Richards Fun

Christmas 2010

2011-01-27T08:27:00.010-07:00

Everone came, everyone hugged and kissed. We had lots of life during Christmas. Birthdays, anniversaries, Eliza's baby blessing, Vicky Wilson leaving for heaven. We laughed, cried, were in awe at the Lord's (The Good Shepherd) tender mercies and love. We loved being with each one of you.

Santa found our home on Chrismas Eve. PJ's for everyone.

Halloween 2010

2010-11-03T21:09:00.013-06:00

Fall Break

2010-10-21T22:37:00.003-06:00

We went up to Woodland to get away from the "daily grind". It was a great vacation. We hiked, played in the stream, threw boulders, cooked hot dogs and marshmallows over a great fire, played t-ball, went on a raventure (as Preston calls it), decorated halloween cookies and explored the haunted shed. (Yes Eric that's the one we built).
Thanks Grandma and Grandpa for a fabulous place to "get away".

Time to catch up!

2010-10-21T22:35:00.001-06:00

Ok, I know how you'll all roll your eyes, but we need to do something on the blog again to stay up to date with each other. We are all super busy and so far away that I feel this is VERY necessary. Any ideas? Please post a comment or you'll be left to the "bossy big sister" to decide. The blog is set up to email all the girls (and Dad) when anyone posts so we can stay "posted".

I love you!
Amy

Hebgen 2010

2010-10-03T21:33:00.018-06:00

Happy Birthday to the B.I.L.

2010-03-11T21:06:00.002-07:00

In case you were wondering the B.I.L. is the exclusive club for the brothers in law of the family. Josh is the president and founder and he was kind enough to allow Dave to serve as the secretary. Conveniently they both have birthdays in March, only 10 days apart (not to mention 9 years). We had a great party. Thanks for joining the family boys. You both make it so much fun!!!

Hebgen week - Aug 16 2010

2010-01-09T07:39:00.005-07:00

Our Hebgen week is Aug 16- We want to go to a beautiful place and enjoy you if you can come.

Christmas 2009

2010-01-08T16:48:00.003-07:00

Mexico 2009

2010-01-08T15:21:00.004-07:00

There is Beauty all around!!!

2009-11-12T15:38:00.001-07:00

Do these pics bring back any memories? Thanks for the traditions Mom and Dad!

The Forsyth Clan!!!!

2009-11-01T20:00:00.004-07:00

The Forsyths are having quite an adventure with their eventful lives! Lets start with some

GENERAL UPDATES:

Halloween!!! Amy's family had super cute costumes (yet again!), way to go Amy, it sure looks like you made Halloween fun for your kids. Here are some pics.

In addition to Halloween festivities, including getting costumes ready and planning a chili-included trunk-or-treat (make sure you ask Amy how it went, she was in charge :) ), The Forsyths have been working on selling their house. This means keeping the house clean with three little kids. That sounds like lots of hard work Amy! We all hope things work out with the house situation.

Amy and Josh have been enjoying the football season, talking trash about each other's teams, taking trips to Grandma's house to watch the game... We'll just have to wait and see where Ella's, Preston's and Luke's loyalties lie in the end.

The Forsyths just got pictures taken! They turned out awesome, make sure you get Amy to send you the link because they are just awesome. What a handsome family you have! Amy and Josh, I'm sure you are very proud :)

INDIVIDUAL UPDATES

Josh:

Josh's sister Kara just had her first baby! She is beautiful, and they named her Hazel Bell.

Josh is working hard at his jobs and with his school. Josh, school will end one day! (at least that is what I hear...)

Josh is preparing for two really big races next summer. He is doing the Wasatch Back and a race in Las Vegas. They are both a 100 mile run , and Josh is splitting it between some friends from the fire station. Josh, we know you are going to do awesome! We are all inspired by your discipline in keeping fit!

Not only is Josh keeping busy with all of these things, but he is still a great dad, and he is the Sunday School president at the ward. Thanks Josh for being wonderful and for making time for family and callings in your busy education and work schedule!

Amy:

Amy is reading the Harry Potter books again, right now she is on #5 and is liking that.

Amy is transitioning from being a mother of babies to a mother of school kids! Amy is helping Ella remember to do her homework and also helping her with the work. This means lots of reading, adding and subtracting, and other very important things for Ella.

Amy, you work so hard for your family every single day, and I know you are an example to all of us sisters trying to be moms and wives and future moms like you! You are such a great leader and supporter to lots of people around you.

Ella:

Is in Kindergarten! Ella is doing homework! Is she really that old? Ella just had a program for school, where she performed a nursery rhyme with actions! Ella, you are such a beautiful girl and are such a good big sister to Preston. The other day I (Anna) listened as Ella patiently helped Preston remember how to wash his hands the right way. She is going to be such a good mom someday

Preston:

Preston sure is a ball of energy! Preston you are trying so hard to learn to be nice to everyone, and you are so cute and fun! Preston, you make such a great Halloween pirate too!

Preston is growing up too. He is now attending preschool twice a week.

Amy told me this funny story about Preston. The other day, he came up to her depressed and said, "mom..." Amy says "yes?" Preston says, "I'm not a real Pirate." Amy: "How come?" Preston: "I don't have a treasure map!" Amy was kind enough to make him a really nice treasure map, even making the edges burnt so it looked authentic. Then after he came up with a similar attitude and asked, "Mom, I don't have a ship!" Amy didn't know what to do about that. I wouldn't have known either.

Luke:

Luke is learning tons of animal noises and words! How do these kids keep growing up into real people that can talk? Luke has also discovered the T.V. He especially loves this episode with a horse in it. Luke with ask for it by saying, "horse."

Well to tie up this post about the wonderful Forsyth Family, I will just put up some recent pics Amy sent me. We love you guys!!!!

2009-10-04T18:34:00.009-06:00

K is for kool

I is for irregular... in a good way

M is for muscles in her leg that are growing, slowly but surely

B is for blushes when she sees that she gets asked to the dance by funny boys

E is for every cats favorite girl

R is for runny nose, who knows where that name came from but it stuck.

L is for leg replacements, so if anyone has some good legs, let her know.

Y is for yummy salad and gravy maker

Kim is everyone's favorite gal. We wanted to get a slide show of her with all different members of the family because I'm sure each of us can think of a funny story or event that happened with kim. She has great energy, smile and personality. She's everyone's favorite gal, especially all of the nieces and nephews(sorry Dave you come in second with Abby). Kim is loud and always wanting to play a game or do something fun. Lately Kim has been working on getting her legs back to proper function. Just this week she graduated from a partial squat to a full!! That's huge! Her PT is letting her ride a bike and pretty soon she's going to be spinning away in a really really good indoor cycling class.(with a way awesome, super cool, attractive humble teacher). Homecoming week is this upcoming week and she's going to the dance with Marcus Winston.. . . we'll just mention his name and you can ask her for details. Also this week Kim is hosting the soccer feast night dinner. She has been such a sport not getting to play, she still goes the to the games and is the designated photographer with her new camera she got for her birthday. East soccer did a great job this year and is still going strong, keep your fingers crossed, two more weeks.

Three hip hip hoorays for Kim, we love you!

Eric and Lindsay, Ne How Ma

2009-09-14T16:13:00.008-06:00

ERIC and LINDSAY, welcome home!!!!

Eric and Lindsay will soon be home from China. They started in Beijing, followed by the Great Wall of China, other sights in the city, then Eric shadowed a doctor for a couple days. They next flew to Gua ling which is Beautiful city with unique mountains like tombstones with a river running through them. Grandma Richards and Grandma Sorenson took it upon themselves to spoil Abby and Sara for two weeks. Eric and Lindsay will soon arrive in SLC, pick up their kids, and return to Oregon. It is true, Eric has been deeply missed as the Cub comittee Chairman. (Eric has a reward for anybody that can guess what his duties are). Lindsay has also been missed by her 5 piano students. If you would like to become one of her students, be sure to grab the Bastian Books, they are Lindsays prefered system of teaching. Find them online at http://www.allegromusiconline.com/bastien.htm. Her students are lucky that they do not need to take from Suzuki, Happy farmer and Go tell aunt Rhodie can get a little boring.

Abby just finished swimming lessons at Water Fountain Parks. In Oregon, the kids run through the water rather than swim. It looks fun!

Eric, Lindsay and family will make it home just in time for "So you think you can dance." Eric has entered his Popin' repitour with the Cub Master. To get a sneak peak of their dance, watch their dress rehersal at. (Eric is the one in the White).http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9wcg6VWW7LE&feature=related

(Thank heavens Eric's the guy in white. Way to choose the right Eric. You're living proof that CTR rings really do work. We love you two! Hope you had a blast in China!

Welcome Home!!!

Labor Day boating

2009-09-13T21:56:00.003-06:00

And fun was had by all!!! Thanks Dad for a fun day out on the lake (even though it wasn't glass) and to Mom for tending the babies.

Amanda and her wakeboard, Dad and his ski, Sam and his costumes and Amy and the kids. There's nothing like it!

The Groove Train - Dave's Band at the Utah State Fair

2009-09-13T15:10:00.002-06:00

A sweet day

2009-09-05T22:38:00.003-06:00

Dad was released from being Bishop of the Monument Park 2 Ward. It was a really sweet experience for our family and I am so grateful to him for his years of dedicated, selfless service. And to Mom too who stood by him and was very patient with the demanding schedule. Way to go! Now what???

FACT or FICTION

2009-08-07T23:05:00.018-06:00

Let's Play a Game...

Fact or Fiction:

There is only one human on earth who can eat two bananas in a row for a snack. In fact, this person was given the Medal of Honor at the United States Capitol for surviving such a high load of potassium and not gagging on them the whole way down.

FACT:
This is partially fact. Dad, who is the only human on earth that has eaten two bananas in a row, did just fine. He also won the medal of honor. But that was for marrying the Elizabeth Cook, Miss Marie Calendar's. Did you know that this is how Dad got mom to marry her? He dressed in a really creepy but romantic fake beard and snuck into Marie Calendar's and called the waitress over, (mom) and said watch this...he then ate two banana's in a row, managing to only gag a few times and getting only a few banana strings tangled in his beard.

OK. fine...this is not fact. This is just part of the story. Dad did dress up, but mom could see right through that handsome costume and fell in love. And that is how their story bega. What a great pair they have turned out to be. If you can't find them, they are probably on a walk, holding hands, walking really really really slow so they can enjoy just being together. You may also catch them snuggling on the love seat, or relaxing up at Woodland. This is what won them the Medal of Honor. They are the greatest couple around.

________________________________________________________

FACT OR FICTION:

Mom has been training her wrists lately. In fact, she has gotten so fast at the "chinniper-choppiner" move. She has been practicing at home and tried it on Dad. Unfortunately, she did it so good that it ended up taking much of the skin off of dad's face and he has since had to cover his face with Desitin to help it heal faster.

FICTION:
He had to use"Product" from the brown bookshelf in their bathroom instead of Desitin.

OK fine, it is true. Mom is the best there is at the "chinniper-choppiner" move. But that is because she can't stand not loving her children. She has been the best there is. Have any of you had a moment where Mom gives you one of her great hugs...not the tight bear hug kind, but the soft gentle hugs and then she tells you how proud she is of you and that she loves you? Don't you all remember every event you had, and she was right there cheering you on? Don't you remember her leading the way, morning after morning after morning teaching us the scriptures...waking us all up with a shriek from Tiger rubbing her leg? Haven't we all been blessed by her selfless acts of charity...picking us up from school, taking us to the beach, letting us go to the dollar store at hebgen, bearing her testimony at family home evening? I have to say, She can chinniper chop me all she wants, she has been the best mom there is.

___________________________________________________________

FACT OR FICTION:

Every so often, Mom and Dad sneek away on a little jaunt to their dream cottage.

Fact: Mom and Dad have been building the dream since they were married. They dreamed of a place to take their family for fun, memories, and pull up contests. They wanted a place where Chamois could run wild, just so they could spend hours picking the burrs out of her silken black coat. They wanted a place where Sunka could be played game after game, shell after shell until all the shells ended up in some couch cushion, or under the fridge. They made a place where feasts have been had, laughter and testimony and campfires, and yes... tubing the river has been enjoyed. Woodland has become a part of the Richards family. It has been something that only our family understands, a place where dreams and family ties have been laid one stone, beam, and fly at a time. Thanks Mom and Dad for making Woodland our dream "Inn."

__________________________________________________________________

FACT OR FICTION:

The Washington Monument stands 6 feet 4 inches tall to honor Dad who is yea tall, and is made of 64,598 bricks in honor of how many meters per second Mom can run. (Have you ever tried racing her?)

FICTION: The Washington Monument has nothing whatsoever to do with Mom and Dad other than it makes a nice post card. But seriously, what is monumental...(nice play on words, huh) is the incredible guidance and leadership that mom and dad have given to this family. All who know Mom and Dad would be the first to pledge what great lives they each lead personally. Dad is the worlds most humble person. And yet it is incredibly remarkable how boldly and precisely he has led his ward as bishop for the last 6 years. He has mastered the scriptures, gained the trust and respect of all of his coworkers and patients, is a beloved neighbor and friend. Mom is everybody's best friend. She is quick to smile and even quicker to forgive. She also gave so much to help build her ward. Not one ounce of complaint, but one ton of encouragement to her family and the ward. How many other people do you know that even know what extracting is? Finding lost souls through geneology? Thanks for being so Monumental.

__________________________________________________________________

FACT OR FICTION:

Dad will be leading the runnway in this fall's latest GoodWill fashion line. See how great his red's match?

FACT: lets just say look out Zoolander, you may have a new fashion battle to fight.

Here are a few shots from their latest portfolio in the Fall catalog...

Mom and Dad, We want you to know how much you mean to us, how much fun we have with you and how much you have impacted our lives for good. We love you!

As Josh likes to call them..."SAMANDA"

2009-06-30T21:35:00.011-06:00

We have had so much fun with Sam and Amanda this summer! It is great being the "in-towners" together. We see each other at Sunday dinner, birthday parties, and every once in a while at Mom and Dad's house. They are both working hard in school and at work and they discipline themselves which I think is very impressive. They even make time to have fun and you can tell they are a happy couple.

They are both in YM/YW and Amanda even got to go to girls camp. I am excited to hear how it went.

Sometime ask them about there recent couples dating experiences with their friends in their ward. It's funny.

At the beginning of May, Sam and I did the St. George Triathlon. It was so fun getting ready and talking about our training. I was really glad to have someone else do it with me. The trip was a blast too. We had a lot of fun swimming, laying out, eating out, and of course doing the race. When is the next race/trip?

Amanda and Josh were great to be our cheering squad / babysitter.
Sam recently had a big birthday!

Since Sam is such a caring husband, he bought his sweet wife a bike for HIS birthday. Luckily she is a cycling teacher and can show him how to use HIS new bike.

(Yes he got a bike too.)
She has been teaching cycling classes all summer at 6:30 a.m. She has awesome music (so I hear and I think she even had a beach day and was going to give the people leis to wear while riding). Someday I am going to be in your spin class...just you wait. Amanda and Sam have been good friends to Kim as she has gone through some rough things recently. They are the first ones she calls to talk about any troubles and just last week they bought her Cafe Rio and sat with her after she hurt her knee in a soccer game. Some of the siblings said that they are way too nice. I'd have to agree. Next time I need something, I'm calling them. Hooray! Sam and Amanda got out on the boat this last week. When I asked Josh if he had anything to contribute to this post he said that, "Sam and Amanda are the hippest couple in the family!" Need we say more? No really we think you are such a fun couple and I was telling Lindsay just the other day that I think you two really are great together. You are happy and you take care of each other. That is so important and you do it well.

Good job finding each other! Sam is still the first one to volunteer to ski and he shows us all up! It is awesome to watch someone perform with such grace and intensity. Seriously, it is really fun to watch Sam ski!
Yes, Amanda has been converted...she loves being on the boat too. It's fun to have her there although she is still hiding her wakeboarding skills until she can really show us all up in July, at Hebgen. Look out boys!This last picture is my favorite. This typifies Sam and Amanda. They are incredible to our kids. Last week they called and offered to let Josh and me go out on a date while they tended. It was a Friday night and we stayed out late and they were still happy when we got back. It really meant a lot to us both to be able to go out on a date together and we didn't worry about the kids. We knew they were in good hands. You can tell the kids love their uncle Sam and aunt Amanda!

We love you too!!! Love, Amy (and Josh of course)

Trip for Calvin's Baby Blessing

2009-06-11T10:24:00.015-06:00

The Forsyth Family

2009-06-01T10:10:00.022-06:00

Preston, Josh, Luke, Ella and Amy make up the Forsyth Family.

Sometimes they are serious

Sometimes they are silly

They love each other

Josh is the dad. He is soooooooo fun.

Josh loves to suprise you with whatever he can think of.

He is a great dad!

He started all this triatholon stuff.

He is doing a triatholon this weekend in Burly, Idaho.

He is brave fireman at the Provo Fire Department.

Josh is finishing his college degree

Amy is the mom. She is a great mom.

She is a loving, supportive sister.

She always does what her parents tell her to do. She treats us sooo good. Thanks Amy.

This May Amy did the St. George triatholon with Sam, well, she got Sam to do it with her. We were so impressed by her dedication and hard work. She did it! Way to go Amy!

She also is a beautiful water skier.

We love being with you darling grandchildren.

Ella is enchanted, a real princess. She is beautiful, loving, fun, and loves everyone.

Ella just finished pre-school with a darling program. Now she is off to kindergarten. Anna, Grandma Richards, Preston, Luke and of course Mom came to the program. Dad did via video.

Ella loves snails, worms, snakes and crawly things. She doesn't like tiny flies, bees or flying bugs.

She loves being crazy with the cousins.

She loves being with friends and cousins.

She is mostly happy.

Ella loves her family.

Preston is charming, valiant and brave. He loves carrying animals, lizards and frogs.

He loves doing anything Ella is doing. Preston is finding his way. He is a middle child, so he makes sure you hear what he is saying. But he has the loving kind side too!

He is so special a famous artist has painted his portrait. Preston is a charmer. Watch out girls.

Preston and Great-grandpa Richards love each other.

A handsome prince who would bring you flowers.

He loves popcorn

Luke just became a significant person. He now has opinions, a darling smile, his unique crawl (is is a monkey crawl?) and has won many women's hearts (both grandma's, Kim's and especially his mom's)

He loves splashing in the tub and the swimming pool.

May Birthday's

2009-05-26T08:41:00.006-06:00

Dad had another birthday. He says this one really changed things. Now he has to read with his surgery glasses and headlamp. We even went to the cemetery for his party. I think that's too drastic. Honey you are not that old.

Happy birthday Dad!

Anna's birthday party was delayed but oh did we have fun! She chose new running shoes for her present and then we went to Bonneville School to play soccer. Anna can still play soccer.

Happy Birthday Anna you are now legal age.

We love you!

The Garage

2009-05-22T19:32:00.016-06:00

Happy Birthday Dad you got your garage,

and the whole week to work on it!

Thanks for all those who could help.

We love you Dad!

For Dad's birthday and vacation, he spent the week building the garage. Sometimes it looked like an ark, later like a barn, but tonight, the night before his birthday, he put the go carts in his garage. It is so cool. It has been built by the best crew. Dad, Craig Grant (the contractor in our ward who got two new knees 4 weeks ago), Sam, Dave, Misi, and Braden(a neighbor).

Willard Calvin Richards

2009-05-17T08:45:00.003-06:00

Willard Calvin Richards (Cal or Calvin) was born Thursday, May 7, 2009 at Forsyth Community Hospital in Winston Salem, North Carolina.

He is a handsome young man. Grandma fell for him instantly.

Wendy was so brave through the labor and ready to get up and get going as soon as she got home. Will was such a great support to Wendy. He is a proud father.

Annie was so darling wanting to hold Cal and rubbed his head softly.

We are so grateful Cal is here safely and mom is well.

2009-05-03T15:29:00.003-06:00

ANNA AND DAVE!!

Anna and Dave were married on april 2nd in the salt lake temple! weird i know! they got two hunny moons! no fair. they spent a couple days on their own and then they went to hawaii and just got home! they were living at provo, but are now living in Grandpa Richards basement just like the rest of the family has! they are all done with school for the summer!! Dave is wanting to work with his uncle who is a dentist so that he can learn how to be a dentist!! As for anna who knows what she will do this summer!! hopefully just kick back and relax and get used to married life!! well dave we are all so excited to have you in our family!! josh is loving having another member in the b.i.l. club! (brother in law for those that didn't know!) you make anna so happy and we all love it!!! if there is anything we can do for you let us know!!! love you two!! happy april!! hahaah sorry amy! i don't know how to work this blog thing!

2009-04-13T00:38:00.000-06:00

THE ERIC AND LINDSAY RICHARDS FAMILY IS HERE!!

2009-03-30T22:28:00.014-06:00

They will be here for one more week, but good luck trying to get a hold of them, boy are they busy. Even though their early arrival was for the funeral of our dear Grandma Cook we are sure glad they got to visit longer. It doesn't even seem like Eric and Lindsay have been gone when they are around, they fit right into place and add so much sarcasm, intelligence and fun to all the activities they are at!!

ERIC

Is extremely busy working hard through his first year residency in Portland, Oregon. He is really enjoying it and is trying to decide what is next. There are many options; fellowship? fellowship in Utah? (even though the program isn't as good) no fellowship and move to Utah? Or which purple shirt to buy? He isn't quite sure where he'll end up after these three years are through. Eric has definetely brought some style to Utah. Now we know that he doesn't want to enter the pull up contest because he says he can't do any, but i have secretly spied on him lifting 5 or 10 pounders downstairs with Tiger as his personal trainer so we will see what he can show us up at Woodland over conference weekend.

LINDSAY Ever since Lindsay's arrival she has been on the go. The night she arrived her little brother Nate got his mission call to Paraguay. Her mom had a birthday. She's been to three showers and hosted one. Not to mention she's been taking care of her darling girls, going to the movies and shopping up a storm. Lindsay is crossing her fingers that Eric will do a fellowship in Utah at the end of residency meaning they will move home just in time for Abby to start school. Meanwhile she is constantly working towards some kind of project at home and is a genius when it comes to paper and which purple shirt that Eric should buy.

ABBY JANE

Is just about the cutest three year old. Instead of talking to Lindsay and Eric about Abby I decided to ask Abby some questions. But I must add I was very impressed when Abby knew who I was, Eric and Lindsay are raising her right!. Abbie loves to play, she is definetely a girly girl who loves dress ups and princesses. She's going to school and loves to play and sing there. She loves anything that is sweet and told me she loves chocolate. She also really loves peanuts and cats. I noticed what a great helper and listener Abby is, she is definetely a great big sister. And she is not embarrassed to tell you that she hit someone, but is always saying she is sorry, especially to everyone around when Eric shows off his new purple shirt.

SARAHSarah is Lindsay and Eric's little wiggle worm. She is already getting sick of crawling and starting to walk around using whatever she can as an assistant. She has such a fun personality and laugh. She is such a sweet little girl following in the footsteps of her sister and mom. She is also becoming good friends with Lukey and have staring contests and see who can stare at the orange light longest when someone is taking a picture. She is so cute that even she knows that she looks better in purple than her father.

We love you Great Cookie!

2009-03-16T13:47:00.003-06:00

Our Grandma, Great Grandma, and mother Nadine Cook passed away this week. We were sad to see her go but we are so grateful for what a wonderful life she lived.

We are so excited for her to be reunited with her sweet husband, Cal.

To view the obituary click here

http://www.legacy.com/DeseretNews/Obituaries.asp?Page=Lifestory&PersonId=125092993#

Will and Wendy! (sorry it is late!)

2009-03-03T14:54:00.004-07:00

Hooray! How fun! Dave and I got to talk to will and wendy for a bit to catch up on their lives, and update any of you who haven't had the opportunity to talk to them for a little while.

Willard David:

Will is working really hard in school. He loves it but it is tiring! He's got a wonderful family though to help him through. Yay for families and wonderful people like Wendy!

We all know how outreaching Will is to the people around him. Right now he's doing his best to get to know as many people as he can in the business/law world. He's in some leadership positions in a few business clubs! (???help me out wendy! I'm sorry I'm forgetful...I don't know the names...) He's getting his name out there. What a motivated worker.

Wendy and Will:

Wendy and Will are cub masters! I bet their little boy scouts think they're pretty cool. They just helped organize the blue and gold dinner? (That is what it is called, right? I guess I need to study up on boy scouts...) They also got to help the boys do car racing. Pretty intense stuff. I hope no parents went away with sad feelings... :) I'm sure you guys handled and organized it really well.

Wendy!

Wendy only has about 75 or so days left of pregnancy! Wow!!! It is getting so close! You can do it Wendy! A new boy. How fun. Good thing Annie has started becoming their little helper. Wendy has also been working on a beautiful quilt. Wendy, can you post a picture of it? I'm sure we'd all love to see it. I bet it looks rockin'. Wendy is also teaching guitar and might start piano lessons. I know from personal experience that Wendy is an amazing teacher! So motivating and willing to help. Thanks Wendy for sharing your musical talent with your students, but especially with our family! Love it.

Annie Lou (our own little miss bright eyes!)

Like I mentioned a little bit earlier, Annie has become quite the helper! She likes to take a fork or something, walk over to the table, and then walk back and hand it to you agian (correct me guys if I'm wrong...). The fork somehow doesn't look the same as when it came out of the dishwasher though...

Annie also has beautiful curly hair growing in too! I can't wait to see it in a month. What a beautiful daughter you guys have.

Well there you have it! That is just scratching the surface of Will and Wendy's wonderful lives. There's much more to be discovered, but I'm grateful I got to catch up with them. Dave and I love you all and appreciate all of your support and kindness!! We are so excited to get some time with you this April. Hooray!!!

The Mother and the Father

2009-02-02T19:13:00.010-07:00

So here it is, a long time coming, some of you out there think it has been too long, but nonethless, let the show begin.

So I was looking for pictures of Mom and Dad and came across this great family photo. It is a little old so I will name the people from left to right, we see Eric in the polkadot shirt with his lovely curls, Dad with the green shirt, Mom with the lovely pseudo behive, I don't know where her sleeves went, but you are looking young, and Vida was just finishing cleaning the house and was willing to stand in. Amy died her hair her Junior year of High School and is next to Will who has a really cheesey smile as always. Down in front we see Sam, Anna, and Kim. It was fun to see what we used to look like.

Okay it wasn't as funny as I thought, but we always called ourselves the Brady Bunch.

Mom and Dad have been working hard keeping things going. Dad is excited about his garage blooming in the spring when the ground thaws out. Mom is working hard with Anna to get everything just right for the wedding. She has also been working very hard helping Grandma Cook clean out her appartment.

I asked them a few questions to try and open up their darkest secrets. So here it is.

We asked them what kind of bird they related with and Mom said (Dad said that she was like a dove because she was full of love) a tweety bird.

Dad said that he felt like a Teradactal, because it is bald and weird

Favorite candybar

Mom: Baby Ruth

Dad: Reeces or Snickers or fifth avenue

Can of soup

Mom: Cream of Chicken.

Dad: Chilie without beans.

Favorite Vacation stop

Dad: Bulgaria

Mom: Tie between a warm beach and England.

How often they shower

Mom: Only when its hot.
Dad: When he is at Woodland

Favorite pair of shoes

Mom: Clogs or any shoe that is too big.

Dad : Biking Shoes

Favorite Toothpaste

Dad: None

Mom: She answered for Dad but never answered for herself.

Here comes Santa Claus

2009-01-12T15:37:00.008-07:00

Santa came again this year...looking as good as ever!

He always is so sweet and gentle to the ladies. He tells us how wonderful we are. What a man.The grandkids are always fun to watch because you never know how they will react. Ella is old enough that she was excited and didn't seem to be scared. Preston was willing to sit on his lap but wouldn't say a word and had a sort of stone face. It was so great having Will and Wendy and Annie back home. It made things feel right again. Wendy had two to sit on Santa's lap. We can't wait for May!Annie was sure to let Santa know just how she felt. She didn't want anything to do with him and when Will tried to put her on his lap, she held her legs as high as she could so they wouldn't touch him. Next year will be better. Sam wrestled as ususal and thought he won. No one will ever beat Santa!Amanda did the collect the pjs and run routine. It is always so fun to watch the first meeting with Santa. Dave, we're so glad you're here to stay!Anna, no laughing!

Kim the smart one in the family covered up with a huge bath robe to prevent shaving cream on any of her clothes.

(I saw Mommy kissing Santa Claus...What a pair!)

Away in a Manger

2009-01-12T15:15:00.008-07:00

Christmas Eve is always very special at the Richards home.

Mom makes a great dinner, and luckily Josh got to come for a little while before he had to go to work for the evening.

Dad always tries to help us remember the "true meaning of Christmas" by presenting a thought or creating a stable in the livingroom. This year we talked a lot about the new year and what it would bring to each person. He called it a "Gift from God". We really are blessed and although there are many trials that we deal with, this year is going to be just that, a gift.

So we had a nativity dramatization. Eric and Lindsay live in Portland and so since they weren't able to be here for Christmas, they were our audience via web cam. Abby, Sarah, Eric and Lindsay were all in attendance.

And it came to pass...Mary and Joseph went to Bethlehem on the donkey, Small One, and Mary had her baby, Jesus.

Then the angel appeared to the shepherds and announced that the baby had been born and that they should go and tell everyone.

The wisemen came bearing gifts.

In the meantime, there were angels, wisemen, and shepherds all around the world that decided to come and see the baby. They all gathered together and sang beautiful carols celebrating His birth. What a wonderful event.

2008-12-06T16:53:00.020-07:00

HOT DOGS!

Meet Amanda and Sam...or is it Sam and Amanda...or is it the Richards?............... Ahhh I'm not ABC's!

These two carnivores are madly in love and boy does it show?

They have been married now for 5 months. Everyone remember? August 1st right? Polka Dots? It was a smash. So what have these two love birds been up to?

Well, Sam is working on fulfilling his dream of playing for the Utah Jazz. Amanda has been very supportive of this. She even agreed to work overtime nannying her nieces and nephews. Some people have been saying that she floats down from the sky with her umbrella. She is an excellent wife as well. She cooks and cleans and slaves away to keep Sam alive.

They are both studying hard in school even as we speak. Luckily they have lots of ways to burn off some of some steam, like going to the Utah games. Yes Josh, the University of Utah...the team that beat BYU....bad. Thanks, Sam and Amanda for staying true to your Utah roots that your beloved parents instilled in you.

Sam however has been working hard to save our economy. He has been nominated for a position in President-elect Obama's economic revitalization committee. He has been asked to serve as Lead Teller at Wells Fargo Bank to help stabilize our economy. He has two jobs. He delivers packages of bacon to Kim who is lost up in the woods. (Amanda rides in the carriage though, she is scared of wolves). Second, He works day and night handing out stimulus packages to loyal customers who go through his drive-through. The only sad part is then they pull forward from the window sucking on that yummy sucker he has just given them and....oh no!!!!! ram the back of his car .

The last piece of news is that Sam and Amanda are...

excited for Christmas. They will be giving out signed autographed posters of Sam's accident.

Yes, don't you want to know what happened. Well, it is a great story. See, Sam loves Doritos. It is his life-blood, especially with Pace Salsa. Now, one day, he and amanda were at the grocery store. Sam wanted Doritos, Amanda wanted Skittles- her daily sustinence. The got into a little tiff, and well, as they were "hotly" debating which product to buy, all of a sudden, a cat jumped out from the shelf of chips and landed on Amanda's back. Sam new he had to do something. He had promised to love and protect her all the days of his life and so he sacrificed his addiction to save her and grabbed the cat. It freaked. Then Kim ran out from the shelf of chips. She had been hidding eating doritos in the shelf and tried to get the cat off Sam, but it was too late. Kim knew she should never have taken Tiger to the store with her. Tiger was still hungry and knowing that Tiger loves Doritos too, was upset at Amanda for wanting Skittles. So Tiger attacked. Sam's face has been healing, slowly. It will be back to normal some day. They finally decided to get both the Doritos and the Skittles.

Thank goodness they have each other. We are so grateful to have them. We love you both and I would now like to do a post on the 10 things I love most about each of them, but that would be too cheesey and annoying so I won't. Merry Christmas Richardseses.

Thanksgiving 2008

2008-12-01T09:29:00.026-07:00

We are sooo Thankful for our family.
We can't wait to have Wendy, Will and Annie come.
Eric and Lindsay cooked a beautiful, delicious Thanksgiving Dinner for us.

Great Cookie was the Queen

I've Had My Turkey Dinner

2008-11-25T07:51:00.013-07:00

We have sooooo much to be thankful for.

Mom was thankful to be with family. We missed Eric, Lindsay, Abby, and Sarah, Wendy, Will and Annie.

Kim sang, "Come Thou Fount" with Anna on the piano, Dad on the Alto Recorder and Mom on the flute.

Amanda read a darling story about how nice it is just to be together. Sam dug around and found his Juice Harp.

Will presented two clever poems via web cam.

Grandpa lead the men in singing, "God Be With You 'Til We Meet Again"

Dave and Anna sang a beautiful, "Abide With Me"

The Forsyth presented a play about how being a selfish turkey can get you into a fix.

Turkey Preston

The Garage

2008-11-25T07:45:00.005-07:00

It was tricky to get the garage to come down in our yard and not the Thornton's. Of course Dad found a way to use his winch to save the falling garage.

Dad rented a jack hammer and spent a Saturday breaking up the cement

Eric Olson (Bridgett Tidwell's husband) came to help take away the cement pad from the old garage. He brought some fun toys. Dad asked if he could play too! Eric stayed from 8 in the morning until 7 pm. They dug the ditch for the footings with this fun machine.

Happy Birthday Willard David Richards

2008-11-12T20:02:00.003-07:00

Happy Birthday Will, You are 26 and onward! We are so happy you have this wonderful family, going to school where you want to go and studying harder than you ever have and still smiling. Steadfast determination. We love you and miss you so much. We hope you have a great year!

Love you,

Mom and Dad R

Happy Birthday Willard David Richards

2008-11-12T19:58:00.004-07:00

Happy Birthday to Willard. He's 26 and onward. Will you are amazing. Steadfast determination. We are so happy you are where you want to be, studying where you want to study and have a wonderful family with you. We hope you have a great year.

Love you,

Mom and Dad

This Was Our Halloween

2008-11-02T08:49:00.004-07:00

We had just gotten back from Amanda's Parent's house and saw all of her little nieces costumes and decided to go home and when we got there, all we heard was "THRILLER!" and all other kinds of crazy music till about.....3 am. We're not complaining at all.....kind of. But it was a fun day.

Spooky Halloween Night

2008-11-01T10:25:00.016-06:00

Sam and Amanda and Grandma and Grandpa were supportive. It's important too!

Annie the cute Kangaroo

Wendy and Will

Tinkerbell

Sarah Lady Cute Bug

Eric and Girls
Lindsay and Girls

Darling girls

Tinkerbell Ella

The Peter Pan Gang

Crocodile Alligator Roar

Smee, Captain, Hook, and Peter Pan

School Girls

Kit (from Napolean Dynamite) and Buela

Kimberly Jane Richards

2008-10-31T11:08:00.007-06:00

Kim is one of my best friends! We have been spending a lot of time together lately. We talk boy talk (Paul is really fun, creative, and as she would say,"hot"), share clothes (Who is lucky enough to have hand-me-downs from their little sis?), and hang out together. She went to church with me and helped me with my kids this past weekend. It is interesting because Kim and I are the only kids who are around Mom and Dad's regularly. It has been really fun to get to know her better and to laugh and tease each other.

She had her knee scoped out again last week and it seems to have really helped. After a little bruising from the procedure she is feeling tons better. She has awesome range of motion and can straighten her knee to a 1 (that is really good). She gets to even start lifting weights to get back her muscular soccer legs.

Halloween Masquerade Dance is tonight and she and Paul (and their group) are dressing in prep school uniforms. I will post pics when we get some.

Kim, I (and my family) love you!

Amy

Eric and Lindsay, you get to do a post on Sam and Amanda for November!

Weekend Get Away

2008-10-26T20:34:00.002-06:00

Dad and I went to St. George for the weekend. We swam in the morning, read books, rode bikes to Ivins, walked in Zions' beautiful scenery, went out to dinner. But the best thing of all is we talked. Yes, we talked about all of you. We also talked about our testimonies and how life is.

Thanks to those who made it possible.

Keep going out and talking with your true love and it will stay true love. We love you,

Mom and Dad

Family Home Evening at Amanda and Sam's Home

2008-10-21T15:14:00.006-06:00

Monday we went to Sam and Amanda's apartment for Family Home Evening. We all loved how they have decorated, painted and made it their own home.

Grandpa R came too!

They seem happy and made us feel so welcome.

Way to go Sam and Amanda!

Keeping up to date

2008-10-12T23:44:00.002-06:00

Just a thought...since we all live such crazy lives and some of us are far away I want to propose a suggestion. Each month one family or person will be in charge of keeping us all up to date on another family or person. For example, Josh and Amy's family is going to start by talking to Kim and finding out what she is up to. We can get pics or any juicy details she is willing to share and we need to post something dedicated to Dad and Mom in October. Then in November Eric and Lindsay's family will be in charge of doing a post on someone else (family or individual). This way we are talking to each other and are involved by reading the posts. What do you think?

Christmas list

2008-10-12T23:35:00.002-06:00

So I've set up our Christmas gift list and unless anyone objects let's just rotate through this each year. Let's say that for the "big people" don't spend more than $20.00 and for the kids let's make it less than $10.00. So we are doing couples as one gift. Get it?

Josh and Amy give to Kim
Eric and Lindsay give to Sam and Amanda
Will and Wendy give to Eric and Lindsay
Sam and Amanda give to Josh and Amy
Anna gives to Will and Wendy
Kim gives to Anna

Ella gives to Annie
Preston gives to Abby
Luke gives to Sarah
Abby gives to Ella
Sarah gives to Luke
Annie gives to Preston

Grandparents are the best!

2008-10-12T21:33:00.004-06:00

Grandpa, thanks for all the time you spend taking the kids to the fishing hole, the farm next door, the gym in the basement, the water sports competitions, the boat ride, the race track around the house, and for all the help carrying kids out to the car. WE LOVE YOU!

Grandma, thanks for tending, and tending, and tending, and playing, and walking barefoot around the block, and feeding, and kissing, and loving, and making all kinds of jewelry, and reading books, and finding treasures, and going grocery/toy shopping. WE LOVE YOU!

General Conference Weekend at Woodland was glorious

2008-10-08T07:57:00.012-06:00

Being with the family at Woodland was sureal. The Spirit was strong, we all grew closer. We were all pleasant. We loved listening to the Prophet together.

We missed Will, Wendy, Annie,?, Lindsay, Eric, Abby, and Sarah terribly.

The girls had pizza at the Summit Inn Pizza Parlor. Everyone was glad their man was at General Priesthood Meeting, but missed them terribly.

We were very happy Kim made it after her long Homecoming weekend with Pedro from Brazil. Yea, Kim!

Sam and Amanda were there. We love having Amanda cheering Sam on as he wins the pull up contest each time. She is so fun to be around and it seems she has been in the family forever. Yea, Amanda! Sam is very happily married. Yea, Sam!

I loved being with Dad all weekend, especially all Sunday. He helped us all find our way to the cabin. Thanks for building us such a beautiful, comfortable home. Yea, Dad!

Anna and Dave seemed very comfortable. Yea, Dave and Anna!

Getting together gave us time to talk and build family relationships.
Yea, Josh, Yea, Amy!

It was like Heavenly Father wanted us to stay in and watch conference.

It rained all Saturday and got cold Sunday

We went to visit bacon and sausage, new pigs down the road. Ella and Preston were given a dozen eggs from the Galli's. Is Jay related to Hannah?

We love you Mom, Grandma, Great-Grandma

2008-08-06T13:58:00.001-06:00

Wedding Prep

2008-08-06T13:49:00.003-06:00

So Sam got married this past weekend and since we don't have any wedding pics yet I (Amy) thought I'd just add a few of the last minute wedding preparations. Amanda, it was so fun. Can we do it again?
Sam's last ski as a single man. (the water was not the most desireable but he still tore it up!)

The girls getting their nails done. Yes mom painted her nails (for the first time in my life time). Kim's red toes were absolutely fab.

These are the cousins who got wedding outfits. We thought they looked a little like dalmations when they were all together with the Peterson kids. Great job to Kathy Peterson who sewed all the dresses and ties. Cute as ever.

Playing in the pool at Grandma's house with Abby Jane. We love when any of the cousins are in town and can't wait for the next visit.

Anna moved home on Friday

2008-04-26T19:46:00.001-06:00

Kim welcomed Anna home in a big way!

Will's graduation from BYU

2008-04-26T19:36:00.008-06:00

Annie's proud of Dad!

Conference Weekend Apr 2008 Wendy's birthdays

2008-04-09T09:35:00.006-06:00

I have to watch conference?

Yes and we are so excited to watch with you. Thank goodness Eric texted Kim to help keep us all awake. Abby and Lindsay were watching too!

Well if Amanda's here it will be great

Josh kept things fun as always.

Ella helped Grandma make Wendy's birthday cake.

Sunday morning breakfast

Anna helping Ella with her drawing.

Amanda helped Anna with her math.

We went swimming at the Rec Center before Priesthood Meeting. It is a great pool and we all had soooo much fun.

Wendy's birthday was Apr 3rd. We celebrated because we are so glad she is part of our family.

Love you Wendy! Happy Birthday!

Josh is working in the Shock/Trauma Unit of the ICU

2008-04-03T07:54:00.003-06:00

Open house for the family. Ella and Preston are so proud of their Dad. Amy is especially. We all are too!

Spring Break at Rocky Point

2008-04-01T10:35:00.006-06:00

Kim figured out a way to have a fun spring break.

Carly Thurgood came with us.

Dad went fishing with Jared.

Kim and Carly on the balcony.

We had so much fun with Jared and Marsha Parker. They took us to a great restaurant every night. They took us fishing, shopping and wherever we wanted to go.

The cousins are playing together.

2008-03-13T14:22:00.002-06:00

It's official - Sam's got the ring and he's giving it to Amanda tonight!

2008-03-11T10:14:00.010-06:00

He finally did it. Sam got engaged to Amanda Peterson on March 10th. We all love her so much. It is great to see how happy they are together. They are planning to get married toward the end of the summer.

Amanda's birthday

2008-02-04T09:08:00.000-07:00

We found out Amanda's birthday is this Wednesday, Feb 6th, so we celebrated Sunday!

Amanda we love having you apart of our family.

You are fun, beautiful, and have strong feelings about important things. You are a good example to us. Happy Birthday Wednesday!

Kim's cat

2008-02-03T15:34:00.001-07:00

Kim is taking care of Tiger so she won't be depressed. She got her a new litter box, different food and shaved her side to get rid of her dreadlocks.

Forsyth's new home

2008-02-03T15:29:00.000-07:00

I got to go visit their new house. This is Ella new room.

All Together For the Holidays

2008-01-17T08:22:00.000-07:00

It was so wonderful to have our whole family together for the holidays. So we took a picture!

Halloween 2007 at Great Cookie's

2007-10-31T19:42:00.000-06:00

Another fun Halloween party at Great Cookie Witch's!

2007-10-28T07:45:00.000-06:00

The girls got together to do Halloween nails.

Wendy, Ella, Kim and Amanda (Sam's girlfriend)

2007-10-28T07:04:00.000-06:00

So darling!

Annie is already for Halloween. I hope Wendy and Will can catch her for the party while she is buzzing around.

"I thought I heard a buzz.

And what do you think it was?

It flew through the air..."

2007-10-22T10:11:00.000-06:00

Amy, Josh, Ella and Preston brought this pumpkin over Saturday night. We were all so thrilled. But Kim showed the most excitement. She kept saying all day Sunday, "I'm so excited about Amy, she is so cute and fun pregnant. I love the kids. I'm so excited! You don't know how excited I am. Mom is excited to make a baby quilt, burp cloths etc. Add a name to her grandma quilt and hold a new baby. Dad is tender. Josh is working hard to pay for it all and a little worried. Amy is sick but happy.

This is what the pumpkin says,

Josh and Amy are excited to say, Sometime around the 13th of May, a third little pumpkin will be coming their way. "We hope you'll come to see it, and play!"

2007-10-21T18:48:00.000-06:00

Kim dressed up as a rock star for Mascarade. Her boots were so high she couldn't drive or walk.
Her friends are Sara Huntsman, and Nikki Rudd.

And doesn't Dad look hip?

Annie came to visit

2007-10-13T10:08:00.000-06:00

What a fun uncle. Will is so fun with our kids.

We were so lucky to have Annie come and play for a few hours the other night. Preston looked like Godzilla next to her and for a while he wanted her to play WWF with her. I guess it is going to take a while before he understands his own strength. He is sweet though. He wanted to lay down right next to Annie. I just had to make sure he didn't lay on her.

2007-10-08T18:37:00.000-06:00

Conference Weekend was so great with all of you. Thanks for your fun, pleasant, helpful, crazy, happy, sleepy, creative, kind self. You are all wonderful. Eric, Lindsay and Abby were there by phone. Even a bird wanted to join us. Love you all!

2007-09-27T21:31:00.000-06:00

Annie and Wendy came to play with Abby

2007-09-27T21:23:00.000-06:00

Abby, Mylie and Eliza got reaquainted at the game.

2007-09-27T21:21:00.001-06:00

East played Highland tonight. The varsity game which Caroline played in Highland won 3-1. The Junior Varsity game which Kim played in won 2-0.
They both played great! Mike Anderson's daughter Sarah also played for Highland in the Varsity game. Whit Johnson brought his daughters to watch. Aunt Miriam and Cherie came too!
How are your teams doing? Send us some pictures. Put them on the blog.

Dates Coming for our Family

2007-09-18T15:45:00.000-06:00

Dear Family,
I would like to share some dates for important things happening in our family. If you have something coming up share it with us.
Kim's first date Sat 21 Homecoming with Christian D.
Kim's soccer
Sept 20 East at Olympus 5 pm
Sept 25 Granger at East 5pm
Sept 27 East at Highland 5pm
Oct 2 Cottonwood at East 5pm

We will be at Woodland for General Conference if you want to join us.

Sam is taking his first Chemistry test tomorrow Sept 19th! Good luck!

Josh and Amy's house is looking like it will be done in November. Wow!
Josh was offered a new job with good pay.

Lindsay coming for her cousin's wedding Sept 26
Grandma Liz is tending Abby during the wedding Sept 27th if you can come play

Eric is going back to Arlington on Friday. Yea it's done.
He's taking some boards in October.

Will is taking the LSAT this Saturday. We're cheering for you!
Wendy is teaching guitar at home.

Anna saw and heard the prophet live today at BYU devotional.

Dad's working on the Brighton deal again.

2007-08-28T19:34:00.000-06:00

Will and Wendy had fun at Bear Lake with the Wilson's.

2007-08-28T19:32:00.000-06:00

Abby is enjoying the summer by spending lots of time in the water.

2007-08-28T19:29:00.000-06:00

Annie is all grown up!

2007-08-28T19:26:00.001-06:00

Grandma and Ella are helping build it.

2007-08-28T19:24:00.000-06:00

Amy and Josh are excited about their new house. Dad is inspecting it.

2007-08-28T19:22:00.000-06:00

Kim was excited to start school today! Very! She wore her soccer shorts because it was game day.

2007-08-28T19:19:00.002-06:00

Kim started school today. She was very excited! Very! She wore soccer clothes because it was a game day.

2007-08-28T19:19:00.001-06:00

Kim started school today. She was very excited! Very! She wore soccer clothes because it was a game day.

2007-08-28T19:17:00.001-06:00

Anna moved to Provo yesterday. She is excited for school. She went a week early to paint her apartment, set it up and play. Andrea(sp?) is her roommate. She is an Art major too!

First Day of School

2007-08-28T19:06:00.000-06:00

Sam started back to school a week ago. Josh started back to school. Eric is now in North Carolina and doing a rotation at Chapel Hill. Will and Anna start the 4th of Sept. Wendy is going to be starting her guitar lessons after Labor Day. Lindsay is going to go visit Eric with her mom and Abby on Sept 7th. Dad is taking care of everyone. And Mom is bottling fruit.

2007-08-20T14:23:00.000-06:00

Dear Family,

Thanks Amy, these are precious. I'm sitting here crying because I love all of you so much. This summer was soooo fun on the boat and at the reunions. Thanks for your support. Thanks for being pleasant. Thanks for making Dad and me laugh. Thanks for strenghtening our family. Each one of you is soooo important to Heavenly Father and to Dad and me. Thanks for being you!

Love you,

Mom and Dad

Faces of our family

2007-08-19T21:37:00.000-06:00

These are a few of my favorite faces. This summer has been amazing. It is sad to see it come to an end but that just means the holidays are coming. More time to be together. Feel free to contribute to my commentary of the pictures. We'd all love to hear your comments.

Dad I think it is safe to say that dad has enjoyed his summer. He has worn this hat more than any other hat he's owned (other than his hospital shower cap that is). It is a sign of true leisure and relaxation. It seems to bring him a look of youth and that look brings on an attitude of fun and sillyness. We all love seeing you have so much fun Dad. Thanks again for the awesome boat. It has been a blast!

Mom

You should win the award for the best cheerer this summer. You have truly been everyone's biggest fan and you've been so positive and kind regardless of the situation. You can just see from your picture that you are happy. It has rubbed off on all you've been around and since we've all gone back to real life we've kept your happy smile and kind words in our thoughts. Thanks for all the fun trips and for the fun family. We wouldn't even be here with out you. Also, thanks for the fantastic show of "Skiing Grandma", another season going on strong.

Josh

You finally got a break. How does it feel? From the look of things you have had a good break. Even making tons and tons of guacamole makes you happy. That must mean "no homework". Josh probably put the most miles on his body than anyone else. If he wasn't running, he was swimming, or biking, or swimming, or surfing, or skiing or playing paddle ball, or tubing,or doing something adventuresome. I really don't think you sat still for one minute. You make life an adventure. There is always something up your sleeve and we should announce that you are the HEBGEN MAN TRIATHLON reigning champion for the third year in a row. Maybe next year the race could have an even longer swim (to make things fair that is). Just kidding.

Amy

So this summer has been one of changes and growing up. It seems like not that long ago when Amy was playing basketball, driving the land cruiser and causing mom and dad all kinds of stress. Now she has a three year old, a one year old and has been married for 4 years. That 10 year high school reuion just did something to me. I guess it made me grateful for the life I have now. I wouldn't change it for the world. (Well maybe I'd erase the 4 plex but other than that.) This summer has been a blessing to spend with family at all the million and one reuions. Keep 'em coming.

Ella

Ella turned 3 this summer. She is all grown up and wants to know "WHY?" She is such a good big sister to Preston and loves being the oldest cousin. It makes her feel "in charge". She can't wait for her new house with pink carpet and pink walls (we don't have the courage to tell her that it won't all be pink.)

Preston

Preston is a whole year old. He has grown up, out, round and strong. He is like a tank when he crawls and like a girl when he screams. He is the friendliest guy around and is trying to learn how to walk. Look out world. Look out Ella. We loved this first year with you.

Eric

As you can see, Eric needed a vacation just like Josh. The difference between the two is amazing. Eric knows how to relax. He enjoyed every second he could with Lindsay and Abby playing in the sand and reading stories. He made good use of his time catching up on the time with them that he misses at home. We all loved being with you and wish it could have been longer. Thanks for sharing your suction cup arrow throwing at the ranch. None of us knew you had picked up the hobby. What amazing technique and agility.

Lindsay

Lindsay has had the summer of trips. She hasn't been home for much of the summer, although when she is home she makes life for Abby so fun that it probably seems like a vacation. The best part is that the vacations are going to continue. Send us a post card. Lindsay, what can we say, we love having you around and can't wait for you to come back. You are such a wonderful influence to all of us of kindness, optimism and pure love. We are thankful to have you as a sister. Let's have some more late nights.

Abby

Abby made us laugh this summer. She is so darling that we couldn't stop smiling. She has learned so many tricks (probably from Eric's seminars and Lindsay's lessons). One of the all time favorites is her rendition of the owl her zombie eyes, and her dance moves. Hopefully her head is ok.

Willard

Willard has had the summer of a life time. Can you imagine what it must be like to become the soul provider of a tiny little being who can't do one thing for herself. You have done fantastic. You're adjusting well and changing diapers like a champ. The question is "Can Annie make a hippo noise yet?" Your blessing for Annie was beautiful. Thanks for letting us be a part of it.

Wendy

Wendy you are doing such an amazing job as a mother. You are so loving and sweet with Annie. It has been a wonderful experience to watch you take on that role. Hopefully you are getting a little more sleep and that Will is changing all the diapers. Being with your family at the blessing was wonderful. They are such kind, fun people. We feel lucky to share you and now Annie with them. Just remember that being a mom is hard work, the best kind, and when it gets rough call one of us because we're all dying to hold her while she is small and can't say No.

Annie

Annie we love you so much. You are such a blessing to this Richards Family. Another girl cousin, look out Preston you're out numbered. Annie just remember that if you want anything ask Grandpa, he is a pushover when it comes to little granddaughters.

Sam

Sam's new name is Gilligan. We all have had the wonderful experience of being on the boat with Sam because Sam hasn't gotten off since it came home from Marine Products. He has become part of the interior (that is until the water is nice and then he is in the water with out a second to spare). Sam has made sure that we all know the rules and that the boat gets its daily wash and wax. We are all grateful for Sam taking the initiative to care for the new member of the family. MOBIUS.

Anna

Anna has had a quiet introspective summer and at the same time she has had the time of her life. I don't want to make you cry but we all love watching you fall head over heels. You've been a good example to all of us in obedience and support of the missionary program (and one missionary in particular). Thanks for confiding in us and letting us share your experiences. Hang in there. You know there are always RMs.

Kim

16 baby! What a milestone and the most impressive part about it is that she got her licence on her actual birthday with seconds to spare. If anyone needs a ride just call Kim (and bring your gas money). Kim also had a rough summer but has shown courage and bravery while experiencing sore knees, a sore mouth etc. Look out East High, here she comes. She's on top of the world and now she's legal to date!!!

Grandpa and Grandma Richards

What wonderful examples to us all of enduring to the end. It was a neat experience to take care of them this summer and enjoy their testimonies. They are two of the greatest people I know and I'm sure you'd all agree. Thanks for sharing your lives with us. Happy Birthday to you both. What an accomplishment.

Grandma Cook

We love you so much and feel the warmth of your spirit every time we are with you. You have an enthusiam for life that is contaigous. Thanks for teaching our children the fun poems, songs, and rhymes. Ella was doing "Eyes, eyes blinkers" to Preston in the car and I thought of you. We love you Great Cookie.

Prestons gone crazy

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Sometimes life just makes you go nuts. Luckily we have family to help us get through it!

every little girl is a Princess

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Eric, look out! She is too cute in a dress with sparkles.

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Ella and Abby are excited!

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So Fun!

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Getting the kids all ready.

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Grandma Julie Sorensen came to watch the parade.

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Abby jumping with Mom waiting for the 4th of July Parade to start.

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Annie we are so thrilled you arrived safely. You have a wonderful mom and dad who love you very much.

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Ella was soooo excited to meet Annie. She felt very grown up

holding her by herself.

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Anna connects with Annie because they have common names.

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Grandpa Richards thinks she looks perfect. They met in

between surgeries.

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Grandma Richards felt Annie's wonderful spirit as she met her. She is so beautiful. Being with

Annie makes her happy.

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Abby loves Annie and Annie loves Abby

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Great grandma Cook (Great Cookie)

thinks Annie is marvelous!

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Kim and Grandma snuck up to the hospital to meet Annie. Kim fell in love right away.

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The cousins got to know each other at Grandma Richards. We love playing with cousins!

Annie Beth Richards is finally here!

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What a gorgeous family. They are doing so well.
Annie is so tiny and momma and baby are both doing great. Willard on the other hand is so excited he can hardly contain himself.

Annie Beth Richards was 6 lbs. 12 oz. and 20 inches long, born on July 2, 2007.

It was so fun to get the call that Annie was here. Ella couldn't wait to hold her.

June is full of fun

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