Tyler Did It!!

Tyler worked hard those last few weeks, but he did it. He sure does make a good looking graduate. The day was wonderful. Graduation started at 9:00 at the Marriott Center. I saved seats for everyone. Grandma, Allen, Allison, Olivia, Michael, LeAnne, McKenzie, Becky, Brayden, Kyle, Sam, and I were all there cheering him on. It was funny watching each one stand in front of the PG for their picture as they walked for their diploma. Some were so tough and cool, others posed all cute and innocent (yeah, right), and a few really showed their stuff, but when it came time to toss their hats, only one was brave enough to defy district orders of not tossing their caps. The students were told it was a safety issue and if they did, they would not receive their diploma. The guilty ones would have to go to the district to obtain their diploma, lol. So on their final day, their moment they've all been waiting for, only one out of almost 500 seniors had the nerve to toss his hat. I guess their really not that big and bad. We went to lunch after and had a great time. The only thing missing was Chad, but he'll be home soon enough.

Katy, Corey, and Cade

While Katy and Corey were visiting this last month they had some family pictures taken. They look very sweet together. We love them and hope they are doing fine back home. Katy, anytime your ready to visit again, we are ready to have you.

Tyler's about to Graduate!!

It's hard to believe that Tyler is only 3 weeks away from graduating. He's a young graduate at only 17. He'll be well into college before he turns 18. Tyler has really come a long way and I hope he knows how much I love him. Anyway, here are some of his senior pictures. It's kind of silly to call them senior pictures when their taken right after their junior year. They change so much during their senior year, but oh well. They are some great pictures. Congratulations Graduate!!

News from Chad

I talked to Chad yesterday. He called to set up a time for me to call him on Mother's Day. Since there are 4 elders sharing an apartment, there are 4 sharing the phone for Mother's Day calls. I'm calling him at 7:30 local time, that's 4:30am Chad's time. He says he'll wake up quick and be okay. I'm remembering the Chad who took several hours after getting up to be social. I hope things have changed. I have found several sites that sell calling cards specifically for Ukraine. If I use the minutes all at once and don't plan on saving any minutes, I can get well over 300 minutes for $20. If I try to save minutes, they'll be eaten up by a variety of fees associated with the card. Chad is doing good and happy to be serving a mission for the church. We are so proud of him. I'll let you know more after we talk to him next week.

Aida and Ariah

I got these pictures from Annie's blog. The girls look absolutely beautiful in their Easter dresses. Don't we have the best looking grandkids ever?!?! That really wasn't a question, but a declaration!! I sure wish we were closer so we could see them in person. Hopefully soon.

Luncheon at the Park

It was great watching the guys plus Becky play killer. Even though I didn't think it was a "nice" game, they seemed to be having fun. Have you ever noticed that when family gets together, they turn back into kids with each other. It doesn't matter if married or single, children or not, brother or sister . . . What a really good day it was.

Cade's Blessing

Cade was blessed this last Sunday. It was a very nice blessing. There was family from both Katy's side and Corey's side present. Corey's sister had her baby blessed the same day. Following the blessings, Sam and I provided a lunch at the park across the street from our home. We were a little worried that the wind would pick up and be to cold. Fortunately for us, the weather was perfect. It was a little cool under the pavillion, so we moved the table out into the sunshine. It was great having everyone there (except Nathan, Annie, Aida, and Ariah- out of state, and Sarah- had to work). I wish we had more days like this.