20 years !!!

Kenneth & I celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary this week. Where does the time go??? It's funny. It seems just like yesterday that we made that huge wonderful step towards making our family. Yet -- so many things have happened to us, memories that we've created ..... Of course that all takes time. We are so fortunate to have come through this past 20 years intact and still in love, still friends. We love to be together. No matter what it is - even doing nothing. One of our favorite things to do is drive . . . all alone (aka no teenagers giving each other a hard time !!) Sometimes we talk - often we don't. But, we just enjoy each other's company and the peace of being together. I love him! I'm so lucky. He treats me so well. We get along amazingly. It's not perfect -- but it is wonderful !!!

Beach : Then and Now

It meant so much to me to have my Mom at the beach with us this year. One of my best memories of her is when we were in Galveston Bay in Texas. I was a teenager, I don't remember how old exactly. But, we were there together. It was my first time (I thought) at the beach and she and I went out and she taught me how to "jump" the waves. Later as I was talking to Diana she reminded me of this great picture (honestly the first time at the beach) in 1968. I was 3. By the way -- Mom was the same age as I am now. WOW !! Some things don't change . . . I'm still pretty cute & sassy . . . . and my Mom has great legs !!! :o)












1968



















2009

Carlsbad California

We just got back yesterday from our 8 day trip to Carlsbad California. This is the 15th year in a row that we have gone. Unbelievable!!! This year some of my family was able to come for a few days. My sisters Diana, Sherle, and Robin as well as my Mom came. (That was so fun !!) We were there for 2 and 1/2 days by ourselves before the chaos arrived. Diana had 4 of her kids, Sherle had her daughter and 2 of her grandkids, and Robin had her son. That made for a HUGE bunch. That's truly the way to do it. And -- it was so much fun to have babies on the beach again. (Wasn't it really just yesterday ?!!!) They were there for another 2 and 1/2 days. Then we had 2 more days alone to unwind before we came home. It's funny - yesterday morning (the 4th of July) we were outside eating breakfast and I was "chilly". I almost moved into the sun. Then I thought, "Are you crazy??? In a few hours it will be 40 degrees warmer." And it was -- we got to Blythe, got out of the truck, and was hit by a brick wall --- HEAT!!! Are we nuts to live here or what??? But - we got home to our beautiful, air conditioned house and we are truly grateful to be home. This will probably be our last year all together. (Chad will be on a mission next summer.) I know our lives will be heading into a new era so - I am relishing every memory and moment that I can.

Enjoy these pictures!! There's a bunch of them,

but it's so hard to choose.

Our beautiful sunset.

Grandma and the kids.

Girl cousins: Cori (holding Peanut), McKenna, Autumn, and 'Lena.

Boy Cousins: Jaron, Adam, Chad, and Michael

(friend Sam on far left).

The big HOLE the boys spent the whole day digging.

Sisters: Pam, Diana, Mom, Sherle, and Robin.

Uncle Ken & Ian 'Lena on her 22nd birthday!!

SURF'S UP !!!

Here are the rest of the pictures in a video. Just press the arrow. Turn up your volume for sound.