17 February 2011

Ugh!

I knew we were being spoiled when we had sun and 50+ degrees earlier this week. This is what we woke up to this morning:
Sam was a big helper shoveling the driveway
Taking a quick break for a refreshing snack
It started last night with a little hailstorm and some thunder and lightning. Sam was fascinated with all the little white, "cold balls" on our patio.
Random photo of Sam giving Daniel a massage with a vibrating golf ball. Poor Daniel.

14 February 2011

A Week in Utah

Since this winter has seemed to just be dragging on and on, we went to Utah for a week for a change of scenery. Sam, Daniel and I stayed at my parents for a week. Bill drove down with us, stayed a few days and then flew home for a few to work. Then he flew back down for a couple and we all drove home together. It was a great week and went way too fast! We had a great time seeing some of our family and friends. We only wish we could have seen everyone!
While Bill was in town, we tried to do lots of fun things. One fav was the Aquarium. Since Sam is a huge Nemo fan, we had a hard time pulling him away from "Bruce".
Petting the sting rays
Daniel was a trooper
One morning we rode the "choo-choo train" (Trax). We didn't have a destination in mind since it was so cold out and would have had to walk outside once we got off. We just rode it to the end of the line and back to our car. Sam was in heaven with Grandma & Grandpa Ellison.
Sam conned both Grandma and Grandpa to play trains with him several times a day.
The days that Bill was gone were pretty crazy. It made me realize how much he helps me with the boys and how grateful I am for him!! Thank goodness for grandparents and cousins who were there to make the time more fun for Sam!
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Sam and his cousin, Noah
Sam & his buddy, Drew G.
Pizza at the Anderson cousins house
On our way out of town I got to see my cousin Rob's new baby girl, Clara. Love the dark hair!
We had such a great time. I'm looking forward to another trip when the weather is warmer and we can see more friends!

16 January 2011

Uncle Robert

My dear uncle Robert passed away this week. He was my mother's only sibling. I have wonderful memories of him tickling me if I didn't have a bow in my hair and spending Thanksgiving with his family. Becky and I drove down to Salt Lake with the babies for the funeral. It was a beautiful service. He was an amazing man and will be missed.

ROBERT SLOAN, Jr.

Robert Charles Sloan, Jr. 1936 ~ 2011 Our beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother, Robert Charles Sloan, Jr., passed away at home on January 11, 2011, at the age of 74. He was born March 22, 1936, to Robert Charles and Laura Egan Sloan. His was a happy childhood, growing up on the Avenues with his sister, Betty Ellen, surrounded by both sets of grandparents, family, and friends. He treasured his life-long friendships from the Twentieth Ward. As a young man, he served in the Swiss-Austrian mission where he established a pattern of faithful service and was blessed with wonderful associations and experiences. Upon his return, he continued his studies at the University of Utah, where he was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity, graduating with a business degree and an MBA. On September 1, 1961, he married his eternal companion, Janet Laughlin, in the Salt Lake Temple. He joined his father at the Sloan Insurance Agency established by his grandfather and was known for his integrity and professionalism. He was one of the first in the state to earn his CPCU designation. Robert was a faithful and devoted member of the LDS Church, serving in many capacities including as a young bishop of the Monument Park 1st Ward, high councilor, a national officer for Sigma Gamma Chi church fraternity, as a mission president to the wonderful missionaries of the West Virginia Charleston Mission (1996-1999), and as an ordinance worker in the Salt Lake Temple for nearly seven years. He was a faithful hometeacher to the end. He was known for his physical fitness and had a great love for the beauties of nature and found great pleasure in running, hiking, camping and backpacking with loved ones in our beautiful state. His love of fine music continues in his children and grandchildren. He valued his pioneer heritage and enjoyed attending the monthly Sons of Utah Pioneers functions and left a legacy to his posterity worthy of emulation. During the last several years, he endured with patience and without complaint the loss of his vision as well as declining abilities due to the effects of Alzheimer's disease. He was an example to those who knew him of gentle dignity, unwavering faith, and a grateful heart. He was blessed with the gift of wisdom and many came to him for advice and counsel. He is survived by his wife; sons - David (Martha), Stephen (Marta), and Richard; daughters - Julie Newton (Bruce), Suzanne Richards (Mark), Elisabeth Lambert (Kevin), Catherine Blake (Michael); 27 grandchildren; his sister, Betty Ellison (Peter); and aunt, Elaine Stevens Williams. The family extends grateful appreciation to Loyda Tovar for her loving care these past six months and to our dear neighbors and friends, Bob and Julie Anderson, for their ever-constant kindnesses through the years. There will be a viewing Friday night, January 14th, at Larkin Sunset Lawn (2350 East 1300 South) from 6-8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be Saturday, January 15th, at noon at the Monument Park First Ward (1005 South 2000 East) with a viewing prior to the services at the ward from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the LDS Church's Humanitarian Fund or Perpetual Education Fund or to the Utah Symphony of which he was a life-long patron. Interment at the Salt Lake City Cemetery. Online condolences at www.larkincares.com.

25 December 2010

Merry Christmas

We had a very merry Christmas this year. We drove down to Logan Thursday afternoon. Daniel was great on his first roadtrip. We stopped once and arrived around 8 pm. We were so excited that three of Bill's sisters were there. Daniel got to meet some of his cousins and Sam loved playing with all the boys.
Whitaker boys: Daniel, Seth, Andy & Sam
Daniel & Leah
Sam played a shepherd in our reading of The Nativity
Daniel slept like a champ
Christmas morning was magical. It was so fun to see Sam and his cousin, Andy opening presents. They were excited about everything they got. They played together pretty well (except for a few scuffles caused by Sam).
Sam in his new "Cars" chair
It was such a fun weekend! We had to head back home Sunday morning. We made it home in 4 1/2 hours without one stop! Daniel is a little angel!

09 December 2010

Two Months!

This little guy is getting so big! He now weighs 12 lbs 12 oz and is 24 inches long. He is smiling and cooing all the time. We just love him!

06 December 2010

Blessing Day

What a special weekend we've had! We were so happy that so many family members were able to come to Daniel's blessing.
Sam loves his little brother!
Bill gave Daniel a beautiful blessing.
Grandma & Grandpa Ellison with Lucy & Daniel
It was so neat to be able to bless two little babies. They're already great friends!
Mom, Me & Daniel

02 December 2010

Birthday Boy!

Our little Sammy is two! I can't believe it! He has been the most fun little boy and we are so grateful to have him in our family!
We spent the morning of his birthday at Monkey Bizness with Ann, Cael & Whit. They had a blast!
Since my parents, Bill's parents and my brother Dan and his family were coming to town a couple of days later for Daniel's baby blessing, we waited to celebrate with them. Sam is pretty obsessed with garbage trucks, so this was my attempt at decorating his cake with one. The 40 represents the age that my sister, Ann and her husband recently turned.
Sam loved the Happy Birthday singing...
...and opening his presents.
We love you Sam!