More great company & Michael's garden

We've been so fortunate this week to have so much family visit! First Grandma & Grandpa came to visit, then on Friday Annette & Karen came down. They had been wanting to do something to help remember Michael on this first anniversary of his passing, so they came and bought plants to help make a memorial garden for Michael. We were so touched that they would want to do this for us. After our visit to the nursery for the plants, the rest of the family joined us at Joe Bandito's for more yummy Mexican food (I've been celebrating my birthday all week!) This is all we could manage to do after we stuffed ourselves:

Some time in the night (after plane delays, etc.) Rachel and Brandon & kids arrived. They were exhausted but glad to be here. Saturday morning Esther came too, and we enjoyed visiting and having breakfast together.

Spencer & Brandon

Esther Manwaring & Jenna Holloway

Mom Annette with daughters Rachel & Esther

After breakfast, our cousin Allison (Aunt Alice's daughter) who lives here in Springville too, came over and the 4 of us girls worked to plant Michael's garden. They're all perennials so they'll come back every year, hopefully bigger and fuller each year. It's hard to see the individual plants, but here's the finished product:

and the girls together with our cousin, Allison, who is so bubbly and fun, she made the whole project entertaining!

Annette, Allison, Kathy, Karen

We are so excited about this garden for Michael, a beautiful living memory right here in our yard that will be a wonderful reminder of our sweet Michael and his gentle spirit, each time we step out our door. Words can't express how grateful Dave & I are for this sweet gesture of love from Karen and Annette. Thank you girls - we love you!