I had a very happy birthday everyone!

Heather let me know early in the month that she was going to be my birthday present this year. I didn't know though that she had paid for a plane ticket for Nicole to join her in the surprise. Nic waited at the airport for a few hours until Heather arrived, doing homework and napping, so as not to come through the security and spoil the surprise without Heather being there. We had a really fun weekend just us four girls. We watched Robin play tennis on Saturday, we saw the make-over Heather had done in Amarillo at the Aveda salon, with her new dark chocolate hair color, and we went to church together. Mike even came home for a surprise visit to see the guests. He knew Heather was coming, but not Nic! We had a nice dinner together and the girls left on Monday to fly home, riding on SWA together as far as Denver, then separating to go to their homes. Mike got his wisdom teeth out on Monday and made a splendid recovery - probably the fastest of any of my kids...don't get a big head Mike. Speaking of which, it's a good piece of news to hear that Mike is doing so well in college this year. Go Tech!

EVAN

Hey Y'all. This is Nicole. I thought you'd enjoy a picture of Evan in his Halloween costume!

Too good not to share

Since I'm a little - okay, okay - a lot nerdy, I don't quite possess the social fortitude to post this to Facebook profile to lay bare my geeky streak, and I do know that this is a family blog (which, as a small aside, the world "blog" seems like onomonopia for "barf," so suddenly I feel myself unfettered by the confines of good grammar - and here I can hear - ha! homophones - here/hear - Andy shrieking, "Good heavens, Heather! Have a conscience!" - yessss, yesssss, I've let myself streak through the blog in a whirl of unchecked typing - okay, okay, enough for the aside or the five asides so unceremoniously wrapped into one), but with whom better to share such a fantastic discovery? Feast upon this http://www.carnegiehall.org/article/sound_insights/works/commissions/art_detail_Gumboots_commissions.html (Gumboots for Clarinet and String Quartet - seemingly "out there" in the opening few bars, but just divine the more and more it picks up, particularly with some of the later jigs - what a fantastic find!). Anyway, I thought this quite the lovely piece with its moving melodies and untempered hemiolas (2 pushing against 3)! Love you all!!!

Mommy stuff

As this is my first attempt to blog on my own instead of comment only, I hope you will bear with my feeble attempt. I seem to be one of many who have unique pictures, and it is a shame to wait until the end of the year to get a sampling of them in the form of a family calendar. I have enjoyed all of the pictures sent our way through email, so keep them coming!

Robin got to test drive a blue slug bug a couple of weeks ago when Heather came to Texas. She was so put out that she couldn't take it home with her! Maybe soon love....

I have had avideo for a week now and decided to be bold and try my hand at publishing it on the blog for Aaron's enjoyment and to share with anyone else who wants to watch a slobbery puppy eat a big beef bone. Unfortunately the size was nearly 9 times the allowable video size, so I will have to figure out how to Youtube it. Nonetheless, it was enjoyable to watch and participate in a fun celebration that took place in Texas as well as in Utah. Thanks Aaron for sharing your pubby dog with us!

Sunday seemed to be a perfect time to walk the dogs. It was calm and fairly cool outside, and so Andy and Rob braved the "beasts" as Grandmother lovingly calls them. She even took my digital camera and took several shots. They made friends with a weiner dog on the loose, and both are still considered socially acceptable in the community. It's fair to say Aaron that Pistol was walking Andy though! It was good for all. Bye for now!

It's about time...

Hey y'all,

I know it's been awhile since I blogged (30 years), but I know a lot of you have been anxious to see my new dog, Kevin. Here he is, quite a cutie - half German Shepherd, half Black Lab. Nic gave him to me for Mother's Day (right after we planted her present - a CD - ask her about that one).  We even look alike (see me in goggles below). Don't be surprised if you see us both on the side of a milk carton soon. 

Had a lovely time in Utah - miss you kids so much!

Much love,

Heather & Kevin in Virginia

Our Pistol had a birthday

My lovely little boy had his first birthday this last Tuesday. You all know that very well because I did everything to make sure you guys didn't forget. Here he is with his birthday present--a huge beef bone:
I chose this photo as the only one to upload because it makes me laugh. I call this his "Cher pose" because he's licking the side of his face just like Cher in her early days with Sunny. I'm sure he knew all this when he was posing for Mom and the camera.

After I got off work at 9pm, I raced over to Chen's Noodle House to pick up our order. We just had to have a celebration for my boy up here in Utah. Ammon even decorated a lovely Saint Bernard cake for me. It was so nice for them to make such a big fuss for me.

Andy's last day...

First, we said goodbye to the grandparents:

Then, we said goodbye to each other:


Andy had to say goodbye to his new best friend:


Then he left, and Molly came over to collect her magnetic silly-putty: