I can't believe that this is the first post of 2021, but then this past year has been a bit different and changes, as they now come, take a little getting used to. I don't know about you, but I'm hoping for better things this year. I love being a little more comfortable around people (I'm now fully vaccinated, yeah!) and hoping to get out and about more often. I'm grateful to soon be going back to church on a regular basis; I've missed being with those friends and neighbors.
Utah Valley is a beautiful place, and I love the surrounding mountains. In spite of the Pandemic, I was able to continue my morning walks in my neighborhood.
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| Mt. Timpanogos about sunrise |
These past few months, I've had the opportunity to get better acquainted with my newest grandson, Daniel Larsen. I can't resist taking pictures but will only post a few. It's been so fun to watch him grow and learn new things. Alisa traveled down from her home in Mount Pleasant a couple of days a week and when she was remotely teaching her students from Snow College and elsewhere, I would take care of Daniel.
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| Daniel at about three weeks |
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| Daniel, January 20th |
We are like the postman, rain or shine, we walk. Only he probably delivers mail when there are icy streets, but then we go to the Mall.
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I'm not sure we were "singing" but talking
(Me, Shirley and Maxine) |
I just had to post a picture of another cute grandson, Truman. He really like dinosaurs and he's pictured with his dinosaur project. It says, "Tyrannosaurus Rex T-Rex by Truman. T-Rex tooth to eat other dinosaurs". Not bad for a kindergartner!
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| Truman with his dinosaur project |
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| My backyard, March 13th |
Grandpa and Grandma Larsen come to visit and play with Daniel. They know how to keep him entertained (have nine children themselves)
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| Daniel, Richard and Jean Larsen |
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| We celebrate Maxine's 88th birthday, March 23rd |
It was a cold day, but I finally was able to see my granddaughter play some soccer. She did a great job at goalie, but I'm surprised she didn't turn into a block of ice with only shorts and a short-sleeved shirt to keep her warm...maybe it was the gloves?
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| Me and Merit, March 31st |
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| Daniel, April 6th, almost 4 months old |
I finally was able to use my almost expiring ticket to fly to Arizona. Hewitt Peterson was singing in his school play, "Freaky Friday" and I didn't want to miss it. I also got to take in a couple of soccer games (one for Truman and one for Tosh and Hewitt who play on the same team). So fun! Then on Sunday I was able to attend church and to see Rob (the Bishop) in action. Short and sweet!
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| Petersons and Brewers at the play |
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| After the play, Hewitt in the middle sans masks |
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| Tosh, Hewitt, Truman and me after games picture |
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| Eggs already colored for Easter |
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| Rob and me outside Bishop's office |
I was finally able to get together for a wonderful lunch, hosted by Ann, with my Crony friends as I like to call them. We've been friends for about 70 years and haven't been together since the Pandemic started. Some of them (Ginger and Jean) didn't want to be pictured but I was able to get a few of us for a "selfie". I have yet to learn the knack for taking selfies but I suppose practice might help?
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Me, Trell and Ann after lunch, April 15th
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John, Julie and Emily came to town to help Joseph celebrate his graduation from BYU. There was no formal graduation ceremonies, just something remotely done, but we managed to have dinners and brunches, see a fantastic production of Les Miserables, hike the "Y" (not me only some of my guests), and take pictures, lots of them.
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My bookend grandchildren, Emily and Daniel with Julie
and me photobombing |
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Clark and Christine Gilbert, John and Julie, Me, James
Gilbert and Erin Kennedy, Joseph Peterson and Paige Gilbert |
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| Joseph ad me |
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| Me, Joseph, Emily, Julie and John |
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| I'll take a kiss anytime! Thanks Joseph! |
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| Joseph, Julie, Emily, John and Me |
In the middle of all the graduation festivities, my neighbor, Mary called with some extra tickets to go to the Tulip Festival at Thanksgiving Point. It was so fun to go with Mary and Doug and Maxine to see the beautiful flowers and grounds. We even took time for a hamburger lunch.
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| Doug and Mary Cannon Smith on a bridge |
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I took this picture for my friend Shirley
She'll have to get these tulips! |
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| So beautiful and so many colors |
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| Maxine, Mary and Doug at lunch |
It had been a busy week, but my sister, Kathi and her husband John, had also come to town to be with grandkids while their parents were on a little vacation. My brother, Bob and his wife Peggy, were able to join us for lunch and fun visiting. It's been over a year since we've been together. Only missing sister Julie...but one of these days...
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| Peggy, Patti, Kathi with Bob and John in front |
A big part of my life seems to revolve around family and friends...and I'm so grateful for the connections. I hoping to see more family in the weeks ahead. Just hope I remember to document it with pictures. Happy Spring to all of you!
