Bill and Laurie Wilson

2012-02-04T17:58:00.006-07:00

NORMAN EDWARD WILSON
February 10, 1932
Happy 80th birthday dad

1st Birthday

Dad as a toddler (don't you like the pants, room to grow)

Love the tricycle

Dad and brother Fred with friends
I think dad is the second one

Riding with a friend

High School Graduation

Dad in his Navy blues

On board the ship Dad and brother Fred served on

Dad has always loved to fish

While stationed in San Diego dad met the love of his life

What a good looking family, especially the bald headed baby (me)

Love that large mouth bass

Winter can't stop the fishing

I think this is at the Four Corners Power Plant where dad was a welder

Playing the Organ at home

Christmas 2009

Grandma Mable Wilson with dad at Uncle Fred's funeral

Hope you enjoy your birthday and are surrounded by those you love, wished I could be there.

Xmas 2011

2011-12-25T15:09:00.004-07:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE WILSON'S

This was a wonderful way to end the year by gathering together as a family.

2011-12-05T07:58:00.006-07:00

Patricia Yvonne Fortin Wilson
Born December 5, 1932
Duluth, St Louis, Minnesota

Everyone should have a naked baby picture of themselves posted for everyone to have a laugh or "isn't she so cuuuuute". I found this in my Fortin family collection along with other photos so I'm assuming it's my mother.

Mom looks around 3 in this picture. Don't know who the boy is or the name of the dog.

I need to clean this photo up.

High School Graduation photo 1950

Dad,Mom, and Mike around 1953-54

Great Grandfather Albert Fortin, Grandfather Roy Fortin, Mom, and Mike (1953-54)

Grandmother Helen Smith Fortin and Mom (early 60's)

Dancing with Mom at Laurie and My wedding (1981)

Mom and Dad during one of their trips to Hawaii (early 80's)

Dad and Mom (Christmas 2010)

Just wanted to wish my Mom a Happy Birthday. Thank you for all the wonderful memories that I have of growing up, traveling cross-country to visit family, camping, helping me with my paper route when I was to lazy to get up, letting us have pets in the house, not telling Mike I killed his fish, encouraging me to get an education, strengthening my testimony with your charity and service, supporting me when I played in the band and orchestra, always making sure I had a hot meal, shaving my head every summer so I wouldn't be hot, teaching me to play games and enjoy life, you coming to visit and being a part of my children's lives, us traveling to see you, giving me a love for genealogy, always being there when I needed a shoulder to cry on. I'm sorry I broke your ankle when we were building the porch. I hope you have a wonderful birthday and I want you to know I love you.

Emmett R Smith

2011-11-05T08:41:00.026-06:00

Emmett Ray Smith 1937-2011

My Father-In-Law passed away a week ago and I felt the desire to post something on our family blog to honor him. From the day I met Dad after he and mom returned from California where he was speaking on the Know Your Religion circuit he had welcomed me into the family. I felt privileged that he thought I was worthy to marry his only daughter Laurie. He tried on numerous accounts to get me to run with him but I prevailed and would only observe from the sidelines. I did go on numerous hikes with Dad into the Superstition Mountains. We shared a love for these mountains and the stories of the lost Dutchman mine. We visited Reeves Ranch and Weavers Needle on several occasions. I was never one to enjoy reading but Dad insisted that I would enjoy the classics he taught as a teacher so I read several including Shakespeare, Kafka, Zane Grey (Yes, Dad included these in the classics), The Lottery, The Long Walk, Seven Years in Hanoi, and many others. Our tastes in authors differed in the end but I now enjoy sitting down with a good rather than watching TV. Laurie and I raised our family and dad was close by helping us whenever and with whatever he could. After Mom and Dad returned from their mission in New York dad was diagnosed with colon cancer and soon after his recovery he and mom moved into the house next door to ours. Our kids were close with dad and he taught them many valuable lessons. Dad also learned some lessons from our kids like Riley had control of the remote control whenever he came over to their house and Trisha could be just as stubborn as dad when telling him what he should and could not eat. I can still hear the loud thumping outside my bedroom window after I came home from working the graveyard shift as dad would move railroad ties end over end through our back yard and over the fence into his. When asked what he was doing he said " they look better in my yard." I also remember having to clean out the pool filter every day because dad would bring his dog Sam over and let him swim a few laps in the pool so he could cool down. Dad was called as Bishop of our Ward during this time and he called me to be his Ward Clerk. I learned many valuable lessons while serving with dad. He told me he thought of me as another one of his counselors and would ask my advice on many decisions while he served as Bishop. We were sad when mom and dad decided they needed to move on and they moved to Central Utah. Our family enjoyed visiting their house and the walks down the road to the cemetery. Dad loved to tell stories, especially ones that would scare the kids. The Giant of the Superstitions has now traveled around the world and is a classic among his many stories. We were blessed when dad finished his collection of short stories and gave each family a copy so we could continue to share them with his great grand children.

Here is Dads obituary that was run in the St George and Phoenix papers:

Emmett Ray Smith, 74, passed away surrounded by his family on October 21, 2011 in St. George, Utah after a prolonged illness. Emmett was born on January 29, 1937 in Phoenix, Arizona to Riley Orville and Johnnie Bell Smith. He married Jacqueline Joan Hiland on September 8, 1956. Their marriage was solemnized in the Mesa Arizona LDS Temple. Emmett grew up in Glendale, Arizona. He and Jackie met while attending Glendale High School and were later married while he was attending the University of Arizona. Emmett shared himself with others as a member of the LDS church, high school teacher and coach, and as a motivational speaker to adults and youth. He served as a Bishop in the LDS church on two different occasions and served three church missions with his sweetheart, Jackie. Emmett was an inspiration to thousands of students as a teacher and coach (track and cross-country) for Glendale, Apollo, and Cortez High Schools in Phoenix, Arizona. As the subject of the film “The Emmett Smith Story” he was asked to speak to adult and youth groups across the country and found joy in helping others achieve great things in their lives. He had many achievements in life, including Arizona Teacher of the Year, Valley Forge Freedom Foundation recipient, two time Arizona State Cross-Country and Track team championships, and recipient of the BSA Silver Beaver Award.

Most important in Emmett’s life was his wife Jackie and their wonderful 55 years of marriage they shared. They both have fond memories of the time they spent together serving others on church missions in New York, Arizona and Utah. Together they have raised four children, Rob (April), Scott (Gayla), Rick (Kathleen), and Laurie (Bill) Wilson. Their 16 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren are their pride and joy. Emmett is survived by his brothers John, Bill, and Bob Smith as well as a sister Cherry Gilliam. He is preceded in death by his parents Riley Orville Smith and Johnnie Bell Smith and his sister Jean Smith.

On behalf of the family, a special thank you to Utah Hospice Specialists for their loving care and service, especially Nurses Lorrie and Krissy, and Aids Lynsie and Kaytlynn.

Funeral service will be held Monday, October 24th, 2011 at the Little Valley Third Chapel in St. George, Utah (2079 E 2450 S, St. George, Utah, 84770) A viewing will be held from 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. with the funeral starting at 11:00 a.m. Arrangements are being made by SereniCare Funeral Home at 1316 South 400 East, Suite A3, St. George, Utah 84790 (435-986-2085). Memories and well wishes can be shared with his wife and family at www.serenicare.com.

two years old

High School Graduation

University of Arizona ROTC

Emmett and Jacqueline
September 8, 1956
Glendale, Arizona

Dad doing what he enjoyed most, running.

This looks to be around 1962

Laurie's and my wedding at the Mesa Arizona Temple October 24, 1981

Dad and Steven

Dad and Jamie

I had to put at least one picture with dad in his unique way of dressing

Can't quite read the date. I think this is around 1985

During one of our hike into the Superstition Mountains

Dad and I took a scout troop into Weavers Needle by way of Geronimo's cave and didn't make camp till after the sun went down. He showed the boys the well he helped make with some of his friends for an eagle scout project. They carried in the cement and other supplies to make the well so that anyone walking into Weavers needle could have a cool drink of water any time.

This was while Rob was serving in Honduras and a scout's eagle scout project was to send much needed supplies to an orphanage there. Rob and his squadron flew the donations to Honduras.

This is how Riley and dad spent most of their mornings together.

In front of our Phoenix home around 2003

Bill, Emmett, Cherry, John, and Bob
Taken at Uncle Johns ranch at the annual family BBQ

The family in 1984

Mom and Dad with Trisha at Steven and Brooke's wedding in 2008

Mom and Dad at Andrew and Alyssa's wedding in 2009

Christmas 2010

Me, Steven, Peyton, Riley, Trisha, Dad, and Mom

Dad and Rob at dad's last race in 2011

August 2011

Laurie, Dad, Rob, and Mom

April, Rob, Gayla, Scott, Mom, Dad, Laurie, Bill, Kathleen, and Rick

Brooke, Bradyn, Steven, Peyton,Riley, Me, Kale, Laurie, Trisha, Alyssa, and Andrew

Rob, Mom Rick, Laurie, and Scott

Amber, Autumn, Kalee, Boston, Trisha, and Katie

Getting ready to sing Dads favorite song "There was a young Lady" as a farewell

Life Story as written by daughter Laurie and read at funeral service by grand daughter Trisha Wilson.

We would like to thank all the family and friends for coming today to celebrate the amazing life of Emmett Ray Smith. This isn’t a goodbye but a till we meet again.

Emmett was born on January 29, 1937 in Phoenix, Arizona to Riley Orville and Johnnie Bell Smith. Following his heart and a firm belief in the Gospel, he joined the Church when he was 17. He married Jacqueline Joan Hiland on September 8, 1956. Their marriage was solemnized in the Mesa Arizona LDS Temple. Emmett grew up in Glendale, Arizona. He attended Glendale High School where he played football and ran track. It was there that he met the love of his life Jackie. He earned a full ride scholarship in Cross Country and Track to the University of Arizona lettering Varsity all 4 years. He married his sweetheart his sophomore year, having 2 sons when he graduated. He later went on to get his Masters at ASU. Emmett and Jackie returned to Phoenix were they had 2 more children. He was a teacher and coach for Glendale High School, Cortez High School and Apollo High School where he retired in 1991. During this time, he found great joy in helping all those whose paths he crossed to help achieve their goals and dreams. Emmett was an inspiration to thousands of students as a teacher and coach (track and cross-country). As the subject of the film “The Emmett Smith Story” he was asked to speak to adult and youth groups across the country and found joy in helping others achieve great things in their lives.

The Gospel was another great love that he shared with his family and others.

As a member of the LDS church, he served as a Bishop in the LDS church on two different occasions and served three church missions with his sweetheart, Jackie. He embraced the love of Genealogy work. Getting to know his past ancestors and the stories of their lives brought him great joy. Now that he has met them, I wish he could give us the missing pieces.

He had many achievements in life, 1967 Outstanding Young Educator of Phoenix – 1968-69 Arizona Cross Country Coach of the year – 1977 City of Glendale Citizen of the year – 1979 Arizona’s Teacher of the Year – 1980 Valley Forge Freedom Foundation All-American Teacher Award – one of ten awarded nationwide – 1983 Arizona Outstanding Service to youth award – 1985 Named Arizona Distinguished Educator by the U of A – 1990 Who’s Who Among American Teachers – 1990-1991 Nomination for National Cross Country Coach of the Year - Two time Arizona State Cross-Country and Track team championships, and recipient of the BSA Silver Beaver Award.

Things he loved: his family, the Gospel, hiking the Grand Canyon and running it rim to rim twice, Havasupai. Running, hiking the Superstition looking for the Lost Dutchman mine, racing, camping, Marathons, teaching, adventures, the White Mountains. Musicals, Oklahoma, Sound of Music and taking the tour of Sound of Music in Europe. Running NOT jogging. Scouting, Window shopping, following Mom, junk food, Ding Dongs, Chick-O-Sticks, Neco’s, Gum Drops.

Dislikes: Shopping for himself, Boredom, Jogging and Quash it causes Cancer!

He taught us all about hard work and the value and importance of it. The excitement of summer vacations and the love of being together. Serving others and the joy it gave us. He has left a great posterity that he is so proud of. We all love him and he will be missed. Each of us have so many wonderful memories that fill our hearts.

Most important in Emmett’s life was his wife Jackie and their wonderful 55 years of marriage they shared. They both have fond memories of the time they spent together serving others on church missions in New York, Arizona and Utah. Together they have raised four children, Rob (April), Scott (Gayla), Rick (Kathleen), and Laurie (Bill) Wilson. Their 16 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren and counting are their pride and joy. Emmett is survived by his brothers John, Bill, and Bob Smith as well as a sister Cherry Gilliam. He is preceded in death by his parents Riley Orville Smith and Johnnie Bell Smith and his sister Jean Smith.

2011-10-08T12:28:00.005-06:00

Thirty years ago I met the most wonderful person and we got engaged.

Three months later we were married in the Arizona Temple on October 24, 1981

Thirty years later I'm still in love with this young girl who stole my heart. I know I don't tell Laurie how much I love her often enough. We have four wonderful children that have given us even more joy in our lives. The oldest two have married wonderful women who have given us three grandsons and another grandchild on the way. We have had such wonderful times these last thirty years as a couple and hope to have many more together. I haven't mentioned our kids or grand children's names because this post isn't about them. Even with the difficulties that life has thrown at us and the illnesses that have befallen Laurie I love her more than anything and I'm glad I'm here to make life comfortable for her and plan on many more years of marriage where we can enjoy each other while we watch our children's families grow and we can enjoy the times we can share with them and our grandchildren.

Trisha

2011-09-23T19:06:00.004-06:00

This post is dedicated to my favorite daughter Trisha who continues to bring laughter into my life. I have neglected her and felt she deserved her own post.

Trisha with her two favorite nephews Peyton and Kale. Steven and Andrew felt they needed to be in the picture because Trisha is known to be a butterfinger and thought she might drop them.

After her first cardial ablation surgery this August at University Hospital in Salt Lake City. The surgeon was unable to burn the bad path which has caused her to have an abnormal heart beat causing her to be diagnosed with Wolfe Parkinson White Syndrom.

On our way home we stopped by to see Great Grandma Wilson who just turned a young 102.

Trisha in her redneck attire. See what happens when you move to a small town.

Trisha was called by her cardiologist to return to Salt Lake City because they wanted to try again with another surgery. We decided to play one last round of golf together so we played in 95 degree weather in St George. I should have let her win but I beat her by two strokes. She continues to tell everyone we tied.

Trisha in her room at Primary Children's Hospital after a successful crio (freezing) ablation. The doctor found two bad paths on her heart and said she now only has a 10% chance of having a problem. The next photo shows where they froze the heart to destroy the bad paths. Each dot is a 1 mm ablation. The long things are the instruments inside her heart. The doctor gave Trisha the tool she used to perform the surgery.

This is when we were leaving the hospital after they wired Trisha up with a heart monitor. We called the airport to insure they would let her on the plane and not arrest her for trying to bring a bomb on board. Ashley drove up from Montrose to be with Trisha.

As we were leaving the hospital Trisha had her picture taken with another super hero. She said she felt like Ironman after her heart surgery.

Trisha says she hasn't felt better in her life and has started to run and said she didn't have to stop because of her heart racing or shortness of breath but because her muscles actually hurt. Look out grandpa you might have another runner in the family.

2011-08-22T16:00:00.002-06:00

Born August 10th 2011........8lb 7oz

Proud parents Steven and Brooke with Aunt Trisha.

Big brother Peyton couldn't be any happier.

Looking forward to visiting in a few weeks. Can't wait to get my hands on our new grandson.

2011-08-22T15:13:00.005-06:00

Visited Andrew and Alyssa this summer and decided to take in Alyssa's words a short walk to the park. I swear it was over three miles up hill both directions in almost 100 degree weather so we could take some family pictures. I just know I need to do this more often so my legs and feet don't hurt. We had fun walking around and trying to keep Kale from swimming in the creek. I hope they enjoy these pictures as much as I did taking them.

Kale is so inquisitive just like all 1 year olds. He is so excited with life and everything around him.

Kale in his famous kneeling pose.

Proud Grandpa Bill with Kale, Trisha and Andrew. My most favorite kids and grandson. Don't tell Steven and Riley or Peyton and Braydon I said that.

Such a happy little man.

Kale just loves his Aunt Trisha. This was the day before she had her heart surgery.

Okay, we'll stop taking pictures and walk back to the house. He's really crying because mom wouldn't let him crawl into the creek.

2011-06-07T09:35:00.004-06:00

A day at the zoo with our Grandson Kale

The day started off windy but ended up just overcast which made for a fun day at the zoo. When it started to drizzle we said we had enough and left. The Hogle Zoo in Salt Lake City is a fun place to visit and they are expanding the zoo for some great attractions which should be open next summer. We didn't take any pictures of Kale with the dinosaurs throughout the zoo because he was scared of them when they roared and some even spit water at you.

Grandpa's serious little buddy

Grandma bought Kale a stuffed animal to celebrate his first trip to the zoo.

San Francisco

2011-05-07T07:41:00.000-06:00

I had to travel to San Francisco for work this past week to preview and test some new software we are helping to develop for our energy marketers. This is my second time to the area and I'm still impressed with human engineering. The Golden Gate Bridge the gateway to the West and the California gold fields.

Caught the beginning of a regatta. I watched these boats sailing around in circles and then an air horn blasted and they sprinted out towards Alcatraz.

Taken from the visitors center at the South end of the bridge.

Some lady asked if I could take a picture of her in front of the bridge so I handed my camera to her. Not often anyone gets to see me in a photo, I look better from the other end of the lens.

Alcatraz Prison

A view of the city from the bridge.

After 8 hours of meetings the next day I decided to take a drive to the coast seeing it was so close. Highway 1 is a beautiful drive with the sun out, your windows rolled down, 70 degrees, and a nice salty breeze blowing in from the sea.

Pigeon Point Lighthouse

I think the sign said it was the tallest lighthouse on the West coast.

I just love lighthouses.

Just down the Coast I pulled into California State Park Año Nuevo. The sun was still out so I decided to go for a hike in the park. It was about 2 miles out to the point and I was told I could see some seals there. I didn't realize that this is a famous beach for elephant seals. I just happened to be here at the time when the females come to the beach and molt. They are usually out in the ocean between Hawaii and Japan. They give birth in about a month and then the males come in July and they mate and then return once again to the open ocean.

This girl must not have liked to have her picture taken.

This lady just swam in from hunting out in the kelp beds just off the coast.

Fighting over beach space.

A pelican flew by as I was watching the seals.

The coastline is so beautiful with its cliffs a secluded beaches.

I don't know what they were fishing for but they made for a beautiful picture.

2011-05-01T16:32:00.000-06:00

Our kids sent this picture of them getting together during Easter. Where Brooke and Alyssa are I can only guess that at least one of them is behind the camera. We did receive some other pictures of everyone enjoying the warm weather and swimming. Way to rub it in, Our part of the country hasn't heard it's Spring yet, it has been snowing off and on today. Our fruit trees are in bloom, the tulips and daffodils are in bloom, and the grass is starting to to turn green again. I weeded one of our flower beds the only way I prefer and that's with fire, at least I didn't have to get on my hands and knees.

I thought I'd be less tired after accepting a promotion and switching to straight days. I seem to be working longer hours and getting less done. Work has had to hire several new employees due to people leaving because of illness, retirement or promotions. This means that I have even more work to perform because I'm the trainer in our office. We have our newest employee showing up in about two weeks. We market energy for a company here in the West who has a new coal plant coming on-line next week which has been occupying a lot of my time because we have to insure operating procedures and accounting practices are in place and working. This includes all the computer software programing that needs to take place. I'm leaving town this week for Redwood, California for a conference and software demonstration. Laurie wonders where I'm at most days because she used to set her clock when I left for work and came home, now she never knows when I'm working or will be home. Now that I'm management I receive phone calls at all hours whenever there is a problem at work and sometimes I have to drive in to the office to help solve an issue. Hopefully things will start to slow down.

Laurie has been filling better since here IV port has been replaced. The old one was getting infected and we tried antibiotics but the infection didn't seem to go away so the doctor removed it and put in a pic-line for a few weeks before surgically implanting a new port. Now Laurie has the problem with not wanting to leave her bedroom. She's developed a phobia of going anywhere, even outside in our own yard. We are heading to Utah in June for an appointment in Salt Lake City at University Hospital for Laurie. We hope they can help us somehow. We'll be there for about a week and hope to spend time with Andrew & Alyssa and other family.

2011-02-21T08:32:00.000-07:00

Fred Junior Wilson
Born: February 2, 1929 Miami, Gila, Arizona
Death: January 22, 2011 Haxtun, Colorado

Fred and his family owned the Jimana Inn in the bottom of the Salt River Canyon in Arizona. The family lived about 12 miles south at Seneca Creek where Fred Robert Wilson cooked at the restaurant. The family owned and operated the Inn and the kids helped with the gardening and taking care of the animals. They loved to hunt and fish and sometimes this could get them into trouble. They grew up with the indians and sometimes thought they were so hunting out of season didn't mean much to them and the local authorities kept threatening the boys on their poaching. They loved to ride horses and search for arrow heads with their mother. Fred loved the rodeo and rode broncs until one had stomped on him and sent him to the hospital.

The first born son of Fred R. Wilson (1906-1974) and Mable Lambert (1909-present) (older sister Billie Louise in front)
Fred was the 2nd child of four, Billie Louise 13 Mar 1927, Fred Jr., Norman Edward 10 Feb 1932, and George Lambert 12 Jan 1943.

Norman, Fred Jr. and Billie Louise

Norman and Fred Jr. with friends

back: George, father Fred R., mother Mable
front: Bob and Dave Pearson

Fred attended the Mew Mexico Military Academy. There are rumors on why he joined the academy, some say it was a choice given him by local authorities. He enjoyed it and excelled in his studies.

Fred with friends from the Academy

Fred Jr. joined the U.S. Navy and served during the Korean Conflict. He had plenty of stories to tell of the ports they would stop at and had several tattoos on his body to back these stories up. He had the ship he served on on his chest and a woman on his arm and a snake which wrapped his other arm. I don't remember the significance of why these items were chosen. His younger brother Norman joined the Navy and was able to serve on the same ship as Fred.

Fred Jr. holding Paul (?), Fred R., Mable, George

Norman, George, Mable, Fred Jr.

Fred worked several jobs during his life. He owned a car dealership in California and while there told us stories on how he was a mechanic for the movie Herbie the Love Bug and how he worked the race circuit with Mario Andrete and AJ Foyt. He later moved to New Mexico and worked at the Black Mesa coal mine as a mechanic where he had an accident and lost his right hand. He had to learn how to shoot his guns all over again but said the hook he designed made his bow hunting better.

Entrance to the Tempe Double Butte Cemetery, Tempe, Arizona where Fred is buried.

The Wilson Family Marker in the plot where Fred Jr. was laid to rest

Clarissa and Paul Wilson
Fred is survived by his mother, two children and five grand children

Wayne, Renate and Paul Wilson (Robert not shown)

Rebecca, Clarissa, Ryan, and Kelsey

George, Clarissa, Mable, Norman, Paul

2011-01-16T09:52:00.000-07:00

We traveled to St. George, Utah this year for the holidays to enjoy the sunshine and warm weather. Who knew that Utah was going to be hit by several storms and that we would be enjoying a white Christmas in St. George. It was so cold that the water pipes in Trisha's apartment froze, luckily they didn't break. We went out to eat at Golden Coral for lunch with the family and then headed over to Rick and Kathleen's house for desert and opened some gifts. We celebrated Christmas with Emmett and Jackie and then had a "fa ra ra ra ra " lunch at a Chinese buffet. It was nice to sit around and talk with family and enjoy our kids and grandson. So much so that I didn't take a lot of pictures.

Looking north of St. George after the snowstorm

Uncle Riley just loves Peyton

Peyton loves Santa

I went for a hike early in the morning while everyone
was still sleeping and thought the Temple looked nice
from this viewpoint.

Laurie really liked that I got the American flag in this one

Laurie felt sick after lunch and Brooke had to go to work

Rob & April's whole family traveled this year. Everyone drove back to Las Vegas after the gathering. Rob & April came back to see True Grit with us and then said their good byes. Rob and April are leaving for United Emirates to help put a flight training school for the Arabs for three years. Good luck with this new adventure!

Peyton came to visit at our hotel

Andrew, Alyssa and Kale
Andrew had to work and the family was not able to drive down but we love them anyways

Kale wants to know where the presents are

2010-11-20T08:05:00.000-07:00

Fall is such a fun time of year. Ive been to lazy to decorate the house for the different holidays so I have no pictures to show. We plan on kids coming over every year but nobody knocks on our door. We have families in the neighborhood that think Halloween is a satanic holiday and won't let their kids celebrate. The others go into town where they can hit more houses in a shorter amount of time and the church has the trunk or treat every year. Laurie, Riley and I just ate all the candy in the bowl and didn't dress up. I always have a costume in mind every year but fail to dress up. We did receive one special trick or treater this year. This year I went to answer the door and there was the cutest little lamb at the door. It was so good to have Andrew and Alyssa drive down and visit.

Alyssa, Andrew and Kale

Andrew and Kale doing their best impression of Boyz-n-the-Hood impressions

Brooke, Steven and Peyton 2010 Family photo

Peyton dressed as the Joker this year. He sure has that don't be to serious look down. I heard Steven was dressed as Two-Face but we don't have any pictures of Him or Brooke.

This is the Gang Green Girls of St George, be careful their contagious.

Alaska Cruise

2010-09-30T23:47:00.001-06:00

This is a collection of photos taken while on our Alaska Cruise in September. Laurie, me (Bill), Trisha, and Riley decided to escape with a cruise. It took alot of planning by Laurie and with the help of Josie our travel agent, it was a memorable trip. I was not able to include all the pictures we took because with the age of digital photography you can take as many pictures as you want and it's hard to get rid of some so you end up with a 1,000 pictures and we don't want to bore you like people used to with their home movies. I have also posted a series of pictures on Facebook which are more personal and include more of us but I thought I'd consentrate on the landscape here in this blog.

As we were flying into Seattle it was quite boring because of the cloud coverage but then Mt St Helens poked her head through the clouds.

We took a walking tour of Seattle where Ifound these two at the entrance to China town.

This is the entrance to the underground city of Seattle at Pioneer Park.

Riley and Trisha immitating the art on the buidings.

This is the gummy wall. Nobody knows how or why it got started but Trisha had to contribute to it.

Street performer at the Farmers market.

This is the original Starbucks located at the Farmers Market.

Art outside the Modern art Museum.

Downtown Seattle

Seattle Space Needle with a float plane flying past.

Riley and I checking the time on the ship telling us it's time to relax.

A view of the inner passage as we cruised past Brithish Columbia, Canada

This is the view we saw on our TV everyday. We never did see anyone sit in the hot tub.

Riley climed up the rock wall onboard the ship. He made it look so easy.

A glimpse of an Orka.

We saw plenty of whale snot being blown from the surfice but usually at a great distance from the ship. Unless you had your camera up and ready all the time you could miss one jumping. We did see one jump completly out of the water just like at Sea world but like most fishermen that was the one that got away and my camera only caught the ripple after he was back under.

I was able to get a couple of tails out of the water.

Here we are entering into the inner passage on our way to Juneau.

The U.S. Coast Guard Following us into harbor.

Our first rental car broke down while Riley was driving.

Downtown Juneau

Outside the Red Dog Saloon. I guess I need to read up on why it's so famous.

Juneau just before we left port.

Our ship the Norwegion Pearl tied up at dock in Skagway.

The town of Skagway, population 856. Grew to 10,856 after the tour boats docked.

The famous Red Onion Saloon and Brothel.

The girls were busting out to meet us.

A view of the hills just outside of town.

The White Pass Railway. This follows the path of the miners during the Alska gold rush.

The follage was just beautiful.

A tour guide at the Gold Rush Cemetery.

Looking West (I think) from Skagway.

Leaving Skagway Harbor.

The Morning as we entered into Glacier Bay National Park.

Just loved the golden sunrise

Another cruise ship following us into the park.

Carroll Glacier

Lampough Glacier, moves about 3 feet a day.

The Park Ranger said this was an eagle.

Reid Glacier

Marjarie Glacier

Now this was cool

We got to watch Margerie calf (break off) several times. When the ice cracked it made a loud sound which the local natives call "White Thunder". I think they said this glacier moves about 6 feet a day.

I couldn't get enough of the ice breaking off.

Grand pacific Glacier, your now looking into Canada. That's not durt but glacier ice that has carved the earth as it has moved.

Jones Hokins Glacier

I don't remember this glaciers name.

Leaving Glacier Bay

Entering Ketchikan Harbor

How would you like to have to climb these stairs every day.

Chief Kyan Totem Pole

Crane-Thunderbird-Brown Bear

Chief Johnson Totem Pole

Kajuk (fabled bird)-undecorated space (lofty habitat)-Raven's Slaves-Raven-Fog Woman

Raven Stealing the Sun Totem Pole

Raven-Sun-Chief's Daughter-Baby's face suggesting chief's Raven-ness-Chief

Raven-Fog Woman Totem Pole

Raven-Bullhead-Slaves-Fog Woman-Salmon-Base

Inside the Totem Heritage center

The salmon were running while in Ketchikan. You can't see from the photo but the river was solid fish. The man fishing could have just bent over and scooped out a fish.

Cold Creek Village

This is now just a bunch of shops but the original town was built on the river for easy access to the fish.

Riley and Trisha didn't care for the smell of all the dead salmon rotting on the banks of the river.

Morning as we enter the Outer harbor at Victoria, Canada

Park near Royal BC Museum

Legislative buildings

Scottish bagpipes

The Empress Hotel

The Empress Hotel at night

The Legeslative building at night

2010-08-18T16:28:00.000-06:00

Laurie and I traveled to Utah and spent a week at a condo in Ogden Valley (Eden). We enjoyed ourselves and had family come up and stay the night with us. I didn't include any pictures of Laurie and I because we don't like the way we looked in the pictures so they'll stay hidden on our computer. While we were there we drove down for the blessing of Kale. Andrew and Alyssa came up several days and let us spend some quality time with Kale.

Kale Andrew Wilson in his blessing outfit

Is that a smile

Grandma Laurie thought Kale needed a new toy

Steven, Brooke and Peyton spent the week at lake Powell with Brooke's family

Isn't he smart, he can write his name

Peyton says grrrrrr to Nana's bear

Grandma Laurie thought Peyton needed a new toy, take me to the galaxy Buzz

2010-07-29T08:04:00.000-06:00

As a tribute to their Grandpa the grand kids ran as a tribute to him in the 24th of July 5K run in Enterprise Utah. As you can see they were short on participants and could only spell EMM. He was still proud none the less of the gesture. Emmett is still recovering from his procedure for prostate cancer. Our prayers go out to Emmett and Jackie as they fight through another battle of this mortal life.

2010-07-22T07:41:00.000-06:00

This is Kale Andrew Wilson our second grandson. He was the main reason that Laurie and I traveled to Utah. We finally got to see him in person and to hold him. Andrew and Alyssa would send us pictures by phone but it was great to hold and play with him. Kale has gotten to see family and to meet his cousins on Alyssa's side of the family but he told me he wants to meet this Peyton that his grandpa keeps talking about.

Grandma Laurie holding Kale.

The proud father holding his son.

Here's Kale in his first 5 generation photograph.

Finally we convinced Kale's mother Alyssa to get in front of the camera.

We had a wonderful trip and Alyssa and Andrew came over every day so we could hold Kale. I'm hoping with my new job that I'll be able to take more time off so I can see my kids and grand kids more often. Alyssa, Andrew, and Kale are having family pictures taken soon so I'll be posting them as soon as we get them.

2010-07-22T07:03:00.000-06:00

Laurie and I drove to Utah for a long needed vacation. My office has been going under some dramatic changes this last year and has required me to work 60-100 hours each week for the past year. I'm not much for adventure anymore because I have forgotten what it is. Since Laurie's illness I have found vacation just a time to get out of the office and relax. I have prided myself that I don't wear a watch or carry a cell phone so as not to be anchored to time or work. I have recently been promoted at work to a permanent position in management as our office's trainer and special projects manager. I'm now required to carry a phone on me 24/7 so that I'm available in case of emergencies. That is the downside of the promotion the good side is that I'm finally off 12-hour rotating shifts after 31 years and will be working 4 10-hour day shifts with 3-day weekends. My body won't know what a good nights sleep is. Laurie gave me a new digital camera this year for Christmas and a new telephoto lens for Fathers Day so that I could get back to taking pictures. We haven't done much and we thought with the kids getting married and starting their own families we had better learn to take pictures again before our minds were completly lost and we didn't recognize anyone anymore.

This first set of pictures is from the balloon festival in Provo on July 3rd

Here's Papa when we first arrived.

Smokey Bear has been around for awhile.

I have never seen the bottle of coke before and they never did take flight so we didn't get to see it in the air. They didn't even have the courtesy to give out free samples.

The pig has been a favorite for years.

I let out a cheer for the yellow and white one with the fall leaves when they announced its flight team, their from Grand Junction, Colorado.

I have yet to take a ride in a balloon. It was such a clear day I don't think the spectators cared for rain. I think it would be a blast being that high in the air just looking around and enjoying Gods creation from a different point of view. Riley said that if I really wanted to have fun he would sign us up for sky diving lessons. For now I think I'll keep my feet planted on the ground, there's plenty of things to see and do from here.

Kale Andrew Wilson

2010-06-21T08:28:00.000-06:00

Our second grandson is finally here. Kale Andrew Wilson was born June 17th at 1:45 pm, weighing 7 lbs 10 oz, and 20.5 inches long. Alyssa is recovering and enjoying the precious gift even though he isn't on a sleeping schedule yet keeping her and Andrew up until 5:00 am. Andrew says Kale has discovered his lungs and lets you know when he wants something. Laurie and I are so excited to see and hold this new bundle of joy. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Andrew and Alyssa as they start this life as parents and feel the joy of taking care of one so innocent. Enjoy the pictures that were sent to us and welcome Kale to his earthly home.

2010-04-26T09:17:00.000-06:00

Moh and Shaggy

The hot wire was down and the horses had fun with the fence.

I guess I'll have to replace this post.

We had the horses isolated to the dry corral and they got bored this winter and decided to eat anything made of wood. I found some pipe fence panels like the one shown above and bought them to replace the wood rail fencing I have. After I'm done, the property will be 2/3 metal fence. I'm trying to find some kind of wood treatment to paint the posts so they stop eating them. My neighbors think it's funny how the horses behave. The last two years they busted through the wood picket fencing we have between the house and the pasture and they were helping themselves to our garden. We have to fence in the orchard we are attempting to develop because they think the fruit is grown for them. We love the country but as you can see we have a lot to learn about having horses. I'm not even going to talk about the sprinkler system in the pastures which the horses think are just toys to kick.

2010-02-27T09:48:00.000-07:00

It has been awhile since I have posted anything. The mother board on our laptop died and we had to buy a new computer. We are still in the process of restoring all of our files and programs. It's hard to believe how much one becomes attached and depentent upon technology. We were able to salvage the hard drive and are transfering the data to the new computer. You kids could probably have done this in one afternoon but it is taking me more time. I depend on the computer to help with genealogy and photo and document archiving so I thought I had lost alot of hard work. I also decided that piles of research and several notebooks hasn't worked for me. I have duplicated my work several times over because i can't find what I did the last time. So I have made a resolution for this year to become organized and to dejunk my life, wish me luck. Now that I have access to the photos and other genealogy information I'll be posting more things for everyone to see. I enjoy the creativity of the family and their blogs and watching our family grow, keep up the good work.

2010-01-18T11:39:00.000-07:00

William Robert Wilson

Hello Family, click on the family genealogy link on the side of our blog and check out some stories and pictures of our ancestors. The site is still in progress but we are planning on adding more information as we continue our research. I will be adding the biographies of those family members I have with some pictures. We plan on including copies of birth, marriage, and death certificates, census records, obituaries, newspaper articles, military records, and other interesting artifacts. If we haven't posted a family member you would like to know more about, please leave a comment and we will soon have something posted. If you would like to contribute, send Laurie or me an email with what you have. We have been doing genealogy for years and with photos and stories we are getting to know our relatives even better. Don't forget to write down your own histories, take pictures of where you live, family group photos, and anything else that will help family know more about you. If you have any suggestions on how we can make this site better feel free to comment. Looking forward to seeing you on the site.

2010-01-15T19:58:00.000-07:00

Grandma can't wait for Peyton to show me his new room when I travel to visit next week and maybe he will share his mommy and daddy.

2009-12-08T08:58:00.000-07:00

At least one silly photo

Aren't we cute, that's right I said cute

now thats what you call wrapping

Now thats a good looking family

Celebrating Nana's Birthday

Riley, Trisha & Brooke

Andrew & Alyssa

Peyton, Brooke & Steven at Salt Lake Temple

We traveled to Utah to celebrate an early Christmas with the kids. It's good to get the family all together and celebrate family. As always there was more food than could be eaten and presents for everyone to enjoy. We started off by going to the Mayan Restaurant and watched the divers and ate a good Mexican dinner and then back to Brooke and Steven's apartment to open gifts. The next day we celebrated a late Thanksgiving dinner at Andrew and Alyssa's.

Family Update

2009-11-08T07:08:00.000-07:00

I took some time off this week so I could help Riley look for a new car. A girl ran a red light and hit Riley a month ago and totaled the Dodge Intrepid, nobody was hurt but this put us out having to find a replacement car. There isn't much out there to choose from because of the economy and everyone holding on to what they have. We finally settled on a black Chevy Cobalt four door. Riley left yesterday to head back up to Ogden, with his new car, where he lives and works at Best Buy. He is doing great and has made some friends up there. Trisha was accepted into the Pharmacology Tech program in St George and still plans to pursue the Radiology Program next year. I think she is really looking forward to the Winter season of southern Utah rather than all the snow and ice of Ogden. She is performing volunteer work and will sometimes even work at the Bishop's Storehouse with her Gram and Pa Smith. She is so excited that she has even more family moving down with Steven being accepted into the Radiology Program this year. Steven, Brooke , and Peyton drive down this week for orientation and will start classes in January. They are hoping to find an apartment to rent while they are down. Peyton has grown so much during these last 6 months and looked so cute as Winnie the Pooh for Halloween this year with Steven as Tiger and Brooke as Piglet (see their web page). I wished we lived closer so we could spend more time with them and our grandson. Andrew and Alyssa are settling into married life and have moved into a larger apartment. Andrew is continuing his education in Criminal Justice while Alyssa is now pursuing cosmetology. She needed some flexible hours so that she could spend more time preparing for the baby they are expecting in June. This will be our second grandchild and we are so excited for them. Andrew and Alyssa both have promised that she is not allowed to ride the scooter anymore. Laurie and I have been attempting to get our house and property ready for winter. Last weeks storm dropped close to 8 inches on us us but has since warmed up and melted away. We didn't do any canning this year because laurie hasn't been feeling well. The doctors are trying to switch some of her medications so if this will help. I'm still working hard for the government and have taken on a special project which has added to my time at work, an extra 13-15 hours a week. I'm helping document our offices compliance to federal regulations. The government doesn't want anymore blackouts and wants to ensure we are protected from cyber attacks. It seems the harder I work the more time I find myself planted in a chair and staring at computer screens and less time enjoying nature. The only exercise I've gotten is when I loaded 5 tons of hay to feed to our two horses during the winter. I still work at the genealogy library every week and I'm still attempting to get a genealogy web page up and running for the families. Hoping to get our camera back this week when Laurie's parents come up to visit. Trisha is coming up with them which will be great because she's my favorite daughter and I can't wait to hear her stories of chasing the Backstreet Boys in Phoenix.

/'/?

2009-10-29T02:28:00.000-06:00

I'm at the mercy of my fellow coworkers when it comes to taking pictures for me. Here are a few pictures of why we decided to move to Colorado. Fall is such a beautiful time of year here but it didn't last long this year because we have recieved our first snow storm and as I look out the windows it is still snowing. We have about four inches on the ground and I don't think it will be gone before the kids head out to trick or treat this weekend.

2009-09-23T22:49:00.000-06:00

This is Rio, the newest addition to our family. He is such a sweet dog and isn't a yapper. Laurie picked him up at the local pound.

2009-09-18T19:37:00.000-06:00

This is a B-25 that is at the Wings and Wheels Show in Montrose, Colorado. These pictures taken by a friend as it flew over her house. We live next to the airport and get to see it flying around along with the other WWII planes that are here.

2009-09-08T15:17:00.000-06:00

Today 53 years ago two kids were married and a legacy began. They have four children, 15 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and two more on the way. We all love you and wish you many more celebrations together. I was able to get copies of these photos while visiting last month and thought everyone would enjoy seeing the young couple.

, Emmett Smith and Jacqueline Hiland Married
September 8,1956. Happy Anniversery

2009-08-14T16:05:00.000-06:00

Today our family just grew when our son Andrew married Alyssa Arthur in the LDS Jordan River Temple in West Jordan, Utah. It was a wonderful and spiritual ceremony and it was enjoyed by family and friends. We missed those who wanted to be here but were unable to make the trip. Here are just a few of the pictures that were taken at the Temple and we will post more after the reception. There were many cameras and I will get copies from them so I can post who was here.

Andrew and Alyssa's Wedding Announcement

2009-08-08T21:29:00.000-06:00

Just one week away from the big event. We would have liked to have sent an invitation to everyone and if we forgot someone we appologize. If you are in the area of either reception please come and celebrate with us.

Andrew & Alyssa's Bridal Pictures

2009-07-25T08:04:00.001-06:00

Here are some of Andrew and Alyssa's engagement pictures they had taken this past week, they make such a cute couple. They posted the rest on their Facebook pages.

Grandma Wilson's 100th Birthday Celebration

2009-07-12T19:01:00.000-06:00

Trisha and Riley at the Pizza shop in Park City

Andrew and Alyssa the cute engaged couple.

Isn't this the cutest family? Steven, Brooke, and Peyton.

"Blue Steel"

Grandpa holding his little buddy.

Trisha and I went golfing in Park City, were not going to mention what we shot except that we had fun. Aunt Josie and Papa were in our foursome and we promised to keep their score private also.

Our newest family group shot.

We thought we would add a little silliness to the photo shoot. We have more pictures with Grandma taken by a professional that'll be posted later.

Come on boys you can push these girls.

The family reunion/birthday party for Grandma turned out great. The family stayed at the resort which was huge and confusing to get around. We stayed in town at our timeshare. We got to see family that we hadn't seen in years. We got to see the preview to the book being put together by Tylor with stories and pictures presented by the family. I presented the genealogy and everyone enjoyed the work I had done. Everyone added to the information for their families and gave me email addresses so I could send them copies of the finished work. We sat around and told stories of grandma and the family. It was a great experience enjoyed by all and those who helped organize the event should be happy because it was wonderful.

Denver Trip

2009-06-19T10:47:00.001-06:00

I had to drive to Denver for work and stopped by the Buffalo Overlook
near Gennesse and saw all these baby's

Saw this Model T club at a rest stop on their way to Denver

The Madonna Mine located East of Monarch Pass

2009-06-11T21:30:00.000-06:00

Andrew and Alyssa
They are going to be married in the Jordan River Temple in August

2009-06-11T21:12:00.000-06:00

The proud Grandfather

Grnadma Laurie and Peyton

Brooke and Peyton

Sad to see Grandma and Grandpa go

Steven the proud father

Montrose High School Graduation

2009-06-11T21:06:00.000-06:00

The graduation was rained out and we had to move inside to the gym

Peyton Emmett Wilson

2009-05-23T19:05:00.001-06:00

Here's Steven and Brooke with Peyton the day after he was born

Isn't he the cutest baby you ever saw

Aunt Trisha with her Nephew

Giving birth is so exhausting

birth

2009-05-15T07:37:00.000-06:00

On May 13th Peyton Emmett Wilson was born weighing 7 pounds 8 ounces. I would post a picture but the only one I have is on out phone and I don't have a cord to transfer it. Brooke is recovering and both her and Steven are very proud of the little quitie. We can't wait to travel to see and hold Peyton.

2009-04-23T20:23:00.000-06:00

We attended the baby shower for Brooke and Steven and enjoyed seeing family that we haven't seen in awhile. Our kids had to make a statement by giving a Suns NBA outfit to the baby (Peyton), we have to keep our Arizona ties alive. It was great for Amanda and Douglas to host the shower.

Laurie ordered this cake for the shower.

Our kids said we needed to continue the family tradition of giving Easter baskets.

Its official these two are engaged. The wedding is planned for August 14th in the Draper Temple.

Andrew and Alyssa

Spring

2009-03-15T10:31:00.000-06:00

Even though we recieved 6 inches of snow this last week I feel that that spring is finally here. The grass is starting to grow and the flowers are pushing up in the flower beds (sorry no pictures yet). I thought it had been awhile since I posted something so I thought I'd at least post something to let everyone know that we are still alive. As the Wilson side of the family knows we are planning Grandma Wilsons 100th birthday and we are still needing stories and pictures for the book being put together. I'm working with Nana and Papa putting together her genealogy and journal enteries of her family. I'll post some just to give everyone a taste as the weeks go by. To start off here's a picture of Grandma in front of the Jimana Inn in Salt River Canyon, doesn't she look like a little girl?

Wilnter Still Here

2009-01-27T07:41:00.001-07:00

After the last couple of weeks with spring like weather I was getting concerned that this might be a short winter but then we woke up to to this. I like the winter here in Montrose because It's enjoyable and I only have to drive 6 miles to work.

It"s a Boy

2009-01-19T17:42:00.000-07:00

We received the call to inform us that the latest ultra-sound showed that the baby is a boy. We can't show a picture because we haven't been sent one yet. The Doctor re-evaluated Brook's due date to May 12th. The pregnancy is going great with no complications.

Christmas in Utah

2008-12-29T11:25:00.001-07:00

This is the first time in over four years that all our family has been together for the holidays. Laurie and i decided to head up to Utah and spend Christmas with the kids. Steven and Brooke have just moved to West Jordan from Logan after Brooke graduated. Steven is working at the hospital in jordan waiting to start his radiology program next year in St George. Andrew and Trisha are still in Ogden attending Weber and are working on finishing up their degrees. Riley will graduate from high school this May. It was fun spending time with them and dropping in on Nana and Papa, Josie and Lon, Brooke's family, and of course we had to stop in and see Presley. We appologize to other family that we didn't see during this trip but the snow kept faslling while we were there and we didn't want to slid around to much. We hope that everyone will at least drive up to Park City this July for the celebration so we can see everyone there.

We didn't have any trouble finding a place to park. Utah is so nice to tripple the parking possibilities with senior and Pregnant mother parking along with the handicap parking that is available.

Andrew has a new roommate, a ball python.

We drove over to see Presley but Noah and Monica thought they should be in the picture also. Isn't she the cutest baby.

We stayed at Trisha's apartment and celebrated there Christmas Eve where we exchanged gifts. Notice that Andrew has his new friend with him.

Thanksgiving

2008-11-29T10:26:00.001-07:00

What a wonderful time of the year where you can eat all you want and blame it on the holidays. The Fall Season with its changing of colors and the snow capped mountains usher in winter and the beginning of the rebirth of our earth. Take care of her and remember to give God thanks for its beauty and bounty. Trisha was the only one able to come home this year because Steven & Brooke and Andrew had work commitments. We had a wonderful time and a wonderful turkey dinner with all the trimmings. We are so grateful for the country we live in and the freedoms we enjoy. We pray for our military and the sacrifice they make for the rest of us here in the States. We are thankful for the gospel of Jesus Christ and having a Prophet on earth to guide us in these troubled times. Let us prepare for the celebration of Jesus Christ’s birth by sharing his wonderful gospel with all we meet and live a life given us by his example and love one another. Don’t hide your faith but let it be known to all. Teach family and those you meet the true meaning of Christmas. Don’t let the commercialization of the season take away from the deeper spiritual feelings the season should bring to everyone. May God bless you with health, a close family and friends to share your life with.

Sammy 1993-2008

2008-11-03T14:30:00.000-07:00

Today is a sad day, our family has lost a beloved companion. We would tease the little guy by calling him pig because he had a pot belly and would grunt. We also referred to him as a little polar bear. From the day we got him he became Trisha's dog and after she left for college he became Laurie's constant companion. We had bought him a set of pet stairs so he could climb up on our bed. He was a loving member of our family for fifteen years and we will miss him very much.

Halloween 2008

2008-10-31T02:09:00.000-06:00

This halloween I thought I'd go to work as a barber. Actually all I did was give myself my own haircut, don't I look sexy?

Congradulations

2008-10-12T20:31:00.000-06:00

Sorry but no pictures, I discovered that one actualy has to pick up a camera once in awhile.
I'm sure the grapevine has spread about the good news by now. Steven and Brooke called a couple of weeks ago and asked why we haven't been checking our mail and asked us to please go out and check it and then call them back. We discovered a package with a willow wood figure of a small child holding a ballon that said "congrats". Laurie asked what this was suppose to mean and I informed her that it was Steve's and Brooke's way of informing us that we were going to be granparents. We are so excited for them and are looking forward to May when the baby comes. So Laurie and I are joing the fraternity of grandparents, boy if those words don't make you feel old.

2008-09-20T14:56:00.000-06:00

May they always have this twinkle in their eyes.

Don't they clean up nice?

Steve and Brooke's wedding photo

2008-09-20T11:35:00.000-06:00

Welcome to Bill and Laurie Wilson's blog. We have changed our names to the Colorado Hicks since we moved from Phoenix and nobody seems to know where Montrose is. We just celebrated Steven and Brooke's wedding at the Bountiful Temple on the 19th of August 2008. This is our first and hopefully the others won't be following soon. I don't know how the rest of the family has been able to get through all this planning. Laurie says I'm a whinner because she tried to avoid having me do anything but she needs to remember that I still have ears and hear everything and the bank account kept getting smaller everyday. I think that everything went just fine and it was a beautiful wedding, luncheon and reception. We are very grateful for all the help that family gave so that Laurie and I could enjoy the festivities and not be stressed. We love you all and can't wait to get together as a family again and just sit and relax.