Holiday Happenings

The Ray cousins also got together one evening last week for the first time in many years. It was great to see everyone again--it is quite a crew. Thanks to Aunt Sidney and Aunt Melody for organizing and hosting this wonderful event. The cousins range in age from 40+ to our Chloe, who is 6.

The holidays have come and are almost gone. We enjoyed getting together with all our kids and grandson.

Party Time

Katie had a fun party with friends on her 9th birthday. Everyone pitched in to help and Mom and Dad managed to survive the day. We love our Katie!

Birthday Girl

Katie is celebrating her 9th birthday on the 30th. It's hard to believe she's been part of our lives for so long. She has always been the perfect little girl and is such a delight. We love her to pieces!

Halloween

I am the all time scrooge of Halloween, but somehow we managed to have a good time.

Grandpa Weed

Our Grandpa Weed passed away two weeks ago and we traveled up to Utah to enjoy being with family and celebrating the life of this good husband, father, grandfather and man. He was 86 at the time of his death and was married to Grandma Chloe for over 64 years. He was quarterback of the first BYU football team to beat the University of Utah. He and Grandma met while at BYU--he was the Student Body President and she was the Student Body Vice President. A few days after being married he left to fight in the Pacific during World War II and was gone for about 2 years. He received a PhD in Plant Physiology, worked in research and marketing for the DuPont Company and enjoyed professional success--living back East for almost 40 years and raising their 6 kids. He served faithfully in the Church as a Branch President, Stake President, Regional Representative of the 12, Mission President and Stake Patriarch--but above all, he loved and was devoted to his wife and family.

Carly's Birthday/Reunion Time

Carly celebrated her 17th birthday today. We all love her to pieces. It's hard to believe she could be that old. In a similar vein, Julie will be attending her 30th high school class reunion this weekend--again, it's hard to believe she could be that old--but what a cutie!
Those who have at least several children, or several brothers and sisters, will understand that the youngest child enjoys a little more latitude than the older kids. That's probably a pretty good explanation for what's going on with Chloe in the picture below. We've also attached a photo of Christy and a couple of her friends .

School Picture Time!

The girls thought that they were hilarious making beards out of their hair. Guess which photos were taken on school picture day.

Mike and His Roomies--Minus the Drakester

Star in Your Own JibJab! It's Free!We never knew that these guys had such talent!

Pine Getaway

We had a fun weekend at the cabin . The girls played with some cousins while we swept off the cobwebs and got the pine needles off the roof. It rained off and on while we were there making everything so green and beautiful.We still enjoy going to Christy's volleyball games.
And, of course, we love spending time with our gransdon, Clark

Hail the Conquering Hero

The Stapley Sabrecats remain undefeated in girl's volleyball action and Christy plays an important role on the team. Kate and Chloe love playing dress up notwithstanding the pained look on Chloe's face.

Birthdays and BYU

We celebrated three birthdays in August with Chloe celebrating her 6th! Carly loves holding Clark any chance she can get. Mike headed up to BYU and received some big hugs from his sisters. (The arguments over who would take over his room commenced minutes after his departure.) Christy is enjoying playing volleyball at Stapley and they won their first match. Go Sabrecats!

Mt. Humphreys Death March

Last weekend, the Madsens were kind enough to let the Weeds crash their family gathering up in Pine and the Fillmores graciously accomodated our overflow. On Saturday, the menfolk (minus Bryon who volunteered to stay behind and protect the women and children) traveled to Flagstaff to participate in a bit of male bonding and hike Mt. Humphreys (12,600 feet high). A local Cancer Walk prevented the group from getting to the trailhead, but the men were not to be denied. Even though a detour added a few miles to the hike, everyone made it to the top.

Back to School

Katie and Chloe headed back to school this week together with Carly and Christy. Christy is excited to be playing volleyball at Stapley this year. Mike finished at Walgreens and is heading for Provo and BYU in a few days. Finally--after 22 plus years, Julie has an empty house all to herself during the day. Not a tear has been shed.

Getting Along

It happens much less frequently than we would like, but it sure is nice when the kids get along. It has been a fun summer, but we surely are looking forward to the start of school!

July Happenings

The girls bought a new bird a few weeks ago and love it to pieces. They are also pretty fond of their nephew, Clark.