We're Goin' to the Chapel and We're Gonna Get Married . . .

Welcome to the family Robin and congratulations to you both!!

Even though wedding plans have been underway for a few weeks now, the ring just arrived this week and, understandably so, Chris didn't waste any time getting it on Robin's finger. With the help of her brother and sister, he took her to a place they'd been in Provo Canyon while they were dating and when they reached the spot where the rose petals were leading to the table, Robin said something like "oh, someone is getting a fun surprise" and totally was caught off guard that she was the someone. (I hope I didn't misinterpret anything in my translation of what Chris related to me.) It sounds like a perfect set-up and oh so romantic!!

We're so excited for you both and can't wait to see you in November at the wedding!!

Katrina's Wedding Shower

Nyla & Katrina

July 12, 2008 - I was glad that we were able to throw Katrina's wedding shower during my stay in Utah this summer. It was a fun afternoon and I enjoyed visiting with family and friends who had traveled many miles to celebrate her upcoming nuptials. In addition to Uncle Vic's sisters and nieces, all of Nyla's daughters were able to travel to be there that day - Melissa from TX, Amy Jo & Ashlee from CA, Jenn from ND, and Julie from ID. Also, both of Nyla's sisters - Mom and all of her girls except Sherise and Nancy. Also, our forever friend Toni was able to come and spend the afternoon. I ordered the refreshments from Kneader's Bakery and couldn't have been happier with the way they looked, tasted, etc. They were scrumptious, and I only felt bad that I got full and didn't get to try one of each variety!! We played Bingo while Katrina opened her gifts and also a spin on 20 questions to test our knowledge of both Katrina and Tony. Katrina received lots of fun gifts to start her new household, but I was most excited about the pitcher and mugs that we gave her (Jeff's Dad made them). I think she was definitely surprised and excited to receive them. Kaitlyn enjoyed helping with the presents - you know, crawling on them, ripping the paper, pulling off the bows, etc. Overall, a great party with wonderful surroundings, yummy food, and perfect company!!

Jessica, Betty, Erica, & Brooklyn

Jenn, Nell, & Julie

Kaitlyn & Brooklyn

Kaitlyn

A Package from Daddy

Kaitlyn and I were both excited to receive a package from Jeff a few weeks ago. A book and a video of him reading the story to Kaitlyn. Kaitlyn has subsequently eaten the back pages so I had to put it up from where she could get it for a while, but she is so cute with the video and trying to touch her Daddy.

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Dear Daddy,

Today Mommy and I had a long talk about college football and why it's your favorite season all year. I know it was a big weekend so I hope you were able to watch some of the games today. But in case you weren't able to, I watched some with Mommy so I could give you the highlights. Mommy also taught me how to say GO UTES, and GO FALCONS, and GO COUGARS!! I think you'll have to teach me about the rules as Mom seemed a little fuzzy and if you could teach me how to throw that'd probably be in my best interests too (don't tell Mom I said that :-)). I wore red in honor of Utah, and I wore your Air Force hat, and I played with your BYU football.

XOXO,

Kaitlyn

6 1/2 Extra Wide

To this point in her life, Kaitlyn hasn't really worn shoes (or socks for that matter). I always figured she wasn't walking yet and it's so hot in Texas that it's kind of a nuisance. Even so, I have had a few pairs around (gifts, Brooklyn's shoes, and one pair that I had purchased) that she just hasn't really worn. As such, I was glad when Katrina asked her flower girls to wear white sandals that I had a cute pair to pull out; and I was so pleased that they fit when I tried them on preparatory to our departure for the wedding.

Well, once in Utah, Grandpa O was fairly concerned about these sandals and kept insisting they were too small. "Posh", I thought, "they are on her feet and they're long enough." Hmm. Perhaps those cute Size 4 sandals were a little small. Grandma O and I took Kaitlyn shoe shopping last week as she's starting to walk now and I decided I couldn't delay the inevitable any longer. Boy was I surprised when I had her feet measured and the nice lady reported that her feet measured 6 1/2 Extra Wide. Whoops!! Good call Grandpa!! (Is that why she curled up her toes and was super stubborn about getting them on in the first place?!?)

I was excited to find these shoes at Payless and Grandma purchased her current size and the next size up for her birthday. (Gotta love the BOGO event!!) Thanks Grandma and Grandpa!! Kaitlyn thanks you for a fun present and especially for helping her clueless Mommy get her in a better shoe size!!

It has been slightly entertaining to watch Kaitlyn wear shoes the last few days. I think she's not quite sure what this extra weight is that's been strapped to her feet. Poor baby!! Nonetheless, it doesn't seem to be slowing her down much.

The Greatest Game Ever Played

I suppose that the greatest game ever played is a matter of personal opinion; however, for me, Scrabble is an all-time favorite. The Christmas before I was baptized (I guess that would make me 7 years old), Santa brought Scrabble to our family and I've been playing ever since. And in fact, over the years, I've built my own collection of Scrabble games that includes 2 original editions, 1 deluxe edition, and 1 travel edition. I don't have the junior edition yet, but can't wait for Kaitlyn to get a little bigger so I can impart my love of this game to her. It had been a while since I had played, but Saturday night Mom and I duked it out. The ensuing game was great and I even learned a few new words like bah (used as an exclamation of contempt or annoyance). The score you ask? Well it speaks for itself . . . Mom - 243 vs Nell - 283. Don't get me wrong - I don't win very often and I definitely don't play that well very often, but every once in a while the stars align and I enjoy the sweet taste of victory!! It was great to play and be reminded how much I love it. Trav - are you up for a go?