However, we have other flowers blooming all over the place. Spring is so much fun, partly because it comes early here and lasts until it gets too hot around the last of May.
Dad has been having fun playing with his tractor-mower.
Across the street at one of our lots, and
In our back yard.
March is a blooming month for Biggs' birthdays. We have more birthdays in March than any other month.
Soren turned 6 on the 7th
Esther's birthday was the 8th
Jenn's birthday was the 14th
Crew turned 12, a Deacon, on the 19th
Shauna's birthday was the 22nd
Daniel's birthday was the 26th
Emma's 8th birthday was the 29th...she'll be baptized when they come for Devynne's endowment.
Levi turned 20 on the 31st
Grandma turned 90 on the 31st
THE GILBERT TEMPLE CULTURAL CELEBRATION
The Safford families came over to watch it on our TV.
I took pictures of the TV whenever I saw anyone who looked vaguely like one of our kids.
This picture was in the Church News. Can you find Joel? It had been a wonderful, sunny, warm week until that very day, when it became blustery and rainy. Joel said, "this celebration will go on, rain or shine." So anyone who asked me, and several did, in view of the weather, I always told them what Joel said. And he was right. The kids were so inspiring. I admit, I wept to see them cold and wet, but valiant and determined to perform for the Prophet. They reminded me of the stories I had heard of the brave pioneers. The spirit of and courage of the pioneers is not lost. Those young people demonstrated it that evening and I was touched.
Stephanie (and I don't know who else) stood outside in the rain, holding down the flaps of the tent so the prophets could stay dry. She, too, demonstrated courage and determination.
I know that our kids were in red and lime green. I put this picture on just in case some of them are in it. I couldn't find any, but it is still a good picture of those wet children of God.
I just took pictures from the video on my TV. I was lucky to get any of them. The one below, someone posted on Facebook. So,
WHERE'S WALDO...OR...
Docker
(Harrison or Marlie or Reygan, Tayte, or Daynen might also be in this picture. If you can find any of them, I would be so glad)
Tayte
Harrison, Marlie...Good luck :-)
Docker
Daynen
THE DEDICATION
Because of all the work Joel did for the open house, celebration and dedication, Joel and Stephanie were honored to be seated in the Celestial Room of the Temple for the first session of the dedication. He even was able to include Jeremy & Erika and Esther & Shad in the Celestial Room as well. What a loving, considerate brother to share his blessings with his siblings.
Dedication Day
VISITS TO MESA
We went to Mesa a couple of times in March and were able to see each of the kids and some of their children. We ate lunch with Esther and Soren on Soren's birthday and the day before Esther's. He got to choose which restaurant to go to and he chose Panda Express.
We also got to see Docker's basketball game and eat breakfast with their family. It was a couple of days before Crew's birthday, but we gave him his card early because we were going to be on the ship on the day of his birth.
We got to eat lunch with Erika and her kids. We went to Sauce. I just had to take a picture of Hayden's wounded hand. Poor kid. He seems to always be in a sling or a cast or something. Good for him that his mom knew how to make this splint.
BIRTHDAY PARTY
We had Jenn's sister lunch for her birthday a couple of days early because we were leaving for our cruise on her birthday. She got El Charro...go figure.
ANNIVERSARY CRUISE
Mary gave me a pedicure in preparation for sandal feet.
Our ship, the Norwegian Star, docked at the Port of Los Angeles.
Dad was so excited to see the USS Iowa docked there, as a museum. He took several pictures from our deck on the ship.
After we boarded the ship, we went straight to the Garden Buffet for lunch because the rooms were not ready yet. They were still cleaning up from the previous passengers. He wanted me to take a picture of his roll because Stephanie had liked these pretzel rolls so much on our Alaskan cruise.
This is the grand atrium, the heart of the ship.
Every time we entered an eating area, we were met with "Washy washy." On the other cruise it was "Washy washy happy happy." It is a very secure feeling to know everyone has clean hands...or at least sterile hands.
The Pacific Ocean
When we first got to our room, we were met with a steward who had a dozen red roses and a bottle of champagne (which we traded for a non alcoholic wine which we never opened either), chocolate covered strawberries and a gift certificate to eat at Le Bistro, the French restaurant (very good) and a free 8x10 photo of us, all part of our anniversary package.
These are the waiters at Le Bistro who sang to us.
Our free 8x10. Can you tell the photographer posed us?
A Honey moon as seen from the deck of our stateroom.
Approaching Cabo San Lucas, the very tip of the Baja Peninsula
We took a boat excursion in Cabo. I had to talk Dad into going up on the top of the boat rather than staying below and watching from the windows. He thought it would be too hard for me, but with him at my side, I can do anything...just slowly.
I wore a FAME backpack so I wouldn't have to carry stuff and also because, surprisingly, it helps my back to carry it.
Cabo was noisy, colorful, touristy and very Mexican. I loved it.
There were seals, or sea lions in the harbor who would jump onto the backs of returning fishing boats and beg for fish. The fishermen would just throw fish and the seals would catch it.
Our Cabo San Lucas souvenir photos.
Approaching Mazatlan
As we left the ship for our shore excursion in Mazatlan, we saw signs that said, "Go topless in Mazatlan." Well we did. Here we are on a topless bus. It was hard to get up there, and, again, I had to talk Dad into thinking I could do it, but it was worth it. We had a good tour of the city.
We passed their Mardi Gras floats.
A colorful Mazatlan street
Dad on top of the bus...a woodcarver down the alley.
We saw young men, diving into a shallow 3-4ft deep lagoon. I held my breath. Then he climbed out of the water and came to our topless bus and held his hand out for tips.
They have little fiberglass taxis. Open air. They call them "hairdryers."
A tourist photo opp.
Mazatlan photo souvenir.
Approaching Puerto Vallarta
Mariachi band from the ship.
Lovely gardens at the harbor.
Souvenir photo from Puerto Vallarta
Choppy waves on the way home.
A towel elephant greeted us when we returned from a show. The voyage home was cloudy, cold and windy, with heavy waves (see above), but on the last day, I was entranced to see the sun peeking through the clouds and casting its light on the sea.
The ship's officers and crew said "goodbye" at a final program on the last night.
What a wonderful week it was. We were by ourselves, but we enjoyed each other's company and enjoyed a relaxed vacation...just my style :-)
Joel and Stephanie picked us up at the airport and we drove to their house for dinner and to ordain Crew to the Aaronic Priesthood. Their Bishop came to participate as well.
My dear friend, Erma Green, died while we were gone, so as soon as we got back we went to her funeral. She was 99 1/2 and just as lovely and gracious as she could be, with a quick mind and a loving spirit to the very end. I went to see her just before we left and she was still asking about our family and how I was doing and wishing me well on our trip.
We have been enjoying watching tennis with our girls. Isabel, who is not in high school yet is doing track, and we feel bad that we still haven't been able to see any of her meets.
On Friday, the 29th, two days early, the Hiatt family celebrated Grandma's 90th birthday with a dinner and roast. She loved it. She was especially appreciative of those who traveled to be there.
Her sister, Donna LeBaron came to join in the celebration. She is 10 years younger than Grandma.
Joel brought over alls the tables, chairs, tablecloths and sound system.
Our girls had the responsibility of bringing out the cake, loaded with 90 lighted candles. She actually blew them all out, too. Only 5 tries.
On Saturday, after we got home, we attended the Womens' broadcast from SLC. The presidencies of the women's organizations in the stake were in charge...that means Rebecca and Rachel. Rachel was in Mesa to a baptism, so Mary came in her place. Rachel had asked her to "just be me, and set things up." Jenn and Kirtlyn and Brianna were also there from Thatcher, and Rebecca and Rylie and I were there from Safford, of course. Rebecca's girls were at a tennis tournament.
This is Sister Wilson who works on our shift at the Temple. She is from Mesa and was a year behind me in school. I didn't know her then, you know, older girls didn't always notice younger girls, but I have found out since she started working at the Temple that Grandpa operated on some of her family and that she was actually a 4th grade student of Nora Biggs!
NEWS FROM AROUND THE FAMILY
MARY AND TYSON
For Brianna's birthday, Mary gave her art supplies and asked me if I would give her some basic art lessons. We have only done two, but I can see that she has talent. In fact, I can see talent in several of our grandchildren. It will be a joy to them all their lives if they develop it. Brianna has other talents as well, as we all know. She got the part of Maleficent in the Community Theater production of Sleeping Beauty. It is the biggest part, with 4 solos. It will be in May, I think.
Mary made a coat rack on her hallway wall. Isn't this a clever idea?
One day this month was crazy hat day in Brianna's grade and Dr. Seuss day in Carson's and Lindsay's grades. Can you guess who Lindsay is?
For Spring break, they went to White Sands, Carlsbad Caverns and Roswell NM.
THOMAS AND JENN
Thomas and Jenn invited us to lunch at the El Charro one day. Their kids seem to feel right at home there.
Kirtlyn is playing basketball, as are Luke, Thomas, Hyrum, Lindsay and Carson. Thomas is Kirtlyn's coach.
For their Spring Break activity, they went to Red Knolls to play around and then out for lunch at someplace that doesn't sell Mexican food!
They went to a get-together of their Mexico friends.
Kirtlyn saw this tote bag on pintrest and got Mary to help her make it. It was her first sewing project. Now she's hooked and wants to try more projects.
Climbing on a Minion out by Robinson's Ranch Road
Kirtlyn earned an award for passing and exceeding her AIMS tests.
At Grandma's party
ESTHER AND SHAD
Esther and her kids went with us to visit Grandpa and Grandma during one of our Mesa trips. She took the opportunity to have pictures taken, individually, with each child.
Soren's birthday...Number six.
In their new house.
RACHEL AND TONY
Luke did a science fair project, measuring the effect of sugar on kids. Is there really any such thing as "sugar rush?" He got an A.
Rainbow over their desert. One of the twins and Daisy.
March was Luke and Tony's pinewood derby.
Sparks Homestore put this picture on Facebook, with a caption praising Rachel Alder, their floor designer. We were so puffed up to see it and glad to know she is appreciated.
Rylie went to the Mormon prom with two boys...well actually, with one boy for the day date and with another boy for the evening dance. Their respective other dates had plans, one for the day and one for the night, so they combined and had a good time. Does that even make sense? It sounds confusing to me! But they don't seem confused at all.
Mitchell McHugh asked Rylie to the Safford Prom in April. She answered him with an Easter basket full of candy.
For their Spring Break, they went with Tony's brother, Jake and his family, to White Sands. They had so much fun.
JEREMY AND ERIKA
Erika is doing so well at PA school and is loving her "shadowing" experiences with different types of medical personnel, including doctors doing complicated surgeries...even Karl.
Daynen and Jeremy were both so involved in helping with and setting up for all the Gilbert Temple events. Daynen also participated as a youth.
After the show...All drenched and happy to have been a part of such an important event.
They enjoy going to the science museum in Phoenix. Each visit is a learning experience.
Daynen and Reygan got invited to the Safford prom by Craig and Christie Smith's kids.
REBECCA AND SCOTT
Rebecca and Christie Smith have been running 5Ks lately.
Ok. You have to look at this. Lillian made this Duplo on a 3D printer. Yes. a 3D printer. She programed it to make what she wanted and it printed it out. It is amazing. It is a hard plastic and actually fits any Duplo you could buy in the store. It had to be exact and it is.
Allison and Taylor went hiking near Driggs and the Tetons. Looks cold, doesn't it. They went early to pick up breakfast food.
Dallin is in tennis season and playing well. He and Sara are getting closer and closer, so get ready, everybody...sooner or later.
Slack line walking.
Giving blood
Lillian and her date to the Mormon Prom. She will be at the Miami Invitational during the Safford prom. I remember that Rachel always had to do that too.
During their Spring Break, they went to a Phoenix Suns game.
DANIEL AND CONNIE
Devynne's BYU Service Council went to Disneyland in March.
And, the loving couple got engagement pictures taken.
Yikes! Ok. This is just stage makeup, everybody.
Daniel's Apple birthday cheesecake.
Emma wanted an apple cake for her birthday, too.
And apple cupcakes for her party. She also had a birthday visit from the sister missionaries.
She had a snowshoeing activity for school that Connie was able to attend with her.
They have been going back and forth between winter and spring all month. Getting the deck chairs sanded after the snow melted, and building a fire while it was snowing on their mountain.
Porter giving Jonathan a ride on Thomas' scooter.
Albert's 2nd place medal in a wrestling tournament.
JOEL AND STEPHANIE
The Cultural Celebration was a huge success, thanks to Joel and his crew. It rained like crazy that one night and still, the kids and their leaders performed with all their hearts.
At the cultural celebration and practice...the head honcho.
Docker has been playing basketball all month and is really a good player, making many baskets per game. Crew is playing baseball and is a pitcher, but we haven't seen one of his games yet. We hear he is very good, though.
Joel took Stetson to Orlando with him for a show choir festival and they saw one of the friends from their ward who is serving there.
Crew's birthday cake.
At Crew's ordination to the Aaronic Priesthood.
NATHAN AND SHAUNA
Our lovebirds are still, obviously, in love. That makes me very happy.
Joshua is a committed activist, trying to preserve Omaha's historic buildings. He has even testified at city council meetings on the subject.
Hannah's choir won first place in their division in Nebraska.
They went to the Branson Show Choir championships and did very well. We watched it via live streaming, thanks to Jeremy.
Hannah is one of the 3 girls in the center.
They won the FAME award.
The choir the next school day, all in FAME shirts.
Nathan was able to go on the bus with the choir as a parent chaperone. It was fun to see Jeremy there. They look like brothers, don't they?
OUR MISSIONARIES
Elder Evans
Elder Biggs
Levi's birthday party.
Parker is doing well, but no pictures. Sorry.
SOMETHING TO MAKE YOU SMILE
When Porter was a baby, we took this picture of him and every time we looked at it, we had to smile. There's no way to look at that whole-faced smile and not smile with him. Jeremy even taped it to the back window of his truck.
Well, that's March. There have been so many picture-taking opportunities with fun-filled activities. We are looking forward to starting April with General Conference and words of inspiration and faith from our leaders. No matter what trials we face in this life, we can hold fast to the knowledge that Heavenly Father loves us and holds us "in the hollow of His hand." May He bless you all with peace in your hearts and strengthened testimonies of His goodness to us. Stay close to Him in all you do and "He will direct thy paths." See you in April. Send pictures.
1 comment:
Oh Grandma! You've done it again! This was a beautiful blog! Our family is really cool and I love seeing everything everyone is up to. Thanks for all your hard work! Love you :)
Devynne Marie
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