Goodbye 2008

On this last day of 2008, I'm going to copy my daughter Lisa's idea, and put up a year in pictures (Ok, maybe with a little bit of captioning).

In January, we had new flooring installed in the living room, kitchen, and hallway. I guess we had an inkling we might be trying to sell the house, but it was really needed anyway.

In February we went to interview for the new job, and little Axton decided to be born while we were there - five weeks early.

We went back home for a week (enough time for Bryce's Bishop's office to get a heart attack in honor of Valentine's Day

and then headed out again on a trip to Boston (business for Bryce, fun for Laurie) and while there, got the phone call that Bryce was hired.

Sara flew home for Spring break. It was a good chance for her to visit friends agan - maybe for the last time.

Jerusha gave us boxes and we began to pack. Thanks again Jerusha!

We made several more trips out in the spring to buy a house and attend graduations and baby blessings. That thousand mile trip became second nature.

On one of the trips, we got to participate in a practice launch with Matthew that later earned him and his team a trip to Florida for the shuttle launch.

What an amazing thing to be with the granchildren. What a great blessing to be moving nearer!

Laurie was honored in May as North Dakota Merit Mother for 2008

We said a tearful goodbye to our dear friends

and the Bismarck Temple.

And soon moving day arrived.

We made this thousand mile trip into a pleasant one by drawing it out and stopping to see some of the sights.

Even before the furniture arrived, we were partying with family in the new house.

It took the truck awhile to come, but then it was time to unpack.

And of course, have another party!

Summer was full of projects and having fun with family.

Including a trip up the canyon for breakfast.

We had special friends drop by on several occasions. That was really a treasured time to us.

In August we had a baby shower and got ready for Annalisa to be born.

And September 11 she arrived. Lee got to spend a few nights with Grandma and Grandpa.


Halloween was fun. The only Trick or Treaters we had come by were related.

In November, Sara and Laurie sang with Craig Jessop in the American Festival Chorus. We did a Veteran's Day concert and also the Mozart Requiem.

We had another party the weekend before Thanksgiving - a baby shower for Kathy and Doug's baby who is coming in February.

Thanksgiving at our house with all the family, even Grandma and Granddad - a miracle!!

In December Bryce and I celebrated 30 years of marital bliss.

And now it's the end of the year. We've already had some snow, and I'm sure will have more. Happy New Year to all of you, and may the Lord's choicest blessings be with you in 2009.