Finally posting!

If you scroll down, you will find 3 new posts.  Gene and I continue to have fun traveling to see our children and grandchildren!  Next trip---Aug 23 to see Kris, Amy and Avery in Red Rock, Texas.  Then, off to Hawaii to see Rich, Tessa, Aqua and Ambrosia in Sept!  Stay tuned. . . . . . . .

July 2011 - BYU Idaho Graduation - Congrats Taylor & Heather

Gene and I are off on another adventure ...this time to Idaho, Montana & Wyoming!  We opted to fly on Alligiant Airlines out of Long Beach.  This airline flies only twice a week into Idaho Falls. Of course our main purpose for our trip was to attend BYU Idaho graduation of Taylor & Heather.  However, since we were going to be gone 1 week, we decided to visit Yellowstone & the Grand Tetons (Jackson Hole).  We rented a car and drove 1/2 hour to Rexburg, spending the night at Taylor & Heather's apt.  They were such gracious hosts, giving up their master bedroom and comfy bed for us!  Did I mention that their apartment is darling!

Yes, that is the "famous" green couch from Amy & Kris!

The next morning, Gene and I got to see Heather in her "element" at Beauty School.  She will finish there in September.

Manicure anyone?

How about a pedicure?

Besides, a manicure & pedicure, Heather trimmed her grandpa's hair and gave me a great scalp massage, wash and style.  It was loads of fun to see where Heather has been spending her time lately.  That afternoon, Gene and I headed to Yellowstone (west entrance).

Both Gene and I hadn't been to Yellowstone for ions!  I remember going with my folks when I was a teenager!

"Old Faithful"

It really was quite spectacular....erupting about every 90 minutes!

Mammoth Hot Springs - Yellowstone

more Mammoth Hot Springs

We spent 1 night outside the north entrance of Yellowstone in Gardiner, Montana.  It's amazing the price we paid for a very "bare bones" Travel Lodge..$180. !!!  Wednesday was a really full day, traveling around the east side of the park seeing more beautiful sights.

The falls

We saw lots of Bison.

Yellowstone Lake

The largest mountain lake in North America!

The Tetons

We rode a tram up to 10,000 feet!

Yes, that's the tram!

We made it to the top!
Beautiful views!

Jackson, Wyoming

We spent 2 nights in Jackson in another bargain motel...another $180. a night for a super 8!  I know, it is hard to believe.  I had to humble myself quite a bit.

It was fine though...very clean!  We ate really well in great restaurants in Jackson.  The 2nd night we had great Mexican Food and saw the musical "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" at The Jackson Hole Playhouse.  This theatre years ago use to be "The Pink Garter Theatre" and I remember being here with my family when we visited Jackson in the 60's!  Great old-time western style and the show was fabulous!

Cute name.....great food!

Friday morning, we left Jackson and headed back to Rexburg and graduation that afternoon/evening.

The Graduates!

She so loves her Opa!

Taylor's mom-Karen, Dad-Kevin (our Stake President)

and Karly (Taylor's only sister...he has 5 brothers!)

It was great spending some time with them!

Here we are...Heather's family!

Riley, Marley, Jazzy, Amy and Avery visit G'ma Jo & G'pa Gene

June 2011 .......a houseful of girls!  It was such fun to have our New Mexico girls and our Texas girls come for a visit. (That "girl visit" would have been even better had Ambrosia, our granddaughter from Hawaii, been here!) We had great times at the pool, park, beach, shopping, Disneyland for some of us, dinner at the Nilsen's and just hangin' here!

Avery, Jazzy and Marley enjoying some tiny ice cream cones from T.Joes

Avery & Jazzy playing "dress-up"

Avery loves her grandpa!

Cousins watching a T.V. show with Avery's "lamb-ie"

Playing "Dress-Up" is fun!

More cousin time - Emma and Marley at Disneyland

Riley, Jazzy & Emma at Disneyland

Jazzy & I went to "The Princess Faire" at Disneyland
while Riley, Marley and Emma were on a ride.

Sisters!

Mr. Toad's Ride
(Grandpa, Amy and Avery didn't come to Disneyland. Gene was recovering from his Cyberknife procedure and Avery was sick with a head cold.)

Yummy barbeque dinner at The Nilsen's

Weighing in at Grandma Jo's!
Getting packed and ready to leave for home in Red Rock, Texas
Daddy Kris will be happy to see me, and mama too!  
We have been gone 10 days!

I can't believe I didn't even snap a photo of pretty Mama Amy, especially with her new short haircut!  

April 2011 BYU Graduation - Jesse & Heidi Wilde

We flew into SLC and rented a car, and drove out to Vicki & Perry's home for a "Mini Lyman Reunion" dinner with some of Gene's brothers and sisters.  (Vicki & Perry, Stan & LouAnn, Rick & Coleen & Norma).  It's always a great time when we get together with that group!  We stayed at a darling "B&B" just down the street from the Bolyard's - "Castle Creek Inn"

The next day, we saw our new great-grandson, Aiden, for the first time. Rachel and Burke live in Orem in a basement apartment.  G'ma Loni, G'pa Stewart and their family arrived at Rach & Burke's apt that afternoon, along with Keri and her family + Heather and Taylor + "the almost graduates".  Quite a full, fun house!

Aiden is so precious....What do you think?

Since I am posting this several months later, I can't quite remember all we did until the graduation, but I know we had fun! 

Congrats graduates...Heidi and Jesse

BYU Provo Graduation

Lots of people!

"The Graduates"

Pretty happy!

Heidi's degree is in Speech Pathology & Jesse graduated with a Master's in Accounting.  They have been staying with the Nilsen's this summer while Jesse studies for his CPA exam & Heidi works at her dad's office.  Jesse starts his new job in September in Boston!

The graduate loves her Opa!

On Saturday, we were fortunate to witness Aiden's baby blessing with many other family members and friends from both sides of the family.  Such a tender and sweet day!

Gene & I flew back  to Temecula on Saturday evening and enjoyed a very quiet Easter, just the two of us, the next day at home.