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