Addison's Homecoming

A week after getting back from Arizona (Tyler's funeral), the kids and I headed for Nampa, ID. Sammy was at Bryce Canyon working, so wasn't there, and Sam stayed home to work.

Two years before, we were in Idaho for Addison's farewell. This time we were there for his homecoming. It was amazing to see how much Addison had grown these past two years. His talk in church was one of the best I've heard.

After driving for about 10 hours, we arrived at Gary's house Friday evening. My niece Amy was there with her four kids from North Carolina. It had been a long time since I had seen her. It was fun to talk with her and try to get her kids to talk to aunt Becca. :) They are so cute. The girls and I went over to Anthony's house (it was late), and stayed there. Jackson stayed at Gary and Christine's. He called me at 2 a.m. and wanted me to pick him up, he couldn't sleep. I was 20 min. away, and Anthony's house had the alarm on and I wasn't about to wake him up to get it turned off. I talked to Jackson, tried to get him to get Grandma, but he finally went to sleep. I felt so bad that I was helpless and couldn't help my boy very well.

Saturday morning, we got up, got dressed, and headed back over to Gary and Christine's. We helped get ready for the little get together that evening. Anny and Kass were on there way, and my kids were having fun getting to know Amy's and Anthony's kids, along with their cousins.

During the dinner, the kids had fun playing and climbing trees. Gary has the best tree in the back yard for climbing. You can see Max, Jackson, Cade, and Blake, up there. It was kind of scary. Jackson saw a humming bird, grabbed my camera and took a picture of it in the tree. I thought this was such a good picture. Great job Jackson.

Christine has some old school desks in her patio, and the kids had fun playing school.

Abby, Aliza, Brynn, Maren and Cade.

The adults enjoyed sitting around and talking, some of the young adults were playing some fun games. We enjoyed watching them too. (I think Kass even played)

Gary, Becca, Anny, Mom, Kass

The trampoline was full of boys. Looks like a fun game.

After a wonderful morning at church, we got ready to head to Salt Lake City. But of course we had to get the photos of Gary and Christine and their kids.

Alexis, Aubrey, Arial (Anthony's wife), Anthony, Addison, Gary, Christine, Alyssa, and Amy

On Saturday, Maren was busy all day with picking roses. She loved it so much. I was worried she was picking too many, but Christine said if they didn't get picked, they would just fall to the ground.

I am so grateful for the example Addison showed on fulfilling his mission to Houston. The kids enjoyed praying for him everyday. We love him so much, and am excited to watch him continue on in life.

On our way home, we stopped by my fathers grave as we usually do when we come to Boise.

We took some of Gary's roses and placed them on the grave. We miss him so much. I wish my kids could have known him.

We also stopped by my sister, Diane's, grave that was close by. The kids enjoy watching the ducks and swans that are near.

Cade, Aliza, Abby, Brooklyn, Blake, Brynn, Maren

It was a quick trip, but well worth it. I hope it doesn't take too long to get back there again. We just need Aubrey, Addison, or Alexis to get married now..... :)

Anthony and Arial's Wedding

What a privilege it was to be in Idaho for Anthony's wedding.

The day after Thanksgiving, (the BIG shopping day) my four children and I hopped in the car and took a 10 hour drive. It wasn't too bad of a drive, the roads were perfect, the kids were content, and the car ran great. ( just a little Monson for ya) As we were pulling into Boise, fireworks were going off downtown. Boise State University just won their big game in football and will be going to a bowl now. That was very fun to see. I'm just glad we came through when we did to miss the after game traffic. Saturday morning, we went to the 10:30 wedding. It was a beautiful wedding. Both Groom and Bride looked wonderful!

Gary,Christine,Arial,Anthony,Christine's mom Rena, and my mom Janice.

I wonder if Arial and Anthony will continue the "A" names with their children? We'll see.

I was sending some pictures from my phone to Sam so he would know what he was missing. Anny suggested sending him a funny one with us being crazy. I figured I was already crazy, so I just smiled. Anny and Kass weren't too happy with me. :) :)

(don't get mad at me for putting this in girls, see, I am crazy)

After the wedding and luncheon (which was fabulous, the caterers, Gary used to work with, supplied the food in a beautiful building downtown), Anny, Kass and I grabbed our kids and took them to our sister's and dad's graves. Diane was 2 when she passed away due to drowning (I was not born yet) and my dad was a young buck as well, 55, due to heart problems (I was 16 years old). I loved sharing this with my children and telling them stories about their grandpa and aunt that they never met. I remember well coming to this cemetery often while growing up.

Later that night was the reception. I so enjoyed watching my children dance, flirt with the bride and groom, and play with their cousins they barely know.

Alexis (Gary and Christine's daughter) and Maren

Addison (Gary and Christine's son) and Jackson

Becca (Alexis's cousin on other side) and Alexis babysat the kids while we were at the wedding and luncheon. The kids loved them and were hanging on Becca all night.

What a fast trip this was. It took a couple of days to re-coop, but well worth it. I'm glad my kids got to know their uncles Gary and Curt a little more along with Christine and their kids.

I so enjoyed driving through Boise, (squeezed in the back seat with mom, Anny and Kass with Curt driving and Mick) going down memory lane. We each had different and similar memories of this city. I'm glad I get to go back now and again and show my kids were their mom grew up.