Easter at the Ranch

Okay, so this blog is a week late - but better late than never!

One of our Easter traditions is to have lunch and an egg hunt at the Lewis Beatty ranch on the Arizona Strip on the Saturday before Easter. We generally have a great time.... and this year was no exception! The weather even cooperated beautifully, and we were sad we had to leave early to make the trip back to Price. We had a good turnout, lacking only Eva's and Troy's families (we really missed you guys!).


I hope you enjoy the pictures :)

Easter Visit with Kenna

Visit With Kenna

During last week's Easter vacation to Washington County, we were able to spend a few precious moments with our foster daughter, Kenna.

She was a little hesitant and unsure of the situation at first, but it quickly became apparent that she remembered who we were. It didn't take her long to begin hamming it up for the camera!

Her mother appears to be doing well and Kenna seemed happy and healthy. It sure was nice to see her again; we miss her terribly! (You may be wondering why Bronson isn't in any of the pictures; he was spending a few days in Cedar City with his good friend.)

The Misadventures of Miss Krissia

I intended to post a blog last night about our visit with Kenna during Easter vacation. I even put together a cute slide show of the pictures we took with her. But life doesn't always work out as planned, especially when you have kids.

All of my good intentions came crashing down when Krissia came home from track practice with a broken elbow.

I know, I know - track is a non-contact running sport, so how did she end up with a broken arm?

One word: hurdles. It was Krissia's first time trying them in practice; it will be her last time until next season.

So after one short week of practice, Krissia's track career as a freshman has come to an end. As this is her 3rd injury since December (she also severely sprained her knee while tubing, and gashed her shin open on the pool bleachers), I'm hoping that this latest incident will prove to be the end of her "injury career" as well.

At least for a good, long while!

I Hope They Call Me on a Mission

The MTC acquired two new missionaries yesterday - Kerry and Patricia Gubler, my parents. They have been called to a CES (Church Educational System) mission and will be serving in Chinle, AZ, on the Navajo Reservation.

This has all happened rather suddenly; my mom had privately mentioned to me in January that she and my father were thinking about going on a mission, and now a mere two months later, they're gone. Our family is so happy for them; this has been a life-long goal for my parents, and we know they'll be wonderful missionaries. We also appreciate the example they are setting for their family - especially the grandchildren.

And yet, I'm a little saddened to think that I won't be seeing them very often in the next 12-18 months. I'm going to miss my mother's delicious Sunday dinners, the big Gubler game nights we've had at their house, and savoring the homemade ice cream my dad served up every General Conference. I feel a little cheated that my kids won't have the opportunity to spend time with their terrific grandparents for awhile; especially Mathison, who will probably forget them due to his young age. I know I'm sounding selfish - but without them, it just won't be the same when we visit family in Hurricane.

However life goes on, time passes, and my parents will be home before we know it. I'm sure that our family will be blessed because of the willing sacrifice of their time and service as full-time missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. But in the meantime......I'm sure going to miss them.

Good Luck, and goodbye Mom and Dad! We love you!!!

New Family Pics

First of all, let me begin by saying "there's no place like home." We returned to Price late last night after spending the past week in Hurricane. Our family had a great time and we're all worn out from playing with our friends and family. Mom Beatty was a wonderful hostess as usual, but it was really nice to sleep in our own beds again!

We had many adventures during our Easter vacation - too many to post in just one blog. So, I've decided to highlight different parts of our trip in my upcoming blogs this week. I wanted to begin by showcasing our new family pictures taken a few days ago by Karl Hugh, our good friend and a photographer from Cedar City. He did an exceptional job!! The photo at the beginning of our blog is our new "official" family photo, but here are some other fun shots I wanted to share:

The Beatty "lineup"

We know who's the real boss

Girls just want to have fun

Our beautiful children

Finally, here are the first "couple" photos Del & I have had taken since our wedding:

We're having a hard time deciding which one to order; I'd appreciate any comments or suggestions :)