While in town...

With the funeral being in Utah, the boys and I decided that we might as well make it an extended stay. We had planned on visiting later in the month, but our visit ended up being longer and earlier than originally planned. It was truly a relaxing trip and some quality family time. We spent some time shopping (it always seems like there's good shopping in Utah), took two trips to the zoo, ate at some great restraunts including Cafe Rio, and went to a Bees baseball game, just to mention a few. The boys were spoiled with attention and we all had a great time. I was not great with taking pictures on the trip, but here are a few...

Riding the carousel at the zoo

Aunt Michelle reading stories

Lunch with Juice Grandma

A highlight for McKay was playing with the cats and dog

In Memory of Alice Earl Packard

My grandmother passed away on June 5, 2008. Even though she had been in the hospital for awhile, it still seemed to come suddenly. She was only 75. But she lived a good life, stayed true to the end, and left a great legacy. We made a quick trip to Utah for the funeral and it was good to see so much extended family there. Below is a collection of pictures my brother Kimball took, as well as my grandmother's obituary from the Deseret News.

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Alice Earl Packard 1932 ~ 2008 Alice Earl Packard passed away peacefully surrounded by her husband and children on June 5, 2008. Alice was born July 9, 1932 to Kenneth Owen Earl and Vertie Ann Leavitt Earl in Bunkerville, NV. She married Floyd L. Packard on Feb 8, 1951 in the Idaho Falls Temple, thus beginning their eternal journey together. Alice dedicated her life to her husband, her 14 children, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She and her husband settled in Carlsbad, California for 49 years where they raised all their children. She loved her country and was influential in all five of her sons earning their Eagle Scout Award. Alice loved music and passed this love on to her family. Her compassion and determination helped her successfully raise her large family. She possessed a beautiful smile and refreshing laugh, which always brought a twinkle to her eyes. She was a quiet pillar of strength and support to her husband as he served in many positions in the Church. Together, she and her husband presided over the Florida Tallahassee Mission from 1984-1987, served as the first president and matron of the San Diego, CA Temple from 1993-1995, and served a couples' mission to the Washington D.C. Visitor Center from 2001-2003. Floyd and Alice recently moved to Highland, Utah where she continued to strengthen her family. Alice is survived by her husband of 57 years; her 14 children; her 101 grandchildren; 41 great-grand children; and many friends. She will be deeply missed!

Planting Flowers at the Temple

Last week we had a ward activity at the temple. It was a great opportunity for the primary kids to see the temple and help take care of the temple grounds. We planted flowers in a front flowerbed. The boys each got a set of gloves and a spade and we set to work. At the end of planting they were able to turn these in for some milk and cookies. We even got a little tour of the temple grounds. I hope this will be a memorable experience for the boys, and just the beginning of many trips to the temple.

It's Official!

Recently we found out that Lamont passed the Colorado Bar Exam. Last week he was sworn in as an attorney in the state of Colorado. This was one of the last steps in our transition to Denver. Congratulations Lamont; we're proud of you!

Father's and Sons Campout, by Carter

Friday was the Father's and Sons campout. I went with Daddy and McKay stayed home with Mommy. First we drove up and got some Wendy's for dinner. Then we got to the camp and stayed in campsite #5. There was snow on the ground so we had to move it out of the way to put up the tent. Then we built a fire and had marshmallows and hot chocolate. And I was pretty tired so I went to bed early after it got dark. We had pancakes, one sausage, and juice for breakfast. We went on a hike and saw a beaver dam. We also saw lots of deer. It was a good campout. Next time McKay can come.

Happy Mother's Day

It is nice to have a day to not worry about fixing breakfast and dinner, and to relax a little more - thanks Lamont! When you're younger you always hear how homemade gifts are the best. Now, being a mom I totally agree with that. Carter made me this picture at school and could hardly wait to give it to me. He drew self-portraits of the two of us together; can you see the resemblence? It is things like this that reaffim how much I love being a mom.

Over so soon...

Carter and Coach York
Carter finished his soccer season this past week. He has really made a lot of improvement this season, and even scored two goals in his last very windy game. He is already talking about playing in the fall league. He really has enjoyed this season and I have enjoyed the proud look on his face when he kicks in a goal- it is priceless!

Zoo Day

The boys and I love going to the zoo. Carter had a family zoo day with his school last week, so we decided to take advantage of it. It was our first trip to the Denver zoo. They have nice views of the lions and elephants. They also have a train and carousel to ride. I think that the carousel may have been the highlight for both boys. Unfortunately, our trip was cut a little short due to rain, but I'm sure we'll be back again soon!

School program and awards

Carter had an end of the year performance at his school. He has been attending an Evangelical Christian school for a half day program. It has been an interesting experience to say the least. Two times a month Carter has chapel time. This month his class was in charge and they did "ABC Bible verses" one Bible verse for each letter of the alphabet. Then they sang some rousing action-filled songs about letting their lights shine - get the picture? Anyways, Carter was very excited to have McKay and I attend his performance. He even received an award for making the A Honor Roll. Good work Carter!

Spring?!?! (things we miss about Corpus Christi)

This picture was taken on May 1, and should show a nice spring day, right?! I have forgotten how fickle the weather can be in the mountain west. I am so ready for winter to be over. I feel like the weather is teasing us with one day at 75 degrees and the next with snow. Which brings me to my next point, things we miss about Corpus Christi:
1. Right now, the weather. I know that by the end of the month I'll change my tune, but just for right now.
2. Hooks baseball. Lamont still follows them through the Caller times. We have yet to attend a Rockies game, but are planning to do so in the near future -maybe when it stays warm!
3. The beach. We are waiting to take advantage of the mountains. At least they are pretty to look at all white-capped.
4. Our friends. We are still working on making friends here. It is coming slowly but surely.
Maybe once it is summer I can do my things I love about Denver post. Until then...

Our Anniversary Trip

To celebrate our anniversary this year we decided to take a trip to visit Lamont's brother Alan and his family in Baltimore. This was a perfect excuse to visit Washington D.C., Philadelphia, and New York city at the same time. I have never been back east before, so this was a big eye opener to me, especially New York. My parents and sisters were so great to watch the boys for us so that we could enjoy time with one another and see all the sights. We dropped the boys off in Salt Lake and even got in a little family there before we flew off.



We went to D.C. first and hit it hard. D.C. is such a great city and there is so much to learn there about American history. It just amazing to be there. Unfortunatly it was raining the first day there, but the next two were beautiful. We saw so many museums, and thanks to Lamont's cousin Gordon we had tours at the White House and Capitol. We loved seeing all the monuments as well, even though by the end I thought my legs were going to fall off. We also had a great time visiting with Alan and Bonnie and their cute kids.








It was then onto NYC by way of Philadelphia. That was an awesome city and not at all what I expected. Everything was so close and quaint. We were able to see the Liberty Bell and even enjoyed a Philly Cheesesteak sandwich for lunch.



NYC was crazy! We took in a lot of site-seeing, we saw Mary Poppins on broadway which was excellent,and even ran into Mariah Carey at the Empire State Building. We also took the ferry to the Statue of Liberty and went up to the pedestal.





We had such a great time together and the boys had such a great time with Grandma and Grandpa. I think it was a great get-away for not only us but the boys too. I guess that means we'll have to do it again sometime!

Happy Birthday Carter!!!

Carter turned 5 years old on Monday the 14th. In some ways it is hard to believe that I have a child that old in other ways Carter seems so much older than five to me. He had a great day celebrating at school with some rice krispy treats and even got a birthday crown from his teacher. That night he got to choose the meal for dinner, ribs and twice baked potatoes, and fresh fruit salad -yum!!! He also chose a lemon cake, which had a few issues being too crumbly so don't look too close, and some rainbow sherbet. Of course the highlight of his day was the presents! He was hoping that his birthday would make a posting on the blog. So, happy birthday Carter!! We love you very much and are happy you're such an important part of our family.