Oh Happy Days! Lots of terrific times and life events meant fantastic family gathering and celebrations! We always love to be together and are thankful for times we can be in the same place.
California Capers
Winging San Jose way meant fun times with Ashley, Chris, Jackson, Raegan and JaNean! From parks and playtime, to puzzles, bubbles, balloons, board books and snuggles, the grandkids and I had such adventures. Jax is a bundle of delight, curiosity, sweetness, smarts and explorer! Darling Baby Raegan was all about the bouncing, crawling, exploring, smiling, and "singing."
Ashley did an awesome contemporary and cool DIY "While You Were Out" surprise for Chris' home office and I got to be her assistant! It was neat to see her vision come to fruition and fun to keep it on the down-low until it was the exciting reveal time! We also got to share some laughs, wonderful Mom/Daughter chats and catch-ups, and we enjoyed hanging out with Chris when he got home from work.
Later, Jax and I spent such super time together while A, C and R enjoyed Seattle for a few days. He and I played at the Children's Discovery Museum, made cookies and crafts, sang, park-dayed, frolicked at GiGi's (JaNean's) house with her and laughed and laughed. Such good times!
So glad we "know the way to San Jose" and get to spend great times with this adorable little family as their busy lives unfold and these wee ones learn and grow, too!
Feeling "Engaged" in Utah Happenings
Catching up with dear friend, Nan Hunter, was a wonderful way to begin my visit to Provo to enjoy time with Justin, Elise, Tyler and his then girlfriend (spoiler alert: now wife ;) ), Jessica.
A super taste treat and gift from J & E at "Taste" had Mike, J, E and I noshing on yummy chocolate treats. Mike gave a special presentation in one of Justin's business classes and then had to zip off for work in other places. As for us in Provo, we had such a good time with the movie "Zootopia", flag football, crafts, hanging out with some of the cousins and chillin'! Tyler, Jessica and I got to visit and enjoy BYU's campus, dinners and games with J & E and such. Thanks for a lovely B&B J and E! . . . It was a special time to share, and Jessica and I had fun getting to know each other better, as well.
The BIG news here was a wonderful milestone for Tyler. He popped the proverbial question to his sweetheart and I was delighted to be there for during their engagement week!
Tyler planned such a personalized and romantic "ask" complete with flowers, special notes, candles, and with places and items meaningful to them and their sweet relationship. Jessica is a doll and we're delighted to have her joining our family.
J, E and I got to be a little part of the excitement by helping with ring hunting (J) and setting up the first portion of the proposal with a personalized puzzle with a message and helium balloons (E and I). Then later, on cue, we showed up as photographers and behind-the-scenes crew after she said "YES!" It was exciting and wonderful and all kinds of happy.
Later we feted them with balloons, sparkling apple cider, goodies and some new necessities like a Bride's magazine and wedding planner to help them kick off the planning fun.
Congratulations you two lovebirds -- so thrilled for you!
"Class"y Times in 2016
April brought another exciting milestone for Justin -- his graduation from Brigham Young University with his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Strategy from the Marriott School of Business.
Such an accomplishment, so beautifully done! Elise, Mike, JaNean, Ashley, Chris, Jackson, Raegan, Tyler and Jessica were all on hand to cheer the graduate as his name was read and he claimed his well-earned degree! Sadly, with my Dad critically ill in a Tennessee hospital, he, my Mom and I were unable to be there in person to join in the festivities as planned, but we were there in heart.
Thursday, April 21st was BYU's Commencement for all of the university's graduates. The keynote address by Elder L. Whitney Clayton of the Presidency of the Seventy centered on how important the connections we have in our lives are.
The Marriott School's official ceremony was on Friday, the 22nd. Eric Varvel, Head of Asset Management at Credit Suisse, spoke and encouraged grads to be a light to the world, to stand tall and be advocates, to give back and to go forth and serve God and their fellowmen.
Justin sent me such a tender text of thanks right before he walked across the stage to accept his diploma and turn that tassel. Not being able to share that with him in person was heartbreaking to me, but we felt connected across the miles; later he also gave me his graduation stole.
Then lots of family and friends were able to join the Cafe Rio party to celebrate Justin and his accomplishment. Very proud of him!
What a great idea to get electronic devices all charged up while you eat dinner, shop or go to a movie at the Stratford Mall -- it's a locker you rent for 30 minutes, complete with charger. Simply swipe your credit card, open the selected locker, plug in your device, close up the cubby and retrieve your electronics a bit later, charged and ready to go.
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