Monday's Memory--Love Letters

Two of my most treasured possessions:
A letter from Todd, written on his mission-August, 1996


A note from Amy--I'm note sure of the date

Green Beans and Dad

Today I went out to my garden and picked green beans to can. It so reminded me of the times I was in Idaho with Dad and Mary, going out to pick beans and then spending all day working together to get the canning done. I sure missed Dad today. But I had to smile when I thought of this picture of "Farmer Pearson" and had to post it here. It was fun today; a feeling of accomplishment to grow and can your own beans, but it wasn't as much fun without Dad.

Tayson's Birthday

Today is Tayson's birthday...his 9th. I'm usually OK with the kids living in Utah. I know it's where they want to be and they are happy there. But it's times like these that I hate it. I wish I could be there for birthdays and school programs and ball games and track meets and the list goes on. So, I did the next best thing...FACETIME. I got to talk to and SEE Tayson on the phone! Isn't modern technology wonderful! Happy birthday, sweetheart. I sure do love you.

Kindergarten

Today was Emma and Wyatt's first day of school. And not just any first day, but their first day of kindergarten. I love being there to share in this experience with all of my grandkids. This time, it was double the excitement. The pictures in the morning took a little longer than planned, so we had to rush so they wouldn't be late. Maybe that was good since it didn't give them time to worry about what was ahead. Wyatt was really excited to start school and jumped right in.




Emma, on the other hand, was a little worried. She actually shed a few tears last week when talking about school starting. As it turned out, they both had a great first day.

Crazy socks--Monday's Memory

When Todd was in high school, especially his senior year, he loved wearing the strangest, funniest socks he could find. One year, at Brian Head, he sported long johns, shorts, and socks as he skied the mountain. He even got his varsity volleyball team to wear "unusual" socks for all of their games. This picture doesn't do it justice, but you get the idea. Then, the other day, I came across this picture of Todd and Amy all dressed up for church, and noticed his socks. I guess his love of crazy socks started at a very early age!

Idaho

Our annual Idaho trip was bitter-sweet this year. It's always great to gather at Dad's for some good food and family fun. But this year, one of the purposes of the trip was to go through Dad's things and help Mary make the house her home instead of Dad's. I loved the way we all worked together, smiling and laughing over pictures, mementos, and memories. I took home the fishing pole that I always used when Dad took us fishing. I think that is what I'll remember most about him...our fun fishing trips.

The party was great. We had the usual, fried chicken from Albertson's, salads, rolls, and cake. This year, Amy got the kids involved by helping them make their own "ice cream in a bag". The kids had a great time, even if most of them ended drinking it like a milk shake. And of course, the party wouldn't be complete without the croquette game.






























Todd, Kathy, and the kids came as well, so all 8 grandkids were there to play. We stayed at the Red Lion, the only place in Twin with an outdoor pool, so the kids could have some fun. I love family time!

Tayson's swim meet

Tayson had his final swim meet this week, and because I was in town, I got to go. The weather, however, was not very cooperative. After 15 minutes of races, it started to thunder and lightning, so we all had to get off the grass and stand near the building for 30 minutes. But 30 minutes stretched out to more than an hour before the races could continue. Tayson's first race was a relay...he did awesome. Then another lightning delay...this time the rest of the meet was postponed to Friday. Boo--I wouldn't be there to see it. Yea--Todd would be in town and get to watch. Way to go Tayson---you were amazing.