Playing Catchup - January 2010

January 2: Justin & Steph's Open House: This was held at our home, which was a little stressful, but we were so pleased with how everything turned out. Since it was Christmastime, I chose to keep the Christmas theme. We had a huge turnout of friends and family to celebrate with Justin and Steph.

Emily enjoying some treats

Some of you already know that one of my favorite things was the photo tree we did. I purchased a new tree, and Caitlin helped me pick out all the new decorations, but it was Caitlin and my neice, Christianne, who did the actual tedious decorating of the tree. Pictures just don't do it justice - it really was beautiful!! I liked it so well, I will most likely keep the photo theme and put family photos on the tree for next Christmas.

We had a great turnout, and there were people everywhere, from the kitchen........

Caitlin's friends Kyle & Talise, and Caitlin

to the family room......

Rochelle Tuttle, Christianne Bennett, Becky Whittle

and up the stairs.........

Steph's sisters Jennifer & Kim, and friends

Justin and Steph

There are just too many names to mention, but thank you again to ALL of you who did so much to help make the evening so wonderful!

January: Trip to visit Grandpa and Grandma Danes

Grandpa & Grandma at our favorite restaurant in Kuna - El Gallo Giro

Playing Catch Up - December

It's been 4 months since I've made a blog post. I had to think twice about what my password was to even sign in! We've had such wonderful news happening in our family the past few months that I decided I better catch up a little and at least mention them and post a few pictures for the record.

December 19: Justin and Stephanie get married (guess I can take the ticker off the blog now) :)

Coming out of the Mesa Temple

Proof we were all there! All of our children (and spouses) were able to be there except for Jordan (in Mexico), and Andrew, and Starrie, since Starrie was due with Jocelynn about a week later.

Emily carrying the train

Groomsmen, bridesmaids, Emily, & Alyssa

The reception was held in Stephanie's home and backyard - everything was absolutely gorgeous. Her dad made homemade Mexican food (yum!). Perfect December Arizona weather (73 degrees) for a perfect day!

Cutting the cake

Emily all tired out

Congratulations to the happy couple!

Christmas 2009:

We are so blessed to live close to Bill and Karen! One night we met them in Salt Lake City, enjoyed dinner together, then went to see a gingerbread house display. There was also a nativity display and a tree display there. So pretty!

Bill and Karen at the Christmas display

I can't believe it, but this is about the only picture we took on Christmas day!!

Kathy and Emily sporting the new aprons that Caitlin made for us!!

December 28: We became grandparents again!! Beautiful Jocelynn Autumn Whittle was born to Andrew and Starrie, at 10:25 a.m. Weighing in at 7lbs 12oz, 19 inches long.

Jocelynn and her Daddy

Aunt Emily and Jocelynn

Grandpa Whittle & Jocelynn

Jocelynn's little family

We feel so blessed to live close by and be able to enjoy Jocelynn as often as we do. It's a joy to watch her grow, smiling all the time now, and starting to interact with people. I was sick for over a week and had to stay away from her and not hold her - not fun!!! Dave and I love being grandparents!