Kids and Swings

Last Sunday (the Sunday we found out that #9 is on its way!) we put Rylee and Keagan in the swings. As you can see Rylee was mad about being in the swing. She actually tried to get out by herself. However, when we let her hold onto the monkey bars she was thrilled! Keagan, on the other hand, was thrilled to be in the swing. I think this experience says alot about their individual personalities....especially Rylee. Next time Eliza is around we will have to let her take a test drive.

Results of Remodeling

About two and a half years ago I was consumed with the idea of remodeling and knocking out some walls in our home to make it more comfortable for our growing family. David didn't seem to have the same vision or desire. So I gave it some thought. What might motivate him to agree with me??? He has wanted a motorcyle for years. He had one when he was a teenager and when we were first married. I thought maybe the promise of my support of a motorcyle would knock out walls. I was right!

He has had his dream bike now for two years. He loves to share it with me. He has made many adjustments to it so that I can ride comfortably for longer periods of time. (Thanks for your hard work sweetheart!)

Last Saturday we rode to Park City to buy him a light weight leather jacket. We found one and we also found leather chaps (on sale!) for both of us. One has to go through an interesting process to get into chaps. It is a two person job. I never thought I would own anything leather that would cover my legs. But I have to say the ride home was much more enjoyable because of them. We rode down Parley's Canyon and took the turn-off to Emigration Canyon on the way home. I wasn't cold and I didn't feel any gravel hit my legs. The question is....Do these chaps make my butt look big? The answer (unfortunately) is....yes!

A-U-D-R-E-Y Audrey Audrey Rose

While Matt and Lindsay were packing the U-Hauls for their move back to Utah, I was lucky enough to tend Audrey and Eliza for six days. Audrey was working on her spelling so I thought it would be fun to teach her how to spell her name. Gampa came up with the tune and I helped with the words. This was the result!

David's Birthday

Back on May 16th, we celebrated my fabulous husband's birthday. We had a barbecue in the backyard with the kids and grandkids. When I think of my husband, I can't help but to be grateful for divine guidance. Our courtship and marriage were fast to say the least, but 31 years together have proved that I married the right guy for me. He is incredible! He supports me in every crazy adventure that I want to attempt. He is always right behind me with every church calling and assignment. This year I am going to Girls Camp without him -- the first time in seven years. It is going to be a lonely week for me. He loves Festival of Trees as much as I do. In fact, he has become known as "The Voice of Festival" because he is the announcer on Opening Night. He goes along with most everything I want to do to our home and cabin. He supports me in every family activity I want to hold. He is my best friend. I really am spoiled. I'm glad I let Heavenly Father guide my choice in a husband. He certainly picked better than I would if I had been left on my own. I love you the most David! I'm grateful you are mine!

I Love You Through and Through

Yesterday was such a beautiful day that I decided to organize an impromtu barbecue for Sunday after church with any of my children that could come. Talya and Ryan (with Eric, Tyler and Rylee), Clay and Jenny, and Erica and Chuck (with Keagan) were able to come. We had hamburgers, chips, yummy salads and rootbeer floats. While sharing my dessert with a very sticky and dirty Rylee, Clay handed me a gift bag. I assumed it was something they had bought on their weekend in Chicago. (Jenny is the ultimate gift-giver. She spends a lot of time picking out the best gift for each person. I always have appreciated her thoughtfulness.) Anyway, I pulled out the tissue and saw a darling white teddy bear and a book that went along with it entitled, "I Love You Through and Through." I was trying to keep Rylee's very interested but dirty hands from hugging the bear while trying to pick up the book. Then Talya announced, "Don't you get the message???" Oh my goodness! I was slow on this one. I would think by now that I would catch on but I didn't. If I had been able to open the book and read the inscription I would have read, "Congratulations Grandpa and Grandma Hansen! You're getting another grandbaby to love "through and through!" We are SO excited for Clay and Jenny! I couldn't be happier! The magic of each new baby announcement never dims. He/she will be a fun birthday present for Daddy Clay. We expect the due date to be sometime in January. My prayers are with Jenny that she will feel better soon. Congratulations mommy and daddy-to-be!