Catching Up - February 2009

A week ago, we celebrated our 36th wedding anniversary with a trip to the Grand Canyon in Arizona. The timing was great as we were already tired of the winter here in Utah. (That translates to "too long", "too cold", dull dreary weather, and about every complaint one can have when you aren't enjoying the moment.

So we decided to make a break for what we hoped for as warmer weather with pretty blue sky. Our trip was exciting from the beginning. We got to our hotel in Las Vegas where we saw what seemed to be a row of tents along the street. One would think that maybe this was for a tent sale by some store or perhaps people camping out to get first dibs on ticket sales for some event or concert. As we drove further, we found that this wasn't what it appeared. Down a side street was more tents and people and lots of trash strewn across the street. With windows up and doors locked, we quickly exited the area and found our hotel. When I went to check in, I asked the clerk what were all the tents about? He replied that these were "homeless" people. How sad?

Our stay was safe but it kept us wondering about the safety of that area. Next time, we'll look for a more upscale area. We drove on down towards Boulder and Henderson. We found a new construction of a bridge across the gorge where the Hoover Dam is. The construction was very scary because of the height and cables strewn across the gorge. I'm sure in a couple of years when it is finished, it will be a marvel to behold.

We based our visiting the Grand Canyon from Williams AZ. It is right on US Highway Route 66. The town of Williams had some feature found the the Disney Movie "Cars" complete with gas station, diner, and small town USA features.

The Grand Canyon surely is one of the 7 wonders of the world or country. Jo kept saying it is one be hole in the ground. But to the artist, it has all the makings of beautiful colors and just magnificent.

Since our visit was in the off season, it wasn't crowded at all and we could get up close with great parking access and spend as much time as we wanted at each viewing area. Anyway, here are some pictures of the trip.

Our trip home went through the Navajo Reservation and the town of Cameron AZ on to Page AZ and up into Kanab Utah. Then it was through Zion's National Park and then home to PG. A very long, exhausting, peaceful trip. Hope we get more blue sky on our next trip (California in May).

I'm Loosing Count???

We usually take time to do inventory work during this month of February. It's our way of taking stock of what we have on hand that hasn't sold or been used. It can get quite detailed, sometimes very tedious. All of this has to do with work but it is not the intention of this posting.

Often friends or acquaintences would ask us how many grandchildren we have. I would do a self check by repeating in my mind the following: Our son has two boys, our eldest daughter has one son and two daughters, our second daughter has four children, three sons and one daughter and is expecting, our third daughter has three sons and one daughter, and youngest daughter has two daughters and two sons. Well according to my calculations, that makes seventeen grandchildren or eleven grandsons and six granddaughters.

For a short time I would respond to any inquiry that we have seventeen grandchildren with number 18 on the way. That's all changed so the correct response should be seventeen grandchildren and three on the way or triplets on the way. Hurray! We'll just have to update the gender category as soon as we find out. How exciting. Their Tutu or Great Grandmother is totally excited, often repeating the need to stock up on daipers. You'd have to meet her and you'll see why she often repeats some profound advice.

I just got through reading my daughter's blog on coming to a realization of having triplets and that is so awesome. Of course, it's an emotional time for her and the family. My wonderful son-inlaw is taking this all in stride. At least he's not flipped out. From an observation standpoint, the biggest decision they have to look forward to is the perspective naming of the triplets and which vehicle to buy that will safely carry the whole family. Now, that's exciting.

Of course something to look forward to is finding a triple stroller, or cute outfits for picture taking, or even the mountains of diapers to stock up on. That's only the minor inconvenience. I am sure this is going to be an exciting time not only for Nikki and Dan but for the three older brothers and older sister, Pookie, Bun, Ham, and Gabby.

Who said life was going to be dull? Know ye not that these are all special spirits chosen to come down to the earth in these the last days? (Had to throw that one in.)

 

On Sunday, our seventeenth grandchild, Ruby Jo Kaleilanionamoku, was blessed at church. I was privileged to be in attendance as well as her other grandfather. It was a choice moment for our whole family. After the services, we enjoyed a family gathering at Erin's for lunch. Following the lunch, I left to return to my married student ward family, who were still in the Sunday block meetings. They missed me.

I should take time here to recognize our eldest grandson, Christian, turned ten in January. He also won the Pinewood Derby racing with a car he carved out and made by himself. That is awesome. Our third eldest grandson, Pookie, turned seven also in January. He's doing great in school.

We are so proud of all our children and grandchildren. You just have to check out their blogs to keep track on what's happening in their lives. It's always changing and exciting. What we like to do is talk to our family via the telephone or on the video camera link. Everytime I talk to Klailea or Rykell, they have so much to tell me besides seeing their lovely smiles. Our granddaughters Anna and Emily always have lots to tell us on the phone. We're in luck to have George, Henry, Teddy, Ruby and Bubba nearby. We usually get great big hugs from them, and tail whipping from Bubba. I guess that's what grandpa and grandma are here for? We love all our grandchildren, the nearby ones and the ones far away.

So, is it great to have grandchildren? You bet! They are all very special to us.