The Stair Steps and
The Hope of The Future for Our Surname
Now for the CA Va-Kay.....some excerpts from a few blog posts..from July.
It
all seemed to happen so quickly. We were able to do so many fun things while they were here
and we hope they will come again soon.
Our grandkids got along great, they were tidy and very helpful guests and just so easy to have around. Even though I am sure they weren't the most comfortable, all four kids slept in the Hotel California without complaints. It helped so much to make everything feel more organized and spacious in our cottage home. Missy and Chris worked hard to make it all nice and easy for us. They are good kids!
They
loved playing in the yard and finding our wild animals. Aynslee kept a
log of all the deer and other critters she ran across as she explored
the tree covered paths up and down between the barn and the cottage. They
just missed all the wild turkeys that have been hanging around here for
months.
We have a tradition of hiding a big green dinosaur egg, AKA watermelon when we have a summer BBQ with kids attending. Hunting for that through all the nooks and crannies in the yard kept them entertained for some time. Chris wanted them to have a lot of his childhood experiences and they did.
Our grandkids got along great, they were tidy and very helpful guests and just so easy to have around. Even though I am sure they weren't the most comfortable, all four kids slept in the Hotel California without complaints. It helped so much to make everything feel more organized and spacious in our cottage home. Missy and Chris worked hard to make it all nice and easy for us. They are good kids!
Aynlsee is a great shot!
We have a tradition of hiding a big green dinosaur egg, AKA watermelon when we have a summer BBQ with kids attending. Hunting for that through all the nooks and crannies in the yard kept them entertained for some time. Chris wanted them to have a lot of his childhood experiences and they did.
Zach waiting for his next tetherball opponent.
Aynslee and Her Daddy!
We read our scriptures out here by
the bonfire Sunday night. Check out the Blue Hour photo!
the bonfire Sunday night. Check out the Blue Hour photo!
The
kids also enjoyed cooling off in our pond and relaxing. It was all
nice and clean and as clear as a bell. They played a lot of basketball,
tetherball and explored all around. Zachery liked scooping the leaves
out of the pond with the pool strainer.
That cute little dimple on his upper left cheek matches one that Jim's mom has. It is the cutest thing when he smiles! All the other kids have the regular pair of dimpled cheek. I do love Owen's blond hair and chocolate eyes combination too!
Owen and I played Tic Tac Toe. Owen has a unique way of playing it. He makes all the rules, he is always X and he's always first! And when you go to put your wooden peg in the board, he covers up the hole with his hand if it looks like that move might change the course of who might win. It was so cute really. As Missy said..."We'll let him get away with that for now since he's only six."
I think he knew his Gramma wouldn't mind at all. It was fun, he was so gleeful about being in charge and winning all the games. Sometimes as the youngest you gotta fight for that spot once in awhile. That 'at home time' was good for the kids because the rest of the time the adults ran their little tails off. And vice versa at times!
The first big adventure~Pt. Reyes Beach and National Park. It is about two hours from our home.
They all hiked into Point Reyes Beach on Monday morning bright and early with Grampa as their guide. He's da man! (Of course da other man, Chris, has been there several times too.) These kids love their Grampa! He is a lot of fun and wears them out whenever they are together. He works hard and he plays hard. We sure all do love him. 100% should be his middle name! He had the whole thing planned. He has taken dozens and dozens of kids here in his day.
What a beautiful family~
we are so proud of all of them!
This is one happy nine year old boy! Just when you think you couldn't possibly love your grandkids more...you do. The capacity to love them knows no bounds apparently! We all had so much fun with him. He is so mellow and a peacemaker. These five grandboys and our five grandgirls just truly put us both over the moon!
All kids have to do this at the beach~it's a rule!
Aynslee is the perfect sister for these three boys.
She is right there with them every step of the way.
The thing you see at the nape of his neck is a strap to keep his glasses from flying into the sea. I have always thought he looks so much like Chris but I see a lot of Melissa in this one. I love this age (nearing 14) they are just on the brink of their adulthood and it is a fun time. Connor is such a sweet and kind grandson. He is always so thoughtful and always says thank you for the meals, etc. This guy is going places, folks...watch out world!
As they explored the beach they found a beached, dead whale that the Parks Department has left in place to decompose naturally. I am sure that decision was influenced by the fact that the beach is not heavily populated by casual foot traffic. It was pretty interesting. In the foreground there are some huge vertebrae. Huge! Me? Passed on this one! The things that most people want to see in person...just take a picture for me and I'm good to go.
Marine Biology, Dr. Chris?
When they got home I had dinner ready for them and Aunt Gail came over and Patrick too. After dinner we had Family Night and Grampa and I told the story and showed a short video about our ancestors from the Mayflower. They seemed to enjoy learning about that. Or perhaps they were just simply smiling with their eyes glazed over after a very full day.
It seemed fitting that they had a chance to see the ocean on the day they heard more of their ancestors that crossed The Atlantic Ocean on a small ship in cramped quarters. They sailed for 66 days making their way to America at a speed of 2.6 miles per day. I am going to remember that on our next Nevada crossing. Maybe that tent didn't seem so bad after all. I think everyone slept well that night, even the ones on Hotel California's brick mattress.
Well, I thought I'd try to get this whole week on a page but no such luck. This is just part of two days. I think I'm in trouble. They all gave me so many good pictures to include. Good trouble though, I love writing about our family adventures no matter how long it takes. It is my gift to the family and I know as the year go by they will enjoy these memories of their childhood and family times together.
They also went these places throughout the week...
Santa Cruz Boardwalk!
This one is called the Pirate Ship.
Grampa looks scared here but
I know he'd say he was faking it!
By the time they arrived in San Francisco it was time for lunch
so a stop was planned at our favorite Pizzeria.
Pasquale's on 8th and Irving.
Four generations of Pasquale's Pizza lovers
We have enjoyed the good food here since 1968!
When Jim and I were in Utah in August, just by chance we had the opportunity to see Chris receive a distinguished award from BTU. It was such fun day for us as his parents. It was held in the BYU Marriott Center and started out really nicely when we received an invitation to sit on the playing floor as special guests of the University. Several members of the faculty had been invited to sit on the stand where President Samuelson would be presenting various special awards. This was during the assembly held for the first faculty meeting of the new school year. The suspense was killing us as Christopher was very secretive about what the award was, so the tension was as tight as a drum!
in becoming outstanding teachers and scholars!
What an honor, congratulations, Son!
Here is our little Owie!
That cute little dimple on his upper left cheek matches one that Jim's mom has. It is the cutest thing when he smiles! All the other kids have the regular pair of dimpled cheek. I do love Owen's blond hair and chocolate eyes combination too!
Owen and I played Tic Tac Toe. Owen has a unique way of playing it. He makes all the rules, he is always X and he's always first! And when you go to put your wooden peg in the board, he covers up the hole with his hand if it looks like that move might change the course of who might win. It was so cute really. As Missy said..."We'll let him get away with that for now since he's only six."
I think he knew his Gramma wouldn't mind at all. It was fun, he was so gleeful about being in charge and winning all the games. Sometimes as the youngest you gotta fight for that spot once in awhile. That 'at home time' was good for the kids because the rest of the time the adults ran their little tails off. And vice versa at times!
The first big adventure~Pt. Reyes Beach and National Park. It is about two hours from our home.
Getting ready to hike up over the hills
and into the Pt. Reyes Beach Area
Aw!
Grampa~On the Beach... with his On Golden Pond hat!
They all hiked into Point Reyes Beach on Monday morning bright and early with Grampa as their guide. He's da man! (Of course da other man, Chris, has been there several times too.) These kids love their Grampa! He is a lot of fun and wears them out whenever they are together. He works hard and he plays hard. We sure all do love him. 100% should be his middle name! He had the whole thing planned. He has taken dozens and dozens of kids here in his day.
What a beautiful family~
we are so proud of all of them!
To
get to this pristine, almost private beach you must hike in two miles.
It is not a really hard hike, but it is not easy either. Only serious
hikers need apply! No one just stops by. And there is camping with a
permit. I have actually done the hike myself long ago (perish the
thought!) It is impressive that the kids did this and then played and
played and then went the distance back as well. Especially Owen being just barely six.
Zachary, enjoying the Pacific Ocean
This is one happy nine year old boy! Just when you think you couldn't possibly love your grandkids more...you do. The capacity to love them knows no bounds apparently! We all had so much fun with him. He is so mellow and a peacemaker. These five grandboys and our five grandgirls just truly put us both over the moon!
All kids have to do this at the beach~it's a rule!
Aynslee is the perfect sister for these three boys.
She is right there with them every step of the way.
I love this picture of Connor
The thing you see at the nape of his neck is a strap to keep his glasses from flying into the sea. I have always thought he looks so much like Chris but I see a lot of Melissa in this one. I love this age (nearing 14) they are just on the brink of their adulthood and it is a fun time. Connor is such a sweet and kind grandson. He is always so thoughtful and always says thank you for the meals, etc. This guy is going places, folks...watch out world!
As they explored the beach they found a beached, dead whale that the Parks Department has left in place to decompose naturally. I am sure that decision was influenced by the fact that the beach is not heavily populated by casual foot traffic. It was pretty interesting. In the foreground there are some huge vertebrae. Huge! Me? Passed on this one! The things that most people want to see in person...just take a picture for me and I'm good to go.
Aynslee was a little freaked out by this one!
Marine Biology, Dr. Chris?
Connor helping Owie up the rocks at Sculpture Beach
The 'Lunch on the Beach' Bunch
Zach and Aynslee on the edge!
He is a world traveler now, Owen has finally
seen and experienced the ocean!
He L.o.v.e.d it!
seen and experienced the ocean!
He L.o.v.e.d it!
When they got home I had dinner ready for them and Aunt Gail came over and Patrick too. After dinner we had Family Night and Grampa and I told the story and showed a short video about our ancestors from the Mayflower. They seemed to enjoy learning about that. Or perhaps they were just simply smiling with their eyes glazed over after a very full day.
It seemed fitting that they had a chance to see the ocean on the day they heard more of their ancestors that crossed The Atlantic Ocean on a small ship in cramped quarters. They sailed for 66 days making their way to America at a speed of 2.6 miles per day. I am going to remember that on our next Nevada crossing. Maybe that tent didn't seem so bad after all. I think everyone slept well that night, even the ones on Hotel California's brick mattress.
Well, I thought I'd try to get this whole week on a page but no such luck. This is just part of two days. I think I'm in trouble. They all gave me so many good pictures to include. Good trouble though, I love writing about our family adventures no matter how long it takes. It is my gift to the family and I know as the year go by they will enjoy these memories of their childhood and family times together.
They also went these places throughout the week...
Santa Cruz Boardwalk!
This one is called the Pirate Ship.
It reminds me of what they use to call
the Hammer in the old days.
Grampa looks scared here but
I know he'd say he was faking it!
They had a ball
all day long running to and fro!
all day long running to and fro!
The City Trip!
Owen, Connor Aynslee and Zach
Owen, Connor Aynslee and Zach
By the time they arrived in San Francisco it was time for lunch
so a stop was planned at our favorite Pizzeria.
Pasquale's on 8th and Irving.
Four generations of Pasquale's Pizza lovers
We have enjoyed the good food here since 1968!
Zach and Great Grandma Gloria in SF Sunset District!
Then on to the Exploratorium in it's new location on the waterfront.
Outside Sign on a windy day!
Aynslee at the controls!
Learning about Optical Illusions
They also went to a Giant's night game on BART and that was
a lot of fun for them and the first major league game for the kids.
A little early, guys?
This podium floral arrangement was stunning!
Chris sitting right behind President and Sister Samuelson
waiting for the program to begin.
BYU Class of 1949 Endowed Young Faculty Award
Went to Dr. Christopher A. Mattson
In recognition of young faculty who show substantial promisein becoming outstanding teachers and scholars!
What an honor, congratulations, Son!
Mom and Dad were so happy to have been there
for this wonderful, humbling moment!
Harsh overhead lighting here making us look
100 years old! Humph!
Harsh overhead lighting here making us look
100 years old! Humph!
He also published his first book that same week! It is available on amazon.com. If you go here you can take a little peek inside of it for free if you like. http://tinyurl.com/k728825
Notes from Missy:
*Connor-enjoying his 1st cell phone, can't wait to go snowboarding this season, working hard to do well in school, grudgingly still taking piano lessons, loves hanging out with his friends, likes bouldering and is an all around terrific 14 year old!
*Aynslee-loves her school teacher and is enjoying 5th grade, still really likes arts and crafts and has recently discovered the joy of baking cupcakes, adores animals and would love a pet (she tries to be patient with her parents who do not want one), thinks audio books are where it's at, and she loves 1D.
*Zachary-he is counting down the days until ski school starts, loves to read and is a great student, a sweet and kind friend, likes scouts, started piano this year and sings with his school choir, and a great brother.(Zach had his tonsils out this year and was a real trooper adds Gramma here!)
*Owen- he recently lost both his front teeth (it's so incredibly cute!), loves first grade and has daily adventures at school, keeps us all laughing with the great one liners he says, he's still working on expanding his diet to more than just a handful of foods, and loves to play with his friends.
Notes from Missy:
*Connor-enjoying his 1st cell phone, can't wait to go snowboarding this season, working hard to do well in school, grudgingly still taking piano lessons, loves hanging out with his friends, likes bouldering and is an all around terrific 14 year old!
*Aynslee-loves her school teacher and is enjoying 5th grade, still really likes arts and crafts and has recently discovered the joy of baking cupcakes, adores animals and would love a pet (she tries to be patient with her parents who do not want one), thinks audio books are where it's at, and she loves 1D.
*Zachary-he is counting down the days until ski school starts, loves to read and is a great student, a sweet and kind friend, likes scouts, started piano this year and sings with his school choir, and a great brother.(Zach had his tonsils out this year and was a real trooper adds Gramma here!)
*Owen- he recently lost both his front teeth (it's so incredibly cute!), loves first grade and has daily adventures at school, keeps us all laughing with the great one liners he says, he's still working on expanding his diet to more than just a handful of foods, and loves to play with his friends.
No comments:
Post a Comment