Halloween!

I know,I know, what took me so long! Things are so busy--PTA, work, kids lessons and piano recital, dance and the end of Fall Baseball--it all kind of comes at you at the same time.
Anyway, here are a few pictures from Halloween 2008!

Halloween night at Mom and Dad's--we trick or treat in their neighborhood since it is a gated community--safer! Kids in order--Dawson, Madison, Caden, Evan, Alysabeth and Jackson--the MICKEY MOUSE GANG!

Caden's 1st grade class in the masks they created--they aren't allowed to wear costumes to school anymore--but they had a little party.

Caden kickin' it with his Halloween cup and straw--silly boy!

Colorado

The evening after my Nana's funeral, we had a nice family dinner. It was a wonderful evening of memories. It's hard to believe that we all grew up so close and now we are spread all over the U.S. But, thanks to my Nana and Papa we will remain close in our hearts and now, the INTERNET!!!

Aunt Susan, Uncle David, Aunt Bev, Uncle Tony, Aunt Betsy, Uncle Dave, my Mom and Dad.

My Nana and Papa's four daughters!

All 10 grandchildren!! Tim, Devon, Meredydd, Brian, Heidi, Jack, Megan, me, Kristen, and Heather. We had a lot of fun talking about the "old days". Especially the "steamroller"--teehee!

Colorado

In front of a NEW Evergreen High School sign. The school front has changed but everything else looks pretty much the same.


Jack, Heather and I sitting on the steps of our preschool. The teacher was so excited to see 3 grown students--she gave us some note cards with a hand-drawn picture of the "Little White School House".


Brian, Devon, me, Heather, and Jack on top of "our mountain". Brian wanted to make sure we got Lion's Head in the background--guess what, my head is blocking it :)


Dad, Mom, me, Heather and Jack in front of the entrance sign of our neighborhood.


The old Pine Junction store--still looks the same! Had a doozy of a car accident in front of this store in 1993--Brian saw the whole thing. And wouldn't you know that they put a traffic light in not too long after that incident. Sorry about your Volvo Heather :)

DISNEYLAND 2008

HEY THERE! I'm finally getting out pictures from Disneyland up! We had a wonderful trip and the kids keep asking when we're going to go again. It was a lot of fun and THANKS to Mom/Nana and Dad/Papa for making it a great trip for all!

DISNEYLAND 2008!

Bishop's Pumpkin Farm

My Nana

My Nana, Betty Jane Southgate, passed away this morning. I wanted to take this time to thank her for being such a blessing in my life. I took my daughter to dance today and had a chance to sit in my car and reflect on some pretty amazing memories. As you may or may not know I grew up in a house just a few feet away from my Nana and Papa on a mountain-top in Colorado. Some of my best days were spent sitting in their garden sneaking sugar snap peas right off the vines and helping get the wood ready for winter. During the week before Thanksgiving my Nana would be baking like mad--there would be dozens of rolls rising under dish towels in front of the fireplace and the smell of orange zest from her famous orange rolls. I can see her now on Christmas wearing a beautiful long skirt, white blouse and her holly earrings, serving everyone date nut pudding and passing out gifts, while the Jackie Gleason record played in the background. Then there was Easter with handmade sugar eggs and giant egg hunts, when there wasn't snow or the dogs didn't eat the eggs. Fourth of July out on their porch while my Dad tried not to burn down the forest. She must have made dozens of doll cakes for her 6 granddaughters and specialty cakes for her 4 grandsons. All of us grand kids would tear up her back room playing and making haunted houses and trying to sneak a peek at Papa's latest painting. Their house was a wonderful place to be and it was tough when my Papa passed and we all moved on to new places. The Holidays have never quite been the same. But, I'm so grateful for the memories I created there and the traditions that I am now passing on to my own children.

I will miss my Nana but I know she is so happy to be with her Sweetheart again--she has missed him so much! They're together tonight and they're celebrating with their loved ones and with all those who they have touched over the years. I Love You Nana and Papa!

How I will always remember them!

She became a first time Great-Grandmother on October 4th, 1999 to my surprise Twins--I'm so grateful she was in the hospital to hear and see that one!

Here GiGi is celebrating Caden's birthday this past May. Caden held a special place in his heart for his GiGi--he was always the first to give her a hug and a kiss "Hello".

We Love You Nana/GiGi!!!!