More Albuquerque magic

I loved the patriotism of this balloon. I watched until it flew out of sight. It was truly amazing and I loved it!

A view down the alley of the multitude of balloons being readied for launch. It takes a whole team of people to make it happen including the chaser's that follow the balloon from the ground to where it lands. They have no navigation so they are the whim of the breeze upon which they float. The chasers follow by truck so they can pick them up upon landing. That sounds like a fun detail to have.

The bumble bees were a crowd pleaser for sure. Ann caught a picture of them kissing in the air. You will have to go to her blog to see it though. The momma, the pappa, and the little baby bee!

Now that is a happy lady!

What party would be complete without the King? Which King you might ask, the king of the jungle or the king of rock and roll. It didn't matter they both were a hit. We never saw Elvis go up but the Lion King did and it was a sight to see for all ages!

Probably the biggest draw of all was Darth Vader! The old and young alike flocked to see it inflate, when he took off it could be seen far and wide.



Wells Fargo stagecoach flies high over New Mexico



Albuquerque Magic

Up Up and Away, morning acession of the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta 2012. My sister Ann took me to New Mexico to cross something off our Bucket List! What a special time in my life, and to spend it with Ann was magical!

The balloon field view from up on the hill. The balloons don't all take off at once, it is a process. It is so fun to be on the field and watch them blow up the balloons and then lift off. The energy at the fiesta grounds is really amazing. I was so happy to be part of the fun!

Balloons all sizes and shapes. There was truly something there for everyone. I loved so many of them.

I didn't know where to look first. It was a treat for the eyes in every direction. And don't let the picture fool you, it was really cold on this morning! Ann's camera finger froze!

Had to stop and get the poster shot in!

San Diego Vacation September 2012

We took a quick get away to San Diego for some much needed time away from phones and people.

Seaport Village

LaJolla Cove Shores

Len doing some relaxing. He has really been so busy with his church responsibilities that he really needed to get away and just chill out. Even still he got lot's of calls.  

60 Years and Still In Love

June 8th mom and dad celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary! Way to go you two love birds! Amazing!

You would have to travel to world over to find two people who love each other so much. They have had quite the adventures in their lives! I don't think there is a road, trail, or cave in all of southern Utah that they have not been on or to. They love to ride, no matter where the road takes them. Mom always is ready for an adventure. Dad needs a little prodding but once on the adventure he is a bundle of fun! As long as it doesn't cost money! It is a joy for me to be able to go along on some of their great adventures. I am happy we came back to Southern Utah to be close to them and learn from them. Here's to another 60 years or so....

Kolob Mountain Picnic

Mom loves to go to the mountains. She has a connection with them that brings her peace and happiness! What a beautiful woman she is, no wonder they have stayed married for 60 years!

Mom loves the mountains!

Dad is and always has been quite the romantic. He is always tells mom, and us, that he loves her. She is the apple in his eye, the cream on his cake, the sugar in his drink! Dad has always loved mom with a pure and unconditional love, through thick and thin. Mom is blessed to be loved so much!

Dad is always trying to sneak a kiss!

California Trip 2012

Our annual trip to California was wonderful this year. In retrospect we tried to plan too much and relax too little. We decided to go north of San Diego this year to the Santa Barbara area. We have always wanted to explore that area and we weren't too disappointed. The weather was near perfect for our whole trip. We rented bikes one morning and rode the Ventura Bike Trail that goes along the coast. We saw some really neat landscape, got to breath the ocean air, and even stopped and got an ice cream cone along the way, did I mention heaven?!

Kodak moment in the flowers

One day we spent in the european inspired town of Solvang. Cory had gone there last year and it sounded so fun that we made the hour long detour to go see it. Wow we were amazed. We loved every part of this quaint little place of heaven in California. The shops, the many bakeries (and yes we tried our best to go in all of them and taste a little treat). The buildings all were european in design so it was really fun. We ate at the Greenhouse Cafe which was fun and really yummy. Perfect warm/cool day. Love, love, loved it!

Solvang - Danish heritiage city

We spent one day with Cory and he was a great tour guide. Cory is stationed in Long Beach with the Coast Guard so it was fun to spend a day with him. He took us to the Korean Freedom Bell site. It was really something and I will post more pictures soon. It was a fun day and we met up with Kristen in the afternoon.

Me and my boy

We took one day and sailed to the Channel Islands (more pictures to follow), on the way we met up with a school of dolphin. Did I mention heaven? I have always wanted to see dolphin in the wild. One more check off my bucket list. Next is a whale, I looked and looked but no whale in sight.

Dolphins at sea

I sometimes I wish birthdays didn't come around each year. They are reminders that you I am getting older...yet they are also reminders of how many people love and care about you! I received so much love this year! Thanks to everyone for making my day so very special... I love you!

Flowers from my BFF Ann! Thanks Sista!

A Quickie!

We have decided in our old age that we need to get away more often. So we try to plan a little quick get-a-way once a month (inless we are traveling somewhere more extensive. This year so far we have been to Zion over night, to To Boulder City Nevada, and to Nebraska. It is always and adventure (at least we try to make it that way). We took a trip to Nebraska to see Pete's family this month and had such a great visit with them. The little boys are growing up so fast it is almost hard to believe. The highlight of our trip there was in Jackson's mind (the Railroad Museum!). The little boys loved climbing on, ringing the bell of, and sitting in the seat of real trains that have been retired. We also went to the Omaha Childrens Museum for some hands on fun. Our adventures in February took us back to Nevada and Boulder City. We have come to really like going there. So much to do and see. It is a haven of Geocaches also but we didn't do much of that because we were so busy going in Antique stores this time. Len and I have so much fun doing things together. It is great that we have so many of the same interests and ideas. For the month of April we are undecided of where we will do a "Quickie" so you will just have to wait for the post. We are thinkin Mesquite for some great geocaching fun or maybe Kanab for some hiking. Keep watching for the post. It will be my 57th birthday in April, and to tell the truth I don't feel a day over 27. Life is really good to the two of us, we are both healthy, happy, and in love. What a great life. I am looking forward to a visit in April with my BFF and sister Ann. Easter right aroud the corner, blossoms on the trees, flowers in the beds,  fresh garden dirt waiting for me to plant, and little tiny apricots on my tree...I love Spring!

Nebraska Fun

A day at the Omaha Children's Museum is a must for each visit to see the grandkids. What fun we always have, I am not sure if grandpa has more fun than the boys. Jordan took a real shine to grandpa this time, it was really fun to watch them have fun together. Jordan especially like the ball arena.

Jack loved the construction zone for kids, so many things to do so little time. He bounced from one thing to the next and had a ball trying out everything he could find.

Kite flying was the best in Pete's back yard and at the park. We really got the kite's up high and Jack loved holding them and making them dance in the air. It was great weather and a great time. We took a picnic of Chicken salad sandwiches, chips, and drinks. What a great day!

A trip would not be complete without  little geocaching with grandma and grandpa. We found a few treasures along the way and one was the beautiful spring flowers just popping up. It was the only color around so was worthy of blogging about.

The final triumph, finding a cache with the boys. Fun times, thanks Pete for hosting us and making so many memories for us to bring home. We had a great visit with the kids and are so thankful for families.

Well pretty much this was the scene at the end of each day while we were in Nebraska visiting Pete and his family. All tuckered out from tons of fun and eating!

Retired at last!

Well dad finally did it! As of March 9, 2012 dad officially retired to enjoy the good life. Dad has worked his whole life. There were times in his life when he could barely crawl to work because his feet hurt so badly. In his early years he worked at the State hospital in Provo Utah. He worked in the kitchen sometimes standing in cold water ( dad hates to be cold ). He stood on cold, hard cement floors until his feet hurt so badly he could barely walk. He would go home from work nearly crawling in the house. It affected him for the rest of his life. In many jobs dad has had to stand on hard concrete floors, at Cliftons market his arches fell and he had to have special shoe inserts made of hard plastic put in his shoes, then at Shamo's he would walk all day long on hard ground our cement floors. When you think about it dad has stood most of his life, no wonder he loves to nap so much. Then in his later life he has stood on hard floors down at Ace hardware store. He has cheated death on many occasions in his life, to name a few...while at Shamo's dad was crushed between and truck bed and a fork lift, breaking many bones and causing him to be laid up for weeks. Survived a horrible roll over with the lumber truck loaded on it's way back from Salt Lake City. The truck flipped and slid down the interstate on its top with dad in the cab, being crushed inside the cab as it slide to a stop. The first on the scene said, "Nobody survived this, dad hollered out... "I did get me out of here." He laid there for 3 hours with the cold diesel fuel dripping on him with his head crushed to the asphalt of the interstate. He survived once again. Another survival was this past summer while working on his new shop. He was on a 14 foot ladder putting up a piece of plywood on the peak of his shop. The wood slipped knocking him off the ladder onto the concrete slab below (hitting his head on the patio), then the piece of wood coming down on top of him hitting him in the head and literally scalping him (he had to have over 60 stitches). The xrays showed not brain damage or concusion but dad has never really recovered from the damage to his back. He still went on to work after only a week off. The work has finally taken at toll on dad and he made the huge decision to retire!!! At last! Dad will be 80 this August. Dad wants to work in his shop, go on walks, tinker around and nap when he gets tired. I am happy that he will be able to enjoy some quality time during the later years of his life. Dad, thanks for all the hard work you have done to provide for us. You are quite a guy. I don't know what Ace will do without "Bernie"...because - You are Ace! Everyone knows it and will miss you. Enjoy your time dad, live some life. We love you!

79 years young!

Hot Roasted Cinnamon Pecans!

I have a sweet friend who let me come pick up pecans in her yard this week. I promised her I would roast some cinnamon pecans for letting me have them. I also wanted to send some to my son in law Brandon who I think likes them a bunch too! Also a care package item for my brother in law Paul, who is serving with the Air Force in Afghanistan right now. They are pretty yummy, in fact I have a hard time staying away from them especially when they are hot out of the oven. It's nut season here and so many are just falling on the ground and going to waste, so I am out with my little bag picking up what I can find...the cracking is the hardest. Len always says to me this movie quote..."Release the Crackin" crazy man!

Fresh and hot, come and get 'em!

Matthew crossed another bridge

To coin a phrase from Matt's mom, "Matt has crossed another bridge". In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints when a child is 8 years old (the age of accountability) he has to opportunity to be baptized if he wants to. We do not baptize babies as it warns against this practice in the bible. Matt made the decision that he did want to follow the Savior and be baptized. I drove with mom and dad early (I mean early) Saturday morning to nothern Utah (Salem) for his special day. Tim baptized and confirmed Matt.

Alex, Matt, and dad Tim

Grandp and Grandma Beardall, Matthew & his dad Time

Christine is always the perfect hostess. We were welcomed with opened arms. After Matt's baptism ceremony, we were treated to a wonderful lunch spread by Tim & Christine. Such great food, I should have taken a picture but those of you who know Tim & Christine, they never undo anything, it was great! My brother Dan & his sweet wife Jill (who now live in Salt Lake City)came down and shared the day with Matt and the rest of his family members. It was so nice to see everyone. Then back in the car and headed south to warmer weather, blue skies, and home. Thanks Matt for sharing your special day with us, we love you!

Mom Christine, Matthew, and dad Tim

Tiger Pride!!!!

Our Hurricane Tigers trounced the Desert Hills team to take the Utah State Basketball championship!!!! This has not been done by Hurricane since 1957. Not only were they amazing at basketball, but they also took State in Football this year!!! This double state championship has not been done since the 1930's, way to go Hurricane Tigers!!!!

Happy Birthday Dan

Today my little brother Dan turns 55. What a great life he has had. He has done more than anyone I know. He is such a great brother. He has a heart of gold, would do anything for anyone, and is johnny on the spot when you need him. I have grown to love this gentle giant over the years. When things got hard in his life, when it seemed almost impossible to go on, he pushed forward - never doubting. He is such a great man and I am proud to call him my brother, my friend, my mentor, my happiness. Happy Birthday Dan, I love you!

Daniel John Beardall



Karter Beardall gets his Eagle Scout

Proud dad Barry and his son Karter

On February 19, 2012 my nephew Karter was awarded his Boy Scouts of American Eagle Scout Rank. They had a really nice ceremony for Karter. Here Karter is pinning on the Mentor pin for his dad. The scout gets to pick one person who has mentored him more than anyone else on his path to Eagle. What a great tribute to Barry that Karter picked him as the most influential in getting him to Eagle.

Mom and dad have several Eagle scout grandsons. I am not sure who they all are but I suspect it is Ross, Andrew, Austin, and I know for sure it is Dustin & Cory...Pete almost made it just lacked his project. This is a great honor for Karter. Way to go big guy!

Proud Grandma and Grandpa Beardall

It takes a village to prepare a boy. Barry has been a scout leader for both his boys for many years. It also takes a great mom to prod the boy along, remind him of the things he needs to get done, to get him to meetings, camps, and projects. It isn't all done by one person, but by a village. Congrats to the whole family for all you do for your kids. We love you all, thanks for letting us be part of your celebration.

Barry, Teresa, Kenzie, Kalin, and Karter Beardall

Boulder City Nevada 2012

We have decided to make Boulder City one of our quick get-a-ways each year. We have come to love this little 'dam' town. It was founded when they were building Boulder Dam on Lake Mead in Nevada. In the beginning it was really not much at all. The men building the dam brought their wives and children with them. The women were not content to just let it be a mining.builders town so the set about making it a 'home' for all. They planted trees, bushes, and flowers in this desert. They made their home beautiful and the town thrived because of their efforts in the blazing desert sun. Today it is a picturesque little town with old and new. We always start our visit in the old town square at a wonderful antique shop called "Goat Feathers". It is the funnest shop to spend a few hours looking at the treasure trove of goodies. There are so many things to see that I always leave with a headache from searching, but it is a good thing. There used to be an older gentleman there known in these parts as The Chrystal Wizard. He has history on everything you can imagine, but this time we didn't see him in the shop. Upon checking out we asked the clerk and she happily told us they had expanded to a second store and the man was there., Are you kidding, a second store, whew hew more goodies to explore. We found the man and spent a delightful hour listening to more history and some about his crystal workings. He is actually a glass blower he makes cyrstal figureines and has expanded to doing birthdays, weddings and other events, really interesting, he gave Len a cyrstal eagle on the earth for being a vet. We bought a lighthouse with a dolphin and seagul, really neat. We spent most of the morning exploring a couple shops then decided we needed to get moving on since we only had this one day to do things.

Old Town Square

Town Park

The next adventure we love doing here is GeoCaching. We only got a few this time as our time was limited, we found a couple in the Town Park.

We love coming to see Lake Mead. We didn't get to go over to the dam this time or go over Tillman Bridge but next visit we will factor in enough time to make that happen. We understand you can even go kayaking on the lake, so we will definately check that out. Thinking it might be a great place to bring the family when they come to visit sometime.

Look in the background for Lake Mead

Sam's Town Atrium

The best treasure this trip was finding this great place to hang our hat at the end of a long day. We stayed at Sam's Town in Henderson. What a great place to stay. The hotel is built around an Atrium. There are birds, trees, plants, a stream and a wonderful waterfall. We asked for a room facing the Atrium and go on the 8th floor. This is the view from our room. What a great view, we even forgot we were in Nevada. It felt like we were in Europe again. The evenings were so wonderful to stroll around the Atrium and hear the waterfall, and feel the cool mist. You could hear birds chirping an people were milling about and having a wonderful time. The cool thing is that the restaurants are built so you can eat outdoors if you want and that makes for a great meal. I don't recommend their buffet though, that was a real diappointment. The mexican restaurant was great though.

Every afternoon starting at 2pm, 4pm, 6pm, 8pm, and 10pm they have a lazer light show with the waterfall and fountain. It is really neat to see we tried it from above in our room and one night from the restaurant below, both views were execellent. The best part, it's free!!! We had a great get-a-way and plan to do it again & again.

Another view from our room.

Happy Birthday Casey!!!

My how they grow up...it seems like yesterday that Casey was toddling around bringing sunshine everywhere he went. We missed a lot of his younger days as we were in Texas and they were in Germany. What a happy little man he was.

Casey Lee Owens

 Now he is all grown up with a bright future ahead of him. He will turn 13 this February 27th. Happy Birthday young man. Casey is such a great example to his friends. He is so funny and loves to have a great time. He is so good to his mom, with loves & hugs all the time. He has always been a champion big brother when it comes to Kyla, he has been patient, loving, and considerate of her. I have always been amazed at how much he cares for her and loves her as a big sister. They are very close - but he also knows when it is time to back off and give her some space. In my book he is a wonderful young man and we love him. Happy Birthday Casey, you are the best!