Has it really been 12 years?

Well, I have never blogged before, but today has moved me to blogging. Today Preston passed the Sacrament for the first time. Is it possible that he is this old? No way--I was just stunned all day. It was such a wonderful thing to watch as every boy who sat down leaned over to him and explained what he should do--they really looked out for him and helped him. He was very nervous at first, but by the time he was passing the water, I saw him smile and kind of rock back on his heels like, "Hey, I can do this!" I am so overwhelmed with gratitude to belong to a church that has the priesthood of God and that my son gets to be a part of such a wonderful brotherhood, that will guide him and keep him doing what is right as he grows.

Not to mention that he looked so handsome and grown up! I caught myself taking a second glance in the hallway because I couldn't believe that really was my son.

The great chicago escape

Melissa and I went to Chicago for five wonderful nights

We loved spending time with Parker, Suzy and Henry. The restraunts were great and the city was so fun to explore.

My favorite part was the architectural boat tour of downtown chicago.

other highlights:
the field museum
adobo grill
eating dessert first at Lou Malnoti's pizza place
lake michigan dinner cruise
the international museum of surgery (and finding parking)
Harry Carrey's Steak House
Walking down the miracle mile
The BONGO room and OREO raspberry pancakes/ that's a great way to start the day!!

Bryce Canyon Trip

We had a wonderful trip to Bryce Canyon.

We camped inside the park with two neighbor families from our street.

There were 15 of us all together including 4 girls around Sarah's age.

We cooked all our meals on the camp stoves and dutch ovens.

So much for my diet. (Our breakfeast yesterday was around 100 weight watcher's points..... I get 35 per day)

Melissa did great!

Utah

I hope no one feels bad about the pictures included or left out on my blog from my trip to Utah. It's so hard because I don't want to make anyone feel bad. I have som darling pictures of Dad and Mom with Henry, but I didn't want any other grandparents to feel bad. So, I will put them here and hope people see them! Love you so much and I had the greatest time with you all!

Mama in Chicago

I am so glad to see that you guys (shipleys) are using this. I loved the pictures of your cute little family in Newport Beach. So. . . keep posting pictures and maybe even some close ups of Lassa's new beautiful teeth!



Mom came to Chicago and it was so wonderful to have her here. She flew alone, which we are all proud of, I'm sure. While she was here, she tuckered us right out. Henry didn't think he needed to take his usual naps because he wanted to play, plus we were always on the go, so we were all dead tired. But it was so worth it and I wouldn't have wanted it any other way.




We went to the zoo, the Science and Industry Museum, downtown for birthday shopping, a drive-by of Oprah's studio, a road trip up to Lake Forest (where Parker grew up) and lots of yummy meals. It was a treat, to say the least! Henry was even giving her his nice, wet open mouthed kisses without her having to ask.

Spring break in Newport Beach was great.
We rented a little house just off the beach.
look gorgeous. She is still recovering
but seems to be doing well and in less
pain then when she had the temporaries
on.

Sarah is blasting away the bad guys






Everyone download skype and we can talk over the internet for free.

If you get a webcam we can video talk.



Scott