30's a Tall Order!!

April 20, 2009:

Joe is thirty this month, and his sis Sarah planned a surprise party for him.

Surprising Joe is an almost impossible feat, given the fact that he is very observant of everything around him and remembers!!

Jen said, "I couldn't plan anything, because I never do. If I started now, he'd figure out what was going on!"

So Sarie planned, everyone brought food and came to celebrate Joe's big day.

How very precious family is!!

Amy and Aunt Sarie, the party planner . . .

We have a real blast when this crazy crew gets together, and with the grandkiddies, we are even better (or worse, whichever you think)!

So, here are some faces from Joe's party! Happy Day!!

Amy & brother Mike. His eyes aren't really crossed. He did that for Grannie's benefit.

Everyone's favorite Aunt Joanie & great-nephew Jace
. . . gotta love 'em!

Uncle Gordie was there too, but no picture,

The one-and-only Lizzie!!

Our Andy & Becky

Jake & Wayne in the kitchen

Hunter, Sammy & favorite Aunt Cody

What a great son Joe is and always has been!!

What a good wife Jen is for him!

How happy they are with their new healthy little Jace!

Happy Birthday, Daddy Joe!

Easter Weekend - April 10-12 . . .

I didn't used to enjoy Easter much when the kids were growing up: too much lying about an Easter bunny who was a commercial replacement for the Savior. ---

But in this choice season of renewal, the New Life of spring restores my soul, and of late, we have enjoyed vacationing visitors who come for the long weekend. We love to have them fill our empty bedrooms, eat our food, sit by the fireplace with us if it is chilly, and go on those spring hikes that are so wonderful this time of the year.

SO --- This year, Sarie came, all tired out from her job and needing a break, AND Joe & Jen brought Jace for a visit, on their way to an annual family party in Kanosh with Jen's family.

Joe, Jen & Jace's first family portrait -- April 2009

So good to have them home!

It's always fun when Joe & Jen come -- They like to play crazy games, and we have a blast!

Little Jace settled right in. Aunt Sarie , a.k.a. his favorite aunt (according to her) and Jace "hung out" while the rest of us played our game.

Lots of Loving Care in that "hanging out" stuff!! It was fun to watch.

And when Sarie comes, we always go for a hike, this time in on the trail near Big Rock Candy Mountain.

Wayne & Sarah rest on a culvert next to the trail, which has been built atop the old Marysvale Canyon railroad grade. It was a chilly day, and a blustery little rain cloud chased us down the canyon, not moisturizing us until we got to the car, then the storm came.

And last of all, Miss Sarie did her own tour of the yard, looking at our spring flowers that are beginning to brighten the yard a bit.

In the newly emerging springtime, having a new little grandbaby boy along with some returning Kids home makes me think of other sweet reunions with loved ones at some future time, all because of our Savior's gift to each and all of us! What a priceless, delightful treasure He gave!

Thanks for coming, dear ones!!

Stuff for Sweet Baby

We had the most fun Saturday the at Jen's baby shower! Mom Rayma and Aunt Charri hosted a wonderful luncheon social for Jen in Charri's lovely home. I got to go with Joanie, which was a great treat in itself! Cody greeted us when we arrived, and shortly ShaNee & Sarie came together from up north. A little while later, Becky and all her girls arrived, and we had a Boucher party!!!

It was fun to be there with all those sweet girls whom the Lord has blessed me with as my boys have married. Also got to visit again with Rayma and Charri and Grandma Conna -- nice, nice, NICE and gracious ladies. And I got to see Jen and her sister Stephanie enjoy the festivities together, as sisters should be able to share special events.

Later in the day, Wayne & Sarah & I got to see the lovely room Jen & Joe have been preparing for their little Kidlet. They have worked so hard, and things are turning out very nicely. That little baby is certainly excitedly anticipated and very loved already!!

Wayne caught Joe and Sarah at the top of the stairs just before we left. Those two still seem to enjoy each other!

The two beautiful little round-faced kiddies were guests at Jen's shower. Aren't they darling?