trips that you never come home from!

This last week has been heaven sent,If a trip to East land Utah,and the baptism of our oldies grandson, the server was help at the Eastland chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Later day saints. Great grandmother played the hymns, Great grandfather gave a prayer, Denise Lead the music,Benjamin gave a baptism talk and Grandmother Dian talked on the Holy Ghost a sister did the closing prayer, and we drove 2 mile to the pond. This was very special place Dian was baptize at this same location 56 years earlier. Then we went back to the church for a find dinner, It was great to see and fell the Gospel being lived and performed by the priest of God. we left and drover to Cortes Colorado and get some food for the rest of the trip....This was just the start,more to follow. Love ye all Dad

It all began with a baptism...

You know what they say... a picture is worth a thousand words. It is especially true in this case. Addison's baptism day was fair and hot, and the setting was lovely. I had never seen a baptism performed outdoors, and there at the western foot of the Rockies under the wide, blue sky I decided it's too bad we can't do them that way more often.
Addison got to be dunked twice (which I don't think he minded at all)- and then we all met back at the church for dinner. All in all a very special day that was especially nice- thanks, Addison, for inviting us!

Colorado

Here are all our pics from our trip to Colorado. Ben and Mom, you can add photos directly to the album if you wish.

Happy Birthday Addison!

Happy Birthday, Addison! It sounds like you had a great day to me... the day you get a new bicycle is sure to be one of life's best days yet! I want pictures, okay? You are the oldest grandson in our family and I remember the day you were born very well. I was at work when your dad called and said you were on your way- I left work in a heartbeat. Now, compared to Boston or Berkeley, Salt Lake City doesn't sound very far away from my house - but it felt like it took me forever to get to the hospital in Salt Lake City that day. I remember seeing you turn as you were born (babies do that so their head, and then their shoulders can fit easily as they leave their mama's body-) that's when I saw your little face for the first time. I was so happy to be there, and so happy to meet you! After a little while I got to hold you, all bundled up, and we rocked together in a big rocking chair they had- I loved you from the first minute. I didn't get to hold you long, though, cause guess what? Yup... you got hungry! (Waaaaaah!) That's when I was glad to hand you back to your mom!
Now another special day is coming up for you and I am so happy that I get to be there for that day too! Your decision to be baptized is one that makes grandpa Don and I feel very happy and thankful. This is an important step in your life- the first one on the path that will eventually lead you back to your Heavenly Father and his son, Jesus Christ. Being baptized and confirmed is like entering a gate that marks the beginning of a path- and the pathway is the gospel. As you make right choices you will progress and you will stay on the path, which will end only when you arrive safely back at your heavenly home. Neat, huh? When I make mistakes it helps me to remember that as long as I am trying, and as long I use repentance to help me stay clean, that my feet are still on that path and someday I will get where I wanted to go back when I was baptized. When my life here on earth is through I want to go back to my home in heaven- and that helps me remember to choose the right. I love you, Addison, and look forward to seeing you on that special day very soon! Grandma Denise

Happy Birthday, Ellie!

What a fun day today! I thought about you, Ellie, and about how glad I am you are my grand daughter and how happy I am you are a member of our family. You were born so far away... way back in Boston- but your dad called me to tell me your mama was in the hospital and you would be born soon... so I waited with my phone close and the clock ticked on. I was so very happy when your dad called and said "She's here!" Yay! A new baby girl, YOU, made everyone feel so happy.
Now look how you have grown- 6 years old and going to school. You know how to cook with your new Easy Bake Oven, and you know how to help with Lafe, and I loved the book you made about your baby brother. I loved the pictures, and I loved your writing- good job! You will have such a fun year this year, it is so fun to be 6. We'll see you soon! Grandma Denise

Throwing Knives

I need your help. Addison wants to buy a throwing knife with his own money. He already has a couple of pocketknives. Should I let him buy one? I'm on the fence. I told him we would get a third party review to help make the decision. Below are the knives he wants.



Addison says, "Please say Yes!!!"

I say, be honest. At least toss in a yes or no or feel free to elaborate. We need at least five votes to make a decision.

Howdy y'all, Happy birthday America!!!! You should hear my neighborhood right now, holy cow! It sounds like a war zone and will every second until early morning. It is completely insane but I have to say I kinda like it. You cant believe it till you've lived it. One thing Omaha does well. Here are a few pics of trek and the girls. We lived through it all and are now enjoying a month of summer days. :)

Happy Birthday Jen....

It's not the star spangled banner, but it's just for you...

Happy Birthday, Jen!

It's your day today! What fun I had choosing which pictures to post... as always, I had a lot to choose from. (yes, children, your mom has ALWAYS been a picture freak.) So I ask you all, see any resemblance to one of the Nielsen girls in the picture above? I could post a survey if I knew how (I do not-) but if you don't say Gretchen Kate you're up in the night. Yup, she's your girl! This picture was taken when you were 3 weeks old - Dad and I were still floating with happiness... perfect in every way, you were heaven sent and an answer to my every prayer-
As grand as they are, our smiles here are an understatement - we smiled so much through those days that our cheeks hurt. I felt like I was a kid playing house with a brand new doll, and dad came home from work every day for lunch AND breaks- becoming your parents was an incredible experience and completely healed my sorrow filled heart.
Beautiful, intelligent, and deeply caring- I am so happy I got to be your mom. I am proud of you and the kind of person you are - all the world was blessed indeed on the day that you were born- I love you! Mom