Walk Now for Autism

As some of you may already know, our son Zachary Ryan (29 months), was recently diagnosed with autism. The diagnosis doesn't come as a surprise, Zac has been in therapy four times a week for the last six months.

With the official diagnosis we have decided to do what we can to become involved and Erin has volunteered to be a team captain for the Walk Now For Autism event at Soldier Field in Chicago on May 17th. Erin and I, along with other members of her family will be participating and if anyone is interested in supporting the cause you can follow the link below:

https://www.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=288794&lis=1&kntae288794=EF0EB1355C4246538B901417B20BAB49&supId=253767528

Zac has made some significant improvements in the last six months and we are very excited to see how much he can improve as we continue with his therapy. We feel very blessed to have some great resources here in the community as well as wonderful friends and family.

We love and miss you!

Visiting Great Grandma and Grandpa

Back at the end of February we came for a visit to have Grandpa see Ella and the rest of the kids. I am so happy Grandpa is feeling better and he looks so great. It was a great visit. We got to see Aunt Trudy and spend time with her also. The kids so enjoyed our visit, they thought it was great to see Great Grandpa. Grandpa was whistling to Ella. Was nice to hear him so upbeat.

Ella Grace Reese

Well its been 4 months and I still haven't gotten my announcements out, so I figured this is the best place to post the late announcement to everyone!! Here is our newest addition to our family
Ella Grace Reese born December 10, 2008 at 7lbs, 8 0z and 20 inches long.
She is almost 4 months now! Will post some new updated pictures of her.
Love to all Scott, Kim, Tyler, Zack and Natalyanne

Grandpas 91st birthday

We got to celebrate Dad's 91st. birthday. It was a wonderful dinner of course in remembrance of St. Patricks day. Corned beef and cabbage. A beautifully decorated table and the knitted dish cloths from mother for each of us. In one of Dad's journal entries he says, "A Mother who takes such an interest in her children (talking about mom) she just finished personal history books for Jerry, Ed and Bob.) is rare indeed!! We are a blessed family to have the wife and mother we have. And we are blessed to have the Father we have. Another journal entry on August 1977 says " Jogged a mile this morning w/Wanda. She can almost keep up w/me. Dad did exercise, kept a journal, read the scriptures and had family and personal prayer. He served in the church and has stayed true to the covenants he made at baptism. He truly is an example to us all. He has lived a great life to which we all should emulate and be grateful for.

A Day in AF

Amberly and I spent the afternoon a couple Fridays ago down with Grandma and Grandpa Johnson.  We were both nervous that the grandkids would wear Grandpa out, but he did great!

Annalyn wanted to read Grandpa a story, and successfully put him to sleep 3 different times.

Isaac loved playing checkers and Tic Tac Toe with Grandpa Brian.

And Elise just came for the babies.  

In the 60th Wedding Anniversary book that we all helped to put together, Amberly is pictured holding this same dolly outside at the Boise house - she looks about 3 or 4 years old!!  This one is definitely Elise's favorite!

(Who has that original by the way Sarah?  I would love a copy of it as well.)

Update on Grandpa

What a beautiful experience we are all having spending time with Grandpa. I have enjoyed every second I have had to be with him at this time. I feel his spirit so strong, and I am so grateful for the time I have been given with him here on this earth. He is strong and determined, and oh so darn so cute!!!

Today, he came out and sat in his chair. Grandma asked him if he wanted Trudy's kids to come and see him, since he had been sleeping most of the day. His reply was, "no" as he pulled Grandma onto his lap and told her she is all he needed!!! My mom ran and grabbed her camera, and took this picture.


I have had the priviledge of cutting Grandpa's hair and doing Grandma's hair, (it has always felt like an honor, not a service ) Tonight I was able to give Grandpa another hair cut. I can not write the feelings of love and admiration I have for him. Grandpa truly is an amazing man, and a man I am so proud to call GRANDPA!!!!

Reunion update

Well I am sad but not surprised to say that construction isn't going as fast as we had hoped. I know a lot of people have connections to st george and could arrange their own housing and we could schedule 3-4 days of activities and utilize the spa for some of the activities. We could certainly have a few meals there for everyone and arrange some hikes, classes, and activities.