Phelps/Palmer/Johnson Reunion in Bountiful

 27 June 2015

Phelps/Palmer/Johnson Reunion

Even being in Utah for a month, there is never enough time to spend the amount of time we'd like to with all of our family. That's what we get for having so much family in Utah! Thankfully though, my  Dad's side made an incredible effort and as many as could came together for a reunion of sorts in Bountiful. The entire time we were there I kept thinking about how much Grandma would have loved to have been there to watch all her great grandbabies running around (and laying around). It was a fiesta for sure. Michael and Heidi reserved their cultural hall in their church building for us - and it was the perfect fit for our needs. It even had some awesome outdoor amenities, though it was far too hot to enjoy the playground. We played basketball, the kids ran around and played, we visited, we ate watermelon, Aaron taught the family how to play Werewolf, and we even barbecued for dinner and had root beer floats for dessert. It was fantastic. I loved hearing my Aunt Calleen's laugh resonate through the halls, the kids squealing on the stage, the 5 babies crying at different and the same times, and the buzz of a big happy family in the church building. I know my Phelps family was so grateful for all those who came together so we could see them and spend valuable time. One of the highlights was getting the babies of 2015 together for a photo. We are missing 2 from the photo...Jenny's little Samuel (Canada really is SO far away) and Amber's little one to be born in December! The other highlight was being there to see Grandpa open his Father's Day gift from Dad and Mom - the memoir book of Grandma Phelps. It was an emotional moment. It was then wonderful for folks to gather and go through the photos and share memories. Because the book includes the photos the family contributed for her memorial service, it really is a book created by the family. I loved having some quiet one on one time with my Grandpa. I'm a sentimental junkie and love those times the very most. It was a day to remember for sure.

Mamas and babies of 2015.

The infamous Werewolf. It brings out a side in you that you didn't know existed!!!

Will adores his cousin, "Baby Nonni". He loves to tickle her and just be by her.

Could they be any cuter? Olivia and her cousin Jada.

Heaven help me. She's already the posing queen.

Samuel J was the comic relief of the afternoon as he decided to drop his pants and come scuffling into the room.

Best friends "separated at birth" by only 2 days.

I really do just love her.

We accomplished the impossible. All of us there in one frame, and all but a few looking at the camera with open eyes. And considering that those few were the littles, I'm counting this a HUGE success. We are a good looking bunch Grandma and Grandpa Phelps - you did good. ;)

Father's Day in Provo

14 June 2015

Father's Day

This year we were fortunate enough to be in the same city as both of our fathers. Having just returned from Lake Powell the evening before, we were wiped, but still managed to make it to Sacrament Meeting with my family at 9am Sunday. The service was beautiful, though we were sorely disappointed when the Primary didn't sing! So was Olivia. Following our church service, Olivia and I made late breakfast for Aaron - his favorite - eggs and toast, with bacon! We took photos with the children/fathers - and it was neat that all of us girls were together with my Dad, we miss Jordan though. Next year can't come soon enough. After photos it was time for our big Father's Day meal: pork chops with milk gravy, mashed potatoes, salad, asparagus, rolls, and then cinnamon rolls for dessert. Delicious. We had to roll ourselves into the other room to relax. Gifts were given to the dads. This year I have been sorting through and printing books of our digital photos. I made a memoir book - a tribute to Grandma Phelps for Dad that Mom and I gave him. It was a neat experience not only to create the book and go through the photos myself, but also to see my Dad see some of the photos for the first time and to relive others. We also had one printed for Grandpa Phelps for Dad and Mom to give him for Father's Day. Olivia and William gave Aaron a really cute book and we all gave him a personalized phone battery charger that has photos of our family on it. I know that my Mom appreciated being there with her dad - and I know that my Grandpa probably appreciated most having all of us crazies there in his home. Naps were mandatory today. Then it was off to see Aaron's father/Papa. Debbie had made a super tasty rib dinner that sadly I was still too stuffed to enjoy - but we loved spending the evening visiting, laughing, watching the kids run around, and playing Werewolf. In fact, we enjoyed our time so much that I don't think I took a single photo that evening. Which, for those of you that know me, is really saying something; I always have my camera or phone in hand on special occasions. We really did count our blessings to have spent the day with both of our fathers. We know the years are numbered that we will have such an experience - after all, how often will we get both the SoCal Ericksons and the Phelps in Provo or the Utah Ericksons in California for Father's Day?!

Michelle and Will shared some of the most darling moments this day. This is one of many many cute photos I captured of their funny face game.

I have a REALLY good looking family.

Even when they're nutty.

"See Daddy? My hand!" Will signed Aaron's card with his hand and was so excited to show him.

Lisa scored a touchdown with Broncos slippers for Dad and a bag FULL of his favorite sweets.

Adoring his little buddy.

Let's face it, Father's Day is just plain exhausting.

Michelle won the award for the most creative gift this year. We all LOVED her ginormous card/poster they made for Dad. 

Sam wanted in on the picture too...even if it was a Mike Wazowski moment.

Here's the Phelps/Williams side of us, minus Jake and Jordan. Jake had to work and Jordan's STILL on his mission. We missed you both! 

Will's 2nd Birthday

April 27, 2015

Will turned 2! We celebrated over the weekend with an afternoon at Chuck E Cheese on Saturday and then a trip to the park and family night on his birthday, Monday. As it worked out, my parents were in town - my Dad had an appointment down here earlier in the week, so they stayed a couple extra days to be able to celebrate with us. 

Pictures are worth a thousand words...so here's Will's birthday! 

Will finally moved up to a new table chair - just like his big sister's. He wanted white, not black - although that may have been because that's all that was in stock at IKEA. :) He chose Cocoa Pebbles for his birthday breakfast...and "oncs" (oranges).

This kid loves balloons and balls.

He loves to pick up 3 at a time like this and spin them around. It takes him a bit to get them just right, and he gets frustrated if one drops. And of course - he chose his favorite color - "onc".

To lead him to his birthday present from us, we set out an MnM trail for him to follow. 

Of course you have to eat some as you go.

His first bike!

Hopped right on - ready to go! 

Lala and Papa brought a gift for him to open first thing too - but he wanted us to "wait" until he was ready.

Isn't this a perfect advertising photo for Fisher Price? 

He even used his feet to open this one.

I love this expression. It's as if to say, "I opened it. Now what?"

He was obsessed with this little orange slide. He kept wanting his Dad to put it together. Little did he know it would be almost the last piece to be assembled.

Yeah....I think there 44 steps or something.

Some of my favorite faces of Will...

Notice the orange slide...

Patiently waiting...

And not so patiently waiting..."SLIDE!!!"

"Mad."

We even arranged for the garbage truck to come on his birthday. (Thank goodness they come every Monday)

These big brown eyes.

Daddy's little helper.

I love this girl. She was so intent on helping her Dad, watching ever so closely.

He finally got to see a car go partially down the slides! 

This is what the entire morning consisted of. Daddy and his helpers. 

Aaron's face: "Shoot me now."

But moments like this really do make it worth it. Will was so happy to be building with his Dad.

"Bubbos!" (Bubbles)

After lunch and naps, we went to the park so Will could try out his new bike and play ball.

After the park, we met Daddy at home for a hot dog bbq! Will wanted to try everything on the table, including the onions...which he very quickly determined he did NOT like. He did however devour the avocado, dips, and his dog (bun free of course).

Will had the whole opening gift thing down this year. He was so excited when he caught a glimpse of his first one. That's Papa Pop on the phone that Aaron's holding. (Grammy was visiting with Rachel)

A BYU hat! 

I adore this photo. Will loves his Papa Pop - or Pop Pop as he's started calling him. He was so excited to see and hear that it was him on the phone. They have such a sweet relationship, and one that I hope Will will always remember.

His face says it all, he LOVES garbage and recycling trucks! 

Will's favorite animal is a cat - or a kitty as he calls each one fondly. He loves to play with Olivia's Purple Kitty and Puddin', but she's not always so willing to share - so she wanted to get him his own for his birthday! She chose one in his favorite color - orange! 

"ONC!" This little kitty is known as "Onc Kitty" (Orange Kitty). Original, I know.

Time to call Nana, Papa and all his aunts and uncles in Provo! It was so fun to see them all and finally get to hear them sing Happy Birthday. We had been playing phone tag all day. 

Nana and Papa sent him a baseball bat and ball! 

He knew just what to do. In fact, he even wanted to sleep with them that night...and many nights since. He takes them everywhere and is very unwilling to share such prized possessions. A future baseball player? Yes.

After opening all his gifts (I loved when he opened some clothes from Lala and Papa - he said, "More jammies!" and threw them aside. Lol.), he took each one and put them away - in their place. Books on the shelf, ball and bat in the bin, etc. This kid is organized and a lot like his Uncle Jordan was at this age.

In case you don't know, Will LOVES Bubble Guppies. It's his favorite show. It's an obsession actually. So determining a theme for his birthday party was simple. And his little cake was quick and easy too. Olivia helped place the guppies and the candles.

After blowing out the candles, it was dark (the light you see here is the flash from the camera). Will didn't know what to do next.

"Bright."

Even with ice cream and cake to eat, this little guy only wanted "Chokut mulk". He was so kind and shared his cake and ice cream with Daddy.

Needless to say, Will had a "fintastic" birthday. Phone calls, Skype calls, video messages, gifts, cards, and all the attention he could hope for.