May~Mississippi

Mississippi was so beautiful and so friendly when we visited Esther and Shad's family there.  Shad was attending law school in Mississippi.  I think he also might have served there a little bit when he was on his mission to Alabama. Anyway, I was amazed by the spooky Spanish moss hanging from all the trees.  See the picture of Harrison and Marlie in front of trees covered with Spanish moss.  I was trying to get a good picture of them and they obliged me by trying to sit still, even though they were squirming uncontrollably.  We quickly found out that they were sitting in an ant bed!  Poor kids :-(  The Mighty Mississippi River was a big attraction, of course, and we were also impressed by the damage that had been done by Hurricane Katrina.  That building, under the fallen tree, is a storage building in Esther's back yard.  Another thing I was impressed with was the unashamed religious fervor of everyone.  We went to visit Harrison's school and his teacher said, "Harrison is such a blessing to our class."  Esther said she signed her notes home to the parents with "yours in Christ"

May has been such a lovely month.  I remember the lyrics in Camelot about "the lovely month of May."  Flowers are blooming everywhere, including our gardens. By the way, look for 3 $2 questions.

Our grandchildren have had opportunities to show off things they have learned in programs and plays this month; we've had two high school graduates and a couple of pre-school graduates; an Eagle Scout; the passing of some very good friends; temple service; a new missionary; exciting trips; Girls' camp; Mothers' Day...and some really "lovely month of May" birthdays.

Ellie turned 10 on the 5th.

Harrison turned 15 on the 6th.

Isabel's 15th birthday was the 9th.

Luke turned 12 on the 10th.

Thomas' birthday was the 19th.

Palmer's birthday was the 23rd.

Analynn's 11th birthday was the 24th.

We started the month of May, exactly as we ended the month of April, with Alice in Wonderland.  Because I was doing makeup, I had to be there for every performance.  I only stayed and watched it all the way through on May 1st, however.  Carson just was not interested in being in the play with his sisters and cousins; he said he would much rather be in the audience.  The play was so good.   Our cast members were the cutest cast members, of course.  Brianna was Alice, Kirtlyn was the Cheshire Cat, Thomas was the doorknob, and Hyrum and Lindsay were Royal playing cards.

They even won awards at the Awards Night.

After Dad's traumatic experience with the neighbor's cat eating his baby doves, Rebecca and Rachel brought over a tractor-shaped bird feeder, hoping to help him feel better.  He has really enjoyed watching the feasting birds.  One day, though, he was annoyed by big pigeons chasing away the little red-headed finches trying to eat.

On the 5th, I went to Brynlie and Camille's "Grandparents' Day" at school.  They held it outside instead of in the cafetorium so they could dance.  Each class did a line dance and after they showed how to do it, everyone joined in.  I thought that would be a fun idea for the reunion next year when we are in charge...have every family do a line dance :-D

That night was Luke's school orchestra concert.  There were a million kids so I couldn't hear him individually, of course, but I will say he was the cutest one!

Hannah reported to the MTC on May 6th.  Her parents went with her.  I remember leaving each of our sons at the MTC and how heart wrenching it was.  But they all felt just like Hannah looks...excited for the adventure and eager to be on their way.

We went to Mesa on the 7th to see Grandma and Grandpa and to do some other things.  We had lunch with Harrison and his parents and Brody to celebrate Harrison's birthday. We went to Red Robin.  It's the first time I've ever been there.  I really liked it.

His free birthday sundae.

That night we went to Crew's baseball game...which they won...largely due to Crew...and then to dinner with the family.  

I turned around to take this picture outside of the restaurant, just as we were leaving, and Stephanie wasn't there!  I was sorry about that because I'm always needing a family picture of them, but what a bunch of handsome young men!

The next day, Friday, we had lunch with Jeremy and his kids at the mall food court.  That's a perfect place because everyone can get what they want.

After lunch, we went to see Grandma and Grandpa; Joel and Stetson and Levi met us there. We knew we wouldn't be able to be there on Mothers' Day, that weekend, nor would she be able to hear us if we called her on the phone, so we brought her Mothers' Day card and celebrated a couple of days early. Grandpa will be celebrating his 90th birthday in June, with an open house on the 6th.  For $2, how old will Grandma be and where was she born?  Her birthday was in March.

That night, Daniel, Shadrach, Albert and Emma came to go to a Diamondbacks' game.  They made that decision on the spur of the moment.  Daniel said that he was taking the kids to school and said, "Hey, we could either turn left and go to school or turn right and go to a Diamondbacks' game."  I mean, what would you choose if you were a kid on your way to school?  The next morning we sent them on their way back to Colorado with a breakfast at the Good Egg.  We left for home and got there in time to enjoy a birthday cookout for Isabel.

While we were in Mesa, our good friend, Marlow Day passed away, less than a month after his wife, Bertha, died.  We didn't know about it, however, until late the night before his funeral in St. Johns on a Temple day.  It was too late for us to get subs for the Temple, so we weren't able to go.  But what a great man he was.  I told Dad that their plan to die close together was also my plan, and since I will probably live to be very old (the women in my family seem to do that...sorry, everyone) he will have to live to be very old too.

Another good St. Johns friend also died this month.  Philip Richey, husband of my friend, Anna.  This is all I saw of his passing.  I don't even know when he died.  It's a good thing I get information from Rebecca from time to time, otherwise I'd never know anything about what goes on with our St. Johns friends.  

While I was typing the above text, my phone rang (It is now May 22) and it was Rebecca telling me that our friend, Wayne Davis also died.  He died last night.  He was a photographer and often had his pictures featured in Arizona Highways, and he and his wife were some of our dearest friends. This picture is of him and his wife, Esther.

Also in May, our friend Deanna Millsap passed away.  She was the 5th Ward Relief Society president when I was stake Relief Society president, so we became quite good friends.  We attended her funeral in Pima and I was so impressed with all she has done in her life...it made me feel like a slacker!  I need to get busy and do some things so people have something to say at my funeral :-/

On May 9th, we had a birthday cookout for Isabel, as per her birthday-wish-list-instructions.  Dallin and Sara were here and able to come.  Rebecca's family and Thomas' family also came.  Mary's family was in Idaho to Tyson's brother's wedding festivities, so they missed it.  But we had fun. Sara learned to crochet.

The next day, Luke's birthday, was Mothers' Day.  I was so well taken care of and I felt truly loved and remembered.  I received calls from all my children and one grandchild. That meant a lot to me.  I was one of only two mothers wearing a corsage to church.  Jenn said that she was the only one in her ward.  Truly an old-fashioned gesture, but one that says "I appreciate Mother...(or wife," as the case may be.)  Being a mother is the joy of my life.  I remember, in college, when professors and others would ask me what career I was preparing for, with a major in English, I would always say "Motherhood," which was terribly old fashioned in the 60's with Womens' Lib going full force.  Of course, by then I was already married and had Rebecca on the way when I graduated, so it might seem that Motherhood was a given and that I just slipped into it.  Not so.  I decided early in my life that whatever gifts or talents or brains or creativity the Lord blessed me with I would use in my career as a wife and mother.  I have never regretted it or felt like an underachiever (except when I go to funerals of amazing women). When I look at all of you, and the splendid young men and women you have become, and especially when I see what wonderful parents you are, I am thankful for my calling in life.  I am most thankful for your dad and all you are because of him, and thank the Lord every day that he wanted to be a father!

In our ward, that day, the Aaronic Priesthood boys served cheesecake in Relief Society. 

Then that afternoon, Thomas made dinner for his wife and his mom.  Rebecca also invited us.  How nice to have children who care enough to invite us.

Luke's 12th birthday was Mothers' Day, and he was supposed to be ordained a Deacon on that day, but he got so sick in the night, throwing up and miserable.  They had to postpone his ordination until the next week.  On Monday, when he was feeling better, Dad and I went to see him and took him his birthday card.  He was busy putting together his latest, incredibly complicated Legos project.

Then we drove by Rebecca's to take her something she needed and found ourselves crashing their FHE.  They were enjoying an asado that Dallin and Scott prepared.  Eating with them was DeWitt's girlfriend, Lexie Jensen from Thatcher.  Really sweet, pretty girl.  She says she is related in some way to Stephanie.

On Tuesday, the 12th, I attended Brianna's school program at 8:30 and Kirtlyn's school program at 9:45.  They were both really fun and appropriately short :-)  Of course our girls were the best.

That night, Thomas came over to help Dad with a computer issue and his family stayed for supper.  The back yard is getting so pretty and pleasant.  Here are Kirtlyn and Maya admiring our new roses.

On the 14th, Dad went to Mesa to be with Earl Hurrey, when took the name of his deceased daughter to be baptized in the Gilbert Temple.  Cherish, a co-worker, was proxy for her.  Joel baptized her and Dad confirmed her.

That night, Rylie, trying a "cool" (really hot) idea she found on Pinterest for hair removal, severely burned her foot and had to sit up all night with it immersed in a bucket of ice water.  Student body elections had been that day,  and she had signed up to run for student body president but hadn't campaigned or put up any posters so she figured she didn't win.  The awards assembly was the next day but she was in too much pain to even put on a shoe, much less stand on her foot, so she told her mom to call the school and tell them that she wouldn't be there, but just to let her know who won.  The teacher her mom called said, "Rylie really needs to come."  So she went, hobbling to the center of the auditorium to be inducted as the new Student Body President for next year.

That day, Dad and I attended the Temple, and I was able to include Rylie's name on the Temple prayer roll.  She healed amazingly fast for such a severe burn and I am so thankful.  I loved seeing all the magnolia trees blooming around the Temple, so I took a picture of one of them.  It turned out better than I thought it would.  Love the stormy sky.

On Sunday, the 17th, Luke was given the Aaronic Priesthood and ordained a Deacon by his Grandpa. We attended his Deacons' Quorum meeting, as did his mom, dad and sisters.  We had them over for dinner after their meetings that afternoon. Luke passed the Sacrament for the first time the next Sunday, the 24th.  Rachel said he was nervous but did a great job. 

Also on the 17th, Grandpa and Grandma Hiatt celebrated their 71st anniversary.  I saw this darling picture on Facebook, posted by Nancy.

The 19th was Thomas' birthday, but we celebrated with a sisters' lunch on the 18th.  He has done so much to help them with their YW projects, that they wanted to show their appreciation by having a sisters' lunch for him.  

On the 19th, Thomas' birthday, we attended Lillian's Seminary graduation.  I really love being able to do that.  It's so nice to see her, her face and her friends instead of just anonymous caps and gowns.

Rylie and Reygan will graduate next year, then Polly the year after, all by herself.  The next year, however, will make up for it with Docker, Albert, Tayte, Harrison and Isabel!

This picture of the Temple was taken by Brea Hiatt.  She and Brint drove through Safford on their way home from North Carolina.  They even ate at El Charro with Thomas, but he didn't take a picture.  We would have gone down there to see them and make sure the obligatory photo was taken except that it was a Temple day.  So, inside the Temple, in this very picture, Dad and I are serving.

Thursday night was Safford High School graduation and this is by far the most gorgeous graduate of all.

Mary and Tyson moved into their new house that weekend and we went over to check it out.   The kids love it!  I think they are really going to love their back yard, which already has grass.  Mary hasn't had grass for 10 years.  One of the moving days, we had them come over to eat Roman Holiday at our house.  They spoke in their old Thatcher 5th Ward on Sunday, the 24th.  This new house is in the 8th Ward.   This will be the first time Mary has lived in any ward other than a 5th Ward!  Including St. Johns.

Rebecca. Rachel, Rylie, Polly and Isabel all went to camp on Memorial Day. They're going to have such a good time.  I always loved camp so much when I was a leader and I envy their camp experience.

On Memorial Day, we had a cookout with Thomas' family, Tony and his youngest three, Sara and Scott, the missionaries, and my friend, Bobbi Layton.  

Jenn and kids shucked the corn.

The kids all enjoyed Grandpa's playground.

On Tuesday, the 26th, my cousin, Dilworth and his insurance associate, Max McInnis, came to Safford to update some policies.  They invited us to lunch at El Charro.  Thomas ate with us (as it was his insurance they were updating) and Max's 91-year-old sister (she is so bright and alert.  She's from Eagar and remembered more about St. Johns than I do!) Also their friend, Wayne Odell.

Rebecca and Rachel went to camp that week.  Even though I wasn't there, I'm putting these pictures on our section because there are pictures of both girls and all three granddaughters and I can't decide whether to put them in Rebecca's or Rachel's sections.  They said they had a wonderful time.  It really looks as if they did.  Explanation of the tutus:  the theme was "write your own story...Happily Ever After, " and the stake and YCLs were Fairy Godmothers.

An uninvited camp participant.

Isabel was a 4th year, which means she had a separate adventure camp.  Rylie and Polly were YCLs and stayed in camp to help the wards.

President Sanders.  It almost looks like he has a cigarette in his mouth, doesn't it?  But that is a pole behind him.

We left on Thursday, after our Temple service, to go to Colorado for Shadrach's graduation, and Albert's Eagle court of honor that they scheduled just so we could be there for it.  While we were in the car, on our way, Daniel called and asked if we would stop in Show Low and pick up a puppy to bring to them.  It is a Brittany Spaniel puppy and very cute.  He was good and slept almost the whole way.  However, the minute the owner put him in the cage on our back seat, which, by the way, was covered with a towel, he conveniently relieved himself and stunk up the whole car!  We were at a store, so Dad went in and bought an air freshener to hang on our rear view mirror.  He said it made us look "plebeian." After that, we didn't take any chances, and got him out to walk whenever we stopped.

The kids were so happy to see him.  They named him "Thunder Sky," and call him "Sky."  They name all their dogs after weather.  Flurry, their big dog, wasn't sure she liked the annoying little pest, though.  You can see Jess and Karen Nevin in the background.

The next day, we went out to the property they have bought, which is about a half hour closer to us.  It is truly a wilderness area.  They are planning to build a house on it and will move there, hopefully, before it gets snowed in.  It is 36 acres and there are cliffs, grassy areas and a creek running through it.  They call it a creek, anyway, Divide Creek, but to me it was more of a river.  It has more water than I've ever seen in the Little Colorado River.

After hiking their property (I was thankful I had the walking stick Joel gave me at the Grand Canyon), we went to a restaurant in Rifle called Shooters Grill.  All the waitresses wear side arms.  Daniel says it is a second ammendment supporters' favorite destination. You can see Analynn and Shannyn posing with our armed waitress.

We did many fun things with them, played games, hiked, ate, watched a movie (The Court Jester), but  the shoulder massages were right up there among the best things.  Shannyn has magic fingers, and she rubs for long enough to get the job done :-D

On Saturday, Shadrach graduated from Glenwood Springs High School.  I just had to take this shot of him getting ready...so handsome and dignified in his bare feet.

We sat down on the field so that I wouldn't have to hike up the bleachers.  Here we are, waiting for graduation to begin.  Daniel, as president of the school board, was on the stand, had signed the certificates, and handed them out.

 Proud family.

Right after we got back to the house, Shadrach checked the mail and sure enough, his call had come in!  He has been called to serve in the California, Fresno mission, speaking Hmong.  After we texted everyone, we received a text from Thomas, recommending a book called The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down.  It is about a Hmong family in Fresno who struggled with American culture and language and said the only people who understood them were the Mormon missionaries. Shadrach said he definitely wants to read that book.  Then, of course, he pinned his card on our missionary board.

That afternoon, Porter's girlfriend Alta, and her mom and stepdad and brother, came through on their way to visit relatives in Colorado.  They live in Omaha, where she and Porter met, but have family in Colorado.  They were very nice, and very friendly.  I really like Alta, and obviously so does Porter.  He and Daniel cut up over 100 chicken wings to grill for dinner that night.  Absolutely delicious!

We attended their ward on Sunday, of course, and it was their Ward Conference, so all the ward positions were sustained.  Holy Cow!  Almost every other position was named "Biggs."  Daniel is Ward Mission Leader, Shadrach is Priests' First Assistant, Albert is Teachers' Quorum President, and Shannyn is Beehive President. Daniel and Shadrach blessed the Sacrament, Albert passed it, and the Bishop announced Shadrach's call and graduation and Albert's court of honor from the pulpit.

On Sunday evening, a special Eagle Court of Honor was held at the church for Albert.

The picture Albert is holding is from his Grandad, Jess Nevin, who gives one to each of his grandsons as they receive their Eagle.  What a handsome Eagles' nest.  Too bad Parker, the first one, wasn't able to be there.  Well, really, not too bad.  He's doing what he's supposed to be doing.

That evening, they held an impromptu birthday party for Porter.  He left on Monday, the 1st, to go back to Omaha, where he is living with Nathan and Shauna, and where he has a job.  His birthday is the 5th of June, so they celebrated while he was home.  The cake is an Oreo cake...Porter's absolute favorite snack.  With lots of little homemade Oreos around it.

When we left, Daniel made us a gift of the heirloom wooden puzzle of the rock house that he and his family had already put together and framed.  We brought our puzzle, in the box, hoping we could have his family's help to assemble it, but just didn't have any time, so he kept ours and gave us his.  Thanks,  Daniel.  We love it!

NEWS FROM AROUND THE FAMILY

NATHAN AND SHAUNA

Hannah, saying "Goodbye" to her loving brother as she leaves for Utah and the MTC.

At the MTC with her parents.

Clowning around with an MTC companion.

Bethany with Palmer's niece.

Some really cool houses photographed by Josh the Preservationist.  I love all the buildings he selects, but especially the houses.

Josh and Porter playing frisbee with the Singles Ward.

Hannah in Hawaii with her companion, Sister Yau.  The bottom photo is with the other MTC graduates who went out with her.

Beautiful Hawaii

JOEL AND STEPHANIE

Docker with his basketball team.

Crew playing baseball.

Dad is with Stetson and Lindsay Pugmire, Stetson's girlfriend, who had come from BYU to see him before he and Levi left on their summer semester in Spain.

Here they are, ready to go...and on the plane.  Identical silly expressions...you can't tell how excited they really are :-I   They are actually attending school in Spain, a whole semester.  They'll be there most of the summer.

Barcelona.

And Seville

And Cadiz.

DANIEL AND CONNIE

Daniel and Connie have purchased some land on which to someday build their dream house.   Can you imagine how Daniel fell in love with the two streams coursing through this property?

Devynne with Brock's niece.

Shadrach's seminary graduation...thanks to Shannyn.

Summertime fun for the Biggs girls.

Daniel wrote an article on the ethics of healthcare executives and it was accepted and published in the Journal of Healthcare Management.  Congratulations! A published author in the family.

Porter and Joshua playing frisbee with their Omaha Singles Ward.

Oh my goodness, can you believe this spaghetti and garlic toast???  It's Analynn's birthday cake! I had to ask if it really was a cake, and it is!! Funny coincidence, when we got this picture, we were just sitting down to our own dinner of spaghetti and garlic toast :-D

A Memorial Day party.  Patriotic Porter.

Devynne and Brock.  First anniversary...flowers for the anniversary and flowers just because he loves her.

Some of Shadrach's senior pictures.  Handsome hunk.

Connie is the Webelos leader and made this cake for a pack meeting.  Notice the pinewood derby jellybean cars, the granola bar bridge for crossing over into scouting.

Albert, playing drums at a concert.  He is really good.  This was from a video so I was able to hear him play.  Reminded me of Joel playing for his All State tryouts.

Ok. This is quite a story.  Connie went on a field trip with Emma and her school class to Grizzly Creek.  They were all hiking along, being a noisy 3rd grade class and having fun.  Connie had to turn back because Jonathan had therapy, so she waved "Goodbye" to Emma and turned back toward where the cars were parked.  As she hiked back, she realized how quiet and peaceful it was without the chattering and laughing of a bunch of kids and was just thinking, "No wonder bears like it here, it is so quiet."  Just as she reached a turn in the path, a bear jumped in front of her!!! She gasped out loud and he turned and ran away!  Thank goodness!  Heart racing, she clomped as loudly as she could until she reached the safety of her car.

On Thursday evening, they held a graduation party for Shadrach, with a pit roasted pig.  Here are Shadrach and Albert digging the pit.

Connie made graduation cupcakes for the party.

Here are the kids, already spoiling Sky.

Shannyn's quilt top.  She has the names of all of her family, Biggs and Nevin, written on the hands.

Hiking around their property. It really was so beautiful, secluded and peaceful.  We saw a red-tailed hawk and its nest high in one of the trees and wild turkeys.

Graduation.  Shadrach received his diploma from his dad, as school board president.   What a special treat that is.  Daniel has been able to present diplomas to Parker, Porter and Shadrach.  Once they move, however, he won't be in that school district and will have to resign.  This kids will continue in Glenwood schools though they will be living closer to New Castle.

On the field after the ceremony.

After graduation, Shadrach opened his mission call to the California, Fresno, Hmong speaking mission.  Here he is with his pin in Fresno.

Albert received his Eagle Scout Award and they had a court of honor for him on Sunday afternoon.

Between church and the court of Honor, Connie made one of her amazing creations.

At the Court of Honor.  Porter read the Eagle  Charge to Albert, then Shadrach presented him with his Eagle Award.  He chose a former Scoutmaster, Parker, Porter and Shadrach as his mentors.  He only had one pin, yet, though, so he pinned it on Porter.  The others are in the mail.

 Connie pinning the Eagle on Albert, then he pinned one on his parents.

REBECCA AND SCOTT

Allison and Taylor kayaking.  She got seriously sunburned.  It's a good thing they had a blast!

Dallin and Sara took a trip with their architecture club before school was out at SVU.

They came to Safford after school for a short break before they left for Ohio to sell  security systems. Here they are watching Polly play in the state tennis tournament.

At an Ohio Civil War Memorial.

In the meantime, DeWitt is in Georgia selling pest control.

I don't know what the situation is here, or where the Taco Shop is, but it was such a cute picture of our girls that I had to post it.

Here is Polly, at the end of school with some of her friends, who all just happened to wear plaid shirts on the same day!

The state tennis tournament in which Lillian, Polly and Rylie played and which Dallin and Sara watched.

Polly was invited to the Thatcher Prom, and looked beautiful in Rylie's dress and Rylie did her hair.

At Baccalaureate and the Senior assembly.

After Seminary graduation.

Rebecca went to Mesa to pick up Allison, who was coming for Lillian's graduation, and since the plane didn't arrive until midnight, she had a little time to hang out with her sister.

She and Allison just talked all the way home to keep themselves awake, but they were sure glad to finally get home safely.  The boy in the bottom picture is Josh Nolan, a boy from Wilcox, who has a major crush on Lillian (my assessment).  He came for her graduation.  (There is some kind of connection between his grandparents and Grandma and Grandpa Brinton.  His grandmother is named Vida, after Grandma Brinton, and Grandma Brinton named her daughter Ruth, after Vida's mother.  They were obviously good friends.)  Then, of course, there is Lexie Jenson, DeWitt's girlfriend.

Lillian's graduation jean quilt and her graduation cake.

Lillian's graduation fan club: Isabel, Polly, Lexie, Allison, Rylie, Josh, Scott, Rebecca.

On the field after graduation.

They really had some sister/parent (and chicken and goat) bonding time while Allison was here.

Rebecca and the girls came over to visit us the day after graduation.  It was so great to see Allison again, even for just a short visit.  Before they left to go back to catch her plane, they came to our ward for church and sat with us.  We haven't had anyone to sit with for a long time, since Mary left, and then Thomas' family for a while until they left.  Most Sundays we have been encouraging some of those who don't have anyone to sit with to sit with us.  In fact, one of our solzinos came and sat by Allison when they were there.

Allison also got to reconnect with her good friend and former roommate, Tessa Smith.

Taylor wasn't able to come because they are right in the middle of cherry-picking season and he is in charge of the crew doing the picking.

Lillian and Polly drove Allison to catch her plane and on the same trip picked up Sara.

Before Sara came to AZ, she acted as a bridesmaid (matron) for her friend.  Notice the bee!

Safford Stake YW presidency at camp.

Rebecca and Polly...Fairy Godmothers.

Polly got her Liahona this year.  Congratulations!

When her mom and sister left for girls' camp, Lillian went on a Havasupai hike with a group of YSA seniors and a couple of leaders.  They camped and hiked for a week! Does it look as if she has enough stuff for a week? It weighed over 50 pounds!! She had to hike with it.

JEREMY AND ERIKA

Ellie's birthday usually starts off May for her family in a good way.  This year she celebrated her 10th.

Reygan and Erika, getting ready for Reygan's prom.

Such a beautiful princess.

And on Mothers' Day, they had their wonderful FaceTime call with Daynen.  He sent a picture of his computer as well.  

Daynen in Brazil.  He has been having several baptisms.  Their ward building is 3 stories.  He was impressed by that. He seems so happy in spite of expected and unexpected difficulties, and is working hard.

This is Reygan and Tayte at one of their school's honor programs.

Ellie gave a talk about the Powers War in the Gila Valley.

A Scout fundraiser.

A Scout trip to the Diamondbacks.  Was that what the fundraiser was for? If so, it looks like they think it was worth it.

Ellie at a ballet recital.

RACHEL AND TONY

Isabel and friends at an end-of-the-year party at the lake.

More pictures of Grandparents' Day line dancing.

At Luke's orchestra concert.

Rachel posted these darling baby pictures of Isabel on her birthday, the 9th.

Isabel with her famous (or is it infamous) birthday wish list :-)

Her redecorated room...as per wish list.

On Mothers' Day, Luke was so sick so Tony stayed home with him.  It was just the Alder girls at church that day, so they decided to enjoy the Hagen Daz ice cream along with the Relief Society sisters.

Luke's birthday post on the 10th.

The night of Luke's birthday.  He was feeling a little better, so they brought out his ice cream cake so he could blow out his candles...then no one wanted to eat it because he blew on it!

At his violin recital.

Dinner at our house after Luke's Priesthood ordination the next week.

Rylie wanted to cook fish one night and no one wanted her to smell up the house with the fishy smell, so Isabel made her a fire outside where she could cook her healthy meal without offending anyone.

Rylie and Rachel at Lillian's seminary graduation. The guy in the bottom picture is a Wiltbank from Eagar.  His son, as president of the Seminary, spoke at the graduation.

On the field with Lillian after graduation.

The  Safford Stake YW presidency with President Peck at camp.

Fairy Godmothers, Rachel and Rylie.

Isabel's 4th year adventure camp.  They had fun but were glad to get back to Faithful Pine and showers and food.

ESTHER AND SHAD

Bridger's election assembly.  I saw the video of his speech.  It was great! He was runner-up, though.  I can't imagine why anyone would have voted for someone else.

Harrison's birthday cake.

Blue-eyed Soren plays baseball.  His eyes are the color of his shirt :-)

Harrison just before his band concert.  He has recently added French Horn to his repertoire of musical instruments.

At Bridger's band concert, playing the trumpet.

At Marlie's choir concert.  She is the one on the right, at the end of the 2nd row.

Harrison's piano recital.  We couldn't go, but he played his piece for me...oh my goodness.  I listened with admiration and regret...regret that I haven't practiced enough to play as well as he does.

Soren and Hyrum just hangin' out when Esther babysat the Biggs kids while Thomas and Jenn attended a Knudsen family event.

When Mary and Tyson went to Idaho for his brother's wedding festivities, Esther kept their kids for a few days.  A monstrous Gila Monster, covered in kids.

Miss Esther's All Stars Preschool.

The end-of-school water party.

THOMAS AND JENN

More Alice in Wonderland pictures.

Kirtlyn's 5th grade music program.

Mothers' Day.  What a happy mom! Not such a happy Henry, though.

When we went to lunch at Thomas and Jenn's on Mothers' Day, Maya had an emotional breakdown and went to  Grandpa for some sympathy.

Enjoying Grandpa's playground and Grandma's flowers.

Thomas' birthday lunch.

On his real birthday, Jenn made him German Chocolate cake.  He prefers a sheet cake so each piece has more frosting!

Snow cones with the Richins kids while Mary was packing up.

Saying "Goodbye"to favorite teachers

A picnic on the driveway.

Maya's preschool graduation.  She was so proud!

Summer haircuts :-}

The boss, keeping the place clean.

MARY AND TYSON

Brianna as Alice in Wonderland.

First swim of the summer in the Biggs family pool.

Off to the cold country!

After the reception in Idaho, they went to Yellowstone and saw Old Faithful, among other interesting sites...including bison.  A tv special said that of all the wildlife in Yellowstone...bears, wolves, etc., the most dangerous and the one that has caused the most harm to humans is bison.

They also saw the Tetons, which, even though it was cold, were not covered with clouds as they were when we went a couple of years ago. Of course they saw them from the Wyoming side.  It looks like there might be clouds on the Idaho side.

In the meantime, their kids were enjoying warm spring days in Gilbert.

Jared got to go with his Richins cousin, for a couple of days, to ride the Grand Canyon Express.

Brianna's 4th grade music program.

Poor Lindsay got a ball in the nose on the first day of softball practice.  Yes, that's blood on her shirt :-(

New house...empty now, but just wait!

Saying "goodbye" to their old house after they have unloaded all the shelves and cupboards.

A new, king sized bed.

Hopefully, they'll be able to find a place for everything...their new house is much bigger than their old one, so it should be possible.

MISSIONARIES

~Parker~

~Daynen~

The whole Forteleza East Mission when Elder Christofferson and his wife came to visit. Daynen is on the 3rd row, top, left.

~Hannah~

With her mission president and his wife.

SOMETHING TO MAKE YOU SMILE
It takes a lot of creativity to keep Henry happy during church...but playing dead?  I think he put those pennies on his eyes himself.

It also takes a lot of creativity to keep Jared happy while his mom is packing up the house.

Henry knows how to keep Alex happy.  

So so true!

I made this picture extra large so you can read the sign on the door to Shooters Grill.

A man in our ward gave a talk in church and referred to "The Butterfly Effect." That is, that one little action or event can affect countless actions and events in the future.  It reminded me of our family.  In the 1500's  your great grandfather, Henry, wanting to divorce his wife against the decree of the Pope, decided that the church should be under his control instead of under the thumb of the Pope in Rome. He broke away from the Catholic Church and established The Church of England.  Even though it was for selfish reasons, that action cracked the absolute stranglehold that Rome had on religion in the Christian world.  From that time on, religion in England was controlled by the crown.  In the 1600's my ancestor and yours, rejected that control, believing that no government should be allowed to rule the church, and moved to America where he could have religious freedom.  He established the Unitarian Church in America.  He was the ancestor, not only of us, through Parley, but of Joseph Smith, who restored the Gospel of Jesus Christ and established the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  Who knows? Maybe if Henry's wife had given him a son, and he didn't want to divorce her, and hadn't grabbed control of the church, my ancestor would have been content to remain in England.

For $2, through which of Dad's grandparents does the royal line of England come to you?  And for $2, what was the name of our ancestor who fled England in the 1600's, and was also ancestor to Joseph Smith? Nathan is disqualified from answering the second question as he is the one who told me about it :-}

May has been absolutely wild and crazy, but June looks like it's going to be a little more calm and peaceful.  Of course we have a ton of birthdays in June and some of the kids will have camp and treks, and some will be taking vacations, and it is our anniversary, but all in all, more calm and peaceful.  Thank you for sharing your lives with us through pictures.  We love seeing all you do; seeing you enjoy each other and enjoy life.  Keep us posted.  See you in June.