In answer to a tag from Amber, I thought it would be fun to share six random things about myself that maybe a lot of people don't know. So, here it goes...
1. I have lived in four cities in 7 years of marriage (Provo, UT; Austin, TX; Corpus Christi, TX; and Aurora, CO).
2. I am very good at hula hooping and can keep the hoop up for a VERY long time! I know, what talent!
3. I used to assist in Lasik eye surgery and have had it done myself - I would highly recommend it!
4. One of my favorite movies is and always has been Mary Poppins.
5. I used to debate in high school and always wanted to go to law school. (I am not sure anymore since I put Lamont through law school).
6. I think blogging is thereputic for me -it is my time to unwind while the boys are down for naps.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
...6 Random things...
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Snowmass Village - Aspen
I had a two day conference this past week in Snowmass Village - a small ski resort village just outside of Aspen (tough assignment, I know). Melissa and the boys came along and had a great time soaking up the scenery and checking out all the shops and fun activities. We met up during my lunch breaks and one day took the ski lift to the top of the mountain. Snowmass was very pretty and the houses there were unbelievable. We had our heart set on one, but it was just a little pricey - $58 million. On our way home, we stopped and had dinner in Aspen, paid $5.12/gallon for gas, saw an abandoned mining town, and took an incredible scenic route over the Continental Divide, complete with hairpin curves and deer running across the highway. It was a quick trip, but a lot of fun.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Larsen Reunion - Pigeon Forge, TN
Over the week of the 4th of July we had our first Larsen reunion. It has become a lot harder for us to get together with Lamont's parents, siblings and their families, so this was a great way for us all to spend some quality time together. We flew into Nashville and then drove a couple hours to Pigeon Forge where the Smoky Mountains are located. They were very green and beautiful. I did not know that mountains could look like that in the central U.S. We had a wonderful time enjoying one another's company and seeing the sights in the area. Here are some pictures from our week:
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
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
Monday, June 16, 2008
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.
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!
Friday, May 30, 2008
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.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
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!
Sunday, May 18, 2008
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.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
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!
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
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!
