The Make A Wish Shopping spree

So the day for Araya's Make a Wish has come and gone! And I have to say that it was an incredible day!!! A wonderful day! Araya had a smile on her face the entire day! We spent the day with Araya's "Wish Grantor's" - Brad and Kris - who made her feel like she was the Queen for the day. First we started out at Best Buy where they were absolutely incredible to her! We left there with some pretty amazing "goodies." Then it was off to Fashion Place Mall where Araya got to go just crazy shopping for clothes, jewelry, and best of all SHOES!! We ended the day with all you can eat sushi at Beni Hana's which was to die for!! I was definately a day that I dont think Araya will ever forget! She's still smiling!! Thank you so much to everyone involved!!
Especially Kris, Brad, and The Make A Wish Foundation!!!

The Make A Wish Party

On December 20, 2008, The Make A Wish Foundation and United Healthcare sponsored a party for Araya to let her share her Make A Wish moments with her family and friends! We met at the Make A Wish building here in Salt Lake which is a really neat place to see! What a special feeling you get when you read about all the different wishes children around the world ask for and what a strong rush of emotions you get when you walk through their Hall of Stars which is a hall filled with over 400 different stained glass stars that have been hung in honor of each child who was granted a wish through our Utah Chapter of Make A Wish. I put together a DVD that showcased pictures of Araya from birth to present and also included photos from her shopping spree. We all watched the DVD with Araya. We laughed at the funny photos and teared up with the emotional ones! It was great! We ate cake and ice cream and just enjoyed the time to together and the time with Araya! What a very special time in our lifes!! Araya definately deserved this Wish and the Make a Wish Staff and United Healthcare Staff really made it a special day for Araya and her family!! What great jobs those guys have!!

It's the time of year that should make us all remember ...

Araya's a "Make a Wish Kid"

A few months ago, Araya's Aunt Nay gave her a good surprise when she told her that she put her name in for a Wish at the Make a Wish Foundation. They contacted us to get some information and then we didn't hear from them again. So we thought "Bummer, she didn't get it!" Well our surprise they contacted us last week! I tear up when the guy on the phone said "Araya's a Make a Wish Kid!" She's so excited! She hasn't decided what her wish is yet, Im sure she'll pick something exciting for her. She is really interested in being a photographer so she is thinking on something around those lines! I guess we will see! They are giving her a Make a wish party! So we will hope to see you all there!! Were so excited!!!

Grandpa & Casey - Just hanging out!

Grandpa is really liking his Grandson

So over our most recent visit with Erik, Molly, and Casey, I got to see the really soft side of my husband! He is thoroughly enjoying Casey! Not that he didn't enjoy our kids but I guess it goes to the belief that it is different with your grandchildren. Calmer, funner!! Darwyn spent the weekend holding Casey, watching TV with him, just hanging out!! He even gave up a day of fishing to hang with his grandson! It makes me happy to see the two of them together! I was able to capture a few Kodak moments! Enjoy!!

Our weekend visit with Casey & his parents :)

Another fun weekend with the kids and grandkid!!

Visited w/ Erik, Molly, and Casey this weekend. Had a great time! They are doing well. Staying busy working and in school. Casey is growing like a weed! He is a very healthy little boy and is a pure delight to his parents and family! For being only a few months old he is so attentive and loves to watch TV and as you can tell EAT!! We had a blast! Hated for the weekend to end!

Erik, Molly, and Casey's August visit- Brunch @ Great-Grandpa's and Nana's house

Erik, Molly, and Casey visited this weekend!!

Had a great weekend! Playing grandma and visiting with Erik, Molly, and Tony (their friend from Colorado). Erik and Molly totally needed some together time so I stepped right in and played with our grandson for the weekend. Didn't clean house, didn't do a thing but play with him!! Had a family get together, did some visiting with grandparents and friends! It was a great time!! Only bad thing is now I cant wait now til the next visit!!

Camping in Hyrum - July 2008

Shannon & Johnny's summer visit - Camping in Hyrum

We had a blast during Shannon & Johnny's visit this summer! I love spending time with my brothers and sisters and their families!! I actually cherish every moment! Watching my nephews play together was a great pleasure for me! They are growing so much and so fast!!I love watching them grow into young men!! Camping was a blast, wish we could do it more often! and it was great to actually see my Dad covered in dirt and wearing a ball cap after 4 wheeling! (not something we see very often!!) I hope that we can do these family outtings more frequently in the future!! hint! hint!