Graden Family Retreat 2013.

This year the Graden Family Retreat was held at Julie & Walt's new house in Salem.  It was a great location and so nice of them to welcome ALL of us into their home :0)

(10-11 August 2013)

 It was basically just Saturday and Sunday, not long enough, but wonderful to all be together!  Some of the highlights include:

Heather taking the time to pick me & Lij up so we could ride with her to Salem * being reunited with Bry, Brie and Alex * cousins playing out in the water (slip 'n slide and kiddie pool) * taco salad and watermelon cake to celebrate Summer birthdays * Alex, Thomas and Isaac taking a bubble bath together * talking to Heather & Liz about getting back in shape * tie-dying shirts * talking with Julie & Bry about the Relief Society lesson she was preparing to teach (fun to share insights and testimonies with each other) * playing a hand game * Bry & I sharing a twin bed * Alan helping get Alex ready for church and us out the door * being with Julia, Beth and Liz in Relief Society for Julie's lesson * lots of people pitching in to make a yummy breakfast for lunch (streusel cake, hashbrowns, sausage, eggs) * sharing "healthy" recipe ideas with Beth (so impressed with the way her family has been eating) * Julia & Jessica painting nails * Bry always helping the kids get food at dinner * picture slideshow/summer stories sharing * mini photo shoot of Jocelyn, then Dad & Julia * seeing the cousins playing on basement house/slide and outside * 60th birthday celebration in honor of Bry's Mom, Vicki (chicken divan, zippy carrots, rolls, jello, See's chocolates, pictures, stories, singing Happy Birthday * group pictures outside (thanks to cousin Katie taking them), Lij being the top of the pyramid :0) * Scotty pushing Aliyah and Alex around in the red kid's car (looked like they belonged in a junior james' bond movie ;0)) * retreat ending on such a great note (talking with Julia, father's blessings for Bry & Alan) *

six girls + Baby.

(9-10 August 2013)

Thanks to Bry taking Brie & Alex for over 24 hours (what a man!) so I could do a GNO in SLC.  I wish that I had gotten a group picture.  Our flip flop shot is the closest thing we got ;0)  The six girls included: Mom, Elaine, Em, Rach, Starla and Me and Elijah was of course the {honorary boy} baby :0)  Oh time with the girls, such a treat :0)

  

*shopping at Torrid and Francesca's Closet * randomly running into Bricky at H & M * Aunt Elaine spoiling me with a beautiful outfit (maxi dress, clutch, earrings and necklace!!) * Lunch at Zupa's * $0.79 flip flops * V Chocolates * Em getting me a little "Happy Pills" container * Starla listening for Elijah so we could go out babyless * shopping at City Creek, valet parking with all 5 of us squished into Em's Hyundai * looking through $1 cards at Papyrus * take out from Cheesecake Factory * Girlfriend question cards * Rach using her newly bought mini tape gun to seal up the takeout boxes ;0) * Ombré finger nails * Lij being our cute honorary boy, lots of snuggles * sleepover at Rach & Starla's * Lièges waffles from Les Bruges for breakfast * Matt & Tim saving the day (driving all the way from Provo to bring us the keys to Em's car) *

ChuckECheese.

(2-3 August 2013)

Grandpa & Nana Julz picked up Brie & Alex on Friday afternoon and had almost 24 hours of fun with them.  I'm so glad they'll have these memories to look back on :0)

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 (Julia, thank you for taking all of these pictures!!)

Nana Julz' account: "Grandpa Bill and Nana Julz had such a wonderful time with Brie and Alex during their sleepover.  We went to ChuckECheese where the kids had a blast riding the little cars, playing in the balls, swooshing down slides, playing arcades and winning tickets for prizes.  They got in on a little birthday party where Chuck himself showed up!  It was quite the adventure.  We all went to the park and played on the swings, watched videos, read books, played drums, danced, and the kids helped make pancakes in the kitchen.  It was really fun and a memorable time enjoying being together." 

Saturday morning Bry, Lij and I went over to the park (by the Orem Rec) to pick up the kiddos.  It was cute to see them playing and to hear how much fun they'd had on their sleepover with Grandpa & Nana.

Griffiths Girls.

I've mentioned Becky on my blog before, but may not have said that I met her in Kindergarten.  It's crazy to me that Brie could be making lifelong friends already.  It's been so great having Becky as a friend for these many years.  I have SO many fun memories.  When she had her third baby and I still hadn't met her second, I knew it was time to get together!  She was so sweet to accommodate and bring her three girls down (from SLC valley) to spend the morning with us Gradens.  I loved catching up, snapping pictures of her three cuties and watching the kids play.  Our kids are all pretty close in age and they played really well together.  If only we lived closer.  Becky, thanks again for a wonderful reunion!

So many pictures, so much fun!

**OK, currently trying to document our Utah vacation, feeling OVERWHELMED by the amount of pictures I have, and wondering WHY IN THE WORLD I take SOOOOO many pictures.  I know I'm OCD, I know it...yet I enjoy looking back and reliving moments through pictures.  And I love when other people take joy in my pictures.  So, I just want to find more of a balance.  It'll come. **

With that out of the way, I ironically must say how fun it is to look at all of these pictures and think of the sweet times we shared with family and friends.  Sure they were intermingled with moments of frustration, intensity and disappointment, but isn't that inherent with family interactions?

 Bompa taking Brie & Alex to feed the rainbow trout at Bridal Veil Falls.

 Gateway Children's Science Museum

patio + awning = hours of shaded eating enjoyment and water fun :0)

Here are the random highlights from our trip:

*Shopping with Mom * Rach & Starla making a delicious Pioneer Day dinner (Cobb Salad w/ grilled BBQ chicken, homemade mac 'n cheese, frog eye salad, and avacado cheese bread) * Tim, Rach & Dad lighting off fireworks * Bompa, the boys and I strolling down to Days while Brie rode her hot wheels * lunch from Costa Vida * Going swimming at the new Provo Rec * watching "Here Comes the Boom" * helping my Mom coordinate a cute yet versatile outfits for their trip to Branson & Broadway * Kids helping Bompa pick veggies from the garden * Mémé snuggling with Lij and so enjoying time spent with him * Bompa taking Alex (and Me) on a ride in his "truck" up and around the temple, Alex spontaneously singing "I Love to See the Temple" * a heart 2 heart with Matt * outing with Matt and Lij--cherry limeades from Sonic and French pastries * Spicy Thai takeout * Em, Matt, Tim & I going to Wynnsong to see "Despicable Me 2" (great to be with siblings...would have been perfect if Rach had been there.) * Pizza Party and watching "Cars 2" (Alex's running commentary and excitement during the movie!) * photo shoot for Erin * Tim & I making breakfast and eating out on patio * going to the BYU MOA, lunch from the Malt Shoppe * photo shoot for Heather * playing Mancala with Tim * Los Hermanos takeout * Riding in Bompa's suburban, him doing donuts in the field * Italian cooking competition * Sitting out on garden swing, watching sunset with Bry * Bompa & Mémé taking me and the kids to Scheel's to ride the ferris wheel * Getting snocones and eating them out on front lawn * Helping Mom make zucchini pancakes/waffles * watching "Hotel Transylvania" with Schmemmers--fries and shakes * Rebecca & Julia coming to visit on a few occasions * Zupas takeout outside in the wind * sleepover with Em * seeing Brie & Alex enjoy the Children's Science Museum (great idea, Aunt Emmie!) * lunch at the Red Iguana 2 * Bry & I going to Day's, just the two of us * 

little visit up North.

(3-5 August 2013)

One of our weekend's in Utah we headed up North to visit Rach & Starla in SLC.  Always a good time :0)  Here are some of the highlights...

* Slurpees from 7-11 * our own version of Pictionary (my self portrait ;0)) * tea party brought to you by So Cupcake * Banangram (religious theme for Sunday) * cinnamon french toast * Alex & Brie chasing the fan-blown balloon * bubble bath for the kiddos * mickey mouse ice cream cones (like we had as kids) * rummaging through the DVD and CD bin at Walmart * Rach working with Brie (cleaning kitchen floor, helping with breakfast) to pay back for the eye shadow she played with and ruined * Rach getting fun surprises from Costco (back packs, Cars books, EOS lip balm) * mummy dogs and mac 'n cheese * attending the single's ward with Lij to hear Rachel's Sunday School lesson * delicious Sunday dinner by Starla (roast, mashed potatoes, rolls, carrots...) *

{great} grandparents.

Bry & I have both been blessed with {great} grandparents.  I wish that we could see Kim (in California) and Grandmaw (in Seattle) more often, but I'm grateful that each time we visit Utah we get to see Grandpa & Grandma Robertson AND Grandpa & Grandma Stevenson.  This time around I wanted to make sure that Elijah got to meet his Utah sets of great grandparents... 

My Grandpa turned 92 this year and my Grandma isn't that far behind him. Elijah may not ever be old enough to remember them, but I want to make sure that he knows them through pictures and stories.  They both will leave such wonderful legacies.  I would love to someday be even half the woman that my grandmother is.  It brings me tears to think of the life that she has so faithfully led and the love that she has shown us all.  My Grandpa's unfailing dedication and hard work amazes me.  And I'm glad that I can carry on his love of photography and documenting.

(I asked G & G Robertson who Elijah reminded them of...Todd, my Mom's "baby" brother who passed away in 2006.  The picture in the top left corner is of Todd as a baby.  When Lij smiles he does remind me of my Uncle Todd and makes me smile.  It reminds me of his wonderful sense of humor and that Heaven is undoubtedly a happier place with him being there.  I would love if Elijah carries on at least a little of his Great Uncle Todd's gift of laughter.)

I think it is so neat that my oldest nieces (Joceyln 15, Jessica 13) know their great grandparents.  It may be common for many people these days, but it wasn't for me.  My last remaining great grandparent (Pearle May Kelly Sheets, my Dad's Dad's Mom) passed away when I was eight.  She lived in California so I have very few memories of her.  All that to say that I think it's so wonderful that my older nieces and nephews will have such varied and vivid memories of Granpda & Grandma Stevenson.  What a blessing.  They are two of the most wonderful individuals that I know and I feel privileged to call them family.

(I had to include the picture of Elijah rolling over since that was the same room where we saw Brie roll over for the first time.   I just love that Bry & Grandpa went together to donate blood.  And I of course had to include pictures with Lij and Grandma.  She is so sweet and especially tender with little ones.)

a little breakfast.

(31 July 2013)

Grandpa & Nana Julz were able to pop over for a little breakfast (and to spend time with the grand kids) before heading to BYU for a Family History Conference.  Isn't Julia so photogenic?! And look how sweet Grandpa is with Lij.  It's neat to think that Alex and Elijah will carry on the Graden name.  Oh to live close to family again...and have them pop over to visit.  Maybe someday.  We'll enjoy these sweet visits in the meantime.

in the Theater.

My WHOLE family, our Little family* (-Elijah) + Grauntie Elaine + Erin + Starla went to see Monster's University in the theater.  It was a special treat!  Not only was Bry there (he was either out of town or busy preparing for the AAA conference for most of the trip) but the kids have never been to a movie theater and Bry & I have only been one other time together...EVER. 

 I LOVED hearing Brie bust a gut during the preview for "Frozen", sitting next to Alex as he held his giant popcorn bag and widdled away at it during the movie, watching such a cute and clever movie surrounded by some of my most favoritest people :0) And I can't forget to mention seeing Brie with her very artistically-gifted Grauntie painting MU sugar cookies (Yay to Aldi selling the kit).  What a sweet pre-show touch.  Thanks, Mom & Dad for a wonderful evening out!

(27 July 2013)

Brie--the only one.

Brie was the first grand child AND is currently the only grand daughter on my side of the family (not to mention that she's the only niece...), so it goes without saying that she gets spoiled when we're in Utah ;0)   Some of the fun happenings for Brie include: a date with Auntie Em (Em was a bit out of sorts while recovering from shoulder surgery, but still managed to get some good time in with the kiddos, especially Brie---getting her nails & toe nails painted, going out for lunch, Sweet Tooth cupcake, picking out a few new outfits), eating meals outside on the back patio, riding on the tractor/four wheeler with Bompa, watching cartoons and reading stories on Aunt Emmie's lap, making BFF signs, playing in the play room, and doing a tea party.

 

One of Brie's favorite memories is doing a date with Bompa & Mémé.  They went swimming at the new Provo rec then got all dressed up and went to dinner at La Jolla Groves.  You could tell she felt like a princess and just LOVED her special date!

(Looking in Em's makeup mirror after picking out a purse to take with her to dinner.)

One of my favorite moments was seeing Brie snuggling with Bompa & Mémé in their big 4 post bed, doing "tricky trap" and giggling together.  It's fun to think back on the first year and a half of Brie's life (we lived in my Parents' basement apartment) when this was a frequent and familiar scene.

Alex--Bompa's shadow.

First thing when we got to Bompa & Mémé's house Alex wanted to ride on the tractor.  My Dad went in his room to get his "farmer" hat on and Alex naturally wanted to wear a hat too.  My Mom came out with this little blue felt hat that Rachel used to wear as a kid. 

Alex concentrating on his driving.

Several days and tractor rides later, Alex comes into the kitchen, completely unsolicited, wearing the little blue hat (and squeakers on his feet) and announces, "I'm ready for the tractor, Bompa!" It was the cutest thing ever! 

 If I had to pick two words to describe Alex's favorites while at my Parents' place it would be TRACTOR (or TRUCK) and BOMPA.  Alex quickly became Bompa's shadow, followed him around, asked where he was and wanted to do what he was doing.  One morning Alex came over to me with his full cereal bowl in hand requesting to go out on the back patio.  I was confused til I looked out of the sliding glass door to see Bompa sitting outside eating his cereal.  Here are a few of my favorite moments of Alex, mostly with his Bompa:

Alex standing up at lunch (Red Iguana II).  It's so hard to keep this kid in one place.  He is one active little man!!

Sunday Dinner.

One thing we've missed while living here in St. Louis is the Graden Family Dinners.  Typically the whole family tries to get together once a month for Sunday dinner.  It was always a nice chance to catch up, but is of course so much more so now.  Our first Sunday in town (28 July 2013) as many as could come congregated at Grandpa & Nana Julz' in Orem.  It was wonderful to be at a family dinner again!!

Have I mentioned that it was at a Sunday dinner that I met a lot of Bry's family for the first time?  I was of course nervous, but they were all so friendly and wonderful at making me feel at home.  

At one point the kiddos went to play in the backyard and ended up helping Grandpa collect and bag the grass clippings.  They had a grand ol' time :0)  While they were busy doing that, I did mini photo shoots of Jessica, Beth, Randy and Scotty. It was time for updated pictures for my files and they were great to humor me.

 (I took Joceyln's at the retreat, but am posting them here along with the rest of her family)

Look at these girls...they look like models!  (We joked about even getting the wind-blown effect in some of their pictures.)  You would NEVER guess that Beth has teenage daughters.  Hope I can look that great when Brie's in high school!

 (it's funny how quickly uncomfortable I get when a camera is pointing at me.  Now I know how all of you feel when I pull out my camera ;0))

Julia snapped some of me & Bry (LOVE how they turned out!).  One of these times she & I need to take our cameras out and play :0)

This was also the first time for everyone to meet Elijah.  Many snuggles ensued :0)