Conference Visitors.....

We had a nice visit this past week with some of Steve's family. They had come into town for Conference weekend from New Jersey so we met at Jan's house for a get-together. She made the most delicious soups and Dustin made some yummy rolls! :) We had fun just sitting around and visiting.

I had never met Randy's family before so it was nice to get to know them a little bit. The visit was only a few hours but once again I felt very relaxed in their company. Steve's entire family is so easy going and always makes me feel a part of them.

Howie with his little sis, Jan & big brother, Randy (Elmer)

Will came with his dad 2 years ago when we got married so I was able to meet him then. I can't believe how much he has grown in two short years. He is 15 now (I think) and he loves dirt biking! NOW WE'RE TALKIN' !!! I LOVE THAT TOO!!!

Kellyn is attending BYU and studying to be a school teacher. Poor thing! Just kidding. That's just the way I feel about school at this time of the year. The kids are crazy and you wonder what you were thinking when you thought it would be fun to teach kids!!! YIKES! She's a cutie! She reminds me a bit of my own daughter April. Very sweet!

Paul was being camera shy. I guess he was sick of strangers flashing their cameras at him. He had gone to conference on Saturday and had several people come up to him to take his picture. They asked how old he was where he lived and so maybe he will be in one of the upcoming church magazines. We will have to keep our eye out for him. He may be FAMOUS!!!! :)

Paul opened up before too long and shared with us his interest in base jumping. (maybe that is not exactly what it is called- I can't remember) Jumping off of really tall things and landing on all fours! WOW!

The visiting inside with the adults was boring him to tears so he headed outside to play.

He was having fun with Dustin as they played baseball with a STUFFED DUCK! Notice the duck flying through the air......It's going to be a strike! Sssswiiiiing batta, batta, batter!

Kendra is a doll and I love her to pieces! I think she is looking more and more like her mom! She is an amazing dancer. She took us into her room and showed us her competition dances. She's got TALENT that's for SURE!!! I am excited to see her dance recital in a month or so.

Sarah and Kellyn watching Kendra dance. By the way... her room was decorated so dang cute. Notice the puff quilt on her bed! Very cute. I also loved the way her room was painted. She said that her dad did most of it. It looked really nice!

Cute shot with mom!

I also think that Steve's daughter Heather looks a lot like Jan!

The guys relaxing outside......

Kendall hiding from the camera. It's contagious with this family I guess. They don't seem to like their picture taken but OH WELL....DEAL WITH IT..... whenever I am around you can probably always expect it :) You never know when your loved one will be gone and I want as many pictures of family members and friends as I can get. By the way, I personally think that Kendall is an amazing person. He is so talented, happy go lucky, FUNNY, friendly and just an all around good guy. I have really enjoyed the times we have spent together with his family. They are always so happy and make me laugh. They are awesome and I love them a ton!

Here is Kendall helping Bailey to do some dog tricks.....

Bailey is an important part of their family. She likes to bark, sniff people and eat anything you put in front of her. She actually settles down a bit after she realizes who has come to visit.

Bailey checkin' out Howie..... It's okay Bailey, he's a good guy!

Well when it was time to leave all the cameras came out and everyone was snapping shots.

Hey Kendall put down the stinkin' cameras and get that handsome "mug" of yours in these family pictures! He always volunteers to snap the pictures to avoid getting in them.

I thought this picture was funny of Dustin. He is so tall that his head was lost in the tree. Say CHEESE, Dustin!

We finally asked one of Jan's neighbors to come over and take some shots so that we could have the whole family together. This is pretty far away so you really can't see much detail but oh well! Everyone was in it!

We got a picture of all the cousins together and it was looking just WAAAAY too serious for my taste!

Now that's more like it! CRAZY COUSINS :)

I feel bad that I didn't get a close up shot of Randy's son Chris that day (the guy in the middle on the back row) Not sure why but I have some from our Easter party that I will be posting soon. He lives in West Valley and I am looking forward to getting to know him better. Hey, he has some easter ears going on there, (compliments of Dustin) maybe he could have been the Easter bunny on Sunday :)

Dustin and Sarah stayed with us for the weekend and it was nice to visit with them. They are so cute together and soooo in love! I love being around newlyweds because they are always so happy. They both treat each other with kindness and respect. Sarah has the most beautiful smile and I love the way it lights up her whole face. Steve and I were able to go to California and see them married in the Redlands Temple. I will never forget how much joy and happiness filled that sealing room that day. Sarah and Dustin still have that happy glow about them. It is so refreshing (especially in these times) to see such a happy couple. The love they share reminds me so much of the love that Howie and I share. It is the BEST. It was a beautiful weekend and a wonderful chance to get to know them better. Come back anytime to visit. You are always welcome. We love you a bunch!