Thursday, October 23, 2008

It was a very Happy Birthday!!

While I do not relish every aspect of yet another birthday, It is a wonderful excuse to steal away with some of your favorite people and just "BE" together!

The day began with french toast breakfast with my wonderful kids at Kneaders. Kenna then had arranged for spa treatments for Kara, herself and me, followed with makeup and a photo shoot by a beautiful stream. We then headed to Dear Lizzie's and tried on some wonderful clothes - we had so much fun, we missed thier lunch hours which were why we were there in the first place, so we opted for Thanksgiving point for lunch/dinner! We had a beautiful fall day to enjoy and we laughed alot!

Sunday was a family dinner, Marcie Josh and Liam joined us as well as April, vicente and the twins - The grandkids always make any event a wonderful time!
Cade brought a new face for us to meet. Her name is Morgan Bready. Morgan is an amaxing artist and was a complete delight to have around ( I think Morgan and Cade have something good going on!!)

Jeff made special recipie steaks on the gril, Teriaki Mushrooms and toasted bread. He is a great cook on the grill - Some of us took a walk, and the kids played on the playset - we all loved being out in the perfect Utah fall afternoon!!

Thanks to Jeff for his efforts to make it such a nice day - and all of the kids and grandkids for sharing the day with us!!

Saturday, October 11, 2008

The First Five Years

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Susan and Danielle's Signing Party - Nashville

At the conclusion of our Disney Cruise, Jeff flew directly to Kentucky for business and to see his folks, and I headed straight to Nashville for Sue and Daniell's signing party with Warner Brothers. I spent a few days there. We celebrated Andy's birthday with dinner at Cheesecake factory and glow in the dark mini-golf. I did my best to help dad with the deck replacement project, and we went to the party. After thier party we went downtown Nashville and went to hear local live bands. It was a GREAT time. Jeff drove up from Louisville, where his parents due to a severe storm were out of power for days, and Robert flew out and joined us as well. Sue and Danielle did a great job and we are all sooo proud of them and thier progress and hard work! Sue has been touring quite a bit with John Rich as he has been playing gigs in support of John McCain. Sue was able to fly on McCains plane and meet him and his wife Cindy as well as Sarah Palin and her family. What fun experiences for her. She is slated to head to Europe to play with John for the troops sometime soon ~ You go Girl!!!

DISNEY WONDER!!!

September 10th we flew off to hurricane alley (Florida) into the last vestages of Ike. We were off on a long awaited family vacation! April, Vicente and the twins came as well as Marcie, Josh and Liam, Kenna, Lance, Cade and Kara, Tara and Taryn and Jeff and I. Steve was unable to come due to his schooling, and Marcie and Josh and Liam enjoyed disney world instead of the cruise due to Marcie's advanced pregnancy. We had rain upon our arrival but met for a great dinner all together at Old Key West the first evening. The next morning, we were off to the cruise!! It was a first time cruise for most of us and we had a wonderful time. Thank goodness for the seasick bracelets however. The twins and Taryn did very well, and Kara celebrated her 13th birthday on our last evening. One day was spent at Atlantis resort with an incredible aquarium, beaches, pools and fantastic waterslides. The next full day was spent at Castaway Cay where we snorkeled, and went on a glass bottom boat cruise. We highly recommend the Disney cruise for anyone! The service was fantastic and the ship was amazing and on and on!! We hope to go again in a few years when disney launches it's new ship and the grandkids will even be able to enjoy it more - We are sooo greateful for such an amazing and memorable experience - Thanks Jeff!!!

Here are some photos of the fun - Unfortunatly, I we weren't with Marcie and Josh much and Jeff took most of the Armendariz family photos with the video so we don't have as many of them here.


A visit from Argentina!!

Carlos and Tommy Meyer, came for a visit in September - It was Tommy's first visit to the United States and Carlos was eager for him to have an all American experience!
Jeff was a great host as usual, and took them four wheeling, shopping at Costco, golfing at Hobble Creek, Temple Square and to a Tabernacle Choir concert, To the Workman property to study energy solutions, to a high school football game, out for mexican food and Tommy even tried out my stick!. We had such a great time with them. They are wonderful guests and great friends!!! We welcome you again ANY TIME!!

Kara's in Junior High and a TEENAGER!!!

I am relieved and thrilled to report that Kara, upon her return to Public school is officially LOVING IT!! She is blessed to have a great bunch of friends at church and at school now and is really having a good experience. She has some fun classes, is on the tennis team and has a "boyfriend" named Devin whom I have yet to meet, but she says she likes him because he is a gentleman, and funny. Here are a few recent photos of Kara's life!