Roberts Family

October 25, 2011

2011-10-25T18:15:00.000-07:00

Well, Abbey got her braces off today! She was so excited. They were kind of rough taking them off so she was relieved when it was over. She does have to keep one band in the very back on, to wait for one last tooth to come in. But at least everything visible is off. She continues her no sweets diet in order to get 500 dollars at the end of a year from her Dad. She is about two weeks in. A lot better than I can do. I am such a chocoholic.

Mom got knee surgery on Monday and she is doing quite well. She told the doctor that she feels great and he asked her if she wanted him to kick it. Ha. He also told her it is still surgery so she should take it easy.

Dad helped me scan in some old slides of the Roberts' family. He has a scanner that will scan slides and negatives. So far between him and I, we have scanned in about 300. Now I have to label all of them. Yeah!

Inland Empire Piano Festival

2011-03-01T08:51:00.000-08:00

Abbey did a great job at her competition.

We were proud of her.

Abbey's Inland Empire Piano Festival Pieces Feb 2011

2011-03-01T08:48:00.000-08:00

Abbey's Inland Empire Pieces Feb 2011

2011-03-01T08:47:00.000-08:00

The Decker Family

2011-01-11T10:44:00.000-08:00

We all managed to be together for a family picture on New Years Eve. It's hard to have everyone in one place at one time; Especially as the family grows. We had a nice time being together.

Another New Year!

2011-01-11T10:06:00.000-08:00

Christmas is over. The second half of last year was a blur. We really did do lots of things. I really need to add photos. Some day I will. I wish I was better at keeping up a journal. I thought blogging would be easier. My life story is pretty much told through pictures. At least I have good intentions. Its funny how when you are kid the time passes so slowly and you think Christmas and birthdays are so far away. Now, I blink my eye and I am another year older. My kids are growing up too fast.

I have been reading War and Peace. Besides being the longest book ever, I have learned alot about the war of 1812 in Russia and some good lessons in life. When we have the least and worry about what is really important in life, we are the happiest. If we can realize that for the most part there is someone out there in this world with much bigger problems than us, we can't feel sorry for ourselves.

I'm grateful for the Saviors atoning sacrifice for me. I'm no where near perfect, but with his help hopefully I can be someday. It is hard to comprehend the love he has for each one of us. I hope I can have a fraction of that love for my family and fellowmen.

It's going to be a good year!

Grand Canyon, Arizona

2010-07-19T08:00:00.000-07:00

We had a Grand time at the Grand Canyon. We left at 7am so that we could beat the heat and the crowds and it worked. We hiked and rode the buses when we were tired. Grandpa Decker gets a new National Park medal to put on his hiking stick every time he goes to a new park.

Grace

Some of the Decker Gang!

Waiting for the Tram.

Paula and the girls.

Maryjane and Jennie

John Paul and Elle, Ice Cream, Yummy!

Paula

The Matthew Decker Family

Four Daniel Boons! Wendy, Treya and Brittani Smithson and Abbey

Jerreed and Emily

Adam Decker chillin out!

John Paul and Matt

Grandma Decker and gang.

Craig and Paula

Paul (Dad) and Steve

Craig and Seth

Jerreed and Emily

Williams, Arizona "Gateway to the Grand Canyon"

2010-07-18T15:26:00.000-07:00

The Decker family had the opportunity to stay in Williams at the "Smithson's" cabin the week of July 19th. It is a great place to spend time with the family. The weather was pleasant most of the time and the kids played outside a ton. They came in pretty filthy before bedtime. Each of the families took turns preparing dinners and we visited places like Old Town Williams, Grand Canyon, Bedrock City, Beaver Creek and the Ice Caves. We had plenty of play time at the cabin too. It even rained occasionally.

Abbey, Wendy and Emily

Jerreed and Emily

Route 66 memorabilia was everywhere.

Wendy and Treya Smithson with the Fortune Teller

Adam and Abbey

Seth having a nice chat with a friend.

Daughter, Mother

Old timer checking out the girls!

How!

Help!

Emily looks too happy in the stocks!

Brittani Smithson, Donna and Steve

Craig, Wendy, Seth and Treya

Adam, Jerreed, Emily and Abbey

Big Bear or Bust!

2010-05-28T08:31:00.000-07:00

Our anniversary is December 14th. Needless to say, we never do anything right before Christmas. Lets call this our anniversary getaway and needed break after Emily and Jerreed's wedding. Craig and I had a great time visiting Big Bear, CA. Only a 45 minute ride from the desert to the mountains. We stayed at the Sleepy Forest Cottages. Very Quaint! We ate some great meals at Captain Anchorage (Mahi Mahi sautéed in butter, steak, baked potatoes, salads and the best vegetable soup, YUM) and Sweet Basil Bistro (excellent lasagna) and shared the Sissy Boy breakfast (one giant, bigger than the plate, pancake, two eggs, and bacon) at the Grizzly Bear Manor Restaurant. And a cup of the best hot chocolate ever. Food was a big part of the vacation. We saw "Ironman 2", another fire and destruction guy film. We walked up and down the village shops. It was delightful.

We hiked to the peak of Bertha Peak. It is off of the Pacific Crest trail that goes all the way to Canada. The six miles we hiked was enough for us.

We made it!! Now the agony of our calves to get back down. It's all about getting t0 the top. You don't think about making it back down the hill. I was sore for two days.

Of course, who would have thought we would have woke up to this kind of weather the next day. Crazy!

Mormon Prom April 17,2010

2010-04-17T18:00:00.000-07:00

Wendy had a great time at this years church prom. Taylor Self asked her to the dance this year. She went with a group of friends. They all met at our house for pictures before the dance.

Before the young men arrived. My daughter is the most lady like. Not!

Friends: Amy Shelton, Wendy, Alisha Capps and Sadie Sanford

Taylor and Wendy

Mount San Antonio College Track Relays

2010-04-17T09:00:00.000-07:00

Wendy ran the second leg in the 4 X 1600 relay. The team came in fourth place even though they were ranked twelveth at the Mt. Sac relays. She ran a 5:52 mile and ran a 5:48 the next week at Inland Empire and came in first in her heat. This picture is of her finding out her PR (personal record). She was very happy. The top five teams got medals.

Grace McManus, Morgan Lacey, Wendy Roberts, & Chelsea Bennis

Winter Trip to Utah 2010

2010-02-11T21:38:00.000-08:00

We had a nice winter vacation in Utah. We skied The Canyons in Park City, as usual. I wasn't sure how I would fare with my back problems, but I took it easy and got two days of skiing in. We skied with the Kinnison Family on the first day. I was lucky to keep up with all of their family and mine.

We celebrated Valentines Day with Matt and Jennie and the kids. Our niece Corinne Wells and her family were staying with Grandma Roberts while they looked for a house in Salt Lake City. It was fun spending a little time with Corinne and Daren's girls, Marilyn and Charlotte.

Paula, Wendy, Abbey and Craig

The Kinnison Family

Valerie, Marshall, Whitney, Paula and Mark

Whitney and Marshall

MJ and Elle

John Paul

Seth and Abbey

Marilyn Wells

Charlotte and Grandma Roberts

Wendy and Charlotte

Charlotte Wells

Wendy and Abbey

Craig and Paula

Abbey

Wendy

The Canyons

On the Lift

Abbey, Craig and Wendy

Wendy is a Licensed Driver!

2010-02-09T21:10:00.000-08:00

Wow, kid #3 is driving. Scary! Wendy does a good job. She had to take her test in the rain today and had a mega scary lady with no personality, but she did it. Second times the charm! She drove to Grandma's house by herself as soon as Emily returned with the van. She made it back safely. Not that my worrying won't stop. I think I was more nervous than her sitting in the DMV. Mostly my thoughts were "I don't want to come back here again".

Piano Festival

2010-02-07T20:55:00.000-08:00

Abbey played at the Inland Empire Piano Festival at the University of Redlands. She competed against 12 other people in her age and division. She received a fourth place Honorable Mention award which we were very pleased and surprised because these kids were really talented. Her teacher was real excited too. I posted a link on my facebook if anyone wants to hear her play.

It was Impromptu in A flat major, Op.142 No.2 by Schubert.

Donna's Birthday!

2010-02-01T20:32:00.000-08:00

We celebrated Grandma Decker's 65th Birthday! Looking good MOM!! We spent a day at California Adventure and Disneyland. I even got her to go on California Screamin' two times in a row. The second time, we both felt a little sick. It was an awesome day and hardly any lines. I wish my Disney pass wasn't expiring next week.

We almost got the sword out!

I am caught up!!

2010-01-08T21:57:00.000-08:00

I have spent the entire day catching up on my blog, adding activities from October to present. I knew it could be done! We have way too much fun, I can't keep up. So if you have a minute, sit back and review the past. Paula

California Adventure Again!

2010-01-04T21:28:00.000-08:00

Our season passes to Disneyland and California Adventure have almost expired. I honestly don't think I could take too many more trips to Disney. I know I am showing my age, but when you've seen it once, you've seen it a million times. I do like watching the little ones enjoy it though.

This was our last big hurrah until Tara and Jeff's family had to go back to real life. Tara left her lens at my parents house so she borrowed my camera for awhile. I know she will send me a few day time shots sometime soon.

Sammy made a high powered Flashlight. I came into the room and saw three flashlights taped together with an abnormal amount of scotch tape. It is a power light!

Tower of Terror. "It's not scary"

Gage had hold of Emily and Grandma's hand immediately. He probably won't be going on that ride anytime soon. He was very brave to try.

It's a bugs life with Sam and Beth.

The Jeff Decker Family

Almost everyone! Gage is hiding behind Emily.

Wendy and Gage on Dumbo.

Gavin and Emily flying on Dumbo!

The sword in the stone will come out!

Night Shot

Lets call it a night!

Jeff and Emily stayed at a hotel to tackle Disneyland the next day and Tara met up with a longtime friend and spent the next day at Laguna Beach. Wendy, Abbey and I relaxed the following day!

Joshua Tree National Park

2010-01-02T18:38:00.000-08:00

Tara and the kids, Mom and Dad, Gavin, Craig, Emily, Wendy, Abbey and I headed out for Joshua Tree National Park. Unfortunately, Gage had a throat infection which caused him to have a fever and other unpleasant symptoms. Jeff and Emily and Kennady stayed home to care for Gage, while we took Gavin with us. They had a Harry Potter marathon at home.

Joshua Tree is another amazing beautiful place. The weather was great. The sun was out and the rocks looked way cool against the blue, blue sky. Tara and I both took a ton of pictures again. I think the kids wanted to play more. They kept having to pose for us. Poor Children! If they weren't so cute!

Picnic at Hidden Valley.

Key View Lookout. Emily, Wendy and Abbey

Elizabeth and Sammy

Gavin

Palm Springs and the Sultan Sea

Donna and Paul ie. Mom and Dad

The Craig Roberts family minus Seth.

Beth and Gavin at Key View.

Beth and her Buddy, Craig. She kept coming up to Craig her whole stay. She would say "I love You" and " Your my other Dad". Most kids find him a bit scary. She was an exception!

Emily and Wendy peeking through at Jumbo Rocks.

Grandpa and Grandma Decker with Emily.

Sammy

Abbey, Gavin and Beth

Wendy and Sammy, Tara was especially scared for Sam at this time. After she took the picture, he wasn't allowed so high anymore. He could not wait to climb on the rocks. He was in heaven and having the time of his life.

Jumbo Rocks

Coming down from the highest heights.

Skull Rock

The family minus Seth. I can never get everybody together anymore.

Wendy rescued the Walkie Talkie after Sammy dropped it down a crevice.

Assembly line to transport little kids.

Beth, Cute Hair!

Tara, Beth and Sammy. Sammy had just bumped his head on the rock. He didn't want to smile for this picture.

The girls in the Arch.

Grandpa Decker and Gavin in the Arch.

Hurray!

Emily protecting her cargo!

Tara, Professional Photographer

Paula, Amateur Photographer

Abbey, Be careful!!!!!

Tara and the kids. Beth is sick of pictures at this point.

2010-01-01T20:41:00.000-08:00

I thought it was time to put up some of Emily's Bridal pictures. Tara Lesko Polcaro, my cousin, flew out from New York and graciously took some great engagement pictures of Jerreed and Emily. It was a lot of rock climbing for everyone, but they turned out beautiful.

We just happened to be up by the water towers here in Apple Valley when the most gorgeous sunset ever appeared. We could not have picked a better day.

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T20:20:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

We actually cheated and watched the ball drop at 9:00pm and the New York guests, namely Sammy and Elizabeth, didn't even make it till that time.

New Years Day was a very relaxing hang out day. The kids and I went over to Grandma and Grandpa Deckers. The kids rode scooters and flying turtles and they made sailboats with Grandpa. We enjoyed one of Grandma's famous Chicken and Biscuit dinners. Tara took Emily and Jerreed's engagement pictures in the afternoon and evening. Sorry no previews of the engagement pictures yet. We just happened to hit one of the best sunsets of all time here in the desert.

After the sunset, the girls found a cool community landmark!

Jeff and Gavin

Gage

If looks could kill! Beth

Gavin on the flying Turtle!

Kennady wasn't so sure about the grass.

She crawled for a little bit until she realized she did not like the prickly grass.

What a Scowl!

Jeff on a toy turtle!

Wendy Bendy!

Beth, Abbey, Wendy and Gavin in Grandpa's shed. (Mr. Ed door- for those old enough to remember.)

Everyone had to have a turn on the old lawn mower.

It was very hard to move. Sammy didn't give up.

You can do it!

Grandpa has the technique.

Are you really trying Abbey?

Emily and JD

Grandpa cutting the sails out.

Sweet Kennady!

Very interested carpenters.

Sammy sanding.

Gage sanding.

Abbey sanding for Beth.

Gage

Let the games begin!

Go, Go, GO!

Blow, Blow, BLOW!

Grandpa with happy children.

Kelso Sand Dunes

2009-12-31T14:38:00.000-08:00

My cousin Tara and her kids, Sammy and Beth came to visit from New York. They escaped the snow, just barely. They did get stuck in Cleveland,Ohio for an extra day, but they finally arrived on December 30th. We felt the only appropriate activity would be the sand dunes at Kelso. My brother Jeff, Emily and their kids, Gage, Gavin and Kennady all arrived on the same day. The weather was beautiful for a hike at Kelso. It was however, a long hike for little ones and big ones alike. As you can see the kids needed carrying occasionally. Jeff and Emily got the brunt of that, having the youngest kids. Even Summer, our dog needed carrying at the end of a long day. Her paws were cut up from the sand and would only go a few feet before she had to stop and lick them. Craig and Wendy hefted the 56 lbs. of dog every once in awhile for as long as they could last. Even my parents, both in their 60's made the hike admirably. They are tough cookies. Tara and I both took a billion pictures and everyone had fun rolling around in the sand. We were exhausted on the way home and ached the next day, but it was well worth it. The views are incredible.

The beginning!

Wendy and Beth

Tara caught Gage relaxing!

Craig and Sammy. The shovel was in hopes of sliding down the dunes on it. Not a great sled!

Dad carried a chair the whole way but he was the most relaxed when he wanted to be.

1/4 of the way!

We made it to the saddle back!

Climbing to the peak.

Wendy

I'm almost there!

Seth, Wendy and Abbey! Unfortunately, Emily had to work.

The plunge!

Beth

The Jeff Decker Family

Donna and Paul (Mom and Dad)

Sammy, Tara and Beth

Craig Roberts family minus Emily

Summer exhausted!

Tara made us do it!

Want some help?

We can make it! Seth and Gavin

Home base. The saddleback!

Kennady and Emily. Kennady wasn't tired at all.

Tara took these of the runners. Seth and Beth

Jeff and Gavin

Tara and Gavin

Tara during photo shoot at the dunes.

Summer and Kiwi. Kiwi was a crazy dog. I have no idea how she could keep going. Every time we dropped the ball, she raced after it and came right back up the hill. We tried to conserve her energy, but she was super dog! No, Stupid dog!

Poor Summer!

Poor Craig!

View from our car window as we left the dunes towards the 40 freeway!

Christmas 2009

2009-12-25T14:14:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve was full of family traditions. For starters, we had the missionaries over to celebrate with us. I'm sure it is a rough time to be away from their families. We had a nice ham and mashed potato dinner. Mom made alot of the dinner. I have to admit I love having her cook. Cooking is not my favorite. We gathered as a family and the missionaries gave us a beautiful presentation of the Savior's birth. We watched some of Rudolph the Red nosed reindeer. The kids put on their annual family skit. We read the Christmas at the Inn story with Wallace Purling. My mother's absolute favorite Christmas story. Wallace turns away Mary and Joseph as the innkeeper in the play and after they leave to look for shelter, Wallace says "Wait, you can have my room." Some people thought the play was ruined, but in actuality, it was the most christmasy of all plays. Great Story!

Christmas Eve Dinner

Annual Skit. Santa was able to replace the missing carrot nose, so the snowmen did not have to fight over the two available carrot noses.

Abbey played Christmas music for us all season. Great to get some payback from all the money invested in lessons. She really does play beautifully and we all enjoyed the Christmas spirit she brought into the home.

Christmas Morning. Waiting to enter the Santa zone!@!

Dancing to Grandma and Grandpa's new CD of Sugarland!

More Tools! Shocking!

Emily and Jerreed

Hanging out on Christmas Day enjoying each others company, eating leftovers and playing with our toys. The girls gave me a tripod! Yeah! Merry Christmas to all.

Beehive Sleepover

2009-12-04T13:53:00.000-08:00

We had a fun sleepover with the Beehives (12 and 13 year old girls from church). It was extremely wild and they didn't go to sleep till 2:00am. We made Santa heads that hold candy and had a mean round of American Idol. These girls have alot of talent.

New Used Truck

2009-11-28T11:57:00.000-08:00

After a long awaited few months we finally got Seth's truck ready to go. It had a blown engine, which posed a problem. He was more than ready to take it back to BYU-Idaho after Thanksgiving. He was itching to use the 4x4 capabilities. I hear he did get stuck in the snow, however, and had to be pulled out. He is testing it I suppose. I would rather not hear about his getting stuck, doing donuts in the quiet intersections of Rexburg, etc. Life is good!

Thanksgiving 2009

2009-11-26T10:41:00.000-08:00

We had a fun Thanksgiving vacation. My brother Steve and his family joined us. My Mom and Dad are back, so I didn't have to cook the turkey this year. Yeah!

The tournament begins! Grace, Haley, Adam, Abbey, Jerreed, and Wendy
Happy Children!
Wendy aiming for something.
Steve, The Man!
Haley demonstrating some of her Karate. In a small demonstration, she accidentally got her Dad in the face pretty good. Accident, of course!

Grace showed us some of her dance moves.
Ate too much Turkey!
Croquet anyone?
Grandma Decker finally relaxing after dinner.

Cross Country Finals

2009-11-21T12:18:00.000-08:00

After a long, hard season the girls Granite Hills cross country team made it to CIF Finals for the first time in the history of the school. Congrats! Wendy ran on Varsity with her teammates down at Mount San Antonio College on November 21st. She ran a great time of 20:17 for 3 miles. She is with her friend Chelsea Bennis.

Family Visit/Disneyland November 2009

2009-11-16T11:19:00.000-08:00

Matt, Jennie and the kids came to visit for a few days. We squeezed in Disneyland, too. I love having the family around and especially seeing the funny antics of little kids.

MaryJane
Elle
Wendy and Emily
John Paul
Abbey

First time we ever saw Mary Poppins characters. That was a treat. The girls went up to pose for a picture and Mary Poppins wondered why they did not want to chat awhile. They had the accents and all. Very cute!

Help! I'm spinning out of control!
John Paul sees something exciting.
Gotta see Pooh!
Abbey loves Pooh!
Eeyore is so kicked back.
The kids and Jennie all hopped over to see Tigger. They really did!
Don't let go Dad.
Mulan attitude.
Belle and Abbey
Little Princesses!
We watched the Pixar parade together. Great fun!
They didn't make you watch the video at almost closing time, so we all kept walking in and around over and over to get tortillas while we waited for the Pixar parade.
Hollywood

We had a BUGGY Halloween!

2009-11-02T10:03:00.000-08:00

I tried to get them to wear costumes we already had in the closet. No go! My costume making days are almost over. I need to enjoy it! The girls looked cute. We went to our church trunk or treat party and enjoyed good fellowship! Happy Halloween!

The Beginning of two years of Braces!

2009-10-16T16:43:00.001-07:00

Fall Pictures

2009-10-16T16:29:00.000-07:00

I tried my hand at taking some fall pictures of the girls. Some friends of ours asked me to take their engagement pictures so I practiced on Wendy and Abbey.

Boating in October!

2009-10-16T15:12:00.000-07:00

What a great activity for October break! We rented a trailer at Park Moabi on the Colorado river. We "camped" with eight other families and had a great time tubing and boating with friends. Unfortunately, Seth is at school and Emily had to work, so we had a mini family.

Park Moabi on the Colorado River

Little Chilly!

Our little Friend Casey - She kept those glasses on all day!

She's too strong to fall off!

Home Base

Bathing Beauties, Sadie, Wendy, and Alisha

Craig beat me twice. Ugh.

Lake Havasu

The Original London Bridge brought over piece by piece from London.

London Bridge and family.

Colorado River

Wipe Out!

My First Engagement Photo Shoot

2009-10-12T11:16:00.000-07:00

It was really fun to try to take Ashley and Daniel's engagement pictures. I think they liked them. It also makes my job easy when they are both gorgeous, very photogenic. I am posting this in January so they already got married last week, so I figured I could post a few pictures now. Thanks for the opportunity!

Movin' on Up!

2009-09-15T12:39:00.000-07:00

What a great 45th birthday! I don't think my girls can top a pedicure, a hand massage, and a back massage next year. I wish I had a birthday everyday. Mom made me a homemade peach pie. Delectable! And BYU won! September 5th, what a great day!

Emily, Wendy, Abbey, Seth, and his college roommate Alex Johnson chilling at Olive Garden for my birthday dinner.

Abbey's Ensemble Recital - August 17, 2009

2009-09-01T09:53:00.000-07:00

This is usually the kids most fun recital of the year because they all get to use different keyboards to create unique sounds. Their timing has to be right on.

Happy Birthday!

2009-08-25T16:10:00.000-07:00

Grandpa Decker turns 66
August 7th

Utah Summer July 2009

2009-08-19T14:50:00.000-07:00

Grandpa Decker

Wendy
Baby brother Steven
Silly Girls
Going for a walk!
Abbey, Wendy and cousins Elle and MJ
Abbey, with cousins Grace and Adam
Jeff rounding up Gage!
Steve and Paula
Beautiful Grandma Decker
Niece Grace
Wendy rounding up Gage and Gavin for a picture!
Where's Gage?
Sweet Kennady!

Grandpa Decker

Picnic Time!

Abbey and Gavin

We had a nice picnic with my parents, brother Jeff and wife Emily and my brother Steve at the Lake at Daybreak and the kids enjoyed swimming. Hanging out with the family is one of my favorite things to do.

Midway,Utah Vacation at Zermatt July 2- 5, 2009

2009-08-19T12:19:00.000-07:00

Unidentified?

Our niece Corinne, husband Daren and girls, Marilyn and Charlotte on Provo River
Emily
Craig's sister, Ronda and husband Mike

Our nieces Sarah and Amber Callister
Grandma Roberts 80th Birthday Party!
Craig's brother Scott and wife Kathy
Jerreed and Emily
Paula and Craig
Emily, Wendy and Abbey, goat sitting.
Craig and friend
Ok, there is enough for everyone!
Zermatt, Midway, Utah
Zermatt
Stadium of Fire Fireworks!
Joe Jonas of the Jonas Brothers
Military helicopters and flag on 4th of July. Cougar stadium in Provo, UT
Wendy and Seth rocking out to Jonas Brothers
Stadium of Fire
Miniature Jonas Brothers
Waiting for the show to begin
Niece Stefanie Wright and Niece and Nephew Katie and Nick Roberts on Provo River
Great niece, Marilyn Wells
Grandma Roberts with Craig's sister Robynne and husband Jim and soon to be baby boy.
Craig's sister Cyndi and our niece Amanda on Provo River

Craig and Paula at Park City, UT
Wendy and Seth on Rollar coaster at Park City
Nephew Jason Wright and his new wife Dana
Seth, King of the Provo River
Bandits on the river.
Nephew Jackson Neves
Niece Brooklyn Neves
Nieces Stefanie and Amanda Wright
Niece Natalie and new husband Jon Moore
The whole gang!
Great nephews, Cayden and Spencer Walker with Craig and Seth
Hanging at the pool!
Nephew Rocky Wright and Wife Joni
Beautiful Grandma Roberts

I have been pretty laid up lately because of a herniated disk in my lower back, needless to say, sitting is one of my most uncomfortable positions. Therefore my blog has seen serious neglect. I love seeing all my family and friends blogs. It is such a great way to stay connected. I thought I would try to put on some pictures of our Roberts' trip to Midway, Utah.

So it has been awhile! Idaho/Utah Visit May 29 - June 2, 2009

2009-07-31T11:51:00.000-07:00

One of many homes we visited in the Home Show.

Adam and Haley rocking out to Guitar Hero!Kennady in the Lip chair!
Grace
Gage flying high!
Grandpa Decker and John Paul
John Paul trying to stand with a little help.
Elle doing a donut.

MaryJane
Gavin
Emily in her apartment at school.
Bedhead Seth and roommate Alex Johnson
I had a great weekend with Seth and Emily at BYU-Idaho for Mother's weekend. We went out to eat and the movies and out to eat again. Emily and I went to listen to some speakers on different subjects. We all went to a piano concert one night. After spending time with Seth and Emily I traveled to visit my brothers on the way home. We had fun on the front lawn at Steve's house. It is fun to take pictures of the kids. My Mom and Dad just got off their mission and were visiting all the kids and grandkids. I had fun visiting the home show in Utah with Steve, Adam and my parents. I love getting decorating ideas!

Easter, Weddings, Birthdays, Disney and More!

2009-05-08T10:19:00.000-07:00

OK, So I skipped a month! Life goes on. Here are some highlights!

California Adventure!

I might actually be getting a little sick of Disneyland and Cal. Adventure.

We will wait a couple of years to get season passes again.

Craig turns 48!! I even got his mother's recipe for lemon meringue pie.

I don't know if it was exactly like his Mom's. Real close though.

Wendy still running! Best 2 mile this season...12:29.

Presenting... Mr. and Mrs. John and Natalie Moore. My niece had a beautiful wedding.

We are excited for them both.

Amazing! No bunny ears in this picture. Seth finally cooperated.

Easter Sunday!

Visit to the Redlands, CA Temple.

Emily's 19th Birthday!

Abbey's Piano Award

2009-03-21T14:22:00.000-07:00

Good Job Abbey! She finished her level 5 in the State of California Certificate of Merit testing and was asked to go to a special branch honors recital. She played "Forever Friends" by Robert Vandall.

Sand,Sand,Sand Dunes!!!!

2009-03-21T13:39:00.001-07:00

The kids and I had the opportunity to go camping with our church youth group to Kelso Sand Dunes. One of the most fun places on earth, if you don't mind flushing sand out of your ears when you get home!

Skiing, Family and Fun!

2009-02-26T11:00:00.000-08:00

The gangs almost all here!

Abbey

The Canyons,Park City

Ouch, I'm Bleeding!

Goofing around at Cabella's

Smash!

Market Street Grill with Grandma Roberts.

Nick's 17th B-day!

Gavin loves getting his picture taken! Wendy says.

MJ's smile!

Gage wants to play Rockband!

Elle loves to dance like a princess!!

Abbey and Kennady getting cozy!

John Paul says Hello!

Kennady smiled for me!

We had a great time visiting family in Utah this past week! I met my new niece, Kennady Mae Decker. She was born on February 5th, 2009. Their household was ready for some femininity genes. She is darling and she will be spoiled I'm sure!! Girls are supposed to be spoiled!

We stayed with Craig's mother. The reason for our trip in the middle of February was so that Seth could see everyone he hasn't seen since he got back from his mission. Unfortunately, Wendy and Abbey had quite abit of homework to catch up on! Skiing, Homework, it's a toss up, right? We had some very winter weather, at least a foot of powder, and some great sunny weather to ski in. Singstar seems to be one of our new family favorites. We played with the Wright family the first night we arrived. It was fun to meet Natalie's fiance, John and Jason's fiance, Dana. They are great singers!

Grandma Roberts took us to lunch, she loves us. Scott and Kathie had us over for dinner and we celebrated Nick's Birthday and watched Ratatouille in their new cinema room. Awesome! We drove up to Logan to have dinner with Ronda and Mike. We saw their new remodel and experienced their new theatre set-up. Seth thinks technology really sped up while he was gone. He can't believe everyone has flat screens and Projectors now. We are extremely spoiled aren't we?

We did have one small mishap on the way home from Ronda's. A sheriffs car passed us on the freeway and kicked up a rock and blew out a hole in the drivers side back window. Seth was sitting there peacefully and then, pow! We stopped at a gas station and tried to temporarily fix it with some cardboard. It looked real classy!!! Too bad we couldn't give that sheriff a ticket! We luckily got it fixed before we drove back to California, but Seth had to hold the cardboard in, on the way home from skiing, so that it wouldn't get sucked out. He even cut his finger. No bandaid was required! He's tough!

Steve and Jeff "Sing STARS"

Visiting in New York!

2009-02-06T14:12:00.000-08:00

Seth, my brother Steve, and I had the opportunity to visit Elder and Sister Decker (ie. Mom and Dad, Grandma and Grandpa) this past week. We battled the freezing cold weather! Seth was especially cold coming from tropical weather so recently. We had a great time visiting all the church sites and meeting many wonderful people that work with my parents.

We hit the Syracuse scene a few days and saw the family. Thank you to Tara and Brian for our wonderful accommodations. We had alot of fun playing with the kids and going through pictures. It was a hard task but Tara even did a photo shoot of Seth. He tends to make alot of funny faces when he is posing for pictures. We loved going through all the little towns and finding antique stores to reminisce in. We have seen enough old stuff to last us for another year or so.

My mother broke her wrist on Saturday the 31st of January. The seat of a piece of exercise equipment at her parents house gave way and she fell trying to catch herself with her hand. It was her right wrist. She wasn't even exercising, just sitting there. How is she going to write, paint, do dishes, curl her hair? Since she is responsible the doctor let her wear a soft cast that she can take off to take a shower. She is very grateful.

I visited my good friend Randy Allen. We knew each other in highschool and still keep in touch. That was almost 27 years ago! Wow! Time Flies!

We played the domino game Mexican train! Way fun! We laughed and laughed. I even caught a few pictures of Steve wearing an apron and holding a purse!!! (Ok, so he was helping Mom) I love going to New York! Now we have to get some of those New Yorkers to come visit us in California.

Elder Roberts is back!

2009-01-16T11:14:00.000-08:00

The day finally arrived! Seth is home. It was a long day picking up Seth at the Los Angeles airport but not near as long as his 15 hours of plane rides. He didn't recognize Wendy, he thought she was Janelle Mastaler from a distance. Abbey also shocked him. Emily looked about the same to him and of course Craig and I have gained a few pounds. The adrenaline was pumping and he didn't stop talking till bedtime. What a great opportunity he had to serve an honorable mission in the Naga, Philippines mission. He definitely has a love for the Filipino people. He has already told us plenty of fun stories and experiences. Tagalog words are still quite often intermixed with his English. Already I have been listening to Filipino music that he bought just before he came home. His Filipino companion told him what CD's to buy. He said music was the thing he missed the most. We are happy to have him home, but it is a little bittersweet for Seth. The Philippines became home to him. Our family has truly been blessed because of his service.

Los Angeles Zoo

2009-01-07T12:43:00.000-08:00

What better activity than strolling through the Los Angeles Zoo on New Years Day! We went with the Lacey family and Treya Smithson. The Monkeys were by far the funniest. Specifically the gibbons and the orangatans. The girls made fun of me because I kept saying how majestic the lions looked. The Otters were entertaining. There sure are some ugly animals, too. We walked a lot and it wasn't too crowded, so overall it was a very pleasant day. And of course I got to try my new camera out and take tons of pictures. I came home and deleted most of them, but I got a few good ones. Maybe next year we will try the Rose Parade in Pasadena!

Christmas Spirit

2008-12-28T15:04:00.000-08:00

Christmas time has come and gone once again! It was hard for me to get into the spirit of Christmas this year, but about a week before it took hold. I think I was more excited for Seth to arrive home on the 15th of January. We had a great, quiet Christmas. Seth called on Christmas Eve and we got to talk with him about an hour. He sounded great. The first thing he asked for when he comes home is eggnog. At a whopping 143 pounds I think we need to fatten him up. He rattled off his accomplishments of the prior day in Tagalog. It was wild sounding!

We joined some friends Christmas caroling and reenacted the Nativity. The girls did our traditional Christmas skit. Santa Clause vs. the Easter Bunny this year. Of course the skits always end with a happy ending. Wendy and Abbey got new rollarblades, so all three girls were skating around the house for awhile. Craig broke down and got me a Sony A100 DSLR camera. It is two years old, (e-bay Purchase) but it works great. He wants to make sure I will use it. I have already had fun playing with it. Abbey and Wendy have also. We now have a record number of close-up pictures of our dogs. I told them if they take one more picture of the dogs, it will be off limits.

We watched some new movies, talked on the phone with family, had a great ham dinner and enjoyed each others company. Who could ask for more. Of course I have already taken the Christmas decorations down. Emily and Wendy think I was premature. We are supposed to keep them up until New Years they said. It is my nature to get things back in order. I hope all of you had a great Christmas!

Record Snow in Apple Valley!

2008-12-21T20:45:00.000-08:00

It has been four years since our last snowfall! We made up for lost time! We got 10 inches of snow! You east coast people might think this is no big deal, but it left many of us stranded on closed freeways and schools closed even though it was finals week. Most roads could not be snowplowed because we have one snowplow per county. OK I'm exaggerating, All the kids say "Yeah" until they have to try and remember all the information that will be on there finals four weeks from now in January.

John Paul's Baby Blessing December 14, 2008

2008-12-21T20:06:00.000-08:00

When I went up to Idaho to pick up Emily from college we stayed a few extra days to attend the blessing of John Paul Decker. Emily and I had a great time visiting with family and watching homemade candy canes being made by Jennie's brother and Sister-in-law. We spent some quality time with Grandma Roberts watching chick flicks and eating pizza. We snuck into California with minimal snow through Cedar City and some snow in Las Vegas. As we drove by stateline there were quite a few people stopped by the sides of the freeway getting there pictures taken with the snow. I have seen snow before. Not a big deal! I am a Southern Californian now! Not crazy about the snow.

Halloween 2008

2008-10-31T22:45:00.000-07:00

Abbey and Brooke Lacey were Twilight Vampires this year. Alisha Capps, Wendy and Morgan Lacey were the Power Puff girls (Buttercup, Blossom & Bubbles). I was a seamstress, prior to the Halloween party. Abbey can fit into all my shoes now!

Disneyland & California Adventure

2008-10-31T21:00:00.000-07:00

On October 9th and 10th, Wendy, Abbey and I visited Disneyland and California Adventure to finish up our season passes. Luckily, my brother and sister-in-law were visiting at the same time from Utah. So we had a great time with Jeff, Emily, Gage and Gavin.

Favorites: Disney Animation-We learned how to draw Minnie Mouse.

Pixar Parade, California Screamin, Thunder Mountain, Space Mountain, The new Toy Story ride and Splash Mountain. We rode the Carousel quite a few times this trip with Gage and Gavin. The girls and I spent the night at Days Inn right around the corner to maximize our two funfilled days. Pluto was a highlight too!!

2008-10-31T15:05:00.000-07:00

Wendy ran on September 27th at Dana Hills Invitational and got her best time ever! 19:20 for three miles. She placed seventh out of 163 girls. I don't know how she does it!

Go Girl Go!!!

2008-09-13T14:43:00.000-07:00

Abbey ran in a cross country meet at Ranchero this week. She ran like the wind. She ran two miles in 18:04 and came in 29th out of 84 girls. Not too shabby. She also ran around taking pictures of the meet for her broadcasting class. She is a natural!
A few weeks later Abbey ran this course in 16:30. Wow!

Deckers, Deckers, Deckers!!

2008-09-13T13:39:00.000-07:00

Yes, I saw all three of my Decker brothers. I stayed with Matt a few days and tried to help with the new house organization and the kids. I probably did a fraction of what they need but every little bit helps I guess. Matt and Jennie have their hands full right now. My kids are leaving the house and theirs are just coming in. The little kid stages were alot of work physically, but I think I liked less mental stress. Free agency and independence is overrated!

Steve and Adam and Jeff and Emily, Gage and Gavin joined us all at Matt's house for my Birthday celebration. Gage thought it would be a good idea if we made circles with our arms for this picture. It was a good idea! We played a few games. There was quite alot of commotion, that's for sure! We had pizza and Matt and the girls made me a fabulous cake. I felt loved, that's for sure!

The next day we spent the day at home decor stops and Gardener Village. Jeff and Emily introduced me to the Paradise Bakery and Cafe. Super!!

I went to Church with Grandma Roberts and then headed down to Steve's house for a great spaghetti dinner. With meatballs I might add. Shelley's family came and Jeff and Emily and the kids. I love having time to spend with family! I left early on Monday and drove the long ride back to California all by my lonesome. Books on tape got me through.

Idaho Bound!

2008-09-13T13:05:00.000-07:00

Last week I took Emily up to BYU-Idaho in Rexburg. We broke up the long 14 hour drive with a stop in Salt Lake to see Grandma Roberts. We made a quick stop to peek at John Paul Decker before we headed up to Idaho the next day. My little Volvo was definitely packed, especially after we got groceries at the Super Wal-mart in Idaho Falls. Emily definitely had more stuff than Seth did! We slept in Idaho Falls and drove the half hour to Rexburg the next morning. We then spent the day getting Emily settled into her new accommodations in the dorm apartments. She likes her new roommates, Alexandra (Alex), Matilda and Lauren. We stood in lines all day to get ID cards, books, pay tuition, apartment key, etc. I have to say it was a bittersweet experience. I know Emily was ready to be on her own, but we will miss her. I have to say it is really weird having only two kids at home. We even shrunk our table. :( I hope she will enjoy college life!

I have a new Nephew!!!!!

2008-08-30T18:00:00.000-07:00

John Paul Decker was born on Monday the 25th of August at 11:02am! What a cutie pitooti! Weighing in at 8 lbs. 8 oz. and 21 inches long. Congratulations to my brother Matt and my sister-in-law Jennie! I am excited to see JP next week when I go to Utah on my way to take Emily to college.

The Grass is Not Itchy!

2008-08-30T16:33:00.000-07:00

I think I am crazy to add another hobby to my list!

2008-08-30T16:03:00.000-07:00

Too many people have suggested I start a blog. I have resisted for fear of not following through on a regular basis, but I will give it a shot. It could be fun. This is one way to make me keep a journal. I figured writing to Seth in the Philippines for two years has given me some practice.