Tuesday, December 29, 2009

2009 Most Intriguing

People Magazine has their top photos of the year. So here are a few of my favorites.


Egan Family Snorkel Sail Mexico January 2009


Ella Sue makes a visit to Utah in her pink furry coat


Petra in Jordan March 2009 (I'm the one sitting in the doorway.)


Bobbing in the Dead Sea Israel March 2009


Egypt March 2009


Family Reunion 2009

Halloween 2009






The Nutcracker Workshop is busy again this year!



Santa's Elves were busy on Christmas Eve




Gooooooo Christmas!



Our Annual Nativity Pageant on Christmas Day


And a Christmas Baby!
Tomiko Kate born on Christmas Day.


Happy New Year to All

New Grandbabies



We are so excited to welcome two new little princesses to our realm. Tessa Jane was born October 28th to Ty and Tiff, and Tomiko Kate was born on Christmas Day to Becca and Devin. We are so blessed to have these sweet little girls here on earth safe and sound. Yes, there was a bit of drama (Becca arrived at the hospital with a mere 11 minutes to spare before Tomi took her first breath), but all is well with both babies. Here is the photo preview.

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Soccer Aunt





Hey Soccer Fans!
Imagine sitting for a couple of hours in the nice autumn sunshine watching a soccer match. Today was the big game between Skyline and Murray. As a Skyline alum, you may wonder why I wore orange and black to the game. I happen to be the Aunt of the captain of the Murray High Women's Soccer Team. That would be Rosie Gochnour. Murray just moved up to 5A this year, so playing powerhouse Skyline is a big deal. The first time they played, last month, ended in a double-overtime 0-0 tie. Today's game also went to over time, but this time Skyline scored first with the "Golden Goal" and won the game. Still it was an exciting event.
It was also their last home game so the Seniors were honored. They high-fived their teammates and were presented flowers and a necklace by their parents. Oh and by the way, it was Rosie's penalty kick that resulted in the goal that pushed the game into overtime. Watch out for state playoffs next week.

Autumn in Utah -- Nothing Better




I guess everyone has their favorite time of year. If you live in Utah, you have cold winters filled with shussing through the finest snow on earth, snowshoeing, ice skating, buidling snowmen, snowcovered mountains against crisp blue skies AND shoveling mounds of snow, icy roads, lying in bed for hours waiting for your feet to get warm.
Then there is spring. Spring is good. You are really glad to get rid of winter by then. The tulips bloom. There's Easter and Spring Break. Yet, in Utah, it is still cold, still snows occasionally and the weather is just not reliable. You get to watch the kids play soccer in the cold rain. You still can't wait to head for St. George for some really nice weather.
Next is summer. School is out. There are lots of fun things to do. Swimming, tennis, hiking, picnics, the zoo. You do have to mow the lawn weekly and pull weeds if you want a respectable front yard. Summers in Utah are also hot. There is also the issue of low humidity. That's not so much an issue as a plus. (Ask anyone from back East.) All in all, summer is better than spring and winter.
BUT, the season for which Utahns need offer no apology is FALL. Autumn is the best of all. My personal favorite. I sometimes think it was created just for me. Just right days, cool nights. It's like living in San Diego, but we also have the gorgeous leaves surrounding us in the mountains and in our own yards. No need to take a fall foliage tour anywhere but here.

Sunday, September 27, 2009

The Game of the Week


On the road again. This time to Boise Idaho to watch my nephew, JJ Hyde, guide his football team to another victory. He captains the offense as QB, also plays defense and is known to kick the ball now and then as well. It was so much fun to be there with about thirty family members cheering on our Hyde athletes. McKay plays on the JV team and helps out on Varsity as well. Go JJ and KK!



Why Wyatt?

Why hang out with Wyatt?
Why not?
Check out these fun photos with Mr. Wy.
It is so easy to get a smile out of WW.




Saturday, September 12, 2009

Just can't let go of summer



Hugh and I took advantage of Labor Day weekend and headed for Coronado Island (just across the bay from San Diego.) This is a sweet little Hawaii wannabe. Lots of palm trees, tropical breezes, laid back little beach town. Our hotel even had flamingos hanging out in their lagoon. Lots to love here evidenced by the views above from our hotel balcony. Hugh could rollerblade to his hearts content, followed dutifully by yours truly. We walked, bladed or biked everywhere. We even kayaked part way around the island. The symphony played every night just across the bay and ended with the 1812 Overture and lots of fireworks for which we had a front-row seat. We also spent lots of time reading and relaxing. Coronado was delightful, but I will admit...it's fun to be with Hugh anywhere.

Hi from Buzz Lightyear!


Yes, we visited Disneyland all by ourselves. I know it seems weird to go with no kids and no grandkids, but we managed to have fun with just the two of us.

Anchors Aweigh my boys


While lazing away the days on Coronado Island, we decided to visit the Naval Museum now housed on the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier now docked in the beautiful San Diego Bay/Harbor. What an interesting day.

I really felt like a big ole SALUTE as we boarded the ship.

No, this is not a sneak photo of Hugh. The Midway museum has various Naval mannequins to help visitors get the full uhhh experience.

This is the operations room where the pilots would come to hear what targets they were to drop bombs on that day. Note, every seat has an ashtray.


No, this isn't Hugh either. But it could be. With 5,000 sailors onboard, they also needed doctors, dentists and surgical suites. The captain made an effort to find calm waters when a surgery was in progress.

Dozens of airplanes and helicopters covered the flight deck. It was so interesting to learn the history and purpose of each type of aircraft. American ingenuity at its finest.

Thursday, August 27, 2009