But there was time for just sitting in the sun--and getting a bragging-rights tan to show those back in Iowa.
And while we attended a session at the temple... 
...the babysitters had their own fun.
So, watching the killer whales was nice. Take note that the area likely to get wet in the shows from splashing is clearly marked on the benches. And although we were in the splash zone for the Shamu show, fortunately, we didn't get wet. It was still early in the day and not warm enough for wet clothes!
Taking a 22-month old to an all-day theme park is iffy. Especially when he throws up in the car just as we are arriving. But we found out that Alastair was great. We'd have to sit for 30 minutes or so before a show (to get a seat--there was a crowd. You'd think it was spring break or something), but we were able to keep him occupied. 
Once the show began, he was totally enthralled with it. There was nothin antsy about him!
A wide variety of sidewalk cafes lined the walk. But it was the trees and lush greenery that made it so satisfying. There were even a few flowering trees.
The water had some left-over green dye from the St. Patrick's Day flotilla parade. 
Catherine had saved her first visit to the Alamo for when someone came to visit, and that was us. Now she's a real Texan!
The weather was perfect--sunshine, 75 degrees, some new leaves on the trees to give some shade. And a perfect photo op at the well of the fort. There is something about be six years old that makes cooperating with a nice smile impossible. Or so it seems. At least you get the real Connor!
2. Then came the Trivia Contest on Homework Hotline. We knew we were in trouble in this second round when the other team, in their introductions, thanked a teacher who had helped them prepare. That wasn't Alice's and Lauren's experience. Our school had forgotten all about it until that very afternoon. As I drove Alice over to the location, I was trying to quick-imput some typical trivia, "who won the Super Bowl?", "who is the Sec. of State?" (And that question was actually asked). The final score wasn't pretty.
3. The ward talent show. We had a great time figuring out our costumes and making our wigs. We even talked Brian Sims into wearing the wig we'd made for him. He got the most laughs because it just isn't expected that a high councilman/pediatrician will stoop to such gimmicks. Costumes were great. The music was less than perfect, but our act was still enjoyed a great deal.
And then the cold descended. Thursday morning, it was somewhere between -23 and minus -29, depending on whose thermometer you went by. 
And yes, that is ice on the INSIDE of the windows. And a gallon of milk was frozen solid in the garage. I had to put it in the refrigerator to warm up.
And the grandkids loved helping vacuum, but with some different ideas of which area of carpet should be vacuumed next.
Then there was playing with Emma & Marta as they took their bath. 
We wondered how Emma and Marta would react to Lily, the dog. The rest of the grandkids already like her, and she likes them--at least she likes the food that inevitably gets dropped near their chairs. We didn't need to worry. Marta was happy to see the "puppy dog!" and liked to pet her. Emma liked throwing a toy for her to retrieve. And whenever I sat down, Lily was right there. Sometimes she got to share my lap. She seemed to handle all the chaos just fine.
I'll tell you, Grandma loved the whole week!
Later that morning, Deborah and Adam arrived from Provo. The party began gaining steam! A puzzle was brought out, Kevin was home from work, and the games began. Emma and Marta liked Grandpa's airplane rides. 
Then on Wednesday, Catherine, Aaron, Connor, Brenna, & Alastair arrived from Wisconsin. Mealtimes became big affairs!
All the grandchildren got along very well. Maybe it was because of all the fun
There was a constant hum of conversation, giggles,and laughter all week long.
It was all a bit of heaven!
Then all the lights were turned out. 
Elizabeth had a broken arm.
Winky Boody had a broken shoulder, but didn't seem to mind being carried by Joe Fagersten and Scott Frodsham (in their green CERT uniforms).
And what did I get for my birthday? Exactly what I asked for--an electric hedge-trimmer !
and became a teenager during the Great Depression (she is standing, in back).
During World War II, she wrote letters to servicemen, and married one shortly after the war ended. All of us children were part of the baby boom generation.
In the 1970's, her mom turned 80, and her children started getting married.
Then, about the beginning of the new millenium, her grandchildren started getting married,
and great-grandchildren came to the family. She still goes camping. She still takes care of a large vegetable garden and numerous flower beds. She's amazing!
She's my mom.
And the apples taste so good! 
There were a few wormholes, despite spraying a few times this summer. Still those apples made good applesauce. Some were dried, some have been enjoyed with cream cheese apple dip.
That part was easy.
Then there was the left-over glue from some old plastic tiles on the walls.
New wallboard was brought in to cover it up. 
When putting in the tub-surround, the men ended up having to take out the plaster down to the studs--a messier job than we'd hoped for.
But once the new sheetrock was in, and then the tub surround and shower put in, wow! Did things look different!
The pink paint was covered up with a nice beige, to contrast with the white, and a new light fixture was put in over the medicine cabinet. And now, the bathroom is a brand-new room. 
