Stirland Family Time

Because of Kayla's wedding, we had the opportunity to spend a little time in Utah.  The vacation went fast - every minute was packed!  But there was time for a little Saturday Stirland family party.  Everyone could be there with the exception of the Texas Stirlands (totally missed you Spencer, Shreann, and family... can't wait to see you again soon) and Grandma Barney (you were greatly missed too, grandma).

I came to Utah preparing for family fun and a brownie.  I LOVE brownies.  I figured someone - whether it be mother, Michael, or Daniel would make some in my honor (yes, I know, very self seeking of me... can I blame that on the pregnancy?) but with only 2 days left of vacation, there were still no brownie sightings.  That is until....

MICHAEL TO THE RESCUE!  He made me brownies with mint chocolate chips.  Mmmm... so good!

So, here's a little synopsis of the Saturday fun.  Daniel made a dutch oven turkey:

Which was VERY good.  

We also had mom's homemade salsa (SOOO GOOD) and chip dip, 

potatoes, jello salad, veggies, bread, etc.  A great meal!

Michael brought with him a fun game called Ladder Ball which everyone enjoyed playing.  Don even talked me into throwing a few tosses.

My sweet husband teaming up with Michael:

Great form, Michael....

Joseph and Mother:

Yes, that really is mother teaming up with Joseph.  

Any game where we can get her out in the hot sun must be fun....

Abby and Sam played the game very well:

Then there was cooling off in the pool.  

Sam:

Abby:

Michael even jumped in.  Abby made sure every part of him got cooled off - face included.  

Can you see the look of utter gratitude in Michael's face?

There was some video game playing:

Which got a bit much for Jamie....

Some good eating and conversation:

Some relaxing:

Joseph's got this relaxing bit down to a science....

Some wrestling...

Sam and Jamie:

Not sure who won this match....

Daddy / Daughter...

Followed by some snuggling:

Then there was the roasting of the giant marshmallows:

Followed by the eating of the giant marshmallows:

Which was followed by the giant clean up effort.

All in all, a wonderful trip full of wonderful memories.  Thanks, family.  I sure do love you all.

Father and Son Time

This July we took a little trip out to Indiana.  I know what you're thinking: "You actually left the house....?"  Yes, I did.  Yay me!  Don's daughter was getting married so he was definitely going.  Since I had already missed Kayla's graduation trip and a Stirland family party, I refused to be left behind again.  Don agreed - said the trip would do me good and he wanted me there (which was very kind of him considering if I did get sick it he would be the one next to me having to deal with it).  

Anyway, we went out to Indiana first and Don got some good quality one on one time with Paul.  Here are some of the things they did:

First, they cleaned some guns to prepare to go shooting at Frank's house.  Paul tried some on:

He's got the stance down and everything.  Very impressive.  

They also went to see the recently placed marker for Don's dad's military service:

There was a trip to the Ohio temple involved:

Since Kayla was going through the temple when we were in Utah, we thought we would get some genealogy prepared for the occation.  So early one morning Don and Paul made the long trip.

Then there was some racing: 

(I was informed the correct terminology is RACING go-karts,

 not PLAYING go-karts.  Ah well... Rookie mistake...)

Here's my sweet husband....

and Paul...

   

One of the only shots we could get of them together...

(here my sweet husband would want me to point out that he's ahead...) 

And here are father and son bonding about speed and the cool uniforms they got to wear:

After they cooled down a bit (it was really hot outside and with their uniforms and the heat of the engine -  all a very awesome and intoxicating experience I'm told...) we went over to Frank's house to do some shooting.  But almost as much fun as the shooting was driving the golf cart:

First Paul called driver...

(that's Don waving his last goodbyes to us... )

(But as you see, he is still alive...)

Then Don had to show Paul how it's done...

(The patient look on Paul's face speaks volumes...)

There was some father / son planning  time....

Then the guns were fired:

 

Then they bonded about the loudness of the guns, the accuracy of the shots, you know, manly stuff...

A few days later we went to see Don's Uncle Junior and Aunt Martha.  Their son Toll happened to be  there.

(From left to right: Toliver, Aunt Martha, Uncle Junior)

To close, here's a picture of the Walker men:

(Paul, Don, Toliver, and Uncle Junior)

Spoiled Rotten

Helloooooo there family and friends I've yet to meet!  It's me again, "little baby girl" as mama calls me.  I just had some pictures taken and thought you might like to see.  You have to use your imagination on some of these...

Here's my profile.  I'm waving to you!  (Actually I'm just trying to stretch out my arm to give me a little more space to breath. There's no room in this place!)

If you look close you can see my eyes closed and my hands in little fists by my chin...

Here's me sucking my thumb.  Daddy saw this picture and said "STOP IT." Apparently thumb sucking is NOT an option in the Walker household. 

Mama also has a picture that proves that I'm a girl, however, daddy gave her strict instructions NOT to post it on the blog....  


Mama also got to see me open and shut my eye.  It made her cry.  Sheesh!  Can you believe what a overly sentimental mother I have????  Hope it's not genetic...


Here's some other wonderful gifts that I have been given.  Can't wait to get here and use them all!

Grandma Walker made me a wonderful blanket.  It looks so warm!  

While we were in Indiana, Grandma Walker saw this outfit and had to get it for me.  I'll wear it with Hoosier pride in great respect for my Walker genealogy!

My last ultrasound showed my long legs.  So, just in case I was basketball-minded, grandma's outfit also came prepared with some basketball shorts.  

While we were in Utah for Kayla's wedding, Aunt Jamie gave me this outfit.  And, yes, Aunt Jamie, I do.  :D

And she gave me this one too... (And yes, Aunt Jamie, I will be.) :D  

In closing, here's my new favorite picture of my daddy! 

That's mom's maternity belt she's borrowing from Aunt Shreann (by the way, thanks Aunt Shreann, I feel so much more supported when mom wears it).   Funny that I don't get the same feeling of support when daddy wears it... but it does make for a great picture.