Memories of Soren

When I miss Soren, I like to go back and look at pictures of him. This picture was taken in January when Melissa and Soren were able to come for a visit to our house. Here he is entertaining himself in the kitchen by emptying out my drawers. I'm so thankful for cameras that can preserves these memories. Nana loves you Soren!

We Will Miss You Guys...

For the last 7 months, Paul's nephew Preston and his wife Jennifer and their kids have been living in our basement apartment. Since we are empty nesters, the sounds of a young family living downstairs was music to our ears. It reminded us of our younger days with our children. But today they left for Colorado and the house seems silent and sad.

We enjoyed when the kids would come upstairs and play for awhile. Here they are shining their flashlights at Paul while he pretends to grimace from the bright lights.

Hallie loves anything pink, especially her pink kitty that she likes to take every place with her.

Cole was into balloons, so I blew up a bunch for him. He also enjoyed the ones I would blow up and not tie and he would let it go zooming around the room. Here he is with a green balloon mustache.

But even though we said good bye to Preston and Jennifer, we had a happy hello for Brian (Preston's brother) who just got back from his mission. Life seems to be made-up of comings and goings...

Nicole's Baby Shower

The same day Nicole graduated, Jenny Wilder threw her a baby shower before she left for Dallas. She liked this card of a Daddy, Mommy, and baby elephant.

Melissa made her some delicious cupcakes from scratch for the luncheon.

Melissa also made this "I am a child of God" wall hanging.

Nicole's nephew Jaxon had fun helping Nicole with her gifts.

Of course, because Ryan is such a huge Oregon Ducks fan, the baby had to have a one-sie with the colors and logo of the Ducks.

It even came wrapped in Oregon Ducks paper.

Here is a quilt Nicole got from Cindy.

Cindy, Jenny, and Laurie watching the fun from the couch.

She got some great stuff.

Everybody liked the little bear feet on this sleeper.

Jenny had a spread of delicious food. It was a wonderful baby shower. Thank you everyone for making it a special day.

Nicole's College Graduation

We took a trip to Rexburg to celebrate Nicole's graduation from college. Each graduate received one of these beautiful roses.

We appreciated Ryan's Mom, Cindy, coming from Oregon to see Nicole graduate.

It was just five years ago that Melissa graduated from BYU-I.

Taking photos between commencement and convocation.

Proud parents.

Ryan, Nicole, and baby Jett who will make his appearance the end of June.

We were able to find her in the crowd. There were about 1,500 graduates.

Posing for her Dad as she comes off the stage with her diploma.

She was one happy girl.

She looks so studious in her glasses.

We had to stand in a long line to get this photo by one of the few BYU-Idaho signs on campus.

Cute couple!

Nicole, we are so proud of all of your hard work and dedication. You are an amazing person and a wonderful daughter.