Tyler's 6th Grade Graduation

Yes indeed Tyler is moving on Jr. High School. Whew, I guess that means Adam and Bryson will also be moving on to bigger and better things to come. My boys are growing up far too quickly.
We were very proud to see Tyler win an award for his grades. He was one of two kids from Mr. Johnson's class to receive the academic award. Way to go Tyler. We expect to see great things from you Tyler as time marches on. Tyler, you have only just begun. It was great to see Todd, Taryn and Rylie and celebrate with ice cream afterwards. Fun times!

Memorial Day

Dan & I went to visit the graves on Sunday. We left flowers on my parents graves, Terry's and Grandma Verbanatz's as well. We visited Paul Horne's grave also. We also made a visit to Dan's father's grave in Edgemont. We have been thinking about Marci over the past few days and miss her very much along with all of our loved ones beyond the veil. We are grateful for the all of the memories past and present.
We had a fun day with Bob & Keri, Todd & Bret and lots of grandchildren. We ate pizza and ice cream and watched Indiana Jones and the girls watched Ever After. The girls enjoyed everything but the snake that Adam caught in our backyard! The boys thought it was the best fun ever to play with the little creepy snake and make the girls scream. Everyone had a great time! I am so glad that we can get together when possible.
Dan & I went to see the Little River Band at the Scera Shell later that night. What a busy and fun day. We went to bed tired but happy!

The Idol Winner Is!

Jason and Melinda invited us to dinner on Wednesday night to eat another wonderful meal and watch David Archuleta win the whole competition! What happened? It turned out to be the other David....Cook that is. We had a great evening in spite of the small disappointment of the First Place Prize winner for American Idol. David A. will still have an amazing career and future. He has an amazing pure singing voice. I know that Dan and I would buy his first album for sure.
Well, I must share one more amazing thing. Laura read two entire books to Dad and I. I am talking two books that she had never read before. She read quickly and with expression. Ok, I know this sounds to good to be true. I watched saw and heard her read those books and I don't believe it either! It is true though! Way to go Laura...keep up the good work.

You have come a long way baby!

Happy birthday to Keri today! I so clearly remember this day...dare I say?...35 years ago when I had a baby GIRL! I was and am so grateful for a daughter. I know my three handsome sons were all delighted to have a sister to tease and torment for all those years. What would we have done without our Keri Lynn?
My Girls and I had a wonderful time celebrating the birthday girls birthday over lunch at Sweet Tomatoes. Emily and Laura and Sara and Aysha were so adorable together. They are the cutest!
I can't believe how quickly my babies have grown and now have babies of their own. Wow! Enjoy the small moments...life if very short. I am so greatful to be a Mom and Grandmother and to have had all of the awesome experiences with all of you along the way. I can't explain the joy and gratitude and love that I feel for my family. I adore each and every one of you including my other daughter Melinda. You add so much to our lives and Dad & I appreciate you all more than you can know! Keep on having special times to celebrate! Once again Happy Birthday Keri Lynn!

The death of an Aspen Tree!

This is how our beloved aspen tree looked on Sunday. Majestic, tall, beautifully green, shady. It's been part of the family for the eight years we've been here. It's been a good friend during the hot days of summer. Then, out of nowhere a chainsaw massacre!!



The only thing left of this once gorgeous tree is a hole where it once stood, and a pile of fire wood
waiting to be burned into ashes.

In reality, this was a planned execution. Done for the betterment of mankind and the Breinholt family. This once beautiful tree gave it's life to make way for a much improved backyard. No more messy cleanups, and growing out-of-control branches to worry about. In it's place are three young, maintenance-free flowering pear trees. In due time, they too will provide much needed relief from the sun on a hot summer afternoon!

Weekend Visitors!

Bret went to Chicago for a few days for his job. We were able to take Adam from Friday through Sunday. He was a perfect gentleman including opening and closing the car doors for me. He set a higher standard for my husband in how to treat a lady. Dan and Adam hung out on Saturday while I worked but then when I got home we went to dinner and watched a video together. Adam had some fun with his magnifying glass and bugs and aunts....seems they could not take the heat! I remember Bret doing the same thing when he was a boy....like father like son or boys will be boys, I think? Adam's finger is getting better and we were diligent in doing his therapy twice a day every day and we are sure hoping that it will be well soon.
Bret came to pick up Adam on Sunday so we had the family for dinner and spend a lovely day together.
Ruth brought our Sophie by for a short time on Sunday and it was wonderful to see her. I had not seen her since last December. She has grown so much and is walking and saying words and was so playful and fun. What a delight to see her. We hope that she will be a bigger part of our lives soon!






The last time we saw Shophie she was not walking. Wow! What a big girl she's becoming.

Rylie Turns the BIG # 10!

Rylie was so excited to turn 10. She has come of age and is no longer a single digit number. She feels very grown up these days. Todd and the kids came to celebrate the big day on Wednesday for a great dinner and brownies and ice cream. It was yummy! (If I do say so myself) Rylie opened some great gifts and she loved the photo album/ scraping booking book from G.Dan & G. Linda. Daddy Todd gave her a whole Polly Pockets village and her second favorite Bratz doll and accesseries. She was very excited about her gifts. We has such a fun time together. My these birthday's just keep coming all to fast for me....I can't keep up! I love spending time with Rylie the sweetest ever birthday girl. Tyler, Taran and Todd were up for a good time as well. Too bad the Jazz lost the game later that night. Oh well....we all had a great day!

Bryson Gets the Priesthood!

What a wonderful day we had to attend church and be a witness of Bryson receiving the Aaronic Priesthood from his father. Bob gave Bryson a beautiful blessing as well. Bryson looked very handsome and grown up in his new suit. It was great to see Suzanne and Michael who came to support Bryson on his big day. What a blessing it is to have family to share in these moments together.
Dan and I had all the Reed's to dinner to honor Bryson on his special. Bryson wanted meat loaf, potatoes & rolls. We had a great meal including strawberry shortcake with real whipped cream for dessert. McKenzie and Emily helped with the whipped cream, juice and last minute details which made the dinner extra good thanks to their help.
Everything was great including the company and love of family.
Too bad the Jazz lost their first game against the Lakers! Ug!

Babysitting Fun

I had a great time babysitting...er better said... playing with my adorable girls. They were both angels and gave hugs and kisses and fun with no worries. It was a great evening to enjoy just being a kid with the kids. I enjoyed a nice break from life and Jason & Melinda enjoyed a nice dinner with Melinda's family for Garna's birthday. Dan missed coming but had some real estate to take care of...a new offer! It was a great day for us all.



Laura poses in her brand new bedroom!!

Monday Dinner

We had Jason, Melinda, Laura, Sara and Dan's Mom to dinner on Monday....We had a great visit and good food and company. I really enjoy the times when we can just spend some time with our family. It was a relaxing time to catch up on good news and good times. Laura loves her Grandma Breinholt and Grandma Breinholt loves Laura. Laura had intended to sit by Grandma Linda...ah...me...until she found out that Grandma Breinholt was going to be at dinner. Laura promply moved her special cup to another place so that she could be seated right next to Grandma Great! Oh well, I must learn to share! Love those memories and stories.