FUN AT THE FESTIVAL

Ann, Brynne, the kids and I visited the Festival of Trees and had a ball. The kids lasted for about an hour but we got to see a lot of the trees and the kids enjoyed choosing a treat at the gift boutique. This is the best picture I could get of Jodi's Tree.

Our holidays began with a wonderful Thanksgiving at our house with our kids, grands, my parents and Amanda's brother and niece. This week has been filled with the Festival of Trees where we donated a tree in memory of our Jodi. It got auctioned off to benefit the Primary Children's Medical Center and was purchased by the Greek Orthodox Church. It was a tree called Winnie Wonderland.

MORE GOOD NEWS

Clayton and Amanda just announced that they are expecting a little one in June! We couldn't be more thrilled. Here's the happy couple at our family Halloween party!

University 7th Ward

Kim was recently called to serve in the Bishopric of the Ogden University 7th Ward with Bishop Scott Conlin. We are enjoying our new associations with these young people so very, very much. This past Monday we held Family Home Evening in our yard and had about 60 kids in attendance. We feel so blessed by their enthusiasm and love.

My Thoughts about Pool Parties

I was recently informed that I will soon be released from my church calling as the Stake Young Women President. This is a calling that I have LOVED for the past 3+ years and, as we closed our backyard swimming pool for the season this week, this analogy popped into my head:

Serving in this calling has been a lot like hosting a Pool Party. When I first got called, I JUMPED RIGHT IN and encouraged everyone else to jump in and join the fun! For the past three years, I've felt the joy AND responsibility as Hostess, to make sure everyone felt included and safe at the party. I enjoyed the laughter, the fun, the friendships, and the opportunities to see others "learn to swim" on their own. I've reveled in the individuality of each guests' prowess or inexperience in the water. I observed as some hovered near the steps, a little afraid to join in but then later, were seen diving gleefully into the deep water, and waited anxiously as others ran about recklessly on the pool deck and prayed they wouldn't hurt themselves before they decided to join in the fun of the invigorating and refreshing water.

I did my best not to mess things up too much by pee-ing in the pool which would have offended EVERYONE!!!!

Now that a new Hostess is being called to replace me, I will step out of the pool....and for just a few seconds, my ripples will continue behind me, but then all that will be left, are the wonderfully comforting memories I've created for myself and my increased ability to hostess the next big event.

Then the new Hostess will arrive and jump right in to carry on. AIN'T LIFE A GREAT PARTY! I feel so very blessed.

ANOTHER NEW ARRIVAL

ANNOUNCING little Mr. Lincoln Brown Gardner, our 5th Grandchild. He was born on Saturday, September 27, 2008 at 9:01 am at Davis Hospital in Layton, Utah to Ann and Aaron.

Bonnie Mae Brown

Our little Bonnie is three months old and such a joy to our whole family. Her mom and dad (Kirk and Brynne) are pretty much "bustin' their buttons" with pride. The family picture was taken on Bonnie's blessing day. Her big sister Gwenyth was not too happy about Bonnie's arrival but has evolved into a loving and caring pal and helper to her mom. We feel so blessed by the life of these beautiful little granddaughters.

Park City Vacation

STAKE GIRLS CAMP

How much fun can you have for four days camping with 185 girls and 50 leaders? A TON OF FUN!!! Our Stake Camp was planned and carried out by a terrific committee of 21 girls. I loved being their "coach" and mentor. Our theme was Eternalympics and each ward was a different 'country'. We, as Stake Leaders, represented the country of CANZANIA which had an Africa theme of course. I feel so blessed to have been a part of the Young Women program for 26 years of my adult life. It energizes me to be around all that youth and enthusiasm PLUS it gives me a chance to be my goofy self without being too embarrased!

We Certainly Adore our Number 4

Bonnie Mae Brown is three weeks old and such a little beauty. We are having so much fun watching her pull funny baby faces and listening to her make her sweet baby grunts and groans. We feel so blessed to be grandparents to another darling girl.

INTRODUCING MISS BONNIE MAE BROWN

We are so excited and grateful for the safe arrival of our 4th grandchild, Bonnie. Her sister, Gwenyth is not too interested in the new baby yet but we know they'll be great pals in time!

Gwennie was most excited about the balloons that were awaiting Brynne and Bonnie as they came home from the hospital.

New arrival coming next Monday, June 9th!

Here's cute picture of our sweet Brynne with her darling little Gwennie roasting marshmallows in our back yard on Memorial Day. Brynne is hunched over her very round belly which will disappear on Monday when she delivers our new granddaughter via c-section at Davis Hospital in Layton. We are so excited!!! Sure wish they had a name for this new little gal.

We'll just call her beautiful baby girl Brown!

THE BROWN FAMILY IS GROWING AGAIN!!

Last Friday Ann and Aaron announced that they are having a baby boy in October. Ann is almost halfway through her pregnancy and gets the medal for hiding her secret for the longest time! We couldn't be more thrilled! Brynne and Kirk will have their second baby girl in June and Annie's boy in October will bring our Grandkid Count up to FIVE. YIPPEE!

Grandparenting is the best job on the planet. We love our Maura, Noah, Gwenyth, Baby Girl Brown and Baby Boy Gardner.

Mitch's Junior Prom

Mitch had a glorious Junior Prom on April 19th and was especially pleased to have his beautiful friend, Chelsie Johnson as his date. They had fun at the GoCart Race Track early on Saturday, then later enjoyed dinner at Tepanyaki, the dance at the Capitol rotunda, and then late night movie at a friend's home.

HAPPY EASTER

These three beautiful kids are the delight of my life. Gwenyth and Noah will soon be two years old and Maura is a darling 4 year old. I feel so blessed to live close to them and see them often. Their giggles and mischief keep life interesting and fast-paced! Can't wait to add another little beauty in June to our bunch!

MY SWIMMER MITCH

Mitch is ending his 3rd season as a swimmer for Davis High. He has Regional Finals on Friday, January 25th at the Bountiful Recreation Center at 10:00 am. Then the only thing left is the State Meet on Feb. 8th and 9th in Provo. At the moment, he has qualified to swim in the State Meet unless someone knocks out his time before that date! I am so proud of his great efforts and endurance. The swim season runs two hours a day, five days a week from September to February and requires tons of dedication!