October 25, 2011

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

Abbey did a great job at her competition.

We were proud of her.

Abbey's Inland Empire Piano Festival Pieces Feb 2011

Abbey's Inland Empire Pieces Feb 2011

The Decker Family

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!

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

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"

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!

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!