Another Trip to Utah with Ema This Time

Because of our impromptu trip in July, all of our other summer plans had to be reconsidered. Our attendance at the ward youth activities and whatever else required Gene taking time off work had to change. I was back to babysitting Parker, Julie and Dustin's baby full time so if I was going back to Utah for Kyle's wedding it would have to be a very short trip and without Gene. Originally we had planned to drive to Utah in August and Ema had asked if she could go with us. She always wants to go with us to see everyone there but because their Clear lake trip always conflicts with our trip at the beginning of July, she never gets to go. This time she was going to go with us. Long story, short, she was my traveling companion for this trip. It was so fun, to take her and show her off. She loves her Haws family relatives so much and was really anxious to go. We were able to fly, since our time was short and we didn't want to spend most of it driving there.

Such a beautiful girl, but better than that, she's even more beautiful inside! Just like the temple. I was so happy to take her to this sacred place so she could witness the love and joy of a temple wedding day.

During the wedding Ema watched Dylan, Adam and Wade. There were many other little cousins who waited outside the temple for the ceremony to be over. Here we are all gathering to welcome the newly married Kyle and Kimber Haws

We are getting better at making sure the brothersare included in our family photo shots Ah . . . The bride and groom, so happy

My beautiful Ema with her great grandparents, Wayne and Marjorie Haws, at the reception at the Pope Cabin in Hobble Creek Canyon.

I hope she got a very clear picture once again, (this is certainly not her first rodeo) of what a wonderful and special day a temple marriage is.

More July 4th Celebrations in Utah

Another day, another chance for the BALLOONS! Because the actual 4th was on Sunday, in Mo-town they put off the parade until the 5th. That makes for a very long Independence Day Celebrations. I was really glad to be there this year.

It's early, a little bit chilly, the grass is wet, and it's crowded, but sooo fun!

All is ready! Patriotic music is playing and the lead balloon goes up with a beautiful large flag, for the Pledge of allegiance. By now, the tears are flowing freely!

Even with a slight wind, the race was on!

Then of course there is always the parade. The whole county usually turns out for this event, with over-night camping to stake out the best spots and everything. To be honest the parade isn't all that good, but if you are lucky enough to have teenage nieces and nephews who are willing to brave the masses to save the nicest spots that they know will render the best morning shade, you are in luck. Most of our big willing young men are now married, returned missionaries with their own families and they really aren't into that assignment anymore.

Here's our group, minus the Pope family. Sonny (Lewis Pope) was always our "main muscle" in saving the family plot here on the parade route, but after a few near death experiences he has sworn off the parade all together. They were sorely missed.

Cute family!

These two darling girls, Kimmy and Aubry Pixton, (Connie's girls) were our over-night campers who got us our usual favorite spot for the best viewing.

There are a few inflatables in the parade, and they are always a hit.

One of the best things this parade always has are the missionaries, who are in the Provo mission, marching in the parade. That always brings a tear to my eyes. I don't know why I missed them with my camera.

And . . . of course you have to at least do some sparklers in the front yard.

I asked Greg, as he was lighting the little fireworks they had purchased if he felt like he was "lighting his wallet on fire?" The small little things that you can afford with out major guilt are so wimpy, but the little boys really had fun doing them with a couple of their little friends.

Did I ever tell you that sparklers really make me nervous?

I almost have to just go inside when the sparklers come out.

My big boy, now a daddy!

Cousins

We have 6 grandsons now,

but it always seems like there are more girls around than boys.

These three are the ones that make up the difference

Baby Parker came along and made our score 6 to 5, in favor of the boys.

But with Greg living in Utah, his little ones are rarely in the mix.

Just love those baby boys!

Our Youngest Two Grandbabies

Adam is two now are was really enamored with his new baby cousin Parker. He kept wanting to hold him all by himself. You could almost read the love and recognition between Adam and Parker, very special.

Sweet Boys

Disneyland with Greg and Jess and the boys

In May we were lucky enough to have Greg, Jessica and their boys here with us for a little over two weeks. We have so much fun with them when they're here. All of the girls and their families always want to be here too, to enjoy the time with them so it's just one great big family reunion the whole time. All eleven of our grandchildren really love their cousins too, and just love to spend time playing (and fighting) whenever we have the chance, they call each other "my friends" it's so cute.

This is a picture of Adam who's 2, on the tram ride into Disneyland.

It's our "favorite ride" because we always go on it twice, hahaha

The picture taking begins even before we enter the park.

Chelsie, Jessica's sister, came down with Jess and spent a few days here too.

Here they are with Dumbo.

Greg and Dylan ready to go too!

Grandpa Gene with Adam in line for the carousel

Some of my favorite boys/men, they make my life so happy!

Greg and his boys, what a lucky daddy!

I know, it's a little blurry, but I had to share it, they're in Buzz Light Year.
Racking up the points
In the Monkey cage/train car, on Casey Jr.

Here's a cute video of Jess and Chels with the boys on the teacups.

I am brave enough to venture onto the teacups with the boys, too. My secret, let them do the spinning. It's not that bad when you go with the little ones and they do the spinning!

It was nice to spend the day enjoying the experience with our out of towners . . .

but it was sad that all of our other families haven't renewed their passes this year. It is expensive but so worth it when family comes to town. I think they all regretted not having active Disney passes on this day and are saying they are going to renew as soon as they can.

Welcome to the World Parker Dane Boling

Parker with his Grandma Holly

So Peaceful, hope it lasts!

Could they look happier or more pleased?

I think Grandpa Gene approves

Our oldest and youngest grand children, Ema with Parker.

April 6th, What a Beautiful Day to Welcome Our Newest Grandson

Our beautiful Julie has waited a long time for this wonderful experience.

Today she became a mommy.

She had her weekly appointment with her OB doc. yesterday and she was told that she was very ready to have her baby, (she could have told the Dr. that!) But of course if nothing happened to go in on Friday if she wanted to get things started for real. So she went back to work and put in her full day, until 5 p.m.

As all first time mommies can attest, we really don't know what to expect and when things do start to happen we wonder if it's really labor. She felt some discomfort all afternoon which she passed off as resulting from her doctor's examination, but they had a normal evening. She called me at about 12:30 asking me some questions about how she was feeling. After her initial explanation and questions I said, "that sounds like real labor, you better go to the hospital!" She called her Dr. and she said, "Go to the hospital." She was so worried about it being false labor but they decide to err on the side of caution and got there by about 1 a.m.

She is so tough, she actually walked into the hospital, went up the elevator and got checked in to find she was indeed in labor and dilated to 8 centimeters. Her first question was, "can I still have my epidural?" Dustin called us to report in and tell us she was really in labor and we were on our way. By the time we got in to see them she had indeed received her epidural meds. was way more comfortable, and dilated to 10! By now it was only about 3 a.m.

We found her resting comfortably and we visited with them and took some pictures until about 4:15 when she was feeling the need to push. The nurse excused us to the hallway and instructed her on how to push. Then she came and told us we could wait in the waiting room but that it probably wouldn't be very long because she was a really good pusher!!! That proved to be the case because she said it only took four contractions more to give birth. What a champ!

Here's what all the fuss is about . . .

Parker Dane Boling

7 lbs 6 oz and 20 inches long

born at 4:55 a.m. on April 6, 2010

He shares his birthday with our Savior Jesus Christ, how wonderful is that?

She did such a wonderful job, only a few pushes and there he was.

What a difference a few hours makes, now they are a party of three!

Julie's Baby Shower

Last Saturday was Julie's baby shower given by sweet Aunt Jan and a dear friend Marsha Clawson. It was a beautiful shower and Julie definately felt the love. Everything that both Jan and Marsha do is done so nicely, but this one was great. Everything from darling center pieces to fantastic food all making for wonderful memories. I love these ladies, they are two of my dearest friends. Aunt Ann, Grandma Wilson, Jenny, Brandi and Chelcie Wright helped with the shower too.

Her Nursery is done up in a Baby Jungle Animal theme so the shower was that too.
Aunt Jan makes the cutest "diaper cakes" as center pieces, sorry that this picture doesn't really do it justice, it was darling.

Here's a much better view of it.

Here is the blanket that Kylie made for her gift to Julie and the baby.

Here Julie has opened and is trying out one of the burp rags that Ema made for her.
We are getting so excited for this new little member of our family to join us. I think she finally feels like she has all the things she needs to have to welcome him to their home and life.