We start off with a shot of papa holding Avril at the Disney On Ice show in the Energy Solutions Arena in Salt Lake City on March 12. Papa and Nana took Avril, McKel, and Alicia and had a grand time.
Donald Duck, Mini Mouse, et al., were very good skaters!
McKel and Alicia bonding during the show.
A week later, Gayle and I attended a surprise birthday party for Dr. Héctor Mendiola, who has done tremendous work for Latino immigrants in Utah.
Héctor's birthday cake.
Still going strong at 84 years old, teaching English, computer skills, and high school equivalency, as well as pursuing Latino causes.
Alicia showing some bread she made as part of one of many meals she has been making lately for the extended family.
And a bowl of delicious cookies.
Avril, playing in her blow-up bouncing play house with Jordan King and Brendon Eliason, two neighbor boys.
And this spring, just as in the summer, fall, and winter, the deer walk across our yard (and eat) as if they own the place.
Jesse's football team, the Stampede, had a recent game at Roy, UT. Here, papa Bryan holds McKel while the action proceeds.
McKel seems to be staying warm.
Avril made quick friends with Destiny, the daughter of a Stampede coach.
The three girls at the Roy game.
And here are the four girls recently at grammy's (great grandma's house).
Uncle Jared pitches in and helps with the girls.
Jared and Avril, showing affection for McKel.
On conference weekend, Steve and Susan made it up to the folks' home for a Sunday visit.
Likewise, Spencer (the third, and the LHS pitcher), Tracine, and Robert made it over for the visit. You can see McKel in the carrier on the floor behind Spencer.
Avril and McKel getting their bath at nana's (grandma Gayle).
Yesterday, to entertain the girls while Alicia and Gayle worked in the house, I took the two little ones for a long walk. I carried McKel in a front pouch while I pulled Avril in the over-sized wagon. Jesse was accepted at Auburn (grad school for psychology) so recently he and the family moved in with us for the next few months to save money while they rent out their townhouse.
Gayle's helping Avril get bundled and positioned for the walk. Note that it was April 9th and we had just had fresh snow. In fact it snowed while we walked.
Daddy comforting McKel.
McKel recently.
Gayle and the youngest of the grand-daughters.
I should mention that I went on my usual annual tradeshow trip to NYC, NY. I've gone so many times that I know mid-town (Times Square, Javits Center, etc.) pretty well. It was cold this year, but I did get a jog in at Central Park. Otherwise, things are hectic with the newly crowded house, but mainly it's the challenge of organizing the extra stuff that's tiring. Well, that's all for now --
