McKENLY'S BAPTISM - SEPTEMBER 4, 2010

McKenly Kennedy, my sweet Granddaughter and Rachel's daughter, was baptized by her Uncle Eric on Sat., September 4. It was a beautiful day, and many of McKenly's loved ones and friends were there. Eric also confirmed her a member of the Church. Rachel's been listening to the missionaries at her home, and was excited with her decision to be baptized. I was asked to give a talk about baptizm, and loved have the opportunity to do so. Above are some photos from McKenly's very special day!

YELLOWSTONE - JUNE 2010

It's been quite a while since I went to Yellowstone with my family, and this year we decided it was time! Rachel arranged for each family to rent a 26' trailer that were parked in a campground just outside the south gate, 2 miles from the Park. It was very convenient to the activities at the Park. The families that went were Adam & Rachel's, Blair & Karen's, and Eric & Jennifer's. We had such an awesome time, hitting Jackson Hole on the way up, the Park for 3 days, and then back via Bear World. The weather was perfect while we were there. The wildlife that we saw was unreal this time....bears, both grizzly & brown, elk, moose, buffalo, and others. All of the kids were so excited to see them, and knew the drill about not getting too close! And of course, getting the best photo as well. We saw many of the hot-pots and geysers, and Old Faithful did not let us down (altho a few minutes late!). Does it ever "not go off"? Had so much fun with the fam, and wished all of them could have been there. Photos tell it all!

BRENNEN'S BAPTISM - FEBRUARY 6, 2010

A very special day for Eric's #2 kid, Brennen Wayne Fryer. Brennen was so excited, and a little nervous, but took the baptism dunk very well! After a short program in which a great friend, Jenn Burgess and Grandma Marsha gave short talks, Brennen was baptized by his dad, Eric.

After getting dressed, Brennen's dad confirmed him with a great father's blessing as well. Uncle Blair, and other friends stood in the circle. Aunt Rachel gave the closing prayer. These are the events that make it all worth while, and I'm always so thrilled to be part of it all. Here are some photo opp's from Brennen's special day!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS! 2009

Another wonderful Christmas week has just past. I love Christmas Eve! This is the night of my annual Christmas party with my whole family, at my home. Yes indeed, a bit tight, but the spirit of the holidays seems to always kick in and the air seems to be full of hope and delight. What a joy it is to watch my grandchildren as we gobble up our favorite clam chowder meal, and then all sit down to hear the Christmas Story, usually read from Luke 2. This year, Eric wanted to be the reader, and he did a great job, and was patient with each little child as they would place they're "piece" of the nativity scene in it's correct place. Of course some of the younger ones make us smile and sometimes laugh, even with this sacred story, just with their little kiddism's. My Fisher Price Nativity is perfect for this activity. Above are some shots from the reading.

Following the story, I passed out my gifts to the Grandchildren, and then my adult children and their spouses. I love either shopping or making gifts for my family each year, and with 14 grandchildren, I'm usually trying to decide what I want to do fairly early in the year. Anyhow, after I give my gifts out, the cousins, who drew names, exchange their gifts, and also the adult kids. We all try to watch what each other got, but it does sometimes get crazy. Then the kids make me sit down and open my gifts, always so much fun, and appreciated... I'm so thankful for a close, happy family, that they love the holidays, and more importantly, it's meaning.

Thanksgiving - 2009

A favorite time to gather, visit, feast on favorite recipes, laugh, and enrich our relationships. For the past 4 or 5 years, my family has celebrated Thanksgiving on the Sunday before Thanksgiving. I have found that if we do that, everyone is able to be there, and it opens up Thanksgiving Thursday for my children to also share the time with their in-laws. Eric & Jennie, Jan & I usually go to Aunt Marilyn'n & Uncle Rich's for the "actual" holiday, which makes it nice to see the Fryer side of the family, & my in-laws. We have so much fun, and if it's good weather, the guys are usually out in the back yard playing football while the women are finishing up the dinner details. This year was not exception, and a great time was had by all. At my home on Sunday, my children & there family's came, as well as my mother-in-law, Bev Brinderhoff, her husband, Rulon, and my sister-in-law, Marilyn Penman, & her husband Rich. I love my family and extended family so much, and the memories I cherish from previous Thanksgivings are on my mind throughout this season. Here are some photos.....

New York, Palmyra, & Canada, Oct. 2009

Went on an incredible trip for 8 days in early October. First time I've ever seen Niagra Falls, Palmyra, the Sacred Grove, or any of New York for that matter. Also went to Toronto Canada. I traveled with the Sagers Travel Group, Larry & Diane Sagers who have really made traveling with a group a total pleasure. Very organized. We saw many Botanical Gardens as well. My favorite part of the trip was visiting Palmyra & particularly the Hill Cumorah, and the Sacred Grove. I truly felt a strong spirit in that whole area. So happy to have this opportunity to see some great places, and make great new friends.

Flaming Gorge - 2009

The annual Draper Flaming Gorge trip took place in July, and another fun-filled trip took place. What a crew, always something going on. We played some "rock" games, lots of boating, good food, and I even slept in my trusty rusty Subaru! The back folds out to make a lovely little room. Now if it just had a bathroom! Hung out with Garrett's on their boat, Rand is always so generous to share, and I have always appreciated it. My sister-in-laws Jane & Naoma went on a wild "triple-tube" ride with me, and we all survived. What a blast! Thank you Draper family!!