US Today

Seaman Family: part 2

2011-12-10T00:04:00.007-06:00

Ali playing on the junior high volleyball team. She has also started playing the violin.

(Sorry my posts are out of order; it's my first time. Just read in reverse.)

Danny has boundless energy and will soon perform in "Joseph, and the amazing technicolor dreamcoat."

Lizzie (7) and Hannah (4) certainly have their rough and roudy times. Liz enjoys karate and being a spy, while Hannah puts on her own make-up for her daily princess fashion show.

Megan is 21 months old and needs that sweet smile to make up for her excessive clinginess and random screaming fits at night.

Clark and I are busy trying to enjoy and keep up with these kids.

We can't wait to see you all at Camp Beaver 2012!

Seaman Family

2011-12-09T15:31:00.006-06:00

Our family is busier than ever, and we have more reasons to be happy than ever before, too. With 6 kids that each have their own activities, things are always hopping at our place. Here's a list of names to help you keep them straight (from oldest to youngest)

Clark, Daylyn, Katie, Alison, Danny, Lizzie, Hannah, and Megan

Katie and Ali have been busy with volleyball and are starting on basketball season. They both played setter on their volleyball teams.

Erik & Skye Thompson Family

2011-11-04T11:16:00.002-05:00

We've had an exciting year. In July we welcomed our 3rd boy into our family, Kael Bingham Thompson. He is a wonderful little baby and his big brothers love him.

Kire is 5 and started kindergarten in August at South Weber Elementary. He loves school and is so smart. Of course he had to wear one of his 10 Star Wars shirts to match his backpack. This summer he took swimming lessons and also learned to ride a 2 wheel bike.

Jack is 2 and is all boy. He loves sports, wrestling & baseball & football. He is a character too. He makes us laugh everyday.

Kael is now 3 months and is still such a good baby. Everyone thinks he looks just like Jack.

Last month we took a trip to St. George to see Judd coaching. We went hiking and the boys loved climbing the red rocks.

For Halloween the little boys were both Dragons and Kire was a skeleton.

Erik is still the head football coach at Northridge High school and teaching there. They just won their first playoff game and have had an awesome year.

The Garret Andersons

2011-11-02T23:47:00.000-05:00

And a Happy Halloween to you too!

Let's just get it out of the way right now that Garret & Tiffany are most likely doing the same as when you saw them last. Nothing has changed. Tiffany bums around the house in Denver while Garret travels to Utah nearly every week to bring home the bacon. We are blissfully happy, life couldn't be better, blah blah blah. Now that we're all updated let's see what the kidlets have been doing, k?

Jack is in the sixth grade and just finished up his second season of tackle football. He caught the only completion for BOTH seasons during their fourth game this year. The kid is money. I don't get why they don't pass to him every time. He also had fun taking down kids twice his size (which is almost every kid, by the way) on defense. As one super cheesy/lame football commentator said once.... "They forgot to measure his heart."

He was also elected Student Body Vice President due to his genius campaign posters (such as the one below) and super funny speech. Oh, and because he is Chrissi, Shelly & Stacey's nephew.

Tanner is now in the fourth grade and has finally (after 6 years) decided that Pokemon might not be as awesome as he once thought it was.

He has also turned into a reading FOOL this year. He read the entire Lightening Thief series in about 4 weeks. He would walk around with his nose in his book like he used to do with his Nintendo DS. We often go up to bed at 11:30 or midnight and find this going on:

But how can you get mad at your kid for READING? You can't.

Brynn started Kindergarten this year and was sad today was a snow day because she "misses school." She's doing the usual 5 year old girlie stuff like gymnastics, dance and getting her Dad to do anything she wants.

She also has taken to posting signs on her door and laying out her clothes (complete with accessories) the night before. This only worries her mother a lot.

We hope you all are doing well and we look forward to Camp Beaver this year!

Weber High 1933 Yearbook

2011-11-01T09:57:00.006-05:00

One of my neighbors was doing some research from the Weber High class of 1933 and noticed lots of pictures of Grandpa and Grandma Thompson. She copied them on to a Cd and gave it to me. They were both "kind of a big deal " in their day (our day too!) I thought I would post some of their pictures for all to see. Grandma was Studentbody VP and Girl's Association President too? Why should that suprise me?

Weed

My sweet Gr & Gr

2011-10-16T20:20:00.004-05:00

I couldn't resist posting these pictures!

Aren't they so cute?

Love my Gr & Gr Hales.

They are still so in love.

I didn't even tell them to do this!

Forsyth artwork

2011-10-03T13:37:00.003-05:00

Let me begin with a reflection on the elastic nature of time. I know scientists have some things to say about this, and there’s that space-time continuum, which I don’t really understand. What I’m talking about is the amazing way that time flows very slowly in some situations, (like when you’re doing something you don’t like, and the clock seems to stop), and in other situations it makes you dizzy, speeding by so fast. I can’t figure out what happened. I know I was planning to post something to the blog on September 16--how did it get to be October 3? Maybe I was abducted by aliens, and lost 2 weeks. I could go out and look for crop circles, but it’s been raining a lot in New England, and the leaves have started to fall, so there probably won’t be any signs left.

Here is a picture that Mark drew (it may be taken from space). He thinks about Germany a lot, first with Sara serving her mission there, and now Jared as well. Jared is serving in the city of Frankfurt now, as an assistant to the mission president. He seems very busy. I know parents love to go pick their missionaries up at the end of the mission. That seems to be discouraged these days, but it may not be an issue for us, as I’m assuming that Jared will either get called to be an area authority seventy and have to stay on, or else get translated, and they’ll just divide his missionary clothes up between the new arriving elders. We feel a bit intimidated by him sometimes.

Lori and family in Westford, MA

2011-10-02T18:38:00.011-05:00

The Allreds enjoyed a month in Uganda last summer. We are riding a boat and looking for hippos and elephants (we found both). We loved the time together and absolutely love Africa. We are so excited there will be two more temples there.

Sean is straddling the equator. The weather in Uganda is perfect all year around and hardly changes from January to June which means shorts are the way to go.

Here is Rachel with some of the Rwandan school children. They loved each other and this shows the true family of God which may be found in all variety of shapes, sizes, and colors.

Jessica is here with one of the many beautiful women of Uganda. They were so quick to laugh and smile with us. They are changing the world with their goodness.

Nathan is gathered with some future world cup soccer players. They had a great game during recess and were happy to show this white man their skills. They sang a song or two for us and we taught them "Popcorn Popping" and "I am a child of God". It was awesome.

Adam is ready for action in a tribal hut in Kenya. The boys are taken from their mothers about age 11 to live on their own. We do not practice this in the U.S.A but there are days...

Our family joined Jessica and a group of 15 BYU students in Uganda this summer. This is our group on a Safari in Queen Elizabeth Park. We are all smiling because we have just found lion tracks and a few minutes later we actually saw a small group of lions in the distance. I tried to get closer for a better photo and the guide called me back frantically. He said that the lions in Uganda like "white meat". Ha, Ha

A mission call....

2011-10-01T23:54:00.025-05:00

The call finally arrives...

Friends and family gathered to find out where Elder Costley will be spending the next two years...

Everyone wrote their guesses on the chalkboard...

There were lots of good guesses but Josslyn & Blakeley got it right!! Both guessed California~ Kade has been called to the San Diego, California misson Yea! (By the way, we are pretty sure these two pretty gals are the girls he will miss the most...but chances are good they will be waiting for him when he gets back) :):)

Kade will speak December 18th and enters the MTC Jan 11th, we all could not be more excited!

2011-10-01T22:27:00.002-05:00

Thought I should add this cute picture of these cute "fancy farm girls"! ~ Sheryl

2011-09-29T21:32:00.013-05:00

We have had a fun summer and the last few weeks have been busy. We will touch on just a few things we have been doing.

In September, Sheryl, myself and the girls decided that we would put the Red Barn to good use. We had the first Red Barn Event. It was a fashion extravaganza featuring clothing, jewelry, purses, YUMMY CUPCAKES (by Whimsy), Minky blankets, shoes, darling children's dresses by our own, (SweetCharli.com) hair braid designs & feather extensions (by Sheryl)

We had a photographer there doing mini-sessions (jenahendryphotography.blogspot.com) What a fun day it turned out to be and we had quite a crowd stuffed into our little barn. Check out Kami's interview by the daytime show Studio 5, KSL. You can find it on(redbarnboutique.blogspot.com).

You might recognize some familiar "sisters" in one of the pictures! Look closely . . .

Our family recently went to Deer Valley and spent a weekend enjoying each others company, watching football, seeing beautiful scenery, taking our sweet little ones on kiddie rides & walks to the little park, sitting in the hot tub, sauna, & eating great food until we had gained a few lbs!

We are having a beautiful autumn and wish it could last all winter. We miss you all and can't wait to see many of you at the big wedding coming up.

We are all healthy & happy.

We wish you well.

Love,

Jeff & Cathy

Spradling Update

2011-09-15T12:09:00.008-05:00

Here are some highlights from what we have been doing this year......

Tanner moved into a big boy bed and this is where we found him after the first night. Yes, he decided that his changing table was way more comfy than his bed.

The kids at our favorite Armed Forces Torchlight Parade in Spokane.

Ryan & I celebrated our 12 year wedding anniversary.

Logan's first day of kindergarten.

Parker's first day of 4th grade.

As you can see, things are going well and we can't wait
to see everyone at Camp Beaver next year! Love ya!

The Spradling's

Brenda & Family Update

2011-09-11T16:47:00.003-05:00

Hello family! Brenda's family has been very busy this summer!

Jaden & Krissie welcomed sweet baby Karson on 8/31/2011 weighing in at a slim 9 lbs 5 oz. He's got lots of blonde hair and blue eyes...about the only thing he inherited from Jaden besides his sheer size was his dimples. He's a sweet baby with a nice set of lungs on him. He has lots of Grandparents and aunties that fight over who gets to hold him next. Our family almost has a basketball team. I'm sure Karson will be the tallest team member. :)

Amber & the boys came down this summer and we all had fun playing minute to win it games, going to the nearly every kid attraction in the Wasatch Valley and just participating in the 4th of July parade at Warren Park. It was so much fun to hang out as a family and spend time playing games with the boys. There's an epic photo (that we couldn't get uploaded in time) of Jaden making a short-stop type throw (up on one leg throwing across his body). The best part of the picture is that he is throwing a kickball at Mom at point blank range. We're a family who plays hard I guess! Because Mom would have done the same thing to Jaden. It was fun to play with the boys and spend time together as a family.

It was a busy summer for me (Mand'e) - splitting my time between nephews in Utah and friends in California. My best friend, Michele, got married in Mendocino in June. It was a very fun trip meandering through traffic and/or Redwood trees. The car rental place "lost" my reservation, so they were kind enough to give me the last rental available in San Francisco - a pumpkin spice latte mini van. At first I cried...I wanted the hot little car so that I looked cool driving up the coast. Then I realized there was a DVD player and a few plugs so that I could charge my phone (or plug in a microwave for popcorn) and I was fine with that. It worked out well when we drove to the ceremony. Michele drove to her wedding in a 'pumpkin'. I had a blast hanging out with the nephews...Logan I think still believes my name is "Manny".

Brenda has been keeping herself busy with work and taking on projects from the many yard sales she and Margene visit each week. She also doesn't think she's been working hard enough, so she's looking into picking up a second job. She still "chuggs" each day with the dogs and even started throwing them into the canal to cool off - then worried about their ability to swim. She makes us laugh with her (cheating) ways while playing Settlers of Catan. "You don't want to build your house there, it's a better strategy to go towards the coast. You've always wanted to live on the coast." She also grinds her own oat flour and makes lots of tasty treats with her food storage.

Jarek has spent most of the year in Afghanistan. He is eager to get home and meet his nephew and spend time with family and friends. He is scheduled to be in the states next month and will likely be here for Thanksgiving and Christmas. We will, I'm sure, be planning a HUGE party for his return. He works in communications (I'm sure there's a very technical acronym for his position) and has managed to set up a TV in his unit so they can watch Sports Center and assured me that the email and phone lines are "secure" because he is the one that set them up. He works out every day in the prison because that's where he can get the best tan. He spends lots of time wishing that he had more chili to mix with his MRE's and can't wait for a home cooked meal when he gets here. We're so proud of him for all his hard work and dedication. God Bless Our Troops!

Amber should be uploading what her little family has been up to...

Hope everyone is doing well! Can't wait to see everyone this summer!

Here's a mini slide show with just a few of the hundreds and hundreds of pictures that we couldn't upload in time. :)

Terry & Lori Hales family

2011-08-29T12:26:00.000-05:00

This summer has been a busy one so far as I know it has been for each of you.

In July Lori's Dad, Ez passed away after battling cancer for 7 years. He has been so positive and had a great attitude about His life. We have lived next to him for 31 years. We will miss him!

Lori just returned from BYU Education week.(Thanks to all you relatives that attended her class) They put alot of work into their assigned subjects,and get lots of nice comments from those who come. As with fine wine they just get better with age.(Can I really use that anology of wine, BYU, and Heartbound all in the same sentence?)

Tyler, Tesha, Masen & Konner are all doing well. Tyler manages Timberline Exteriors and does lots of things that keep customers coming thru the doors and happy. Tesha does hair in their home and adds days to her schedule to keep up with the demand. Masen started school this year. He and Konner keep us all laughing with the funny things they do and say.They are going to Disney World next month.

Brady, Laura, and Noah live in North Ogden. Brady is working at Hill AFB as a contract administrator. Laura teaches a fitness class and music lessons during the week. They spent a week last month in San Deigo while Brady was attending training classes. Noah had his lst birthday last week and really liked his party and cake!

Blake and Tracie live in North Ogden as well. Blake is working at Williams International as a machinist. Tracie works in the loan department at America First.Tracie has finished her certification to be an Orthodonic Assistant. Blake and Tracie keep busy working, and doing things with family and friends.

Trent is working at America First as well, and is going to school at Weber State. Lori and I like having him & his friends hang out at our house. It makes us feel like we are cool people to be around!

Hope all is well with each of you!

Weed

Lowell and Kelly's Update

2011-08-15T19:59:00.007-05:00

We have spent a lot of time enjoying boating at Bear Lake and staying at our cabin. Tyler has been bear hunting a couple of times over the summer with his friends. Derek and Kristen enjoyed a week in Hawaii. Emily and Kelly have enjoyed their summer off and are mentally preparing to go back to work...boo! Lowell and the kids did well at the Weber County Fair this year. It has been a good summer.

The family spent a couple of days replacing Gerald and Jeannine's roof.

Kelly, Alex, Kristen, and Emily spent a weekend in St. George and went to see The Little Mermaid at Tuacahn.

Thompson Called to Serve

2011-08-01T16:50:00.006-05:00

We've had a few missionaries in our family since the last Thompson Missionary video was made. This is dedicated to them. Sorry the quality is grainy on the blog. I'll have a DVD to show at Camp Beaver that will be more clear.

Some of you may think you have seen this before. It's a bit different and if you watch to the end some of your questions will be answered.

Vearl's family

2011-07-31T20:24:00.005-05:00

I emailed Vearl and Josie to put up some news and photos. Since they haven't yet, I put up a few but we're lacking lots of stuff from their recent week with everyone (except BJ) in Minn. So if anyone has a pipeline to Vearl or Michelle tell them to put up some photos.

Above was at Okla State. Below in St George

Colty came to visit Chicago this summer

Played pretty well

And brought a friend.... Nicole

Kael Bingham Thompson

2011-07-27T12:05:00.003-05:00

Erik and Skye Thompson welcomed their 3rd boy yesterday morning.

Kael Bingham was born at 11:08 am and weighed 8 pounds even.

He's 20 1/2 inches long and has tons of dark hair.

His brothers Kire and Jack already love him!

Layne and Marilyn's news

2011-07-17T19:04:00.005-05:00

Babuh and I just finished a great month of having our family in Illinois. We had all of our kids and grandkids together for the Illimpics, late night games, early morning fun, afternoon activities (in other words, fun 24/7).

Mother's Day dinner

All 6 grandkids

Five darling granddaughters

Illimpic competitors running the 880

Flags and pageantry

Chicago Temple

Front porch

Illimpic Torch

Hope all of your are doing well.

Sara T got married!

2011-07-06T13:17:00.003-05:00

Hello wonderful family! I just got married to Frederik Kleiner, and we are loving it! He is German, but has lived in the States and his family is currently living in Alberta. He served his mission in Argentina (because 2 languages apparently wasn't enough ;) )

We are both in our last year of school at BYU and things are going great! I'm finishing up my degree in Early Childhood Education and he in Linguistics. He's been doing some work translating for the Church and he loves it. Life is great and we hope all is going well with all of you!

Love and Light,
Sara (Forsyth) and Frederik Kleiner

Mary Brave; Family Grateful

2011-07-06T02:16:00.008-05:00

Hello dear family, I'm happy to write-up an entry for my Mom, Mary, per her request.

Things are well in Logan. Mom finished-up Chemo the week before last and we surprised her with a party when she got out of the treatment. Today would have been another great day for a party! the Tuesday she didn't have to go in for another treatment. She did, however, meet with the Radiologist. In a couple of weeks, Mom will begin 6 1/2 weeks of radiation, 5 days per week.

In other Logan news: we are all grateful to have had no flooding this year. We were prepared for quite a lot of water, which we had, but the weather kept it from coming all at once.

This past week we had an Anderson cousin reunion. Grandma Mary and Grandpa Runar took the oldest grandkids to the Lion House for an un birthday party and we had all sorts of other great love and fun building activities over a few days. Below a couple pictures from that reunion:

The big kids: Vanessa, Tanner, Johnny, Caroline, Jack, Rosemary at temple square after the Lion House party

The two front-toothless kids.

Mary and Runar's grandkids minus Dotty, Ally and Julia

Carolyn's News

2011-06-12T18:59:00.008-05:00

We are doing great, our life is almost back to normal (in reference to my health trauma).

At the end of May we had a gratitude dinner at Maddox for our children and spouses. Gary and I gave little speeches of thanks for life and having a great family to help us. We reviewed the events of March and April. Now we're moving on hoping to remember the blessings given us and to forget the scary experiences we all had.

Blossom is safe from the flood. Warren is under water much like the floods of 1952 and 1983 only worse. The Warren church parking lot is the command post for Red Cross, National Guard, and all the Sheriffs in Weber County. We have crisis captains for every block in place for emergencies and the "younger" residents have been sandbagging every few days for weeks.

Like me :)

2011-06-09T23:21:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone it's maddee. For those of you who don't know I am a Master Esthetician. I work at a spa (new image day spa) doing pedicures, facials, waxing, ect... and I do it out of my house too. You should check out my BLOG HERE and Like me on facebook HERE.

thanks. :)

If your ever in my neck of the woods, you should stop by and get a facial

School Is Out

2011-06-06T15:15:00.000-05:00

This is a picture of my 8th grade team of teachers. They are fabulous. I love working with all of them. It will be fifteen years next year. And, I will smile again when I get my braces off!

Jeannine and Gerald Update

2011-06-05T21:29:00.002-05:00

We've been staying pretty busy going to the grandkids events. Hailey graduated from West High. She graduated with honors and scholarships. We were also excited that she was selected to be on the All Area softball team. We've watched Millie sing and dance at her recitals...she's very talented. Jake has also played in baseball tournaments which have been fun to watch even though we've had to travel to see them. Life is good and we're just staying busy!

Hi from the Wade's!

2011-06-04T23:07:00.003-05:00

I don't have any exciting news, but I wanted to post anyway. We are still enjoying life in our little house on the Blossom Angus Farm. Hudson (3) and Ryder (18 months) love to play outside and by the time we come in the house for the night, they look like they have been in the sun for a year. They "feed" the cows (which I am sure Farmer Homer doesn't find the least bit endearing), play in the mud, and take their chances in the street (a nod to the heavens for light small town traffic). The pic below of the two kids in the argyle sweater vests is of them showing their reverance and peace on Easter. Hope all is well with everyone!

Moving to Arkansas: perhaps a Thompson First

2011-05-30T18:03:00.005-05:00

Hi family! Hi from California (for now!)
Thank you for all your prayers for my mom. She is doing well and has now finished 6 of 8 chemo treatments. She is beautiful and amazing in every way.One of our favorite experiences from our stay in California. (Well, it was our favorite once we realized the bear had already eaten another family and wasn't hungry.)

I don't think we've ever had anyone in Arkansas before, and now we'll have 7! We're in the process of moving now and somehow I'm not a total grump. :)

love you all, Chrissi

Maddee & Brett

2011-05-30T13:24:00.002-05:00

Hi everyone it's maddee! life is great, we have been married for 7.5 months and it is still magical as ever!
we have a blog maddeeandbrett.blogspot.com, it's private so if you want to be invited to it leave your email and i'll send u an invite :)

Guess who?

2011-05-30T12:37:00.002-05:00

I pulled these off Facebook. There were lots more but some wouldn't copy. Family members that have Facebook pages can also post stuff on our blog. In fact, it's better to post it here because it's private and protected.

The point is, we can use the blog for lots of things. Graduations, weddings, births, and just regular stuff.

The assignment for people to put up news and photos each week are just the Minimum. You don't have to wait until it's your turn to post.

Jeannine and Gerald will have something to post June 3rd. Anybody else can post anytime they want.

Thanks

June wedding

2011-05-25T07:31:00.003-05:00

I wanted to share the news that Sara's getting married on June 23rd. Watch your mail boxes or e-mail boxes for more details, as well as a picture of her future husband. This picture is a favorite from a time years ago when she was a flower girl at a wedding for friends in Massachusetts.

If you'll be in the area and can stop by the open house (in Orem, quite near my parents' house), let us know at frederikandsara@gmail.com, so we can make sure to have a bite for you to eat. It won't be white mush, but you can't have everything. And if enough of the family comes, at least you'll know that the company will be great!

You're doing fine Oklahoma

2010-10-29T10:11:00.002-05:00

Marilyn and I had a very fun (but quick) trip to Oklahoma to see BJ. Michelle and Vearl were there and we watched Oklahoma State play Nebraska.

Beaver Highlights 2010

2010-10-01T13:51:00.003-05:00

I sent DVD copies to my brothers and sisters. They have addition copies for their children. Here is an electronic version. I apologize for the low quality (if you show it full screen it gets really grainy). The DVDs should be better.

A very Happy Father!

2010-06-20T09:53:00.001-05:00

Finally!

2010-02-23T08:18:00.001-06:00

Hey! Clay and I have just joined the blogging world and made a blog. I know alot of you have blogs and we would love to see them. Ours is private so if you would like an invite just post your e-mail!

Love-

Marlen

More new Thompson family members

2010-01-03T16:12:00.002-06:00

Newest Thompson family member!!!

2009-11-24T23:54:00.004-06:00

Porter Dean Hales, born on Tuesday November 24, at 4:01 pm, weighing in at 7 lb. 9 oz. 19 1/2 tall!! Born to Tyson & Megan. Such a sweet little boy, pictures to come soon.

Thanks for your support!

2009-11-01T00:02:00.008-05:00

We had the Scraps of Simplicity Fall Market a few weeks ago. We had lots of sweet Thompson cousins in the market and others who showed up to support it too!

Sweet Grandma Carolyn is always willing to help us out, here she is preparing things at the checkout table.Another sweet and adorable helper! Mindy Sue :)

Heidi also helped us check out this year...she helped during the busiest time which must be why we don't have her picture! Sorry Heidi.

Helen and Carolyn

We are so grateful to Kalani, Jen, and their wonderful Cupcakes! People come to the market just to buy them! Here Kalani looks beautiful posing with these delightful treats!!

We all know Fred is a big softy and loves to help his girls! He was there helping Kalani put together her cupcake boxes!Look at those Cupcakes!

Lachelle makes the most adorable cards! She came down with the flu and wasn't able to come so Carolyn was so nice to come set her booth up for her!

The adorable Anderson Family with their cute kiddies! So fun to see you all.We were so happy we got to meet cute little Maylan! Kylee had her decked out in a darling Halloween outfit! It was so fun to see cousins who came from so far away!

Robyn, Craig, and Penny! What a cute picture!

Shelly and Chad! Shelly also made some darling crafts, and we couldn't pull off the Market without Papa Chads help! He even took Blakeley on a date to McDonald's during the market since both of her parents were hard at work!

Rob in action as our "MC!" We had to do some serious begging to get him to spend his day at a craft market the first weekend of the Deer Hunt! He is a good sport and also doesn't mind being the center of attention :)

We just want to thank all of our wonderful family who came to support our little market! We appreciate all of your love and friendship!

SHaMeLEsS PLuG!!!

2009-10-09T03:20:00.002-05:00

Hey guys! So doesn't everyone think their own kids are the cutest- well I am no exception :)
click on the links below and vote for my kiddos in the gap casting call and get to see our amazingly cute kids while you are at it!! Really hoping to win that carribean vacay! Thanks! Oh yeah- just so you don't think I have a favorite child -bella had two favorite picts and she couldn't choose so she got them both in there- the other two didn't care much so we went for it :)

Bellahttp://family.go.com/gapcastingcall/entries/camwatson5/79425843/

Bellahttp://family.go.com/gapcastingcall/entries/camwatson5/859425941/

Graciehttp://family.go.com/gapcastingcall/entries/camwatson5/389425017/

Beckhttp://family.go.com/gapcastingcall/entries/camwatson5/979425770/

By the way- you CAN vote every day!!! C'mon we will send postcards and maybe a shell or two your way?

Judd in Central Washington

2009-10-05T21:46:00.001-05:00

Judd played like he always does: passes bullets that hit the receivers right in the numbers, runs on a hurt ankle, and plays like crazy until the horn. Washington happened to be 5-0 and 4th in the nation, so Dixie was up against a 1st rate team. Judd Bingham has made Dixie a first rate team and has set a standard for years to come. Congrats JBT. We're very proud of you!

Thanks to Fred, Helen, Gred, Erik, Skye, Jack and Andy for making the long trip

Fun in St George

2009-09-30T14:00:00.002-05:00

A great game and fun crowd.

Would you Like...

2009-09-24T21:03:00.003-05:00

a Manicure? a Pedicure? a Facial? for a good price? and to see your relative? well....you CAN! well this is maddee and i am going to school to become a Esthetician (skin care) in Logan. and could use some clients to get credit, and to visit with ya! so if your ever up in Logan, you should come see me! my numba is 801.814.3605. txt me. have a good one.

-Maddee

Judd at Montana State

2009-09-17T20:20:00.000-05:00

Dixie at Montana State last Saturday.

Thompsons in Bozeman

2009-09-15T07:22:00.000-05:00

I'll put up some video later this week. It was a great game and record setting game for Judd.

You can read the article from the Bozeman Chronicle that gives the details.

http://bozemandailychronicle.com/articles/2009/09/13/bobcats/football/10tim.txt

Thanks

2009-09-14T10:38:00.001-05:00

Thanks to all those that came up to Montana this weekend. Sorry that the Red Storm couldn't pull it out. I really appreciate all the support from my relatives.
Judd

Video of Judd's game

2009-08-29T01:35:00.000-05:00

Next Game, Thursday Sep 2 in Cedar City against SUU. 6:00 pm

Adorable Thompson grandchildren

2009-08-24T21:11:00.006-05:00

Maylen (Shane's)

JBT in the News

2009-08-20T17:55:00.002-05:00

Click the link to see an article about Judd in the St George Newspaper. The paper version has some photos. They don't show up online but there is some pretty good stuff about JBT. The photo above is one I took last year.

www.thespectrum.com/article/20090820/SPORTS/908200356/1006/His-opportunity-has-arrived

His first game is next Thursday night (Aug 26th) in St George. They also play the next Thursday night Sep 3rd in Cedar City against SUU and Gavin Farr.

{Address}

2009-08-04T15:47:00.001-05:00

Hey everyone! I need your addresses :) If you could just leave a comment with your address.. that would be great! Thank you!!

Tuesdays with Maylen

2009-08-04T11:57:00.001-05:00

Maylen is a little doll. She is still sleeping this morning and it's 10:00 AM! She has been sleeping for 7 hours. We are loving every minute and wish our other adorable grandchildren could be here to meet her in person. Love to all, Grammi

Maylen Ellis Thompson

2009-07-26T13:37:00.001-05:00

Weighing in at 8 lbs. 13 oz, we give you Maylen Ellis Thompson, born July 24th:

Proud Parents

Hard working, beautiful mother

Father that didn't faint

Beanie

Nice head of hair

Not the smallest baby

Kylee, Jr.

Hand with french manicure

Toesies

Full body, soon after birth

Chub A Lub

Sucking her thumb

Looking at her mother

Judd and Liz got engaged yesterday.

2009-07-18T10:44:00.001-05:00

Liz congratulations and way to go Judd.

Liz and Judd are perfect for each other. We got to see them together a lot this summer and it was obvious to anyone watching that they will be very happy together. She will be a great wife, mother, aunt, cousin, neice, daughter in law, Camp Beaver competitor, roller hockey player, karaoke performer, late night Parliamenter, all types of gamer, great to hang out wither etc. etc.

The wedding is planned for Dec in Utah.

ILLimpics 2009

2009-07-09T11:02:00.001-05:00

We had our annual Illimpics in Crystal Lake this past week. A good time was had by all

Then and Now...

2009-06-18T14:58:00.003-05:00

Isn't COUSIN love the best....Jena (2 1/2) and Karah (3)

this has always been one of my favorite pictures.

Then Jena captured this picture of our daughters...

Lily and Blakeley

I think I have a new favorite!!!

Number 200

2009-06-15T08:03:00.001-05:00

We have a winner! We're all winners!

Samuel John Thompson was born to Bryant and Teresa Thompson on June 7th 2009 and has been officially given the number 200. It was a very close race and one that garnered national attention. Congratulations to all of our contestants.

Here are the finalists

Boston Derek Farr born May10 in Utah = 197

Tanner Lee Spradling born May 22 in Washington = 198

Kaden Marshall Glenn born June 1 in Utah = 199

Samuel John Thompson born June 7 in South Carolina = 200

Next up Shane and Kylee's baby in Arizona in July

Note to Bry, after all these years of Vearl and I using the name John it's nice to actually have a John Thompson in the family. Do you mind if we call him John Dan?

Note to Lori and Shelly, yes, I know we already have Jon Forsyth and John Neilson. But I couldn't resist doing the John Dan bit.

Baby Tanner Lee Spradling

2009-06-09T15:18:00.002-05:00

Here are some pics of the newest addition to our little family.
Tanner Lee Spradling
Born May 22nd
7 lbs 13 oz
21 inches
He is so much fun!
Love, Ambs =)

Cousins race in Ogden Marathon!!

2009-06-07T12:27:00.003-05:00

Tesha, Laura, Emily and i were a relay team "Running Scared" in the Ogden Marathon. we each ran a leg and had a fun time while doing it. we took 30th! and we r dang proud! we ain't runnin scared no more :)

Jena did the WHOLE 26.2 MiLeS! she is an amazing women. she had trained so hard and was so dedicated.. she's a champ! we are champions!

KSL news story about the Funks

2009-05-21T11:24:00.003-05:00

http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=6559018

This is an excellent recap of not just the triathalon in St George but a Tribute to Brad on the news in Salt Lake City.

New Englanders meet in Thompson

2009-05-14T10:22:00.002-05:00

Lori, Lisa and Mark Forsyth met my parents, Caroline, Thomas and I in Thompson, CT this past Monday. It just so happens that Thompson sits exactly 1 hour and 10 minutes away for each of us. Lori and her family are just as wonderful as always.

Check out Bry and Clay

2009-05-13T13:42:00.005-05:00

Bry and Clay did a PTI show discussing various family topics. You can check them out at

http://web.mac.com/athompson85/TBB/TBB_Podcast/TBB_Podcast.html

Sisters Talk on Podcast

2009-05-04T19:06:00.003-05:00

Jeannine, Carolyn and Mary are on a podcast called "Girl Talk". It's very entertaining. You can find it on Andy's website.

http://web.mac.com/athompson85/TBB/TBB_Podcast/TBB_Podcast.html

Look for "BPN-Girl Talk" Monday May 4, 2009. There are other shows there you might enjoy too. TBB- A few minutes with Uncle Andy is one of my favorites.

Notice that you can subscribe to the podcasts and have them downloaded for free to your iTunes.

PS, we're taping another podcast tonight featuring Bry and Clay. They discuss sports, politics, family stuff and make fun of people. It will be on the same website in a day or two.

three months

2009-05-03T14:17:00.009-05:00

Here are a few more pictures of Josslyn, she is getting big!

Blog Addresses...

2009-04-26T19:01:00.002-05:00

Layne has asked me to gather blog addresses of everyone in the family, so I can put them up on the side of this blog. If you have a personal blog to add to the list, let me know the address and we'll add it to our list. This may make it easier for some to navigate to everyone's blog and see what's going on. If you have several blog addresses (i.e. from your sisters or daughters) add those too. Thanks!

Wanted

2009-04-26T18:21:00.001-05:00

Wanted, pictures from the Spring Market! Lots of cousins there, I hear!

Anybody know a sister Rogers?

2009-04-25T18:05:00.001-05:00

So Babuh and I are at a Wedding in the Mexi Branch. We sit down to eat some rice, beans and tortillas and the sister missionaries join us at our table. I smile and nod and ask (like I always do,) "So where are you from?" The first one says California and we comment that one of our sons is out there.

Then the second sister says, "North Ogden" and acts like we probably don't know where that is. Turns out she's Craig Rogers' daughter, knows Clark Skeen, Lana and Shanny Musgrave, Kami Watson, the Winzelers, Megan Hales, Alan Stokes and many others.

Babuh was very glad to have someone to talk to in English, so they had quite a visit.

Wagon Ride in Blossom

2009-04-19T21:49:00.002-05:00

Heidi, Maddee, and I took Hudson and Lily on a wagon ride. They got to see cows and sheep on their ride around Blossom. We made a stop to see Grandma Hales and then went around back to see Grandpa Hales with some baby lambies. Such a fun adventure for these two sweet kiddies!

Love, Jena

2009-04-19T21:36:00.003-05:00

Kade was lucky enough to have breakfast with his hero....Grandpa Hales and Grandma too!!

Welcome me to adulthood...

2009-04-19T21:20:00.002-05:00

i turned 18 taday

this is me and kade at my party.

love, maddee

The Hales' Cousins @ Little Mountain

2009-04-19T21:17:00.006-05:00

We kept the Hales' family tradition alive this year and went to Little Mountain for Easter. We ate yummy food and the kids went on an Easter egg hunt. It was fun to see everyone and extra fun to have little kids in the family to make things just a little more entertaining! Here are some pics...

It's hard taking pics of the little kiddies!

This is one of our best!

Jena & Lily hunting for eggs

Konner being a Cool Baby

Mason the Stud

Cute Cousin Kader

Sweetest Blakeley Boo with her cute piggies

Jeff, Cathy, Megan & Ty

And another attempt for a picture!

I feel sad that I didn't get any pictures of Grandpa & Grandma Hales! So if you have any, please post!

Love, Jena

Come on Thompsons!!!

2009-04-19T14:45:00.003-05:00

I have the reputation in the Ellis family of calling it like I see it, so here goes. . . Four out of the latest 5 posts have been from the Layne Thompson Family. The rest of you that live in Utah must realize that those of us that don't live in Utah don't see you very often. Take 5 minutes and post some pictures! Thanks to Chrissi, Colby and Mindy, and Cammie and Jordan, for letting us take a look at their new little ones!

Weekend in St Louis

2009-04-15T20:38:00.002-05:00

Playing the xylophone at the beautiful botanical garden

Gorgeous flowers everywhere and gorgeous grandchildren

Kiernan playing with a new birthday transformer.

He turns 4 on April 20th.

Birthday wishes!

Mycah Jean enjoying some cake!

Dixie schedule and article

2009-04-14T19:32:00.001-05:00

http://dixieathletics.com/news/2009/4/11/FB_0411090105.aspx

This link has a very nice article about Judd and the schedule for the season this fall

LT

A few shots from last week in St George

2009-04-07T07:49:00.002-05:00

Ice Cream in Colorado City

A rare photo of the people and streets in the polygamist city

Weed, when he figured out that he was going to have to buy lunch for about 15 people

Jena and Tay, Judd and Liz, Lori trying to stay out of the picture

An exciting day at Red Robin. They have bottomless fries there you know

It was great to hang out with some family members

LT

PS, Lori also gave us the latest Heartbound CD. It's excellent. "Chasing Dreams". I particularly liked song #3 (we listened to it about 50 times on the trip). It's a snappy tune and Lori sings the lead, she let's her "Dolly" side come out. Very good.

Charli Anna Watson has Arrived

2009-04-04T10:20:00.002-05:00

Charli arrived early this morning. She weighed 6 lbs 3 oz and was 20 1/2 inches long. Mommy and Charli are doing great.

Please

2009-03-25T18:12:00.002-05:00

this is maddee and for those of you who are my family and have a blog that is private, if its ok, can i look at it cuz i wanna see what my relatives is up to ya know. thanks. do i leave my email or what? well ill just leave my email. maddeejo@hotmail.com. gracias

Dreaming of the Beach

2009-03-13T23:09:00.005-05:00

Hey, this is Chrissi, I hate to post over Shane's great news! Congratulations! I'm posting a few from our recent trip to Puerto Rico. Didn't Jordan Watson serve his mission there? Lucky.

It's a...

2009-03-13T22:34:00.000-05:00

Awaiting the news.Can you believe the flexibility of this little one, definitely not from me. This is my favorite picture. Look how cute the little profile is!Here's the front of the face.Look at that cute little foot--no cankles yet! And what we've all been waiting for.....

What an amazing day! We were so excited (and surprised) to find out that we are having a girl! It seemed like everyone was guessing a boy, so I think that's what we expected. I didn't have a feeling either way...I think because I wouldn't let myself. Anyway, our doctor says she is 98% sure (so, I guess it is 98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed!). We are so happy and celebrated by going for a great meal at Macaroni Grill and picking out these darling outfits.

St. George

2009-03-11T12:17:00.002-05:00

It was great to have the Costley's and Brian's down for the weekend. Chad was very generous for taking Liz and I out to dinner. It is always great to be able to meet up and visit with family. Karah hit it on the head when she said that it is great that we can remain so close to everyone in the family even though we are unable to meet up very often. Thanks for coming to visit.
Judd

Brian's, Costley's and Judd Bingham...

2009-03-10T12:06:00.003-05:00

First I want to apologize for not having a picture to post with this. Last weekend Rob had a softball tourney in St. George that Judd just happened to be playing in as well. So we figured we needed to take advantage of this opportunity! Judd and his darling girl friend Liz went to dinner with us and my parents on Saturday night and we had such a great time, we talked for hours and of course laughed a lot. We had so much fun that we forgot to snap a pic to share with you all. I just want to say that I am so grateful to be a part of such a wonderful family and that even if we only see each other every other year we can still be such good friends! We had such a fun time and it was definatley the highlight of our trip, thanks Judd and Liz!

Josslyn Peggy Costley

2009-03-06T13:59:00.004-06:00

We just wanted to add a couple pictures of our baby girl, since she didn't quite make it into the world in time to get the pages of coverage in the Tribune we would've liked subjecting you all to. Our apologies to Josie for the name steal, but it was in the cards as soon as we found out she was a girl, and if it's any consultation while there will be a Joscelyn and Josslyn, there will still only be one Josie (the original) Love, Colby and Mindy Sue

Getting it started

2009-03-03T19:50:00.007-06:00

OK, it seems like people are a bit shy about getting the blog started. So I'll break the ice and put up some pictures of our trip to see Shane and Kylee in Arizona.

Kylee made this incredible southwestern chip dip

Shane won the trivia game we made up

Marilyn held Alice for 3 straight days

I made some white mush

We all went to one of the oldest churches in North America. San Xavier

OK everybody, dig some pictures out of your hard drive and post 'em.

Camp Beaver 2008 Video

2009-02-16T16:14:00.003-06:00

These web videos can be a little grainy. But I hope you can pick out some familiar faces and events. I'm sending a copy to my siblings on DVD in case you want to see it bigger and quite a bit clearer.

Please add your comments, pictures, and posts of your own.

Welcome to the "US Today"

2009-02-05T18:19:00.003-06:00

You probably know how blogs work. This is a private blog where only family members are invited to read, write, add photos, even videos. As you can probably tell from the title (US Today), we'd like to keep track of family members (US) on a more regular basis than once per year when the Tribune comes out.

Check it often, add some pictures and comments, put up a video.

Stay in touch.

Layne