A Fall Visit to our Osmond's in Maryland

We spent a luscious week with our Osmond's in Rockville, Maryland.  We went to the Natural History Museum and a wonderful Pumpkin Farm.  Mostly we just enjoyed being together with lots of readings of Pumpkin Soup, puzzles, and great home-cooking.  If we had to do it all over again....we wouldn't change a thing....except maybe Julie's 3rd trimester migraines and Quin & Tyson's colds.  We love you Osmond's!  See you in a few short months.

Here's Julie - enjoying a hayride to the pumpkin patch!

Happy Joe & Tyson, riding in the haywagon

Samantha & her Papa - Pumpkin picking here we go!

Here's our Quin - a scarey football player at the Halloween Party

Samantha - the beautiful witch!  Hey...wasn't there a t.v. series about this?

Doctor Tyson Osmond, extracting his father's eyeball

The gang, playing Bat, Bat, Ghost!  (Formally known as Duck, Duck, Goose)

Pin the face on the Pumpkin was a big hit!



Having our own Cupcake Walk was the crowning jewel of the Halloween Party.  With "Kiss someone in the circle", "Howl like a Wolf", and "Hop on one foot", it was given a unique twist.



Alaska!

 Dave & I, with our dear friends, Steve & Gayle Hage were

 able to experience Alaska, via the Celebrity Infinity cruise ship.  We started off by being "limousined" from the Seattle Airport. 
Yes, our glasses were empty but it was sure fun pretending!

Here's our wonderful ship.  It was 11 stories high, with elevators, a full gym, several restaurants and lounges, and of course, theaters. 

 Someone asked what I loved about the cruise and I have to say our room, with it's wonderful balcony, was up there at the top!  Please notice the ice floating by.  We were in the northern most portion of our cruise here, and yes, it was a little chilly...but for the most part we were in 70 degree weather and even found a little time for sunbathing on the deck!

 

Yes, there were whales spotted on this trip.  In fact

we even went on a whale watching excursion  This is an Orca.  Sorry about the photo.  We also saw Humpbacks but I never managed to get a great photo.   



Yes....this is the Humpback!



All in all, it was a grand, little adventure, with every need or want being catered to by a wonderful staff.   We've decided we'll be checking out other cruises with Celebrity and watching for that "great deal"!  Thanks to Gayle for making all the arrangements and making sure we were well taken care of!



What a July!

There are photos that are forever burned into your mind and this is one of them.  Quin was so excited about the 4th of July and the upcoming fireworks.  He loved having those chairs all set up and ready...just waiting for darkness.  Thank you Quinny!  You made our 4th of July amazing!

Sweet Reunions -

And let's not forget the beauty treatments (sort of).....

And there's nothing more fun than playing around with your cousins!

And Sophie is counting the days until the Osmond's return....

And so are we!!!!!

Welcome lovely Sophie!

Yes, we've done it again.  We have a puppy.  Her name is Sophie.  She is a miniature Schnauzer, is 8 weeks old and is about 3 pounds.  Her mother, Millie, is owned by my daughter's mother & father-in-law.  Which means my oldest granddaughter, Rylee, chose her for us.  Although Dave fell in love with her instantly as well.  I think we may not sleep tonight.  I mean, I think I may not sleep tonight. 

BYU Women's Conference 2010

Had a wonderful time this year at Women's Conference.  The weather was lousy, the crowds were thick, but the spirit was felt where ever you went and it was a wonderful experience.  As you can see from the photos, Julie was there with us, even though she couldn't actually attend.  One day soon..... 

David turns 20!

It finally happened....David is no longer a teenager.  We celebrated with his favorite dinner - Tacos.  Grandma made a chocolate on chocolate cake.  What could be more perfect???  Well, the Osmond's could've been here and then it would have been true perfection.  It was still fun to hang out with this wonderful, young man.  He manages to make us all feel included and loved when we're with him.  And how we love that laugh of his!  Thanks for being you, David.  We think you're awesome!  Happy Twentieth!  We love ya!!!!!

                                                      

Birthdays, Beans, and Banana Splits

Well, I've managed to have another birthday, whether I wanted it or not!  However, it was a fabulous day that started with my opening a cool, new camera from my dear hubby.  Thanks Dave!  Gayle and Steve were staying with us for a few days so we managed to get in a lunch out, meeting Kim, Whitney, Mandy & Lucy for some yummy soup, sandwiches and salads.  A day later we celebrated with my wonderful in-laws by consuming Dad's famous homemade beans and cornbread at the Buntjer's.  I ate myself almost into a coma.  We finished it off with Mandy's banana splits.  It really was a great birthday and I was spoiled beyond all reason by friends and family who showered me with gifts and well wishes.  I guess being 51 isn't so bad afterall?  With love and fun like this, I can't wait to turn 52. 

Karen Lynne Baker - October 1956 to January 2010

On January 1st, 2010, in the late afternoon, my dear friend, neighbor, and walking companion of over 5 years, lost her life while riding as a passenger on a motorcyle with her husband.  This has been a life-changing event for hundreds of people.  Her funeral was packed.  The flowers and messages of sympathy that poured in were staggering.  Karen, I'm sure, was amazed.  What an impact she has had on the lives of so many - and will continue to do so.  I'm not sure she would love being featured on my blog - but because of who she was to me, to not do so would be unthinkable.  I think we tend to "perfect" those that leave this world before us.  We conveniently forget their flaws and only speak of their goodness.  Wouldn't it be nice if we did that for those who are still alive?  What a different world it could be if we always focussed on the positive.  Karen did that.  She looked at you with the vision of your potential.  If she had a flaw it would be that she doubted herself and the influence she had in this crazy, ol' world.  I bet she isn't doing that now.

So Karen:  Here's to you old friend!  I'll see you soon.  I know you'll be doing good where you are & we will walk together again.  Until then...I love you!

Rylee Anne Buntjer - It's Great to be Eight!

On January 9th 2010, our oldest granddaughter, Rylee, was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  She was baptized and comfirmed my her wonderful father, Jesse Scott Buntjer.  She positively glowed with excitement and looked like an angel in her white dress.  Rylee was supported by just about every family member within 100 miles and we all partied with food later at the good ol' Chuck-A-Rama.  Thanks for being such a wonderful example to all your younger siblings & cousins, Rylee Anne.  Great things are ahead for you!