Jared and Barbara Bjarnason

Christmas 2014! A new adventure!

2015-07-28T21:31:00.000-07:00

Our family has grown so much that having Christmas Eve in someones home is so crowded that we decided to try going to the church for our festivities. It was a big success. We did miss the barn but we were able to add many activities to our day. We had a balloon room , a craft area, a game area, a talent show, a magic show by Uncle Dwain..of course we had dinner and carols. We did our chimes and our 12 days of Christmas. And Uncle Jared did some fun dancing with everyone!!! I believe this will be the tradition for our family if all want to come to Turlock!

Hannah was a riot with the balloons. She was really good at bouncing them on her head.

Bryn was a little afraid of the balloons at first but got the hang of it!

Ally and Kirsten getting acquainted.

Maren is always a crack up and loves the camera.

Uncle Ron and Sarah enjoying the day!

Kelly, Emily , Aunt Karen and Kirsten.

The Hokey Pokey!!!!

The chicken dance. Charlotte's parents were able to join us from Utah!

Clarke was able to get so throws in the gym with the boys!

Maren loves crafts!

Spencer Hyer and his family enjoying the game room.

Sweet, beautiful Kirsten. Almost 4 months old.

Enjoying some talents!

Mckay!

Taylor!

How did you do that???

He does amazing magic. We are excited for next year!

WOW! That was an awesome trick!

Maren is an angel for the nativity.

Benson as Joseph!

Gracie as Mary.

Taylor enjoys her cousins Mason, and Jacob.

Some of the sweetest angels...truly.Danielle, Maren and Lucy.

The cast of the nativity. Great job again!

The chimes are a hit each year!

Watching carefully for their number for the songs!

Drew...Spencer's dad and Eric enjoying the 12 days of Christmas.

This year I did an M&M bingo game. Aunt Stephanie with Hannah. I think this is such a sweet picture.

Sarah, Ally, Deborah with the 3 amigos.Kirsten, Jasper, a guest...forgot his name. Below are the kids with their Christmas Eve pajamas....a tradition we started a long time ago.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

Bryn has her first birthday party!!!

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November the 9th Bryn turned one and we had a barbecue with all the family in Brentwood.

Ramiro was the chef and it was delicious!

We had a fun tent that the girls liked to hang out in. Bryn loves her cousins.

Sarah with her dad...Jared. Happy Day!

Ashley joined the girls huddle. Not sure where the boys went.

There was a sand pit and volleyball courts which the children enjoyed some sand play. This is Maren and Benson...buddies!

All of us at the fun festivities! These kids are hilarious!

Bryn with her sand play. She loved the sand.

Benson scoops up sand in a frisbee. He is so sweet!

Lucy...what can I say!

Elise loves chips! Can you tell!

Bryn and I enjoying a moment together!

Summer trip to D.C. and Virginia! August 2014

2015-04-21T21:33:00.001-07:00

I always love to go and visit my family in Virginia. I cherish all the memories I have a great family! A week after Ally returned from her mission I took her,Ashley and Bryn with me to Virginia to see family. Spencer and family moved to Rockville, Md.... outside of DC so we were able to see many of our dear family.

This is a photo of all the family that showed up to our picnic in Newport News Park. Thanks Aunt Jude for organizing this great event.

Aunt Charlotte took us to a museum with her grandsons...Brody and Kellen. Bryn loved it!

My brother Paul loves babies and really bonded with Bryn!

Virginia has beautiful oceans and Lakes. Sydney loves splashing in the water off the dock.

So glad Spencer and Suzy made the 6 hour trip to come to this event. It should only take 3 hours but the traffic around DC was crazy the day we drove and it doubled our traveling time.

Shawn loves his daddy . Spencer is a great dad!

Suzy and Kate talking with Aunt Dina.

My sister Mary with Ally.

It has been at least 25 years since I have seen my cousin Sean. He is living in Quantico, VA after retiring from the coast guard. He is as handsome as ever!

We were able to be with Shawn for his birthday. We went to a carnival park and rode the train.

What a fun birthday...all had a good time.

Princess Kate....she's precious.

Ashley and Bryn.

So we went to DC with 2 babies, a six year old, a three year old, 4 adults and three strollers. I would say we are strong.... brave women to maneuver the subways and crowds. It was a long walk to the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial but so worth it. Thanks Suzy. You were a great guide

Kate, Sydney and me and the WW2 memorial.

I really thought this was a beautiful memorial with many touching quotes to the men and women who served and protected our freedoms. There were many countries represented.

Try getting into elevators, subways with our crew. We barely fit. We had a good laugh at times .

Sydney loves the subway rides! She's a trooper.!

Ashley and Ally went to the Holocaust Museum and we fed the kids lunch.

Ally and Bryn!

Shawn, Sydney and Kate.

So glad I could share this trip with Ally and Ashley. So glad Ally served a mission and that she is off to BYUI. She has a great family! We love her!

Ally returns from her mission to Colorado Springs!

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We had the whole crew go with us to the Fresno airport in July to pick up Ally from her year and a half mission.

Gracie helped make signs for Ally. The kids were so excited!

Having a great time in the airport! They did a great job with the signs.

The moment she walked through the gate. What a great memory. We love you Ally!

Ashley drove from the bay area and brought Bryn...born while Ally was on her mission.

All present except for the two boys, Mckay and Andrew who wandered off during photo time.

Spencer and Suzy back in the USA...A visit to Turlock!!!

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Arriving from Okinawa after a long flight. It was so fun to see them come out of customs and to have Shawn and Sydney recognize us and run to us!

I see grandma and grandpa B!!!!

They look pretty good for a 12 hour trip...

Glad to finally be in the US and at grandma and grandpa's house.

Bryn, Kate and Shawn enjoying some of our play food and toys!

Arts and crafts and coloring are always a hit.

Kate and Bryn outside with grandma and grandpa...they are 6 weeks apart in age!

Shawn loves it when grandpa makes him a biggggggg train track!

We went to the splash park but the winds picked up and the temperature dropped so it was a bit cold but we had a great time being together.

One night we went to Incredible John's Pizza for dinner and enjoyed the arcades and rides with Sydney and Shawn.

Suzy and Sydney racing Shawn and Spencer.... I forgot who won! They are all winners in my book!

Kate is a little angel....is a happy go with the flow child.

Kate getting to know Grandpa B.

I promised Shawn we would go bowling one night because I know how much he loves it. This was his reaction when he made a spare! He is a sweetheart!

I have a talent of winning toys from the claw machine. So I spent like 5 dollars and won 4 stuffed animals...Sydney had to leave them here and when I talk to her she keeps reminding me to bring them to Maryland when I come.

A visit to Donnally Park is always great fun because there are lots of ducks to feed and also lots of fish in the pond which I think Shawn enjoyed more than the ducks.

One of the ducks pecked the bread out of Shawn's hand and scared him so we had to hold him because those Honkers were trying to grab all the bread from us...It was a bit scary for me too! They must have been super hungry that day!

Feeding the ducks from a safe distance we climbed on the picnic tables!

The double swing is always a hit for the kiddos.

I had just bought this tiny pool for Bryn but Sydney and Shawn had a blast filling it with water and dumping water into buckets. We also filled water balloons and had a water fight.

Ok Spencer... take it easy on Sydney she is a kid...This shot captured the moment perfectly right before the water burst all over Sydney. I think she wasn't to happy with how hard he threw it but she was a trooper!

I have a really large tub and all my grand kids love bubble baths in it...of course they are in bathing suits using my tub like a pool and we even put food coloring in it...its green....

Water balloon fight with cousins at Crane Park...Gracie, Sydney, Shawn,Andrew , Mckay and Hannah.

Cousin Time...waiting to leave for church together!

Sweet girls...Taylor, Lucy and Sydney...where is Maren???

We have 13 grandchildren and number 14 will be here in 6 weeks. We will have 9 granddaughters and only 4 grandsons so of course Grandpa B wanted a grandson picture...and only two of these will carry on the Bjarnason name...Andrew and Shawn.

We had a dinner at the farm and had water fights and lots of family.

Getting ready for Uncle Dwain to do a magic show.

Spencer and Suzy

Magic show a hit...Andrew, Mckay, Shawn, Benson,Aunt Karen, Jared and Sarah... the kids were so into the show..Thanks Uncle Dwain. It was awesome!

Taylor, Gracie and Lucy

All the family at Uncle Ron's...Back row: Spencer, Suzy, Dad, Ashley, Clarke,Char,Spencer with Hannah,Nick, Kellie,Karen and Dwain...Middle row...me holding Bryn, Taylor, Elise,Sarah....Sydney, Maren, Stephanie, Lucy, Ron, Andrew behind Ron, Mckay. Porter, Jim and Jim's dad...Gracie, Shawn, Benson, Ron...hope you got this!!!

Enjoying a swing with Bryn...she loves to be outside!

Shawn loves water balloon fights.

Everyone trying to get Spencer Hyer wet....

Swinging at the park right out my front door.Its so nice to be able to walk here and have a beautiful park with swings and grills and shade!( Shawn)

Bryn...

Char and Andrew!

Ashley, Bryn and I

All the cousins...great fun . I am so glad we went to Crane Park and hung out for 5 hours with many activities and great family fun!

Sydney is always such a little lady! So cute!

Mckay was quite the athlete in our 40 foot obstacle course...adults enjoyed it also.

Uncle Ron with the three youngest babies...Bryn, Kate and Jasper.

Memorial Day would not be the same without a trip to the cemetery in Turlock where they Honor all the VETS. Grandpa Bjarnason is buried here.

When ever I took pictures of the girls I would never see Maren because she was hanging out with Bryn and Ashley!

Spencer Hyer and Suzy with Kate....I always call him Spencer Hyer because we have my son Spencer and it's always hard to keep them separated so I just call Sarah's husband Spencer Hyer...It works!

Shawn giving Hannah a big cousin hug...this is the first time they have actually met...Precious!

Dad...worn out on blanket and my two sons...Clarke and Spencer getting to enjoy some time together!

Ashley, Bryn and Sarah.

Suzy and Sydney getting some lunch..Yum!

Love this photo of the looks when Uncle Dwain did a magic trick with Spencer's dollar. How did he do that????

There's the dollar.....I never thought Spencer and I looked that much alike until I saw this picture...WOW you can tell I am his mother for sure!!

Sweet Hannah and Sarah enjoying a hug... She is a sweetheart and loves her grandma B.

Bryn, Kate and Sydney hanging out!

I am so glad we were able to spend these few days together and that we will have forever together in the future. We are such a blessed family and have such a rich heritage of love and joy! We are so proud of all of you and love you so much!!! Hurray for Israel!!! We have alot of future missionaries out there!

And And I can't forget to include Ally in our fun! While we were having our family reunion Ally and three sisters were having a bit of water fun with Mark. This is Mark whom Ally has been working with for quite some time. He and his wife Sarah are getting baptized on July 26th...Ally has been praying for this for some time! Again a big shout out...Hurray for Israel!!

Spring days are here! What are we up to?

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Hannah came to spend the night for 2 days while Sarah and family went to Disneyland. We watch Bryn everyday while Ashly is at school so she partook of the fun!

Her first roll over!

Got it on camera...

Hannah loves the park.

Love this baby's smile...she keeps me on my toes!

Bryn's Easter outfit!

Andrew got his new uniform!

Just chillin with grandpa...he makes me laugh!

Bryn went to church with me! She was great!

Ashley playing with Bryn.

Clarke and Andrew! Got to love California!

Everyone loves Gracie's beautiful eyes!

A visit with our fun Hyers! We love you all!

Hannah and Sarah!

Clarke and family...Rohnert Park.

Major Remodel!

2014-07-20T21:56:00.003-07:00

We have been in our home for 14 years and the carpet and linoleum were starting to have black pathways from the front door to the back of the house so we decided it was time to take out the carpet and get laminate. Our remodel started with just the wood floors and granite kitchen counter tops( Our tile was cracking and having problems) but after seeing the whole house torn apart and speaking to our remodel guys they advised us to replace all of our linoleum with tile while the house was torn apart. Glad we listened...and they gave us a great price!!!

New kitchen tile...20 inch tile. It had to be laid before the wood could go in.

Man the house was a mess and so dusty for 9 days. We lived in it while they did the remodel...Crazy!

The wood is stacked in the family room ...tile almost done.

Tile removed from counters and new tile floor complete...ready for the wood.

Getting closer....

another view!!!

The finished laminate. Our bedroom. We love everyhting the team did. They did great work!!!

The bathroom tile...master bathroom.

My favorite part...the beautiful granite counter tops and new sink!

The wood floors in the living room.

Another view of the kitchen....oh and new stainless steel appliances!

Our back splash....this was Ashley's pick. At first I thought it would not match but it looks great! Come and see us and you will be surprised at how different the house looks!

Cousin Cathleen McNelly passes away in February 2014!

2014-07-20T21:37:00.001-07:00

Upon hearing of Kathleen's death the brothers all decided to attend the funeral in Arizona ; so we were off again!John, Ron, Leon And Jared. It was fun to hear all the stories of her life and how much the Bjarnason men played a part in her life. We loved Kathleen McNelly!

I was able to have a few days off and attend and it was good to see Aunt Rosie again.

Leon, Ron, Bob McNnelly , John , and Jared

The McNelly's....Chelsea, Marne,Tatiana,Bob,Monica, Kirsten and Robert.

A December Wedding!

2014-07-20T21:25:00.000-07:00

It's always fun to have a December wedding in our family. This year Kellie Jo Kincheloe and Nick Stevens were married and it was a great time for all the 6 Bjarnason's to gather! We love Christmas weddings!

Aunt Stephanie and Aunt Rosie waiting for the newly wed couple.

Spenser and Sarah Hyer and Rae Ann Bjarnason

Uncle Jo and Aunt Yvonne came to the wedding and we had to get a shot.It is always good to see them.

We love the temple!

The whole gang!

Robert, Charlotte, Porter, Spencer, Nick, Kellie, Karen. Dwain, Emily with Robert's daughter, and Jim.

Aunt Karen, Jared, Uncle Leon,Aunt Bonnie,Uncle Ron and Uncle John

Uncle John, Aunt Rosie, Uncle Ron, Aunt Stephanie, Aunt Bonnie, Aunt Kathy, Uncle Leon, Me, Jared,Uncle Dwain and Aunt Karen

We had a great parking lot lunch thanks to Kim Stevens. It was fun!

Another shot of all of us!

Aunt Bonnie took time out of her busy schedule to stop in Brentwood and see her newest great niece...Bryn. Thanks Bonnie!

Christmas 2013 on the farm!!!

2014-07-10T16:35:00.004-07:00

Every year it is a tradition to go to Uncle Ron and Aunt Stephanie's farm and have a dinner and lots of Christmas treats, then act out the nativity, have chimes and Christmas songs..... and we have added a devotional this past year...oh..and Uncle Dwain does some magic for the kiddos.

The kids always love the trampoline ...Sarah and Clarke enjoying a moment.

Emily, Char, Uncle Dwain and Spencer Hyer.

The spread outside...when the weather is nice we love to eat outside.

Can we fit anyone else on the trampoline??? Lets see...maybe..there's always room for one more....Maren, Andrew, Benson,Lucy,Gracie, Mason, Jacob and Mckay enjoying some cousin time!

Elise and Clarke.

Ashley, Bryn and Sarah.

Gracie was Mary this year.

Gracie and Danielle.

Taylor is an angel and Jim a shepherd.

Lucy, Taylor, Jim and Mckay...adding a bit of Star Wars to the Wise Men.

Bryn and Ashley...first Christmas at the farm.

In the background is Ramiro with Bryn and all the actors in front ready to start!

The angels are Maren, Lucy, and Taylor...they are so sweet! They are real angels!

Taylor, Emily, Ramiro, Bryn, Ashley, Me and Jared.

Benson...Joseph...Gracie...Mary and Baby Jesus!

Aunt Karen and Sarah in charge of the music.

Having a great time...Deborah, Char, Clarke, Eric, Dwain and Stephanie.

We're ready!

All the cast...cousins!

Lucy sang a solo in Spanish for the program. Beautiful job Lucy.

Aunt Karen and her sweetheart Uncle Dwain!

Clarke and Char...you guys look great in this photo!

Chimes! We missed Jon and his bells..maybe next year!

Uncle Ron and Jared....Ramiro and Ashley

Bryn and I....it gets cold when the sun goes down. The temperature can drop 30 degrees.

JAredMerry Christmas to all! See you next year!!!

Thanksgiving in Virginia 2013!

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So I was in Virginia in August for my dad's 80th birthday party. My mother wanted me to come for Thanksgiving because it was going to be the first time in a long time that all 6 of her children would be together on Thanksgiving and also my Aunt Jeanette was going to there also. She is my dad's only living sibling and my favorite Aunt on his side of the family. So with my parents help we went! Great fun!

Aunt Judy. Mom and Aunt Jeanette

Charlotte the great mashed potato maker...she gets the easy part..Mary and I peeled like 10 pounds of potatoes!

Judy, Mom And Jeanette again!

Jared, my dad and Uncle Mike who is married to my sister Charlotte!

Jared, my brother Paul and my dad!

My sweet angel mother!!!!oh yeah and Charlotte trying to get in the photo.LOL.

Mike and Charlotte...my sister!

Aunt Judy, Madison and September, my sister Dawn's youngest girls!

My sister Dawn Eve and brother Paul...Paul hates his photo taken and won't smile but he will let me take pictures of him and I have on occasion seen him bust out with a smile!

My youngest brother Billy, my youngest sisetr Mary and me.

The whole gang!

Mary fixing something on the roof...Look how sunny it was that day!!!

To many chiefs...it was hilarious. I don't think dad would agree it was funny. Good times!

Me, Charlotte,Mom,Dawn Eve and Mary.

Me, Paul, Charlotte, Dawn Eve, Mary and Billy, mom and dad. We are in birth order.

Welcome Bryn and Kate!!!

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A big welcome to Bryn Stormy Garcia born November 10, 2013. We were able to be in the labor room with Ashley and Ramiro and to hold her within minutes of her birth!

Isn't she sweet! Dressed in her daddy's favorite team!

Proud grandpa!

Ashley did a great job handling all the first time experiences of motherhood! Of course the epidural was welcomed when the pain was to intense!

And on December 28,2013 Kate was born to Spencer and Suzy Bjarnason.What a great way to usher out the old year! We will have to wait until May to see Kate because they live in Okinawa! Welcome grandchild # 13.....Wahoo!

Sydney and Shawn holding the new bundle of joy!

Welcome kisses! Sweet! Love these kiddos!

That was a lot of work. I am tired.....

The proud parents! Good job Suzy and Spencer!

Kate is adorable!

Time to take our precious Kate home!

Ally 's Mission Update!

2014-03-02T11:39:00.000-08:00

Allyson entered the MTC on January 16, 2013 with a call to Colorado Springs, Colorado. It seems almost impossible that she will return home August 1. She has grown so much and we are so proud of her. She has many photos on her memory card and has only sent a handful to us so here you go!

Arriving in Colorado and meeting her companion.

At the MTC in Provo , Utah.

Ally's district.

Baptism in Parker, Colorado.

First area in Parker with a threesome companionship. She will have to insert names when she gets home because I cannot remember them.

This was last January when Ally went to the temple to receive her endowment. I have not learned how to switch photos around so these are out of order. Sorry!

Clarke, Sarah, Allyson and Jared and I at the temple.

Porter, Jim, Aunt Karen, Uncle Leon, Aunt Kathy and Aunt Stephanie were able to be with us. It was a very special evening.

Sarah helping Allyson prepare for her talk...I believe she is listening and giving tips!

Sisters!

Early morning before she leaves for the airport

One last good bye to Ashley!

At the airport! She looks a bit nervous!

President and Sister Anderson and the missionaries of Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Happy 21st birthday Allyson! I am glad the members are taking care of you!

Grandpa Weiss turns 80...a trip to Virginia!

2014-03-02T10:53:00.000-08:00

This summer I was able to go to Virginia and be with all of my brothers and sisters. It was my dad's 80th birthday party.

One of our outings was to Mary's river home and a day of swimming and activities. This is my mom with Mr. Wilson who is Wanda's dog.

Mary Ann giving Charlotte and three of her 5 grandsons a ride of a lifetime! LOL

Mary Ann, Charlotte and me.

Me, Grandma Weiss, Casey and Mandy...very pregnant.

My brother Paul and I... were are 10 1/2 months apart! He does not like to take pictures . I have to make him so I have a few shots with him in it but he always does it for me! I love him!

Jeremy and Michael with their girlfriends...I forgot their names. This was the first time I met them.

At dad"s 80th birthday party with all six children...there are always lots of laughs when all 8 of us are together! In birth order..Dad, Mom, Me,Paul, Charlotte,Dawn Eve, Mary and Billy.

Happy Birthday dad! You are one amazing man! Thanks for all you have done for me! hope I live to be 80! Of course he is the man he is today because of you MOM!

Dawn Eve, Carl, September and Madison.

Madison, Me and September.

Mandy and her two boys..Landon, Brody and baby # 3(Cameron)in belly!

Craig, Casey, Brady and Kellen

A Girls Get Away!

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This summer I had dear friends whom I met in 1970....gives my age away.... come and stay with me a week for a getaway. Sister Galbraith was one of my first young women's leader after I joined the church and Cheryl became my best friend and the friendship will last forever. They are great women.

Sherron, Me and Cheryl

We went up and down the coast of California;from Monterrey to Los Angeles. This is at Pacific Heights where one can see thousands of Monarch butterflies in the spring.

It wouldn't be a trip to Monterrey without eating on the pier at Bubba Gumps. JAred was a sport to come and drive on our Monterrey trip for the day. I drove to LA with a GPS...that saved me many times.

I have never driven down the 17 mile drive in Pacific Heights where some of the oldest Cypress tress, seals , whales and mansions exist. It was truly spectacular!

This is a Cypress tree.

We went on bike rides and enjoyed the California summer days!

The highlight of the trip was that Cheryl got tickets fro us to be on The Price is Right Show and then Let's Make a Deal down in Los Angeles. The most exciting thing happened .....Sherron was picked out of hundreds of hopefuls to be on the show and she actually won and went to the showcase. Unfortunately... she was 600 dollars off and did not take the showcase but it truly was a once in a lifetime experience.

Getting ready to leave from our hotel.

Cheryl and I.

Let's make a deal costumes!

Water Park Fun!

2013-10-13T23:34:00.001-07:00

After traveling to Japan and missing Sarah and Mckay's birthdays we decided to go to the waterpark and have a day of fun activities. Char and kids were able to meet us there so it was a real treat.

Sarah and Hannah

Hannah

Char and Elise

Grandpa, Grandma Elise, Benson and Gracie... I think Clarke was not able to be with us... Char and kids came and stayed a week with us!

Gracie loved the camera. She wanted her picture taken each time I brought it out.

Char and chunky, cute Elise who is 1 now.... hard to believe.

Benson taking a break in the tube after eating lunch.

Hannah having her turn

The boys were off and no where to be found so we ate at our rented cabanna. Lucy, Maren, Taylor, Gracie and Benson.

I had nap duty and it was quiet. When I would think Elise was asleep I would sneak over to check on her and this is what I would find... big bright eyes staring at me as if to say.....i am not going to miss any of the fun grandma.

Time for Hannah's bottle.

Benson and Gracie have such a cute relationship. They absolutely love each other and have a good time.

The girls had a fun stroller ride around the park with grandpa....although Hannah doesn't lppk to happy. I think it was way past nap time.

Utah in July with Clarke and Char and kids!

2013-09-26T00:28:00.000-07:00

After carpooling to Utah we arrived at ST. George at the Doughty's home. They have been kind enough to have us at their family reunions the past 2 years. Of course the kids were in the water fast. There was a heat wave and the temp was 117......HOT!

Clarke looks so much like his dad.

One of the activities we did was to go to the Tuacan and see Mary Poppins. Andrew and Lucy were able to go with us. It was well worth every penny and sitting outdoors in temp of 108!

Carolyn, Jared, Clarke, Andrew , Lucy, Char and I at Mary Poppins.

Sweet!

Married for 36 years of adventure! Love you hunny!!!!

Char and Gracie at Mammoth. We spent a day up at Mammoth.It is in the mountains and gorgeous. The Doughtys have a retreat with cabins and lots of outdoor activities. It was so nice to get out of the 118 heat and have only 90 heat. We had a great day. Thanks Bill and Carolyn.

Lucy and Jared at the outdoor amphitheatre.

A highlight was a wade in the freezing river. Jared is always so accommodating and helpful when we are with grand kids. Keeping Gracie and Char afloat!!

The view of the river near their retreat.... the air was so crisp and clean.

Andrew with his fishing pole! He is 9 years old and I can hardly believe this!

Elise was having some bonding time with Jared. He was so happy the she is starting to like to spend time with him. She is a doll.

June 22, 2013... Ashley is a bride!!!

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Ramiro and Ashley were married on Saturday, June 22, 2013. Ashley is now Ashley Garcia.

The happy couple.....married at the south building Turlock Stake.

All the flower girls.... the nieces and Daisy, Ramiro's daughter.

The guys with the newlyweds.....the nephews!

Ashley and Ramiro with Jared and Barbara.

Char, Clarke, Spencer, Sarah, Ashley, Ramiro, Perla, Tina and George.

My friend Louise Burgess made this cake as a gift for Ashley,

We had a dance after the dinner and these two stole the show... Benson and Gracie....

Jared acted as master of ceremonies and DJ with help from Benson.

Dad was so happy for Ashley.... the smiles tell it all.

Cake anyone?.... this group came running when it was time to cut the cake... do you think they love cake????

Enjoying a bit of twist!

Twist and shout and let it all out!!!!

Ramiro and Jared.

George gave them a bundle of money that looked like a stack of hundreds.... but he was quite the joker... under the hundred were lots of ones.

How did Sarah end up with all the kids? I suppose most of them are her own. They were so cute!

This is Clarke's youngest Elise with Aunt Sarah! We had a great time. Congratulations to Ashley.

On the other side of the world.... Paradise!

2013-07-10T00:13:00.001-07:00

I was blessed to receive a tax return large enough to allow me to visit Spencer and family in Okinawa. I love to walk around at sunset on the boardwalk. Such a sight...and to have two of my grandchildren share this with me is incredible. I am so blessed.

Notice the sea wall and how far it extends. This is great typhoon and tsunami protection.

This is a 5 minute drive from Spencer's home. We drove to the sea wall because it was really hot and wanted to stay till the sun went down.

Sydney, Shawn, Suzy and Spencer threw rocks in the ocean for a while.

Suzy has quite the collection of sea glass in a variety of rare colors....blue, green, brown, and white. It is amazing to find it in the sand after a storm. Its really quite beautiful. Shawn helps her find it.

Sydney and I on the wall.

I love this photo of Syd looking in to the sunset.

I love to go to the Japanese grocery store and see all the different vegetables. These are weird. Wonder what they taste like?

Shawn loved Tory Beach where we actually found a beautiful blue starfish.... I would post the photo but I don't want a photo of me in my bathing suit....sorry!

One day we went to the Peace Memorial which is dedicated to all the men from several countries who lost their lives in the Battle of Okinawa. This is Spencer's family at the entrance... can you see Sydney's little Japanese shoes?.... She just had to wear them and they are not easy to walk in.

Beautiful view of the grounds.

This is the huge Peace Shrine in the visitors center.

This lady was gracious to allow me, a tourist, to get a photo of her in her traditional costume.

Spencer and family at the bell that tolls.

I will need to do some genealogy to see if I am related to this man Gilbert Weiss... my maiden name.

The restaurants were so good. You really get a lot of fresh vegetables and herbs in your food.... and a big portion

This was one of my favorite restaurants. They grow their own vegetables and herbs and it overlooks the ocean; so the view from the restaurant is amazing. The food was amazing! The next photo is outside the restaurant.

Shawn was a trooper but was missing his nap so he was tired.

It started to rain.. you can see a few drops on the photo.

My favorite spot and place to go....Okuma Beach. The military has a resort that families can rent housing and stay. It has boat and kayak rentals, BBQ pits, beautiful scenery, warm,clear oceans, bike rentals, hiking... a reastaurant.... all the works. The most beautiful water I have seen or swam in. I got sun burnt because I stayed in the water for a few hours with the kids.

Shawn had a great time with digging in the sand.

Children know no language barriers. This Japanese girl played for a hour with Sydney and Shawn. No words were needed. They were so sweet together.

We had a race with Spencer in these cars... Suzy and I drove a 4 person bike with the two kids in the front. It was fun!

One of our hikes to the top of one of the small mountains.

Beautiful scenery and floral gardens on the resort. Shawn is so sweet and I am glad I got to bond with him. He would say... where's grandma when I would leave the room! I have a relationship with Sydney but Shawn was only crawling the last time I was in Japan so I was thrilled he liked me. He is so fun!

Now that is some gorgeous water! See what I mean!

One of the boat rentals..... I stayed on shore to photograph.

This is the small mountain we hiked to the top off. So beautiful . Wish you could all go for a visit to Okinawa!

So the zoos are so different in Okinawa. The animals are right in the area with you. These birds flew from across the water to us when we entered the zoo. It was, at times, a bit scary as they came right up to us.

They had an area where you could hold small animals and dogs.

Can you believe they let us feed the turtles and even sit on them for pictures. Of course Spencer and I tried to keep most of our weight off the turtle.... Spencer looks like a teenage mutant ninja turtle... Rafael.

So I took this photo of Suzy feeding these weird looking animals.... what ever they are; but I swear they look like the rodents of unusual size in The Princess Bride. I want to thank Suzy and Spencer for all their love and sharing many of the islands activites with me. I love them so much.

A girl's night of fun...and a birthday surprise for Ashley!!!

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On May 10th Grandpa ,Clarke, Andrew,Spencer Hyer, Drew Hyer', Mckay and Benson attendes the Turlock Stake Father's and Son's outing. We can't let the boys have a great adventure without creating a memory for us! So glad is was Ashley's birthday!

Homade dough, with pepperoni and cheese. YUM!

Ashley arrives to help the girls fix their pizza.

This one is ready to go in the oven! Gracie is so proud .

AShley takes a few minutes to help shape lucy's pizza.

Now this is a pizza!!!!

Sarah with sweer Hannah.

Beautiful Sisters!

let the nail and foot salon begin!!!

All that work and we need to do a cupcake grandma!

Yippe.... I got a beautiful cupcake!

This is the best grandma!!!!

Happy birthday to Ashley.....24

Snapped 2 photos so we could all be in the photo. Ashley requested a layered strawberry pudding Trifle. YUMMY!

Char is having a awesome popsicyle with Elise who is absolutely having a great taste....she is a chunk...and she is our precious Elise. WHile they rock and eat.... Lucy and I pull weeds. Thanks for all your help sweet Lucy!

Amazing April 2013!

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When April arrives I get really happy and excited because many activities will bring me great joy. A few of these activites are cookouts and dinners with family, birthdays, baseball, and the return of the beautiful green to the earth. I enjoy visiting my grandchildren.

Arriving at Sarah's for a Sunday dinner is always a treat!

Ron and Stephanie came with us this Sunday and were able to get a photo of all of us,although my camera made us look all stretched....don't know why.

What is spring without climbing a few trees. Benson was able to get up just as fast as Taylor Ann.

Sweet little Hannah loves the outdoors and loves her picture taken. She is 18 months here.

We went to see Mckay play ball last weekend and so when we come to dinner playing a game of baseball is always a hit! Grandpa is so good to pitch!

Bikes are also a sign of the spring returning. Sarah is blessed to have a large yard and a huge paved area where the kids can ride in the back yard!

Ron enjoyed a visit to Spencer's orchard and garden.

Stephanie also celebrates her birthday in April and we were so glad that she and Ron were able to spend this day with us!

The following weekend we went to Rohnert Park for Lucy's 6th birthday.
Posing in front of the bear at the Black Bear Diner.

On her birthday Char cooked a breakfast in bed for Lucy and she was so gracious to share it with her sister Gracie.

Lucy is very artistic and creative and for her birthday she went to a place called Sqiggles and Giggles , which is an art studio that does art birthday parties.

Creating her masterpiece. Each child made a stained art portrait and that was to be taken as a gift home. They turned out so beautiful..

They even made a table for the younger girls to do art while the older girls did their stained art. Gracie was in heaven.

Andrew was able to join the party, special privs since he was brother and he created a Cars stained glass piece.

We had so much fun and I enjoyed every minute of this party. A great idea for children.

After the art the girls all had their faces painted from the teacher. Lucy choose a butterfly.

The finished butterfly... so colorful!

I am a stinking cute little cat!!!

Ron and Steph were able to join us at our home for a dinner for Stephanie. It was a small but special group and we had a great time Happy Birthday sister!!!

Clarke's Birthday and Annual Tournament!!! ( Hearts this Year!)

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This year we were honored to have Deborah, Eric, Jacob, Mason, and Danielle join us. Of course Sarah and family and Ashley attended. Allyson missed this year because she is on her mission! A good thing to miss it for. She's excused.

Sisters!

All the kids were so excited to have a pizza dinner and sing Happy Birthday to Clarke and dive into the birthday cake!

This table was having some serious outburst of laughter! We love cousins!!!!

Deborah and Danielle.... she looks like a mini Deborah!!!!

And now for a little MONKEY business while the adults play hearts!!!! Let the fun begin!!!!

Andrew!

Mckay!

These were the last standing table of hearts!!! The final Four! And the winner is........................

Drum roll.....................Ashley! She was so happy to win... Sarah won last year!!!!

Back to monkey business. Gracie and Lucy had to have a turn! Not sure where Maren was at this point!

Gracie!

Lucy.... we had to get out of the tree fast cause Bob was on his way up the walkway... he is the maintainence guy who does not like the kids in the tree.... shame on grandma!!!!!!

Jared has another birthday... can you believe that?

2013-05-17T22:58:00.000-07:00

Ashley and Sarah and family were able to spend Jared's birthday with us this year. After a dinner and some cake and ice cream we were able to take the kids to the park for a little fun.... which, by the way, they love!

Taylor Ann

Mckay

This is Mckay's favorite apparatus

Maren and Barbara raking and digging in the bark.

Benson and Maren loved taking all the dinosaurs and animals to the park and lining them all up!

This is sweet Maren.... who loves to climb, swing, jump,and get into everything. She is going to be so smart because she is curious about everything!

When we get tired of chasing her because she runs off Grandpa just puts her on his shoulders and she has a great time.....so far she hasn't caught on to the real reason she is up there.

Muir Woods - February 15, 2013 Clarke and Char's anniversary

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On February !5th we went to visit Clarke and Char and family so they could get away for some alone time for their anniversary. Ended up they wanted to hike Muir Woods and needed the help of Jared and I to help with 4 children. It took us about 3 hours and we did the hike to the top. It is definitely a great view and beautiful hike. Here we are as we arrived.

Lucy wanted me to get a picture of her... so she is beautiful!!

Clarke and family right before we start on the trail... Char and Elise( which she carried in a mobi the whole hike, and Elise is 20 pounds!) Clarke, Lucy, Gracie, and Andrew.

The kiddos with Grandpa and Grandma!

Gracie was my little companion for a big section of the hike. She did most of the hike all by herself. I was so proud of her.

This was taken at the top of the hike as we went to see the ocean view. On the hike the canopy of the Redwoods kept it cool and shady. It was weird to get to the top and have it be so sunny and HOT!

Taking a break from our work before we head back down.

Thankfully some hikers were willing to get a shot of all of us!

We are so glad Clarke married his beautiful bride 11 years ago!( Notice the sleeping baby in the mobi... she carried her 3 hours on this hike this way! Amazing!!)

Cute!

This is how much fun Gracie was having. The trails look alot like this but in areas it was steep. Way to go Gracie!

We made it to the top!

Thankfully a hiker was willing to get a shot of all of us. We had a great day. So fun!!!!

Colorado Springs Here comes Sister Bjarnason!

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Ally came home from college on the 20th then had 4 impacted teeth removed. After recovering from Dry socket and the flu... The big event of that week was our trip to the temple which was awesome, We are so glad that Sarah ,Clarke,Stephanie , Leon and Kathy, Karen and Porter and Jim were able to be with us,

Just before entering the temple we were able to get this shot of the lights. This was so amazingly beautiful. The glow was emanating and beckoning us to come in.

The temple was magnificent and we were able to take a few shots in the dark that really showed how beautiful the lights are.

It had been raining and cold as you can read in Ally's expression but its a great picture of her right before we went in. Love the palm trees and the flowing water. This was taken before we went in. We had just purchased garments.

Judy Payne and Trudy Gleason have been dear friends for 30 years and have been a part of our lives and Ally's since birth! So glad they could come!

This is all the family that came to our special evening. Sarah drove from Mad era....3 hours away, Clarke drove from an hour away, Karen, Porter and Jinn drove 1 and 1/2 hours , Aunt Stephanie, Uncle Leon and Aunt Kathy made the evening great. Thank you all for coming. Jared and I are there ... I am hiding behind him. We had such a wonderful night! I love my family.Wish all of you could have been there with us.

We had family dinners, games , play time and just talking. It was fun and filled with lots of memories and love.. Sarah is listening to Ally's talk here so she can get it right for Sunday. Love the new cut. She cut off 11 inches of her hair.. Looks great!

Ron and Stephie brought Pizza and salad to the house and we had a great dinner and game night as Jon and Jennifer were here for a visit. We love them so much,They have been a part of our family for 21 years!!! This is the three big guys.... Taylor, Andrew and Mckay!

Jon and Jennifer at the table with Uncle Ron, Aunt Stephanie, Char and her baby Elise. Great time!

Sarah, Ally, Me, Jared and Clarke after the session. Love my family!!!!

Ashley bonded with Hannah who is almost 1....so cute!

Beautiful sisters! Thanks for being my sweet daughters! I love you both so much!!!

Getting ready for church and having a few minutes to get out some of grandmas toys. FUN!

The grand kids can never come to the house without an adventure on our water bed.Also at Christmas time grandpa loves to watch the NUTCRACKER and they all followed and enjoyed watching it.All 9 of them. What a great group!

This is one of my favorite photos I was able to capture. These two look so much like sisters and we had such a great week before Ally left.... shopping, movies, dinners, games, church and a beautiful song they sang! These are my two babies....all grown up!

Took this right before we left for the airport. Ally looks so excited and she was so ready to go.

Saying goodbye as she went through the security and we had to say goodbye! Doesn't she look ready! Go Ally! Our prayers are with you. You will do an awesome job. We all love you so much!