Saying Goodbye to a good friend, for now.

 

 

 

 

Last week, one of Dennis' good friends succumbed to a rare form of cancer. Bill Mendenhall fought the good fight for nearly four years. Bill was an incredible man, fiercely loyal, served others his entire life with passion and enthusiasm, made everything fun and loved his family and friends with his whole heart! He will be greatly missed. If you are interest, there is an article about him in the Church News-August 30th edition

Dirty Fingernails!

After literally working 7 days a week this summer trying to keep my yard up, and constantly having dirty fingernails, dry frizzy hair, and an achy-breaky back, a city water pipe broke underneath our driveway. Dennis thought, great, the city will have to replace our already crumbling driveway, but no, they tore up our yard instead, digging about 8 feet down and 8 feet in circumfrence on either side of our driveway! Oh bother!

Getting Ready for Baby Peters!

Last night we, and by we I mean, Kim, Tiffany, Tara, Tristen and myself gave Sara a Baby Shower! I had every intention of getting everyone's photo, but as I am easily side-tracked, I only shot about half of the people who came, sorry Sara! We had a blast, and mother nature cooperated. The weather was perfect! Tristen was in charge of the scrumptous desserts provided by all of us. Tiffany provided fun and unique games for us. With the help of Kim and Tara, (not to mention Grandpa Dennis) we pulled it off! Sara and Treavor are feeling very ready to welcome their baby into the world. We all know they will be the most extraordianary parents!!!
Other than a wasp attacking me, stinging me twice in the eye, just about an hour before the party all went pretty well!

Sara's Baby Shower!

The Candy Bar was a hit!

A few of the Guests!

the attendees! (well, some of them!)

Caring for Baby Relay Race! aka Mothers who Multitask!

Tara changing a poopy diaper while talking on the phone! Opps! She dropped the phone!

Nicole dressing the baby while talking on the phone!

Nancy making the formula bottle while talking on the phone!

Malory making a bottle also, while of course, on the phone!

Caring for Baby Relay Game! cont.

Kim bathing and dressing the baby while talking on the phone!

Haley reading a story and singing "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" while talking on the phone!

Grandma Kat trying to put the baby in the car seat while talking on the phone.

Treavor's favorite gift of the night from Tiffany, of course!

Lake Powell ! Here we come again!!!

At the request of Telisa and Clay, we put together a Lake Powell trip this year! We haven't ventured down to the Lake for two years, which for us is unusual! Since Tiffany was a Senior in High School, we have made two or three trips a year, counting up to around 40 trips! Firstly, we have to thank Kim for volunteering her services to Tristen by taking all three of the Van Leeuwen kids so Tristen could go. Not surprisingly, a very unselfish gesture on Kim's part. We had a fabulous group! We missed Travis, Kim, Chad, Steve, Jason, Stephanie, David and Mikel. Dennis and I were super impressed with the friends that our kids brought along to enjoy in the insanity! Randall and Mindy, Dave, Chase and Teresa each brought a unique and wonderful light to the group! We honestly feel like we have added to our family circle. They were awesome in every way. Also, we had a blast with my nephew Andrew! So glad he was able to come. We survived on lots of food, laughing, water sports, games, food, reading, food, and no major disasters! However, our two wave runners have made their last trip to Lake Powell!! "I vill al wes luv u!"

Our toys! Our reading material! (Stephanie Meyers was well represented on the boat! (none of us knew what the others were bringing), Life of the party Andrew Stout! The Group!!! Den, Kat, Tiffany, Gunnar, Jessica, Kourtney, Rylee, Tara, Adam, Tristen, Chase, Teresa, Treavor, Sara, Dave, Clay, Telisa, Bodie, Randall, Mindy and Andrew!

Some of our group! Randall and Mindy, Treavor and Sara, the old folks (me and Den) and Gunnar!