Madi's Mommy

Kaye is so cute to blog about the girls.  Those cute pictures and stories of hers reminded me about her childhood, you know, the circle of life and all that. 

Kaye loved playing in the park so it doesn't surprise me that parks have been an important part of Madi and Hannah's lives.

Just like Madi and Hannah, Kaye was absolutely adorable in every way. But she could get into trouble just like the next kid.  I'll never forget trying to get all the kids ready to go to Thanksgiving Dinner at Grandma's House.  I bathed Kaye and did her hair and even got her all dressed up.  To ensure she would stay ready, I put her in her crib for just a few minutes so I could get the finishing touches on the rest of the kids done.  Just as we were ready to load the car, I went into the nursery to get Kaye.  She had opened a brand new big jar of Desitin and smeared it on everything she could reach including herself.  Of course Madi would never do anything like that!

It will be interesting to see if Madi becomes a "doll" girl. 

Brent

I love Brent.  Everybody knows that and so while he is the only child here in St. George with us, he is "my favorite" for a month (sorry Jodi).  Celebrating that little fact and the wonderful occasion of Brent and Lori receiving the key  to their new home yesterday, I got a little vlechlempt and looked back to good memories of old Brent. Lori has helped Brent overcome his upbringing but remember when. . .

Camping at Ohonapakosh, WA

Not-too-bad all-star ball player

Boy who still loves his mom even though she dressed him badly. (It was cute at the time.)

The young Jeremy Renner .  He dressed himself.  Almost got on both shoes.

See, I could match an outfit. Only a real man dares wear pink.

Protection from older brothers.

Tender-hearted and sweet more than 67% of the time.  Yah, he won't let me cut his hair anymore.

Guys, remember this first-of-all San Juan Pioneer Trek with Bishop Buddy? 

Can anyone identify this tree?  I can't remember a thing about this pic. The shirt doesn't even look familiar.  I think it is Brent. . . 

Drinking out of the jug?  Lori caught me drinking out of the jug the other day, but honestly, I was just finishing off the chocolate milk and didn't want to dirty a cup.  Honest. 

As always, pure in heart.  Daniel on the other hand. . . 

The closest Brent ever got to football, thank heavens.  But the costume lives on with Mike's kids, I think. However, Brent continued to love BYU through the years and attended  for many years.  And wants to go back again for many more. It is the Cougar Curse.  

It is good to see Dad and Brent bonding once again in 2013 although Brent doesn't fit on LeGrand's lap so nicely anymore.   

Remember the water hole at that scary Indian Ruin? What is the name of that place?  Hotel Rock?

Missionary Picture.  So anxious to serve.  Great preparation.  Good kid.

Lest you two ever forget. . . 

A dream of a lifetime:  Jerusalem Abroad.

As tall as a pyramid.

Only smooching on whole trip!  (?)

One reason he eventually decided against construction management. 

Almost forgot this little gem.

Still our Hero.

And he loves me too.

Add your own caption here. 

And Still She Smiles. . .

Chandler loves Brin.  Very Hard.  Around the neck.

Hanging Genes on the Line

     Sometimes I wonder where these kids come from.  Katelyn is so talented--she makes us all look good.   I guess Mike did play the French horn at college and Em was on scholarship at BYU for marching band.  Hey, maybe Katelyn does come by her musicality naturally.  Her real talent though is not one of those showy abilities like playing the guitar, although she does that fantastically well.  Katelyn is hard-working, responsible, mature, self-directed, and disciplined and those are real gifts! It was surely a delight to take these pictures of our wonderful 12-year old granddaughter.

LC Ranch Reunionizing 2013

Thanks to all you beautiful families for making the effort to attend our 2013 Black Family Reunion.  Here ya are in order (of age, nice try Curtis).

The LC Ranch Reunion Site

The Fambelies:

Here's a few random pictures of individuals:

FOOD: 

Firesides:

Water Fun:

In Summary:

We had a great time.  Thanks to all of you for your part in the fun.  Sorry I didn't have my camera with me more of the time as obviously this didn't capture all the excitement.  Wish I had some pics of fishing, Family Feud Tournament, volleyball, the train of lost vehicles trying to find the right lodge, etc.  Oh well, next
 time. . .