part of the Summer Reading Program.  The fun was singing, hopping, laughing wiggling and dancing along with Oklin Bloodworth.  Great show with audience participation that wowed the kids and their parents.  We ended the day with a meal at my house.   The highlight for them was playing with the dogs.  I do believe my dogs are in love with these girls!  Just look at Chelsea with Brianna.  The big question today was "When do we get to spend the night?"  That one remains under consideration.