Family Reunion 12/18/10

This picture was taken on the morning of 12/18 in Provo as we got ready to leave Ganon and Heidi's house to go up to Jon and Cathy's house in West Valley. It snowed in the night leaving snow on our Hawaii plates (sigh), and making snowcones of our tennis balls.

Jon and his hard working wife Cathy were the hosts of the party.

We are very grateful to Major Arnie Hammari for taking some of his Christmas leave to drive down from Boise so Meg and the Little Women could attend the reunion.

Meg and some of the little ones enjoying the well planned brunch

We are also grateful to Eric for bringing his family down through the snow from Rigby. Macy Jane, on the left, continues to be a charmer. Becca, on the right, is always happy when she can be near Eric. He won her heart the first time they met (in 2000?) when their car got lost on the way to West Valley. While waiting for directions Eric bought her an icee, and that was that.

Little Rebecca and Lily eating brunch.

My camera didn't catch a fraction of the wonderful moments of the day. This random shot captures a few of the 23 grandchildren

I like this pensive shot of Sarah and her breakfast burrito

Mike and his Madrigal group gave us a private concert.

This soft focus shot of Kimie holding TJ is one of my favorite shots of the day. I saw Kimie often helping with the young ones.

This day will remain for Mom and me the most wonderful Christmas gift of 2010

A Moment with Marv and Cath

The first night of our Dec '10 road trip to Utah was spent with Catherine and Marvin (and their dog) in Prescott. Their beautiful home is about 120 miles from our RV park in Mesa. Catherine and Marv are always gracious hosts.

It was Catherine's birthday. It was nice for the sisters to be together to celebrate the occasion. She and Mom pose in front of one of Marvin's watercolor paintings. He is a seriously talented artist.

These two photos was of the beautiful Prescott dawn.

We left Prescott shortly after we took these shots. Our next destination was Mesquite, Nevada

Desert Christmas '10

Christmas was special for us this year. Last weekend in Utah we were able to spend time with all of our children and our grandchildren. That was a sweet gift. Now we're back in Mesa, Arizona. We received other gifts. Here is Mom wearing her gift, a dress-up/Sunday outfit that she picked out herself.

Becca received many gifts. One of her favorite is a set of Disney "My Interactive Point and Play Books". With a pointer the books help her read the stories. Good fun!

Here are her Christmas green toes. She almost picked red, but decided on green.

I got books too. Ganon and Heidi gave me a leather bound Talmage "Jesus the Christ"--very special. Santa brought me books from two of my favorite politicians.

We traveled to the Christmas banquet via scooter and bikes.

The RV resort provided the ham for 1000. We understand the kitchen crew baked 345 pounds of ham. Everything else was controlled potluck for groups of about 30. Mom made her famous "I Hate to Cook" carrot recipe--ono!

The Auswanderers were seated at table 13A

And what's a Christmas party without Santa?

We are closing out our Christmas Day, warm and happy. We wish the same for you.

Twin Bishops?

Here is Bishop Gines, our Bishop at the North Park 1st Ward in Provo.

Imagine our surprise when we met Bishop Watson, our Bishop at the Ellsworth Ward here in Mesa. We asked both of them if they had a twin brother. Both said no. But we're not so sure.

'twas the night before the night before

Santa, in Mesa, is loading his RV getting ready for tomorrow night

His reindeer will be hitched up here

Becca is wearing her shorts in the 70 degree weather. She is peeking to see what Santa will be bringing to her.

Merry Christmas to all! And to all a good night!