Sunday, November 20, 2005

Is that James Bond? No it is Blain getting ready to leave for homecoming.


I know it was a bit of a stretch, but our dapper Blain found himself a swell girl to take to homecoming. They rented a limo and went with about 4 or 5 other couples. They ate at Benihanas, then came back to the dance, got pictures then went to a girls house for a movie. All in all it was a fun an successful evening.

Wednesday, November 09, 2005

PICTURES OF THE GRANDKIDS


Coty, Logan and Blain riding
the big waterslide at 7 Peaks




Brandon (?), Brett and Becca

Rachael (?) and Brandon




Ryan asleep on a Teddy Bear

Sidney's Birthday
Grandma Smith with some of the Grandkids

Courtney and Winston

Saturday, November 05, 2005

Memories

I thought it would be nice if we each shared a memory or two of growing up in the Butler Family.

I'll start... We all know Dad has a funny sense of humor. Well, growing up, we didn't do stockings for Christmas that I remember. For some reason, I would always put one out anyway (it was a gift from a friend) hoping that I would find something in it on Christmas morning. One year, I came up and saw it sitting on the fireplace bulging with CD's. I couldn't believe it! I was so excited. Mom and Dad had really surprised me with a special treat that year. I went to look through them and try to decide which one to listen to first. As I started looking, the realization sunk in. They were all my own CD's that I already owned. It was all a funny joke on me. Mom and Dad still get big laughs from that experience to this day. I have to admit, looking back, it is pretty funny. That wasn't the end of it, though. One year I found a "roller ruler" that Dad had gotten suckered into buying at the Puyallup Fair. One year I found some cans of S&W Vegetables and Fruit because I always complained about how annoying their commercials were. It actually became funny waiting to see what "fun" thing Dad was going to dig up to put in the stocking each year. I can already see that I have inherited this sense of humor. I'm pretty sure some of the other kids have, too. I seem to remember something about Lorri and Tracey putting together a big, long treasure hunt for the grandkids with promises of a big reward at the end. I don't know if the Book of Mormon they found was what the kids had in mind.

Another fond memory I have is of my 12th birthday. It was the first year I opened my birthday card to find a 100 dollar bill! I was so excited to get that money on top of all the presents and everything! I still look forward to that money each year. It was even better when I turned 20 and they upped it to $500. That, along with the $1000 they give me at Christmas each year has really been great for me get some fun things. I'm sure you all feel the same. So, as the favorite child, I just want to thank Mom and Dad for all their generosity.

Okay, I got us started. Everyone else needs to share their memories now....

WOMEN'S CONFERENCE

Mom working hard on a quilt at the
humanitarian project at Women's Conference.
She's good with a needle!

Lorri, also hard at work on the quilt. Check out those fancy fingers!
Gayle's "cutting it up" at the humanitarium project!

Is that Martha Stewart?
No, it's Wendi...sewing like the wind!
Eating at Cafe Rio. Yummy!

THE LATEST TREND IN BEAUTY?

Wendi convinced everyone (except Steff) that putting
duct tape on your face will keep you looking young and beautiful.

Even Mom decided to give it a try.

Sometimes being beautiful requires a little pain

Friday, November 04, 2005

Our Dad the Pilot

Dad flying over the house in the Colt
The family watching Dad fly over
Notice Grandma in the background taking a picture

YOUNG AT HEART


Mom Swinging on the old tire swing at Grandma and Grandpa's house.
I think she could out do any of her kids or grandkids!

Charlie's Baby Blessing

Dave, Winston, Tanner and Logan

Tanner holding Charlie

Brian and Winston

FAMILY VACATION IN IDAHO


Some of the family taking a little break
from snowmobiling to get a picture.
Tracey jumping on his snowmobile

Everyone playing ping pong up at
Erikson's cabin in Island Park.

ROASTING MARSHMALLOWS ON THE HILL BEHIND MOM & DAD'S HOUSE

Everyone gathered around the fire
The grandkids sitting on the back of the truck

Grandma Smith
up on the hill




Sidney up by the campfire