Christmas 2008

We celebrated the holiday a day or two early with our sons and their families. It was great fun watching Samuel and Hazel enjoy the festivities. It was Hazel's very first Christmas, and she really loved it. She especially enjoyed the wrapping paper. Samuel liked his new "saurs". But his favorite gift was a flashlight from Padron.

Thanksgiving 2008

Here are some pictures of Thanksgiving in San Antonio. Our entire family was there along with Kent's sister and brother in law, his uncle, and his nephew and family. Kent's mom prepared a wonderful feast.

Just the girls

The day after Thanksgiving, Bret and Amber took Samuel to Sea World. Kara and I spent the day with Rayna and Hazel. I really like this picture of the two cousins enjoying each other's company. Rayna is very sweet with Hazel and gives her hugs and kisses.
In this picture, Rayna is giving her "look at me please, I'm adorable" look.

Meet Me in St. Louis

Kara was in a wedding over the weekend, so we had the privilege of taking care of little Rayna during the wedding preparations and festivities. We took her to the St. Louis zoo, which she loved. She especially loved the kangaroos and the birds. She had a little bridesmaid's dress to match her mommy. Rayna loves to explore, and we found lots of things to explore in St. Louis.

Happy Little Hazel

Hazel is fast approaching 5 months and her little personality is blooming. She was the only OU fan that was actually happy during the game on Saturday! She laughed even as the Sooners lost.

Hanging out with Samuel and Hazel

We spent some time with Samuel and Hazel this weekend, before we went to the OU game. (Great game, by the way). I like the picture of Bret and Samuel hanging upside down on the inversion table. Samuel thinks this is a really funny game and giggles while he is upside down.
Little Hazel was in a great mood. She was showing alot of personality and smiling and laughing. She is four months now. When I look at her, I imagine that this must be exactly what her mommy looked like in 1978.

Cousins

Over Labor Day, we got to see all three grandchildren get together. Rayna, Samuel, and Hazel are getting to know one another. Samuel calls his cousin "Mayna" which is sweet. He reminds himself and his cousin that they need to "share." Hazel is so little that she just watches all the action.

All Six Together

With Kara and John back in Oklahoma, and Clark and Danielle married, our three kids and their spouses were all together last weekend. We met at Bret and Amber's for dinner and visiting. Here is a picture of the group together at last.

Rayna's First Visit

Little Rayna has been in Alaska since her birth. Finally! She is moving to Texas and spent a whole week with us. It didn 't take her long to feel quite at home at Nana's. We caught her red handed, helping herself in Nana's pantry. She didn't get in trouble because she looked so adorable! She celebrated her very first birthday with us on August 26. She loved her gifts, especially her princess doll.

Hazel's Baby Dedication

On August 3, Bret and Amber's church had their annual baby dedication. Because there is a very active and prolific young married group, there were lots and lots of babies to dedicate. Even the pastor and his wife had a new baby! Hazel Nicole looked beautiful. She looks just like her mommy. Both sets of grandparents were there for the occasion. Hazel is very interested in action. She wants to be held upright in the middle of everything. She especially likes to watch her brother Samuel play.

Summer Wedding

I had a request this morning for some more wedding pictures, including some with the bridesmaids. The bridesmaids wore coral colored sundresses and sandals. The groomsmen wore blue shirts with flip flops. Remember it is an Oklahoma summer! Too hot for dress shoes.

Beautiful Bride

Here are some more pictures of the wedding.

Wedding Day!

Clark and Danielle tied the knot at a beautiful outdoor ceremony on July 26. The bride was absolutely beautiful and the groom looked great too. We are so glad to have Danielle as an official part of our family!
Here are some pictures of the wedding and the rehearsal dinner.

Independence Day in Alaska

We celebrated the 4th of July in Anchorage. There is very little darkness, so fireworks aren't the best way to celebrate. Instead, there was a big parade, led by Star the Reindeer. Rayna watched from the backpack carried by her Daddy. There is also a picture of a mother moose and her cub that were standing by the side of the road by Elmendorf AFB.