Diana's Trip to Erie

Yay! I got to take a trip to Erie! I flew out on March 1st. I was so excited to see Brian, Celia, Maden and Annie! I got a bonus because Cindy drove over on Sunday and stayed for a few days. It was so fun to see where Brian is living, and their town and area.  Maden is getting so big, he is so smart and says so many funny things. Annie is also getting so big, she is so happy and will smile at anything you say. It was wonderful to be with them for a few days.

Such a cute little man!

 

 

Such a sweet little lady!

 

On Saturday, we drove around the bay and by the Lake Erie. It was windy, humid and cold, but Brian, Celia and Maden went for a little stroll to see if the they could walk on the frozen waves.

 

Super Cindy (because she loves everything Superman) came on Sunday. Maden adores her! It was so fun to see her again.

 

Cindy brought some Superman pjs for Maden that even had a cape. He loved having everyone fly him around.  He's a pretty cute Superman even with bows in his hair!

 

Monday, we went bowling. Maden loved it and did pretty good carrying that heavy ball around.

 

Tuesday, we went to the Library to get books and go to story time. It is a very nice little Library.

 

After the library, we drove a few miles to the New York state line, then we turned around and went back to Pennsylvania.

 

On Wednesday, we went to Sam's club for some pizza before taking Maden to preschool.

 

Here's Maden at preschool, he loved showing us around after class.

 

I took some surprises for Maden, one was an Uno game. He loved playing and matching the numbers and colors.

 

We went for a little walk by the stream/river in front of their house.

 

I had a great time, and it was hard to leave, but I'm so glad I could go to Erie!

 



Update on Elder Jared

Jared is currently serving in the Maryland Heights Ward and a Young Single Adult Ward just outside of St. Louis. He is doing really well. We have a release date! He comes home on May 23rd! These pictures were taken late last year in his last area, Tuscola, Il.

 

He thought this house looked like a playhouse. Love the smile!

 

Tracting out at a boxcar?

 

 

A very large cat.

 

Jared and Elder Atkinson sporting some Christmas ties.

 

Love that smile and those blue eyes!

 

Somehow, I don't think this is a very good idea! But, he looks like he can walk on water!

February 2013

The first weekend of February I went to Smithfield with my parents to help sort things in Grandpa's house. We worked hard and got a lot done. Somehow I didn't get any pictures, which is sad because the house took on a totally different look with everything off the walls and off the shelves. While I was gone, Blake, Randy and Courtney went to Jackson to see the elk. They said there was a lot of them and it was fun.

 

 

 

After seeing the elk, they went back to Idaho Falls and took Grandma Purcell to dinner at Texas Roadhouse.  This is a very good picture of her, but I doubt Randy and Courtney think the same about this picture of them.

 

The 2nd weekend of February found us in West Yellowstone for our annual snow machine trip. The snow was pretty good, not as good as sometimes, but not too bad.  I didn't go out on the machines, and stayed inside working on a project involving pictures. I got quite a bit done. It was a nice getaway.

 

It looks like Randy got bucked off!

 

They even saw some Buffalo. That is the first time they've every seen those when on the machines.

 

When we got home, the wind had blown some drifts in the driveway.

 

On February 16th, Blake, Randy and I drove down to Smithfield to load some things in the Pickup that my dad needed taken home from Grandpa's house.  They got everything out of the house, and have now put it up for sale. Sadly, once again I didn't get any pictures of the house.

 

I did get some pictures of them moving the bed into my parents house!

 

The last weekend of February, we went to the Bear Lake area for another snow machine trip.  Once again, I did not go out on the machines, but they had a great time riding.

 

 

We went on some deer hunting excursions, and saw tons and tons of deer in the canyons.

 

A funny thing happened on this trip....this is Blake and Randy all ready for church! Yep that's how they went, because their suits got left in Blackfoot!















Grandpa Chambers

Glen Chambers

April 29, 1920 - January 18, 2013

 

My Grandpa Chambers (my dad's Dad) passed away on January 18, 2013 after suffering failing health for several months. He was 92 3/4, and had been a widower for 15 years. He was a very interesting man to say the least.  As his health starting failing my wonderful dad and uncle took turns staying with him pretty much around the clock for about 4 months. Grandpa was very proud of his grandchildren and great grandchildren and loved to brag about them to whoever would listen. He had an amazing yard and garden, even last year. I'm sure it was a great reunion for him to see Grandma, his parents and siblings.

 

This picture was taken in September 2012.  Me and three of my sisters, Suzanne, Tricia and Shauna.

 

Grandpa's funeral was on January 26th in Smithfield. I had the scary privilege of giving the Life Sketch and some memories. It gave me opportunity to reflect on Grandpa and remember some good times, like going camping with him and Grandma, like having him show me how to knit (that was really quite funny), and hearing about all the buildings where he layed brick. We'll miss you Grandpa, but we know that you are doing great things where you are!

 

At the Smithfield Cememtery.

 

Once again, reunited with most of my siblings (we missed you Tricia!) l-r, Randy, Lynne, me, Shauna and Suzanne, with my parents Paul and Beth Chambers in front.

 

L-R, Back row, Randy and Julie, Lynne and Rob, Blake and I, Shauna and Troy, Suzanne without her Troy and missing Tricia and Richard.  Dad and Mom in the front.

 

 







January 2013

January was an extremely cold month, colder than usual. We had below zero temperatures many days. Our propane fireplace ran constantly! Blake and Randy didn't let the cold stop them from doing some snow machining. They went on the January 3rd and again on the 12th. They went to Island Park both times and said the snow was incredible.

 

 

Of course they had to stop in at Meadow Creek Lodge for lunch.

 

 

On January 19, they went on another cold adventure. They went to Soda Springs to the Fishing Derby.  It was something Blake wanted to do now that he's not doing Life Insurance Exams any more. It was bitterly cold, and they didn't catch anything, so I bet they don't go again, but it was an adventure.

 

 

 

We also had some snow storms in January, which means plowing the driveway. It's really fast with the four wheeler's plow.