Baby Juliet is Here!

Baby Juliet Claire Mendenhall came to the earth February 7, 2013 at 7 pounds 14 ounces! She is beautiful. Pete says she is the quietest baby he has ever seen. She just looks around, doesn't cry! What a sweet little lady. We are so excited, welcome little JuJuBee! 

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!