Shar's San Diego Wedding

I didn't think that I was going to be able to go to Sharley's wedding because my father in law was so sick. But, since he made his miraculous recovery my Aunt Jeannie flew me out to San Diego so that I could be there. It was a whirlwind trip....but I'm so glad that I could be there! It was a beautiful wedding and Shar was the most beautiful bride!! I took a gazillion pictures...it was hard to choose which ones to post.

Here are some of my favorite moments:

Jennie and Jeannie...steaming the dresses at our night before the wedding "bathroom party."

Me and my grandma....in the bathroom.

Sharley and her dress...and Aunt Jeannie and Grandma and their dress. (my Aunt wore my Grandmas wedding dress...so cool!)

My handsome Grandpa and the beautiful San Diego Temple

My two favorite people waiting for the bride to come out of the temple

Sharley and Ben
Silly Shar
Two of my other favorite people...Lyndsay and Jennie. I got to see my mom and dad for a little bit at the luncheon and the reception...I'm so glad that they could come!
I love this girl like she was my very own sister. I was 12 years old when she was born and I think her mother had her for me! I spent every summer with my Aunt and her family and I looked forward to taking care of Sharley like she was my own little baby doll. I can't believe she is old enough to be married! Thanks for letting me be a part of your special day Shar....I love you!

Back To The Palace

For anyone who didn't think that our Grandpa was going to be able to get through this latest obstacle....check out this note. Hooked up to a respirator and a feeding tube he decides that he is going back to the "Huntsman tomorrow"! (Yeah right) He's way too sick...right?? The next morning his breathing tube was removed and later that night his feeding tube. He ate some yummy orange jello with no problem.....and today HUNTSMAN HERE WE COME!!! Yay! We are so thrilled...and truly feel like our family has been blessed with a miracle! I mentioned to the nurse that when he had that breathing tube removed he was going to give her a piece of his mind....and really he should because apparently every time he pushed the nurses button someone would come on the intercom and ask, "do you need something?" SERIOUSLY!?? I wonder if they could see him nod his head yes!?? Duh!! We are SO excited to be returning to our "palace on the hill" today! Thank you to all of you for your thoughts and prayers...we know that they helped us get through this! Go Team!!

Grandpa...I'll bring you a Diet Caffeine Free Mountain Dew a.s.a.p.!!

Update On Our Papa

For those of you who check the blog to hear what's going on with Mike....I thought I'd give an update. Yesterday morning Mike was doing his laps at the Huntsman Center when he nearly passed out. His blood pressure was really low and he was having a hard time breathing. They transported him from the Huntsman to the University of Utah ICU. They originally thought he may have had a mild heart attack, but now are saying it wasn't his heart but septic shock. I guess his lungs were filled with fluid. They have him heavily sedated. He is on a respirator to help him breathe. His hands are strapped down, so that he can't pull of his breathing tube. (there was a note on the chair when we got there that he had written...it took us a while to decipher it...but when we did we chuckled. It said 'take it out' (tough guy). He has a massive infection that they still aren't sure about. His white blood cell count is very low...or possibly even zero because of the intense chemo he was on to prepare him for the bone marrow transplant. They are taking all precautions for germs. There are only 2 family members allowed to see him at a time. No kids. (that would make him sad) Hand sanitizers and masks are a must. Bonnie and I were telling him goodbye last night...he opened his eyes a little bit and nodded. We were thinking he probably thought we looked like a couple of aliens with our teary eyes and our pink masks on. Your prayers on behalf of our Grandpa would be much appreciated! We love him so much and are not ready to give him up!

Happy Birthday Grandpa!

My Grandpa is one of the most handsome men I know! Today is his birthday. I just had to take a moment to brag about him. I compiled a list of things that he excels at:

• He is the best genealogist that I know. He works long hours at the genealogy center in St. George, has written a book, and teaches classes on it. He has some of the most amazing stories and photos of relatives!
• He is an artist. He paints brilliant pictures! I am proud to have 2 of them in my home!
• He is loving and patient. I've never heard my Grandpa raise his voice at another person.
• He is always right! (no really...he is!)
• He tells the best stories of anyone I know!
• His Grand kids and Great Grand kids adore him...and I'm pretty sure every one of them thinks that they are his favorite!
• He is an athlete. He played college basketball, was a high school coach, and still plays tennis and golf regularly.
• He NEVER complains!
• He is a blogger! What Granddaughter out there can say that about their Grandfather? I can! ...and I love it!

I could go on! Thank you Grandpa for all you have taught me and all you do for my family! You are absolutely Easton's hero...and I love you for making him feel so special! Have a great day!

Our Last Preschool Graduation

I have to admit...it's a little sad. My baby just graduated from preschool. I can't believe he is going to be in Kindergarten next year! Time just seems to be going by so fast...I can still vividly remember Camry going to the same preschool so many years ago! We sure are going to miss Teacher Geanna and Miss Carrie....they have given all 3 of my kids 2 years of love and devotion! Jace and Mom before his performance
Jace and Garet loved being in the same class
Miss Carrie, Jace, and Teacher Geanna
Best buds!
I know I say this a lot...but I am so thankful that my kids have cousins that live nearby and go to school with them. They are always going to have a buddy and best friend...no matter what they do!

The Pinewood Derby

Last night was Easton's first Pinewood Derby. He and his Dad worked hard on his car to get it just the way he wanted it. Funny thing...Bryan kept telling me that he was worried because he wasn't sure it was easy to tell which was the front and which was the back of the car. The very first race, Easton's scout leader actually put his car on the track backward. It came in second place. The next time Bryan told Easton to turn it around the right way...this time he came in 3rd place. So, for the rest of the night our little purple car raced backward!

Easton and Dad cutting the design
Sanding...and sanding some more!
Painting. Easton chose purple.
The finished product
His first race. He took second in this heat.
Easton and his ribbon. He won a blue ribbon for the "strangest shape"

Our Papa

Last Wednesday we got some bad news....Bryan's dad's cancer is back. (It happened to be his 59th birthday...not a very nice birthday gift!) Today Mike starts another round of intense chemotherapy. After this next round of chemo Grandpa will undergo a bone marrow transplant...courtesy of Aunt DeAnn. We feel very blessed to have had a good six months of Grandpa feeling well enough to enjoy 2 awesome vacations with all of us! We are so grateful that we have the bravest, strongest, happiest Grandpa out there! He NEVER complains! Whenever we call or visit his first question is, "How is everybody?". We look forward to "kicking this next round in the butt AGAIN"! We love you Grandpa! Go Team Halliday!