Graduation Celebration......

We were traveling up to San Mateo to work and decided to stop by Mike and Suzy's house for a visit. When we called to okay it with them Mike told us that mom and Doug would also be there for Tyson's graduation from college. We were worried about being a burden on Suzy because they already had a houseful but decided to go anyway. I am so happy we did! It was a wonderful weekend and I had a real good time visiting with the family again.

The happy graduate.....

They were so nice to share there home with us.....

The girls.....(minus Sydney)

Addison has really grown up since we saw her last Christmas

It's always so good to see mom again........

Howie and mom......She sure raised a wonderful son!

Wow I can't believe we actually got a picture of the two of us together. Usually when we have parties or get-togethers I snap pictures of everyone but never take time to get one of me and my man! He's the BEST!

Doug is Steve's brother and up till now I had not met him. He lives in Texas and we have not had the opportunity to go there to meet him. This trip was nice because it gave me the chance to get to know him and his boys. Doug will be coming to Utah in a few weeks for a visit with his other kids and his wife and I am excited to meet them as well. After I meet Victoria and the kids I will have met everyone on Steve's side of the family. Except for maybe a few of Val's children. They are all such wonderful, fun and nice people. I love them all!!!

The boys with mom......

It would be really nice if one day we can get all of the brothers and sisters together for a nice picture with their mom. The last one they had was YEARS ago. They have a HUGE family and they live all over the country so maybe that is asking a lot but I think it would be WAY cool!

Steve visiting with Sharon.....

Say cheese McKenzie..... Look how tall you are getting!!!

Mike getting ready for the barbeque. I love Mike's backyard. It makes you feel like you are up in the mountains camping out or something. Very peaceful and beautiful.

They have tons of property to run and play on. I would have loved to live in a place like this growing up as a child. Lot of places to explore and roam around. There are trails that lead up the the hill and lots of pretty trees and bushes everywhere. I love it!

Sid and Bradley.....

The kids hung out and played by the fire for hours. Very entertaining I guess. I think there were a few Pyromaniacs in the group. (not sure how to spell it)

Addison was quite the little trooper. She was probably wondering why so many people invaded her home. Lots of strangers she'd never seen before, but she didn't seem too bothered by everyone!

While everyone was visiting and eating we found Addison out back just guzzling down this drink.

Boy was she ever thirsty! Very cute!

Everytime I see Nathan I have to smile. He is just about the happiest little kid I have ever seen. He always is smiling. This time however, when he smiled at me when we got there, I saw a toothless grin. He had lost some teeth since Christmas time. He is such a little stud!

The boys spent some time playing a computer game which is something like the board game RISK.

They all seemed to be enjoying themselves a lot!

It was so nice just sitting around, relaxing and getting caught up on what everyone was up to.

A Howell get-together is NEVER complete without a game of

Screw-Ball Rummey

Pretty good hand there, Howie!

Sunday Afternoon Nap with the Crew!

Casey and Misty.... Such a cute couple.....

Mike is BEAT from entertaining everyone.....Him and Susie were cooking up a storm. It seemed like they cleaned up from one meal and began on another. Yummy, yummy food guys! Thanks!

Mike also spoke at church and that can be exhausting :)

He is a high councel member and it was his turn to speak at a ward in the area. We decided to go along with him and listen to his talk. It was quite the drive. I am used to just driving minutes away to get to a church and he had us driving for well over a half an hour. It was a beautiful drive through the mountain roads. He did an awesome job on his talk and it was nice to see that no matter where you travel OUR CHURCH remains constant. We felt very welcomed there.

Sydney snuggling up with daddy.....

Bradley wasn't tired in the least......

After our nap Doug was ready for an old fashioned arm wrestling contest. He took on the smallest kid in the room.....

....... and LOST!!!!

I love the look on Nathan's face. It is bright red and you can tell he is pretty proud that he "took down" his uncle Doug.

Hey Nathan buddy....

You aren't going to let a girl beat you, are you?

Sydney is tough! But I think Bradley won this one :)

Howie is taking on the champion of the "mens" division.....

Howie looks exhausted.....

Sunday night we had scripture time with grandma reading to everyone. It was a nice feeling to be surrounded by family and able to hear the words of that Holy Book read to us by mom. She is a wonderful lady.

Right before bed the kids decided to do a little talent show for us.

I LOVED IT!

They started off just dancing and goofing around.....

Where do they get all that energy?

Everytime Addison heard music she would start dancing. Check out this cute video of her dancing. What a doll!

Sydney showed us her dance for the recital......

and her beautiful costume.....

She also showed us her science fair project.....

and the cool ribbons that she won......

Bradley played us a song on the piano.....

He is really talented. He did an awesome job! Sounded GREAT!

Nathan is a goof ball and makes me laugh so much.....

He is a really great dancer.....

He is a HAM big time. He did break dancing.

What a riot to watch!

When we arrived at Mike's house and walked through the doors you could hear the most beautiful music ever. I thought maybe it was some CD they were playing or something. As I walked back towards McKenzie's room there she was playing on a keyboard in her room.

Kenzie also played songs for us.

Wow! Her fingers can really move!

I can't believe how talented these kids are!

Bradley looks like Sponge Bob Square Pants.....

Nathan lost ANOTHER tooth while we were there.

I think this kid is just yanking them out to get RICH! Pretty soon he won't have any teeth in that mouth of his :)

The morning before we left Steve and Mike went on another 5 mile run around the nearby lake. When he got home and was cooling off I found him outside talkin' with the kids. He was telling them all sorts of stories about there dad when he was young.

It was funny to watch how intently they listened ....

They sat captivated by his stories for quite a while.

Even Little Addison sat there for the stories.....

Well we had a fabulous time visiting this weekend. So happy that we were able to be there with Doug and his boys. Also Mike and Suzy and the kids. I especially loved seeing mom again. I love her so much and enjoy spending time with her. She is a sweet heart.

Thanks again Suzy and Mike!

See you in July (hopefully)