Croft Family Blog

Kaytee: LAST Daughter!

2011-04-02T21:31:00.000-07:00

Kaytee's last time to hang out with these crazy girls she's known almost since Kindergarten. They are being goofy waiting for their Prom dates to arrive for dinner.
All dressed up at last - watching for their dates to arrive (for the second time) this time to go to the dance.

Kaytee pinning the boutonniere on her sweet date, Brandon Wilde. They really were in the same Kindergarten class together.
And he slips on her wrist corsage. She got flowers for her hair to match.
She had pretty sparkly shoes too. And open toed for the first time ever. Her toes seem to have a mind of their own so she normally keeps them corralled.
And they are off to the dance. I will post some pictures from the big event itself when I get them in the next day or so.
A few more "lasts" from Kaytee's last year in high school. Her last time supporting her friends in their sporting events. (Ethan was in that same Kindergarten class!)
There is something pretty awesome about being part of the student section at a high school basketball game. Here are Taylor Voss, Alyssa Torres, Chantel Ramos, Kaytee, Nikki Madden, and Kirstie Cady. Last time to do this too - will probably be a lot crazier sitting in the student section at BYU next fall - but she will really miss this group of friends.
And finally the last time for Kaytee to go to a Dance where couples dressed alike and no one was even surprised by the shirts she and Ethan chose to wear.

I'm College Bound!!

2011-02-24T15:03:00.000-08:00

ATTENTION!!

KAYTEE CROFT IS THE NEWEST COLLEGE STUDENT TO BE ENROLLED, JUNE 20, 2011, AT........

Homecoming 2010

2010-10-02T23:27:00.000-07:00

YAY for Homecoming in Worland! So sad that it is our very last one and that it wasn't a "real" Homecoming with all my girls coming home. But for Kaytee's senior year she certainly got into the spirit of the whole thing. First was "Twin Day". Kaytee and her friend Matthew Schneider (blonde boy - so definitely very little resemblance) decided to be twins for the day and made matching shirts. They made sure to add a disclaimer regarding their "twin" status.
Matthew was "Schneeder 1" and Kaytee was "Schneeder 2".
Next came "Celebrity Day" Here we have Lil' Wayne, Eminem, Justin Beiber, Jack Sparrow and Hannah Montana. (Kaytee, Taylar, Michelle, Alyssa, Nikki, and Chantel) Quite the assortment. None of Kaytee's teachers recognized her all day.

The day of the football game was Spirit Day with everyone decked out in all the orange and black they could find. The Homecoming Assembly was really fun this year. Here are Michelle and Kaytee announcing an Ice Block Sitting contest between the Depends-wearing teachers.
And then they all got REALLY REALLY LOUD!
The principal had the entire student body on the floor of the gym playing a giant "Simon Says" game. Here Michelle and a few others just got out because they put their arms down without "Simon saying" Kaytee stayed in a few more rounds and her friend Alyssa won the whole thing. It was hilarious.
During the teacher's skit at the end of the assembly they had every student in the school dancing in the middle of the gym with them. It was pretty much pandemonium!
Then came the parade - which the entire town shut down to attend. Here is the float Kaytee helped build with the seniors - she was on it but sitting on the opposite side of where I was watching from so didn't get in the picture.
Here are Kaytee and Ashley after they got off the float.

After the parade was the football game - which they lost to Lander in the last 24 seconds of the game. And then the big dance was tonight. Here are Kaytee and her date, Tyler, before the dance.

And a close-up of her cute dress and hair and their big smiles!

Now they are home from the dance and all changed and making chocolate chip pancakes. And our last Homecoming has come to an end - I get the feeling this is just the first of lots of "lasts" this year :(

September!

2010-09-25T05:14:00.000-07:00

Wow! What a September we have had. Kimball and I started off the month going to Las Vegas to spend Labor Day with Cassidy and their sweet family. While we were there we got to celebrate James' 2nd birthday. Since I had just had my birthday a few days before, Cassidy made us a bithday cake to share with James' new favorite activity - fishing!

James' other favorite thing to do is swimming so on the morning of his birthday I took him back to our hotel and the two of us spent the day just hanging out at the pool.
Loving the luxury of this place! James is my favorite little "Cabana Boy"

That weekend sweet little Eloise was also blessed. I love this picture of her smiling up at her Grandma Mickelsen wearing the beautiful blessing dress her grandma made her.
As we drove home, we stopped in Utah for the night and my mom had a birthday celebration planned for me and my sister, Marilee, who also shares a September birthday. Ralph had fixed some amazing bar-b-que ribs with all the fixings and my mom had decorated for the two of us.
She had pictures from both of our lives and fun facts about us. It really made us feel special (and not quite so old to have our mom do a party for us - except for the 50(!) on the birthday sign.)
My beautiful little sister - pretty special to get to share our birthdays together. We haven't got to do that since we were little (and then I hated it that my mom had us have our party together!)
Next up was Kaytee's birthday on September 12 - Can't believe that my baby is 18! We got her a way cool bike to cruise around town (and maybe next year to cruise around college.)
Everyone we saw on our first bike ride told us how much the bike looked like her! Pretty colorful! Then a bunch of her friends came over bearing gifts and here she is blowing out the candles on the strawberry chocolate icecream cake she requested. Mmmmm it was good!

Next up . . . October will be bringing Homecoming and lots and lots and lots of volleyball. Go Kaytee and the Lady Warriors!

The Greater Light- Logan 3 EFY 2010

2010-08-02T10:43:00.000-07:00

Last week I went to Logan, Utah to go to an EFY, which was AMAZING as always, but this one seemed to be the best ever! My company had to of been the coolest one there and by the end we all became best friends. Some of us even mentioned that it seemed as if we had known each other forever instead of just for 5 days. I just want to apologize ahead of time that there might be quite a few pictures but it can get hard to pick only a couple...

This is some of the girls during pizza night. My counselor, Jazmin, is the one in the blue shirt and she was the coolest person ever! She abbreviated everything so I have picked up some of her sayings such as DPepp (Dr. Pepper) and supes awk (super awkard).

Here are all the boys and girls in my company and they were all funny and cool beyond belief! It's even crazier because there were 33 of us and by the end I knew every one's name! :)

One day we did a service project where we cut and tied blankets. This is my entire company showing off our end products.And of course by the end everyone was just having fun. The boys were trying to test each others strength and people started to make shapes out of the left over fabric.
And this is the video of our company skit. We were called the "Greater Light" and for some reason we were centered around ninjas and love. :) We ended up getting first place with our skit too!

Fun in Billings

2010-06-29T22:18:00.001-07:00

So, every summer we go to Billings for doctor's appointments but this time we made it into a 2-day mini-vacation. The hotel we stayed at had a water park and Jackson was so excited we had to go check it out the second we got to our room. Here he is hamming it up for the camera on the way over to the pools.

Besides lots of awesome water slides for the big kids, the stuff for those "under 48 inches" was absolutely amazing. Here J and his grandpa check out all the water type things to do. There were water cannons to shoot and buckets to dump on people and all sorts of fun slides.

There were lots of different pools.
This one had lily pads that Jackson could use to jump from one side of the pool to the other.

His favorite place to hang out was in the big wave pool. The first day he wanted one of us pretty close by his side. By the second day he was grabbing a tube all by himself, jumping into it and kicking all the way out to the middle of the pool.

Another of Jackson's favorites was the big bucket on top of the play center. It would gradually fill with water and when it was full dump a giant wave down on top of everyone.

At first he liked to watch at the edge of the "splash zone."

Then he discovered this tunnel where he could sit and wait for the water to come pouring down all around him. Look at that smile! He so did not want to leave when it came time to go this afternoon. We'd better make this place an annual tradition!

What a Wonderful Weekend!

2010-06-27T20:53:00.000-07:00

So much fun having Jackson here visiting. He loves to help outside (in short little bursts of energy!) Watering has been a favorite chore since the first summer he came to visit when he was only 1 1/2. Only then he just loved holding the hose and now he can turn the hose on and off and fill up the watering can and actually hit the flowers that need watering. He thought it was cool to see the stepping stone he and Nolan had made me for Christmas in the flower garden.

Of course anything that involves a BIG SHARP TOOL is what he is begging to do. Only got to do this for a short time because, even though he was very careful, it was scaring Kaytee and I.

Once the work was done we got in Grandpa's truck and headed up to the cabin. Jackson found this cap and wore it most of the time we were there.

J discovered something interesting along the road on our walk.

His reaction when I told him it was Moose Poop!

J was pretty impressed with the size of this moose print. He also liked the moose he saw walking past the cabin the next morning - of course we didn't have the camera out then.

Now that he is older and can climb he loved exploring every rock and nook and cranny on the mountain. This is in the outcropping of rock behind the Horsley cabin.

Going potty at the cabin was a new experience as well since the water pipes were still frozen and he had to use the outhouse. Probably getting his picture taken while he was going potty was a new experience too. Sorry J.

The snowdrift behind the cabin was pretty cool to play in too - Just not very clean or good for snowballs.

Back home to a lot warmer weather. It will be so nice to get back up on the mountain when Jami and Tim and Nolan come at the end of the week. J loves playing outside in the cool of the evening. Tonight he was drawing pictures with sidewalk chalk and then explaining to grandpa who they were by drawing arrows pointing to each of them. These are all his family and right now he is pointing to his cousin, Janelle's Preston, who he really wants to have come play with him at grandma's house.

My Crazy Grandson

2010-06-23T20:25:00.001-07:00

So, 5:oo AM (!) this morning this is what tiptoes in my bedroom to wake me up "What are we doing today Grandma?" Don't know why he thought the goggles might play a big part in our plans but he was definitely ready for anything.

Well, maybe not this! First order of business after breakfast - clean the last bird nest off the decorative vines above the window. These little birds were sure cute, but left an awful lot of mess behind. J wasn't quite sure what to do when I told him to take the nest off so he could put it in the garbage. Ewwwww!

Then we went to pick up branches where Kaytee had been doing her tree trimming. Jackson loved sitting on the bench because it was "like a forest!"

Then this afternoon we went over to the church for a kid's Bike Rodeo. J sat and watched for a while to scope it all out.

Then he had to carefully adjust the wheels on his scooter to get them just right. He really wanted and needed to wear a helmet - this one was a "tad" big because it used to be Kaytee's. We also had to assure him that the blue meant it was a "boy" helmet and not a "girl" one.

Then he was off and riding (scooting?). He had so much fun and was so proud of how fast he could go.

Then we had a "kids choice" ward dinner outside at the pavilion. I put one of everything I thought J would eat on his plate and here he is showing off his pizza. Then he ate most of the spaghetti. Then the cookie. We brought the sandwiches home to eat tomorrow.

He made lots of new friends and was so excited to have the big grassy area behind the church to run around in. I think in this picture Jackson had just been tagged by Lacy (in the dress) and he is off and running to get someone else. Lacy is coming over to play tomorrow. Jackson is very excited!

Then back home for a little relaxin' Just loving his own little computer to play games on. Looks like one tired boy - we are off to bed and ready for another adventure tomorrow. Hopefully it won't start quite so early!

A day in the life of J

2010-06-21T21:36:00.001-07:00

Our oldest grandson, Jackson, is visiting from California for the next two weeks. YAY! He is so sweet and so much fun and very, very busy. He and Kaytee made some giant sugar cookies today. He loved putting on the sprinkles.

But mostly he couldn't wait to eat one!

He spends most of his day outside playing with Heston and jumping on the trampoline. Hard to tell in this picture, but he was going to run out to the trampoline and turned around and got surprised by a sprinkler that had just turned on.

He has also been fascinated with a balloon animal maker we have and loves blowing up the balloons so big that they fly off the end and swish around the room. Heston is just fascinated with everything J does.

Suddenly tonight Jackson disappeared, then showed up in his "swim shorts" because he wanted to go swimming. We inflated the kiddie pool and the big rubber duck but since it was already dark, he'll have to wait until tomorrow for the water. Instead he settled for building a big marble tower.

And sometime today he practiced his photography skills. These next are just two of MANY I discovered when I downloaded my camera tonight.

The Empty Nest

2010-06-09T19:43:00.000-07:00

I must have housing decor that looks way too realistic, because now a little wren has built her nest on the vine above the window by the front door.

It is too high up for me to be able to peek in but we saw a little baby peeking over the edge the other day. He is soooo cute. (He has the fuzzy head and big yellow beak - you can see him right in the center of the nest.)

Now for the story of the nest a big robin built on the wreath right on our front door. First she laid 4 eggs.

We do have to use our front door sometimes, and everytime we would open it the poor mother would get startled and hurridly fly away. Twice she got an egg caught on her feet or wing or something and it would go smash on the sidewalk. So then there were only two eggs left to hatch.

And hatch they did - the ugliest baby birds I have ever seen.

They grew bigger and bigger.

AND BIGGER. Good thing there were only two! That nest was definitly not big enough. (Maybe she dropped those other eggs on purpose and only made us think it was our fault.) They never got any cuter either.

And then they were gone. One day there was just an empty nest and we could see the mother with her babies over in the side yard taking flying lessons. They never came back to the nest. Yay! Now I can clean my door! They were messy little things too.

And now our last little baby will soon be leaving us with an empty nest.

Is she ready? Are we?

Only time will tell. Can't wait to watch her fly!

A Memorable Memorial Day!

2010-06-02T07:38:00.000-07:00

So, this is the year that I will I turn the big 5-O and I have been given some serious thought to getting in shape. My girls have put those thoughts into action with Cassidy designing me a personalized work-out plan for the year and Jami entered me into my first race to run while I was out visiting her in California this past weekend. We ran a 5K on Memorial Day morning and thanks to her encouragement (gentle badgering) I never stopped or walked or gave up.

So, here we are starting out the race.

Jami was pretty much flying down the road . . .she was so good at letting me go my own pace.

It got tougher near the end . . .

But it felt so good to get to the finish line.

And fun to see Worland represented on the results printout . . . And I didn't come in last place! My time was better than I thought it would be too, but definitely room for improvement. I am already looking for another race to run. I would love a running partner that is closer than California so let me know if you want to go.

Happy Birthday Baby!

2010-05-18T03:39:00.000-07:00

From the moment you entered our life you have brought us so much beauty and joy and fun. You do some incredible things and we are so proud of you. Happy Birthday Jami. We love you.

April Showers Bring . . .

2010-05-06T18:13:00.001-07:00

May Blizzards! Only in Wyoming. Probably by next week it will be summer heat and we will have missed spring - my favorite season - all together.

We do have one good sign that someone has faith that better weather is on the way. Here is our front door with the wreath Jami sent me a few years ago. It is so realistic looking that the birds adopt it occasionally to build a home and rear their young. Year before last some birds were raised in the nest you can see on the front - it kind of started falling off to the front of the wreath over the winter. So last week we noticed some nest building going on on the top of the wreath, over the top of the previous nest. And today I peeked . . .

and they've started laying eggs. I got dive bombed by some very nervous parents when I started aiming my camera at them. It will be interesting to see if they lay more than just these two - and fun to watch them hatch and be fed and learn to fly all right from our front door. But I do know from previous experience that it is not so fun to clean up after all of them when they get almost full-grown. Lots and lots of bird poop, right out our front door. Notice already what a mess they made splattering mud just building their nest.

My Favorite Kaytee Prom Pic

2010-04-17T15:49:00.000-07:00

Worland Prom 2010

2010-04-10T20:37:00.000-07:00

It is Prom season in Worland. The week started with Kaytee and a bunch of the other juniors transforming the high school gym into a twinkling, sparkling wonderland - first they cover the floors and walls with black plastic, then add the white Christmas lights, lots of balloons, a boatload of glitter and stars, and this year, a gigantic 2-0-1-0 that the prom attendees would stroll through as they Grand Marched across the gym to greet the cheering crowd - the entire town of Worland turns out for this event.

Here is Kaytee, the night before prom, "letting Michelle feel tall", as they are getting a little loopy after decorating all day and night.

A bunch of the decorators pause in their efforts for a group photo.

The big day finally arrives. Nicole Madden came over to get Kaytee all curly-cued.

After a nap and giving herself a Hawaiin manicure, thanks to Ali and Mike, Kaytee's got on her "dancing" shoes and waiting for her date to arrive.

Kaytee's date was Joe Wille from Riverton (he moved from Worland a few years ago.) All I could think when he got here was - wow, he got tall! (and very cute!) He is helping Kaytee adjust the corsage he got her.

Here are Kaytee and Joe strolling down the lighted 2010 path as their names are announced, they then stopped on the star at the end to pose for the newspaper and photographer (and parents who were quick enough) to take pictures. They were couple number 26. There were over 80 couples. It was a very loooong grand march.

Everyone loved the shoes - the newspaper made her lift her skirt so they could get this picture.

In my opinion, the cutest couple of the night.

Here is Kaytee with some of her friends, Chantel and Karsyn.

Then they announced that all the parents needed to quit taking pictures and leave so the dance could begin. Hope they are having fun - while I wait up - waiting to hear all about it - so that is why you all are getting this up-to-the minute post!

Happy Birthday Cassidy!

2010-01-30T21:52:00.000-08:00

You are the most amazing woman, wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend! I am so proud to be your mother. Thank you for all the joy you radiate to the lives of those you touch - especially our sweet James. Happy, happy bithday to you!

Getting Ready for Winter

2009-11-15T18:22:00.000-08:00

So, I realized that it is getting awfully cold outside for when we send Heston out to go potty or get some exercise but he has NO body fat (wouldn't that be nice?!?) and very short fur so he needed a coat. But any store bought ones don't fit him because he is so weirdly shaped. I downloaded a pattern and sewed him one. We got some boots for him too.

Isn't he handsome.

Except he can't (or won't) walk up the stairs with his boots on so Kaytee had to carry him.

Alicyn's Art Show!

2009-11-04T20:20:00.000-08:00

***** C A U T I O N ! ! ! *****
Blog below for Mature Audiences only!

So, last weekend we went to Laramie to see Alicyn's Art Show at The University of Wyoming. It was pretty amazing. It has been fun to watch her develop her talents in different art mediums. Although this wasn't really what we were expecting . . .

Oh, wait, those aren't Alicyn's work - they were just all over the outside of the gallery showcasing her art show so as we stood outside and Alicyn invited her guests in to see her artwork she kept pointing to this wall and saying, "Come and enjoy my art" indicating the door to the room to enter her gallery, but looking like the above wall of paintings was what she wanted people to come see. Most of the paintings were unsigned but we did find one with an artist signature - didn't know we had TWO budding artists in the family!

Yes - this is more like it. Alicyn and her wall of amazing fish. She does lots of really big art (takes up a lot of space) but has lots of little pieces to hang. Mike was such an amazing support to her in getting it all set up. (We love you Mike!)

Here she is pointing out one of her favorite pieces . . . actually they are ALL her favorites!

This one was really cool from both far away and up close - left lots of interpretation up to the viewer. . . fish eyes? fish eggs? planets? abstract designs with no meaning whatsoever? Who cares . . . it looks really cool.

Of course there were some that wanted the artist herself to explain each piece and it was so much fun to listen to Alicyn explain the biological significance of each section of her print.

And how fun to have old friends come to support. Here is another amazing artist from Worland, Mark Bartholomew and he and Alicyn have been friends since they used to argue over who had the correct answer for their math problems in 6th grade.

Dad manned the reception table and helped serve all the amazing food . . . For all her denying it when she was younger, Alicyn has turned into an amazing cook. Everyone raved over her Chicken Enchilada Soup and Sopapilla Cheesecake bars.

And where was Kaytee in all of this - waiting for us back in Casper with her friend Chantel as they cheered on friends from other schools in the State Volleyball Championship games.

Homecoming - The Conclusion

2009-10-17T09:39:00.000-07:00

Soooo - at half-time of the football game the Homecoming Royalty are all introduced to the crowd and walk out in pairs. Except of course - - - Kaytee. Her other royal half is the quarterback, so he was the first to run off the field. While the other football players who were in the royal court ran over to get in line - he ran straight into the locker room. So when they announced the junior class royalty - Kaytee came walking out, smiling and waving, all by her lonesome. I was standing next to his mother to take pictures and she seemed a little stunned that her son just didn't show up. Kaytee was very cute about it and said Dane really apologized later that night at the dance.

After half-time, especially since the outcome of the game was never really in question (see previous post), Kaytee went to Chantel's house to get all dolled up for the dance.

Since Kaytee's date isn't quite old enough to drive yet (I know. sounds weird, but this IS Worland) she went and picked him up. After his parents got their share of pictures, they came back to our house so I could take a few. Because she really didn't want to wear a corsage, Jacob gave her some flowers. Then they were off to the dance. She had a good time and came home pretty much right after it ended because her date (only a freshman) had a curfew and was leaving to go hunting with his dad early in the morning. Quite the parent's dream date - way to go Kaytee!

Da-da-da-daaaaa! Princess Kaytee!

2009-10-16T20:15:00.000-07:00

This just in . . . Kaytee Lois Croft is the Junior Class Homecoming Queen

(or whatever they call it!?!) Doesnt she look so royal and benevolent and smiley?

So, when we moved to Worland many years ago we quickly became aware that Homecoming in a small town is quite the production. (Prom is too, but we will save that for a spring posting.) So this post is going to be my effort to remind or inform my "many" readers of the unique joys that come with a Worland Homecoming.

First order of the day is the crowning of the Homecoming Royalty at the Spirit Assembly. Here are Kaytee and the Homecoming Junior Prince/King guy being presented with their crowns, flowers and sashes (actually I guess it is just a rose and a tiara for Kaytee - Poor Dane only gets a sash.)

Then they have to fix their sashes.

Then the games begin. First a competition between the classes to see who has the most spirit (All of this to get our football team fired up for a victory . . . I think.)

This lively relay race required team members to race down the court with a wet sponge on a long string attached to their waist. They then had to use the sponge to extinguish a lit candle. Ten team members had to do this, with the increasingly wet candle needing to be re-lit each time. It was actually quite hilarious. Notice Kaytee's role in all of this - sit on the edge of the court and observe her subjects.

Next were the class skits. I was laughing so hard I forgot to take a picture until they were just finishing up. Here are the seniors from the football team performing "All the Single Ladies".

There was lots of opportunity to cheer and to show how loud and crazy you could be. Again, Kaytee and Dane royally observe from the edge of the court.

After the assembly all of the "Queens" got together for a picture at the request of their volleyball coach. Kaytee, Katelyn and Morgan (the taller ones) all play varsity and Mikala Cruz-Nicklas is on the Freshman team.

After the assembly, EVERY school in town and almost every business shuts down for the Homecoming Parade. Of course the attraction I went to see was Kaytee riding on a convertible.

And here are the Senior King and Queen. I though the wagon was a pretty cool touch but Kaytee said it was just because the convertible they were supposed to be on didn't show up so someone grabbed this last minute. Guess we have the kind of town where old covered (uncovered?) wagons are easier to come by than convertibles.

And no Worland parade would be complete without our marching band.

Or the cool class floats. Here are a bunch of Kaytee's friends on the Junior class float. Kaytee helped build it, but didn't get to ride on it because . . . she is on the convertible with Dane. Here are Ashley, Karsyn, Taylor, Alyssa and Chantel. Isn't it amazing how this much variety of orange and black can exist in a single town.

Of course the parade couldn't end, or even begin, without our local law enforcement. Dad is in the far car representing Homeland Security. Thanks to all of their valiant efforts, no terrorist attacks occurred during the Homecoming Parade.

And here is a better view of the junior class float. In case you haven't spent a lot of time identifying Wyoming wildlife - it is a stork. He is holding a football in hopes that the team can "Deliver a Victory".

Like I said, EVERY school in town lets out. Most watch the parade but a lot of the kids make floats so they can be IN the parade. Look at the next three floats and try and guess which team we are playing in the football game tonight.

You might have guessed the Cody Broncs - like I was tempted too - but it is the Jackson Broncs and "Bite, Boot and Rope the Broncs" we definitely did! We just got home from the football game and when we left it was 36-0, Warriors winning.

The Homecoming Royalty was introduced at half-time and Kaytee and her date just left for the dance so you know what that means - more pictures to come! Stay tuned . .

Happy Birthday to My Sweet Ali!

2009-10-05T20:37:00.001-07:00

We love you Alicyn Roma!
You have brought 25 years of amazing joy to our family . . .And this summer you were the most beautiful bride and get to start your own family with Mike! You are much loved sweetie!

"One year older -- and wiser too! Happy Birthday TO YOU!!!

Good-bye Old Friend

2009-08-28T17:30:00.000-07:00

You will be missed.

Meeko loved being on the mountain.

This is the last picture taken of him up there this summer.

Thank you for being gentle and patient and accepting of everyone who came your way.

For smiling through everything
And just being there when we needed you most.

Meeko passed away sometime early this morning. Dad sat with him most of the night helping him through the rough spots. Winter won't seem quite the same without our big "bear."

I LOVE Family Get-Togethers!

2009-07-26T22:10:00.000-07:00

Be Prepared! Lots of pictures to follow . . . because I have been gone a whole week seeing lots of beautiful people and this is my first chance to post about them all.

FIRST - I met Cassidy, Richard and James in Bryce Canyon, Utah where Cassidy and Richard ran the Half-Marathon. Cassidy has been training for the past 6 months or so, Richard for about 6 seconds. (Of course as a Military Man his whole life is training!)

Here they are in the wee hours of the morning at the starting line; just before Richard handed James and the car keys to me and decided to make the ultimate committment to his darling wife and accompany her on her 13.1 mile run.Just as the sun peeked over the horizon, the starting gun rang out and they were OFF. All 1,300 or so of them. It really was an amazing and inspiring sight.
This is part of the beautiful race course. They took us non-runners through by pilot car because there is only one road from the beginning to the end of the race.

Here are the victorious runners. I felt so bad because it was so crowded around the finish line and a little awkward with James and the stroller and various bags that I didn't get in close enough to get a picture of them actually finishing. But I know they did!
James was pretty happy to see his mom and wear her number and medal.
His favorite part was afterwards when she let him hold her post-race banana. He began eating it; peel and all. Mmmmmm

After sleeping and swimming and just plain relaxing back at our hotel we drove through Zion's National Park and then through St. George before going home to Las Vegas. We had a wonderful time in Cassidy and Richard's new home playing with James and Isa - but I didn't get pictures :(

Then I drove up to Utah and arrived at the exact same time as Conrad and his two boys, Colton and Damon, drove in from California. The next morning we had an early (and amazingly delicious!) 24th of July breakfast outside at grandma and grandpa's church.
Then off to Spanish Fork for the big Pioneer Day Parade. Here is one of those "I Spy" pictures. See if you can find: Shane, Conrad, Damon, J Ryan, Adam, Bethany, Braddock, Ethan and Colton.

I though this was one of those "Only in Wyoming" types of attractions, but, no, it was a pretty big deal in the Spanish Fork parade. I think I counted more than 20 in this Tractor Brigade.
Here is the Beautiful Brielle as uncle Adam lifts her high to see the parade route.
She looks like she is flying!

That night we went to the Spanish Fork Rodeo. We got there early enough to have amazing hamurgers from the concession stand (Of course they don't hold a candle to Ralphburgers.)Here is another "I Spy" pic. See if you can spot J, Conrad, Damon, Bethany, Emma, J Ryan and Colton.
We saw some pretty good rodeoing but most of my pictures just turned out blurry because the action was so fast. Here is a guy who rode standing up on the backs of two gigantic Brahma bulls.
Then it got dark and started to rain - and Grandma and Ralph were prepared, as always.

The next day we all went up the canyon past the ranch for a fun day of picnicking. Here is MY whole family together - we don't get to have all of us kids together very often. There are Marilee, Me, Mom, Greg and Conrad.
There are always so may cute and crazy cousins to get pictures of. They enjoy the chance to all get together too. Here are Melanie, Del, Ethan and Katelyn.
Conrad took time out to "pitch" to Alisha's, Melanie. She already has her mom's skills at bat.
Later Melanie and Braddock played a game that I never quite figured out - but they were sure having fun.
Alisha and Adrian's youngest, Savanna, always finds something to make her smile. She is the sweetest, most content little girl. Even when her big brother chops off all her hair!

And here is Jim and Bethany's little Emma just hanging out with her Great Grandma.We don't have too many REAL "Stott" cousins but here are two of them who just met for the first time that day: Colton Stott and Josh Stott.Darcie's little Jocelyn spent most of the picnic napping. Here she is trying to wake up and eat some lunch. Love those little ponies!
So, J Ryan was pretty amazing out on the frizbee field. Look at that stretch! Alisha, Adrian and Shane seem to have conceded that J Ryan was unbeatable and begun their own conversation.

And it looks like Brielle is trying to get a game of football going.There was a really fun creek that kept all the little kids fascinated and their mothers worried. But these two 'big boys', Damon and Ethan, had fun re-landscaping the area.
Kae Dawn got to take some time to sit in the shade and visit with some of Marilee's "girls" and hopefully get some of their recipes. These three are the most amazing cooks. Adam's wife, Crystal (soft chocolate chip cookies), Michelle (lucious orange bars) and Ali (some pretty amazing sweet and nutty and gooey chex mix thing that none of us could leave alone.)"That's All Folks!"

Cabin Capers

2009-07-12T12:21:00.001-07:00

We spent the past week up at the cabin. Dad worked hard getting the water pipes all fixed and working and we scrubbed and cleaned and played games. Kaytee and Heston were pretty tired at the end of every day - and in the morning - and in the afternoon. So lots of napping took place too. Heston is pretty obsessed with being right next to Kaytee.
Every time she moves; he moves too.Here Heston is trying to let us know that he needs to be taken out. So we did - right away!
(Kaytee actually slept through all of this and didn't even know we were taking her pictures.)We had a mother moose visiting with her little calf. (Of course I missed getting a picture of him.) She came a lot closer to the cabin than she would let him get.

Meeko was in heaven, of course. Although he spent most of his time looking around wondering where Heston was darting off too. Meeko is pretty content nowdays to lay in the shade and didn't even get up to bark at the moose.

Heston loved everything about the mountain. Especially running down to the creek to get a drink. Now we just need the rest of you to come join us up there.

Introducing the Newest Member of Our Family!

2009-07-07T23:05:00.000-07:00

No, he's not in the "coffee table". Just thought I would share Grandma and Ralphs unique decorating style. Ralph said it won't be in the living room permanently . . . not quite sure what THAT means. It is absolutely beautiful workmanship.

Kaytee has been spending a lot of time the past couple of months researching the perfect dog - and she found him! He is a Whippet, he was born on May 1 and his name is Heston. (Apologies to those of you who voted differently but after meeting him in person that was the only name that seemed to fit - and she is the one that gets to make the final decision.

I drove to Utah this past weekend to bring Kaytee and her new puppy home. (Kaytee had spent the past month enjoying some time in California with Jami and her family and Heston joins us from Washington state.) Here are a few pics:

Heston loves taking his toys outside and relaxing under the shade of the day lilies with them. He loves stretching out and lazing around.
And he really LOVES Kaytee!

Take the Poll

2009-06-28T20:03:00.000-07:00

This Friday Kaytee is getting a new puppy. Go take the poll and help her decide on a name! Thanks!!!

HAHAHA!! I hacked the blog :)

2009-06-13T14:32:00.000-07:00

So I am out in California for the summer visiting Jami and we have had many adventures. Today the crew went to the fish hatchery (which by the way looked more like a prison than a fish hatchery because of all the barbed wire fences) and we all had fun feeding the fish and walking by the American River. At this place there was also a visitor center and this is where I was attacked by the man eating fish!

Ha! Just kidding! But that visitor center was crazy fun! But by the end my hands were smelling of fish so that grossed my out just a lot.

Until next time, the Great Kaytee is signing out...

Playtime on Vacation

2009-06-05T16:39:00.000-07:00

I had a couple of pictures left from our fun time at my sister Marilee's house that I just had to post before moving on to California.

First is my nephew Jim with his adorable daughter, Emma.

Jim was so patient and took all the kids on bareback horse rides. Here is the extra brave Katelyn.

And Jocelyn who had no idea that this might be a little bit scary.

Then there is Melanie who is such a sweetheart. She was so willing to pose for me sitting up in the tree when the boys all ran when I suggested it. I have the most adorable nieces and nephews; I wish I could see them more often because they are all growing up so fast. My sister, Marilee, is so blessed to have all her grandchildren so close.

Today we are out in Roseville, California with Jami and her family. Jami is working on a wedding cake so Kaytee and I have had a lot of fun just playing with the boys. We took Jackson to the park for a picnic and to play. He and Kaytee built sand castles. First they patted the sand firmly in the bucket.

After they dumped it out they admired their architectural accomplishment.

Then J stomped it down, so they could build it again!

Kaytee and Jackson rode the teeter-totter.

And Jackson went down all the slides again and again.

He climbed up them too.

When we got back Jackson and Kaytee made balloon rockets to shoot around the back yard; and sometimes into the neighbor's yard.

While Nolan just sat around being adorable! Don't you just want to pick him up and squeeze him?!?

J and Grandma's Excellent Adventure

2009-06-03T21:37:00.000-07:00

We ended this evening with a fun cousins playtime in Aunt Marilee's backyard playground. J loved having so many kids to play with. Here he is about to jump on top of Del, while Katelyn and Melanie try to regain their balance and Braddock tries to shoot Jackson.

Before that Del and Jackson had a lot of fun swinging on all the cool swings.

Earlier Uncle Jim helped Jackson do a little bareback horse riding. J loved it!

Here he is trying to pick which horse he wants to ride.

All the kids went to feed the hungry cows. Here are Melanie and J doing their part.

What a fine farmer Jackson would be. Gathering feed for his herd.

To go on this excellent adventure we all piled onto the back of a big flatbed truck and Jim hauled all the kids all over the farm. (Parents got to ride along if they held on tight so they didn't fall off.) Here are Bethany with Emma and Braddock, Del and dad Adrian, and Jackson.

Here is the gorgeous coffin (can you use the word gorgeous to describe something someone built to be buried in?) that Ralph just finished building. We offered to let J get in it to try it out but he ran out of the shop as fast as he could when we suggested it to him.

Here are Grandma and J with the big bowl of strawberries they picked.

Jackson became quite the expert at knowing the exact degree of ripeness a strawberry should be before being picked.

Here he is selecting the perfect berries.

Jackson explaining to Grandma his picking technique.

We began this trip, which is only half over, taking Brody home to Alicyn and Mike. This is essentially what Brody did for most of the trip.

This is how J felt about being in the car for 3 days in a row! But he was really such a trooper and a fun traveling companion. Yay! We are off to California!

Jackson's Favorites

2009-05-28T19:13:00.000-07:00

Tonight we went to a bar-b-que that dad was putting on through his work. Jackson was especially delighted when it came time for dessert - a "brown" ice cream cone.

He pretty much washed his face in it!

The thing I had been most worried about with having Jackson here was how he would get along with our two big dogs, Meeko the Malamute and Alicyn's dog, Brody, who we are babysitting while she and Mike are on their honeymoon.

Definitely did not need to worry. Jackson and Meeko are both so kind and gentle with each other.

And Brody has become Jackson's loyal sidekick. Whenever I hear, "C'mon Brody, let's go." I know something is up. Besides jumping on the trampoline together and playing ball, Jackson and Brody both love going for pretend "drives". When we are working in the back yard and I don't see either of them for a while, I just need to take a look in the garage and this is what I find:

J usually lets Brody drive in the Suzuki so he can play with all the other buttons.

But when they move over to my car, Jackson takes over the wheel and Brody is a willing passenger. J always fastens his seat belt when he is driving.

Although sometimes both boys get kind of tired and take naps in the car. The flash woke J up here.

My New Servant - now that Kaytee is gone :)

2009-05-28T08:50:00.000-07:00

So it is just me and a three-year old to get all the chores done around here. Thank goodness he is well-trained and VERY eager to be helpful. (Thanks Tim and Jami!)

First J gets to vacuum the family room.

Not too sure about doing ALL the stairs though.

He was very excited about his next job - fixing breakfast. He has been very anxious for pancakes ever since he saw the syrup in the fridge so that is what was on the menu this morning.

He had to turn them v e r y carefully.

Then he turned from chef to photographer as he insisted on taking the picture of how nice this first one turned out.

And of course enjoying the fruits of his labors was especially satisfying. (He insisted that the pancakes be cut into triangles and pouring his own syrup - do you think he got enough?!?)

KAYTEE collage

2009-05-28T00:13:00.000-07:00

1. What is your first name? Kaytee

2. What is your favorite food? Cheese Quesadillas

3. What school did you go to? Worland

4. What is your favorite color? Yellow

5. Who is your celebrity crush? Ty Pennington

6. Favorite drink? Fuze

7. Dream vacation? anywhere where I don't have to wear open toed shoes

8. Favorite dessert? Trifle

9. What you want to be when you grow up? An interior designer (maybe?)

10. What do you love most in life? Minimed Pump

11. One word to describe you? Redheaded

12. Your nickname? Boofer

Jackson! Surprise!

2009-05-11T05:20:00.001-07:00

This morning I went out to check on our four little blue eggs and look what had happened early this morning . . .

they hatched!

Now there our four little teeny, tiny baby birds in our nest. They kind of look like balls of fluff and they can't even fly or open their eyes yet. It will be fun to watch them grow feathers and eat worms and bugs when their mom and dad feed them. Maybe we will even get to watch them learn to fly! Can't wait for you and Nolan and your mom to get here. I love you, Grandma.

FOR JACKSON

2009-05-06T18:29:00.000-07:00

Hey J! Look what I found! Can you count the eggs and tell me what color they are? A mother bird just laid these in a nest in a tree by our house and you will get to watch the baby birds hatch when you come visit me. I am so excited!

Can you spy with your little eye the birds nest hiding in the branch of the tree? Look at all the different things the mother and father used to build a safe warm nest for their babies.

Can you spy the father bird up high in the tree watching to make sure that his family is safe?

If you look REAL close you can see the mother bird sitting on the nest, keeping her eggs warm until they are ready to hatch. I had to take this picture from a long ways away because she got scared and flew away when I walked any closer. But she stayed close by and squawked at me to not hurt her babies.

(Every year I love Spring and watching the birds build their nests and the new babies hatch and wish Jackson was here to watch them with me. Every other year by the time he comes for a visit the babies have all grown up and flown away - but this year he will be here just in time! Hooray!)

Our Little Kaytee Bug!

2009-05-06T18:17:00.000-07:00

Here is Kaytee with her glam bow from Jami. Is she checking Facebook while waiting to leave for church!?!

Spring volleyball is upon us with exciting trips to exotic locations . . . Gillette, Rawlins and the like. These are major road trips with games all day long. The games are pretty exciting, especially since these girls will be many of the Varsity players at school in the fall. Here is Kaytee trying to get Chantel up for another match.

Putting on her game face . . . woohooh Kaytee! She is the middle blocker and sometimes an outside hitter so she has to scare those other teams into missing her hits.

Good Morning Wyoming!

2009-04-24T06:29:00.000-07:00

April Showers bring May Weddings!

2009-04-20T21:20:00.001-07:00

Look at all this amazing, delicious and healthy food. Alicyn's brunch bridal shower was last Saturday and I have the sweetest friends (Sandy, Lori and Rhonda) who put it all together. The food was soooo good. And everything was absolutely beautiful.

Alicyn had lots of fun opening presents and got so many great things to begin setting up her and Mike's place. Thanks to so many wonderful Worland friends.

The personal note from Grandma Croft in her Croft Family Cookbook brought tears to her eyes.

And the ooh-la-la gift from her sisters made everyone smile. She is going to be one gorgeous bride.

Finally, the festivities of the day ended and it was time to take out the "fancy" hairdo. There were almost 50 heavy duty bobby pins holding it all together.

Kaytee had to threaten to shoot her to get her to hold still! May 23rd is on its way!

The Bride to Be (less than 5 weeks!)

2009-04-19T21:25:00.000-07:00

We had a BIG day Saturday. Alicyn came home for a whirlwind wedding preparation trip. First thing in the morning we made a visit to the hairdresser who will be doing Alicyn's hair for the wedding. When we told her Ali was going to be wearing a veil . . .

This wasn't what we had in mind:

Just kidding - she was just adding lots of VOLUME.

Alicyn had brought some pictures of bride's hairdo's she liked - she wants to wear it up but with lot of loose curls and tendrils so it shows off how long and beautiful her hair is. Here is kind of a back look (The real veil will tuck up under the curls.)

And here they are working on the tendrils. They are going to put just a few little jewels around in the front too. Alicyn looked very 'FANCY" all day as we had her bridal shower right afterwards, followed by consultations with the florist and photographer. Check back here to "Wedding Central" as I will post the shower pix tomorrow.

Hippity-Hoppity

2009-04-12T17:26:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter to everyone! Here is Kaytee in her new Easter Outfit.

The Easter Bunny brought her some new eye shadow and her two favorite candies.

Yesterday we planted little baby plants in the silver planters for the centerpieces for Alicyn's wedding reception. They will be all colorful and full by the Big Day!

Random Bits and Pieces

2009-03-07T15:03:00.000-08:00

So . . . I just e-mailed some pictures of wedding things to Sherri (Mike's mom) and as long as I have both the computer (dad and Kaytee are both gone) and a recently downloaded camera - and some uninterruped time - here goes with some odd and random happenings from the last month or so.

First off is Kaytee - before the whole chipmunk surgery thingy (she won't let me near her with a camera now and actually other that a little puke yellow bruising on her lower cheeks she is almost back to normal. But these are the glasses that she wanted so bad and the sweet Emily Christensen found in Nordstroms in Arizona and sent them to us.

Next is a really cool Family Tree painting that Alicyn and Mike had made for us. It has all your names on it with extra little hearts for when you all add little ones. I tried and tried but just couldn't get a picture without the glare that makes it so you can't read the names - but you will all see it hanging in the entryway when you come out in May.

Next is the results of the fun day dad and I had learning how to make baskets (again, with the amazing Emily Christensen!). It was really, really fun and I have such appreciation for every basket I see now. We still have supplies so I am anxiously waiting for another free day so I can make more. Someday I hope to teach my darling grandchildren :)

DON'T SCROLL DOWN any further unless you really, really, really want to see a

really, really, gross picture

that I made Kaytee take of the top of my head

AFTER I got home from my skin cancer removal surgery.

(I wanted to see what it looked like and since it was on the top of my head I had to have a picture taken so I could see what was grossing out Kaytee and Dad. Of course the stitches are all out now and there is just a little scar that I can feel up there - but no more cancer - YAY! The worst part was all the vaseline I had to put on it to keep it from drying out the two weeks before the stitches came out - made all of my hair so disCUSTING for the longest time!

I'm Looking Like A Chipmunk

2009-03-05T09:49:00.000-08:00

So this is the AMAZING Kaytee here with her first time ever typing on a blog so we will see how this goes....

On Tuesday dad, mom, and I all went up to Billings for some doctor appointments, but this was no regular appointment because I was getting 7 teeth pulled! OWW!!!! I got my 4 wisdom teeth out and then I also had 3 random teeth in my gums (kind of like an extra set of teeth you could say). Let me tell you that now i feel so bad for anyone that has gotten teeth out because the after effects are horrible. I now understand your pain guys. Mom kept being like "Kaytee take a picture for the blog!" but I would not let her because I look like a chipmunk getting ready for winter. So you guys will just have to imagine and go back to your days when you got your teeth out to see what I look like.

Well thats been my newest news about me! Maybe I will blog again sometime but with cooler things to talk about and of course pictures!! (and I thought we needed to update our blog anyways)

Oh, the weather outside is frightful . . .

2008-12-26T08:37:00.001-08:00

It's a blizzard! And supposed to last until 6 tonight!

I was snuggled all warm in my bed and Kaytee came and woke me up in the wee hours of the morning because she had to go feed the Stott's cows while they are out of town and she could barely get our front door open. Mike and Alicyn went to help her feed them on Christmas morning so they know what it is like on a crisp clear day . . . just imagine with no visibility and wind blowing so hard you can barely stand up. I couldn't even see Kaytee as soon as she let herself into the field to go get their food - they were sure glad to see her and crowded all around - that would have been a great picture but definitely didn't have my camera then.

When we got back I went to feed and water Meeko - and couldn't find him! We leave the back garage door open so he can go in and out and the wind had blown it shut, leaving him outside at some point in the night. He was a little lump of snow - but stood up to come see me as soon as he heard me come outside.

One big shake and he was pretty cleaned off.

And then we brought him in to thaw out. (Ewww! Our house smells like wet dog!) He was sure happy to get the big chew treat Alicyn and Mike left for him.

Really glad we didn't have to go to work or school today - just snuggle inside our cozy home. Wishing all of you a warm day after Christmas!

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

2008-12-25T15:27:00.000-08:00

We've had such a fun and relaxing holiday! Especially loved that Mike and Ali would come and play THREE games of "Ticket to Ride". They are smiling in this picture but that is just on the outside - the photographer had just beat all four of them - even Kaytee with that gigantic black train circling North America - see all those green trains - those would be mine! Of course they only let me win once.

Kaytee got a shirt proclaiming her true affections.

And here is a message for Arlene!

Brody was so well behaved and fun to have around. Meeko liked having a companion for a while, but definitely let Brody know when he got too exhuberant. Here is Brody's response when Alicyn shoots him. (She missed the first time) It is too bad they had to leave today to get back to work - we had such a fun time with them and miss them already.

Twas the Night Before Christmas . . .

2008-12-25T15:06:00.001-08:00

And all through the house
Croft superheroes were stirring,
with Brody the red-antlered reindeer
and our Men of Steel: Kimball and Mike to keep us all warm and safe.

We're Going to Have a Merry Little Christmas!

2008-12-21T19:08:00.001-08:00

I am getting so excited for Christmas! I really don't know why since I am pretty bummed that I don't get to see my 3 little grandsons (and their parents) this year and there really isn't anything too exciting in the present department - but just the lights and music and decorations really get me feeling so grateful for how very blessed our family is. Of course having Mike and Alicyn coming is a super big bonus and not having school so I get to spend more time with Kimball and Kaytee is great too. I thought I would post a few pictures of our traditional decorations for those of you who don't get to be here with us.

We have these pictures up all year long and this little corner of the dining room I like to privately think of as my tribute to "strong women" . . .

For Christmas I then add the amazing nativity set that my tough little Alicyn made for me with her bare hands. I have tried bending any of these wires and it has really made me realize how much sweat and effort Alicyn had to have put in to make this for me.

Of course our tree looks the same every year, same location and same old ornaments - minus the ones Jami and Cassidy have taken to start their own family trees. Looks like a lot fewer presents this year with not so many of us here to celebrate, but I just love sitting by it at night and enjoying the lights . . .

and looking at all the different and unique ornaments and remembering where we got them over the years, and most importantly the special people they make us think of.

Stay tuned - I will post again and this time with actual people in the pictures celebrating Christmas together! Yay! I can't wait to see all of yours.

Fall Happenings

2008-11-22T22:24:00.000-08:00

So, I haven't blogged in a while because it seems like not much has been going on in my life. But, I found some fun pictures of Kaytee from the past couple of weeks, and since she is my only kiddo left at home, I get to blog about HER (she will be sooo delighted!)

So what has Kaytee been up to?

Working on her Personal Progress for Young Women's - You will have to ask her what this has to do with it.

Giving Meeko a little attention and affection.

Experimenting with new hair styles?!?!?!

Getting all decked out for the big Homecoming Parade and Football Game.

And just being mommy's little angel helping me decorate for Christmas and get the house and yard ready for winter. Although she would much rather snuggle inside with warm, fuzzy clothes and hot chocolate than be outside in the snow - Brrrrrrr!

Precious Moments

2008-10-18T20:13:00.000-07:00

I got to spend this last week in California with brand new baby Nolan. He is the so good-natured and easy-going. What a sweet, sweet addition to the family.

Jackson is such a kind and gentle big brother. He is always asking, "Where's baby Nolan?" J and I had a lot of fun playing together - cooking, jumping, throwing water balloons and reading "Spot" books over and over.

Sweet September!

2008-09-21T14:53:00.000-07:00

I told Kaytee that what I wanted for OUR birthdays (both September) was a picture of the two of us in front of my favorite part of our house - our window box! The flowers have been so gorgeous this year (Miracle Grow Potting Soil really does work wonders) and I am still really liking our shutters. Kaytee picked out the design and I think they look great.

On her birthday Kaytee got to get up before 5 and get on a bus to head to the lovely city of Rawlins for a two-day volleyball tournament. Dad and I brought down birthday cake for everyone to share and then dad surprised everone with rock-star sunglasses (instead of party hats)!

Then on Saturday, Alicyn and Mike drove over from Laramie to bring Kaytee their present from the two of them and Jami and Tim - A really snazzy new car stereo that will also play her i-pod. And of course lots of hugs and kisses and a really corny assortment of Hannah Montana doo-dads.

Now we just need Mike to come up for a visit and install it (and work with Kaytee on the stick-shift confidence thing).

To top it all off her team came in first place in their bracket! Here she is with her cute team and coach celebrating their victory.

The sweetest thing of all is that the very next day I got to get on a plane and fly to Las Vegas to meet James, my newest grandson. He is so darling and snuggly. Here he is just sleeping on my lap.

And here he is about to crack a smile -- he has the cutest hair and such an alert way about him. Already seems pretty brilliant!

And that is all because of his most beautiful and loving mother. What a blessed little boy to have two such great parents. And how nice they were to let me be a part of their home for a few days.

Happy, Happy Birthday!

2008-09-08T19:17:00.001-07:00

What a great week for special people to have special birthdays.

So, a big birthday SHOUT OUT to the wild and crazy Anna Croft of Vancouver Washington who is 9 going on 19 TODAY! Happy Birthday Anna Claire! We had so much fun with you this summer. Hope you have had a great day and have a great year coming up.

Then there is my amazing little sister Marilee who hasn't aged a day since this picture was taken, we just like celebrating how special she is to all of us every September 7th. I love you Marilee and am always so proud of what an amazing mom and grandma you are - you are such an example to me!

Then my very handsome new grandson had his very special Birth Day on September 4. Welcome to the family sweet baby James. Grandma can't wait to kiss you back.

Goodbye to a Loyal Friend

2008-09-01T15:53:00.001-07:00

This afternoon we lost a most loyal and dear friend. Maggie was hit by a car a few hours ago. We got her on my birthday exactly three years ago. We will miss her snuggliness, her craziness and her ability to make us laugh. I will miss her keeping my feet warm this winter and Kaytee will miss her TV watching buddy. Dad will miss getting her all excited when he tells her that he has a rabbit for her to chase or that he is going to take her for a ride in the truck. And Meeko will miss the little sister who has kept him young. She has been a good friend to all of us.

Our Visit to the State named after the First US President!

2008-08-12T17:17:00.000-07:00

Kaytee and I took our last road trip of the summer and had the greatest time with our CROFT cousins in Vancouver, Washington! Most of you haven't seen them since they were pretty little so here is a little introduction.

Robert and Erin's oldest is 15-year-old Tyler. He and Kaytee will both be sophomores in high school next year and have a lot in common. More than a bit of a competitive spirit - good thing his sport is soccer and Kaytee's is volleyball.

Next is Lauren, 11 years old and so much fun to be around. She is absolutely amazing at putting puzzles together and going into middle school this year.

Last, but certainly not least, is Anna. She is an absolute ray of sunshine and soooo smart. She is 8, (but almost 9 on September 8) and a great soccer player.

Our first day there we crossed over the Columbia River into Portland to visit the beautiful temple grounds.

Where Kaytee and Tyler proceeded to pull Anna in different directions.

Although neither Tyler or Kaytee could go more than a couple of minutes without texting someone.

This was one of my favorite pictures, Robert and Lauren in front of one of the beautiful fountains at the temple.

Once I dropped Kaytee off at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma for her EFY week, I got to spend some time relaxing, getting lesson plans ready for the coming school year and visiting some beautiful sights. Here we are at some amazing falls. Washington is so beautiful with so much water and green everywhere - not a lot like Wyoming!

Kaytee's New Do

2008-07-31T21:48:00.000-07:00

First some pictures from earlier this week. Kaytee had some friends over to play water balloon volleyball and then they wanted to roast marshmallows and make s'mores. Buuuuut they were too lazy to make an actual bon-fire so they roasted them over a little turtle candle. (sorry Jami - Kaytee thinks it may have been yours at one time.)

I think Kaytee was trying to finish this one off in one bite. Notice the poor little turtle going up in flames - first the turtle went, then the paper plate, then the towel, then out came the hose to put out their "little fire."

Meeko was sure they would want to share - but he was out of luck. Just a kiss, no chocolate.

Kaytee got her hair cut this week and was really unhappy with it when we first got home, but after she got to work with it and straighten it so she didn't look like "someone who is old enough to be married" it is starting to grow on her. Still some issues with putting it up in a pony tail and getting used to the shorter look. To celebrate we took Chantel and her mom to Cody to do some back-to-school shopping - Maurice's and Wal-mart! Look at Kaytee's shirt - she definitely needs something that says "high school sophomore" a little more clearly.

Every street in downtown Cody had these giant bears on display so Kaytee and Chantel had to ham it up with one of them. (Oh, yeah, we hit the dollar store too for new, sophisticated eye wear.)

Saturday Fun

2008-07-20T06:31:00.000-07:00

What a glorious Saturday! Jackson is definitely getting to feel more comfortable at Grandma and Grandpas and is getting a little routine down. First thing in the morning he likes to play the keyboard. He is pretty much in heaven with all the buttons and numbers to press and make different sounds and songs.

Then he helps grandma in the kitchen - loves using the big knife to cut up the pineapple and limes for Jamaican Jerk Chicken Salad. (Sorry Jami, Kaytee freaked out when she saw this but J and I have an agreement about safe knife usage!)

After all that sticky (and a stinky diaper besides) it is time for a bath. Finds it pretty hilarious to be all wrapped up and waddle around like a mummy.

He spent the morning very loudly expressing his opinion on a number of matters so we chose his clothes for the day as a reminder for all of us to tread lightly! After a nap (and a much happier outlook) he helped Kaytee fill tons of water balloons for the party we were having that night. He loved counting them and identifying all the colors.

After he got to throw a bunch of them at all of us around the patio, Jackson was in charge of the balloons while we played water balloon volleyball.

Whenever a balloon would break Jackson would come running with a replacement to toss in our sheet. Each time he would tell us, or himself, "Good Job!"

Once all the balloons were gone, J took on Kaytee and Ethan in a rousing soccer match. He's so good he can play and hold onto his ice cream cone at the same time!(Of course the best soccer ball we've got around our house is a volleyball.)

Now he was way comfortable with Ethan so he got Ethan to blow bubbles for him to catch.

Jackson and Maggie are pretty interested as Kaytee pours bubbles into a bowl so they can use the really big bubble wand - I think Maggie thinks she is getting a treat.

Especially since all night she followed Jackson around licking her lips and just waiting for something to drop or for him to put his food down low enough that she could get a taste. Jackson spent a lot of time running away from her, especially with his icecream cone, which he declared to be "Mmmmmmm" but hardly ate any of. Then he finally gave in and fed her a whole bunch of gold fish crackers and thought watching her eat them was pretty hilarious.

After all the company left, Jackson honored us with a piano concerto of his rendition of "The Living Sculptures of Pemberly" from "Pride and Prejudice."

Then it was wrestling time with Kaytee.

Which he wanted to do again and again!

Grandma Time - All J - All the time! :)

2008-07-18T05:41:00.000-07:00

(I promised Jami that I would blog EVERY DAY so she could keep up with Jackson's doings - well, having a 2-year old around isn't the most conducive to getting that done. My hat is off to her for all that she does get done - and being such a fun, good mom to this little boy besides - its a lot of work, but definitely worth it for what a great kid he is.)

I spent the last week out in California with Jami and Tim and Jackson. Of course he is the most brilliant (and adorable) 2-year-old ever to walk the face of the earth. His computer skills are amazing and he loves learning.

There is a program at http://www.starfall.com/ that he just loves. He calls it "letters" and he has learned so much about letters and their sounds and even putting them together to make words. There is also a way cool classical music section that he really likes.

Then Jami and Tim were so nice and let me bring Jackson back to Wyoming for a week. I know this wasn't his first plane trip but I think it is the first ride on an airplane that he really knew what was going on. He was soooo good the whole time on the plane some people near us when we were getting off were so surprised to see him because they hadn't even known he was there. He loved looking out the window, especially on the ground to see all the other planes and the "trains" taking luggage back and forth. He also really liked the little tray that came down to set his toys on and pushing the button on his seat.

Once we flew into Salt Lake we spent the night at Grandma and Grandpa Nelson's and then drove 7 hourse home! J is such a good little traveler. He was so good in the car that even though I was driving it by myself we had no problems. Of course I came prepared with lots of fun, new car toys. He really likes his Thomas the Train book with sound effects.

We spent our first day in Wyoming at girls camp. Kaytee got to ride up with us and play "letters" with Jackson. He is especially obsessed with the letter "O" - although right after we took this picture we realized that he had gotten the O really stuck on his finger and it took a bit of pulling and putting all sorts of wet things on it to finally get it to come off.

When we got there Jackson helped Grandpa get the fishing gear all set up. He was in charge of the clippers as they fixed the line. They went fishing at Sibley Lake while I was helping the girls from camp with their canoeing skills. J caught a fish and reeled it in all by himself but of course there was no camera anywhere near at the time (maybe it's just a fisherman's tale they are both telling me!)

There were squirrels and chipmunks everywhere, but of course all stayed just out of Jackson's reach.

The trees and stumps everywhere make for the most amazing natural playground.

Then we were off to the cabin for a few hours. Jackson loved looking in Porcupine Creek for fish.

We went up to visit Ed and Charlene Horsely at the Kienlen Cabin and watched Uncle Ed working on a totem pole. Jackson was fascinated by all the sawdust on the ground. This was supposed to be a cute pic with the totem pole in the background but he decided it was a good time to come running at me to throw some sawdust.

Jackson thought it was so much fun sitting on this little chair just his size carved by great-grandpa out of a stump - of course the bribe of a little "choc-lit" helped with the holding still long enough for grandma to snap a few pictures.

Isn't he getting to be such a big boy! All ready to be a big brother.

OUR Baby!

2008-06-30T22:04:00.000-07:00

If Tim, and those Mickelsens, can post - then I guess I can too! (Just hard for me to work the editing tools - I tried to get rid of the red-eye look but it doesn't work too well on my gorgeous green eyes.)
But look how scruffy Mom and Dad and Kaytee have let me get. Time for a haircut.

Wow! Now I feel soooo pretty. And the beard is gone too - now I look like a real girly girl!

I can even pose like my favorite statue.

Of course now Kaytee wants to cuddle with me all the time now that I am so clean and beautiful.

But as soon as she falls asleep I get to text all my friends and let them know to check out my blog. I am hot, hot, hot!

"Howdy" from Del Rio

2008-06-21T13:11:00.000-07:00

I got to spend this past week down in the heart of Texas with the cutest little couple expecting their first young'un. As hard as Richard tries he just can't get that same look that Cassidy does.

We went to the base to visit Richard one day for lunch and got to do all sorts of cools things - go out on the air strip and look at the cool planes that Richard is learning to fly and see all the preparations that go on in the flight room as they get all suited up and Cassidy and I got permission to actually sit in some of the simulated training planes - but you all only get to hear about it because there were no cameras allowed. So you just get a few cute pictures we took on base of the proud parents to be with dad in his flight suit.

Cassidy and Richard have a really nice townhouse with really big bedrooms and living room. They also have three book cases and three desks (they are both extremely studious :) Even though their baby is going to start out pretty small, we still had to move things around to make some room for him - and all his baby stuff. Here is Cassidy after we got the baby's crib all set up.

Here is his nice bedroom - even has a bed for when grandma comes to visit.

Today Cassidy and I went out to Amistad Lake. It is gigantic but really low right now because a lot of the water has been diverted this summer for agricultural use in Mexico (which is right next to Del Rio). Here is a picture of my buddy Isa and I. It is also hotter here than I am used to so I have had my hair in a permanent ponytail since arriving.

The water at the lake here is so clear and beautiful -- and none of that fishy smell. Isa had lots of fun exploring. (and of course I had to include one last pic of my growing grandson and his pretty mum!)

What a Happy Couple!

2008-06-13T22:22:00.000-07:00

Finally . . . it's official! Mike proposed to Alicyn AND he got her dad's blessing so now let the wedding planning begin! (probabaly sometime next spring)

We spent the last couple of days in Laramie getting to know Mike better and introducing him to Kimball's game playing style - ANNIHILATION! We also had a fun family breakfast with aebelskivers and got to meet Mike's family. What wonderful people - I can tell they have such love and caring and are so welcoming to Alicyn.

When Alicyn has a few minutes to catch her breath I am sure she will update her blog with some darling pictures from the actual moment Mike popped the question, but here are a few we snapped at the breakfast. They both have quite a glow about them when they are together.

Then the kissing starts and Alicyn starts to giggle (careful of the ears Mike!)

Here is the gorgeous ring - although the picture just doesn't do it justice, it is so blindingly beautiful - it did almost cause a car accident though because Alicyn just can't stop looking at it and flashing the sparkle around.

Poor Brody - he had to turn to Kaytee to get some loving. These are the last of the single Croft's (and of course we are in NO hurry for Kaytee to get hitched - or even start looking around! - anytime soon).

De Ja Vu

2008-06-11T22:46:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it feels like I am reliving some of the best (craziest!) years of my life. Only much easier with only one teenager in the house with friends to entertain.

Any of this look familiar?

Making sure the little mouseys are kissing before the dice is rolled.

Kaytee (a.k.a. The Cat) gets ready to pounce!

What amazing speed!

Of course the flour game is always good for a few laughs.

Unless you are like James and make the coin drop three times in a row!

Then out to the back yard for some Night Games and making s'mores in the fire pit. What a bunch of nice kids :)

Little Ladies on the Prairie

2008-06-10T23:00:00.000-07:00

Saturday we met at the church at 5:30 a.m. to head down to Martin's Cove/6th Crossing to begin the Stake Pioneer Youth Conference Trek. Pictured below are Julie Stott, our trek nurse and bishop's wife, Ma Croft (I really was assigned to be one of the Ma's for a handcart - the pa on our cart was Bishop Wilde so I had it real easy.) Next are Molly Varney, Kaytee and Sarah Christofferson.

Hurrah! We survived the great trek! 11 miles of pushing and pulling - it was windy and cold but also gorgeous and powerful. Wouldn't trade the experience for anything. In case you remember any of these pioneer women - from left to right - Maggie Paris, Molly Varney, Kaytee Croft, Carley Trombley, Katie Reed, Ma Croft, and the Peterson sisters from Basin.

BYE BYE BAD BUNNIES!

2008-06-08T22:45:00.000-07:00

Today, Kaytee and I captured and released into the wilds the last of our bunnies. Today it was Oreo's time to go. For some reason we always have the smartest rabbits with superior skills in escaping their cage and finding the very best food - which has been my flowers and most recently our new baby garden. They sure were little and adorable -- but had genormous appetites.

Look how they chewed so many of my beautiful flowers down to their very nubbins.

One night Kaytee and I came home from a church activity to this sign on the front door - Dad had captured the little fiends in a cat trap we had borrowed from the Police Department.

Are these not the FATTEST rabbits you have ever seen. You can definitely tell that they were really enjoyng the buffet we had spread out for them in the yard. They obviously believed in All You Can Eat. Too bad we don't have much appetite for bunny burgers.

Maggie had really been trying her best all winter to catch the little critters , here are her rabbit chasing tracks to prove it, but she just wasn't fast enough - actually these pictures are from just a little over a month ago - April 25 to be exact.

Meeko, however, was happiest as a slightly interested bystander. We think he was secretly on the side of the bunnies because he would bark to warn them whenever we would come outside so they could escape under the deck. When we just watched out the window he would let them frolic AND EAT right next to him and not do more than lick his lips.

Home Improvement!

2008-06-08T22:29:00.000-07:00

So, it has been a loooong time coming but we have made a lot of improvements with the house. Kaytee and I just finished getting up the shutters and after much trial and error dad and I got the window box up. Also, with all the rain we have had lately, everything is really greening up and in bloom. It feels like we live in a park.

So, for all of you that NEVER make it up here to Wonderful Worland Wyoming, here are a few pictures. . .

Maggie and Brody

2008-05-15T18:11:00.000-07:00

So, Alicyn brought Brody home last weekend and he totally loved playing with Maggie. Maggie liked the chase and run stuff (she is WAY faster than Brody) but all this affection made her a little nervous. (sorry the pix is so bad - it is from my cell phone, the only thing we had handy at the time and you don't get photo ops like this all the time.

All Sports . . . All the Time

2008-04-16T19:16:00.000-07:00

So, with Kaytee the only little Croft left at home, our lives pretty much revolve around following her illustrious sporting career. Right now, its a traveling volleyball team, getting ready for next fall's REAL school volleyball team. Here is Kaytee's team doing their big yell before starting one of their games. (Kaytee is 2nd player from the right.) The cute little short one in orange is her friend Alyssa, she plays the position of Libero, kind of a new thing for those of you that don't follow developments in volleyball too closely.

Yeah!! High 5 for a team mate who just made a great hit or block or something.

Kaytee bounces the ball before getting ready to serve. (Sorry the pictures are so blurry - but Kaytee just moves soooo dang fast!

Of course the real reason that we do volleyball is because we get to travel and go shopping and out to eat in all the big cities around Wyoming! Here is Kaytee with friend and teammate, Chantel, living large in Applebees of Casper.

GO BYU!!!

2008-04-16T18:40:00.000-07:00

Since we both graduated from BYU, Kimball and I both really enjoy watching BYU sports. For Kimball's birthday we went down to watch a BYU basketball game (BYU killed Air Force - sorry Richard) Kaytee is a big fan of several of the players, especially their senior starter, Sam Burgess - in fact she chose to wear his number on her basketball jersey this past season.

The most fun is hamming it up in the stands waiting for the game to begin. Here are Kaytee and I wearing our BYU Blue. She seems to be putting up with me pretty well.

The best part is that we got to bring Grandma and Ralph along. Ralph is always a major fan and it is so much fun watching sports with him because he gets way into the games - of course we are usually watching the games in his basement on his mega-screen TV. (Don't I have the prettiest, youngest looking mom in the world!) If anyone in Utah reads this - please show her how to get onto a blog -- actually this blog so she can see all these pix. She keeps saying she is going to try if she can just figure out how to do it.

Of course it wouldn't be much fun for Kaytee with just all these "old people" so we invited Ralph's grandson, Nelson, to join us since we had an extra ticket. What a nice young man!

Kaytee Goes to Texas

2008-04-08T09:40:00.000-07:00

For Spring Break Kaytee enjoyed a visit with Cassidy in

the Great State of Texas.

Remembering the Alamo!

Love that Chocolate!

Wildlife Safari

2008-04-07T19:32:00.000-07:00

Kaytee goes for the less wild wildlife first.

Looks like one hungry Emu - got food Cassidy?

Aughhhh! He ate off Kaytee's hand!

Cooking with Cassidy

2008-04-07T19:23:00.000-07:00

Kaytee was sure in for a treat staying with Cassidy -
she definitely got fed much better than home cookin'.

The Proud Chefs:

Can you open that mouth any wider Kaytee?!?

Redheads Storm San Antonio

2008-04-07T19:14:00.000-07:00

Here they are at San Antonio Sea World waiting for Shamu to appear.

Here he (she?) comes!

These sailors went to sea, sea, sea to see what they
could see, see, see. . .

Once upon a time in "Fairy Tale Town"

2008-03-22T15:22:00.000-07:00

On Thursday, Jackson, Jami and I all went to "Fairy Tale Town" where
everything was based on different fairy tales and nursery rhymes.

Jackson loved watering the Peter Cottontail's garden.
Can't wait until the one we just planted in the their backyard is this big!

Of course we had to go up Jack and Jill's hill to help them fetch a pail of water,
"again" and "again" and "again."

Here's JACKson after coming down from his

beanstalk - having successfully conquered the scary GIANT!

The Beautiful Queen and her Crown Prince alighting from Cinderella's Magic Carriage.

Jami and Jackson loved running along Mr. Toad's Hundred Mile Road.

Tim used to come to this park as a little boy and this was his favorite part of the park too!

Getting ready for Easter

2008-03-22T14:34:00.000-07:00

While Jami and Tim were off on an exciting weekend adventure for Tim's birthday

Meeting movie stars and taking a hot air balloon ride, Jackson and I had the real fun

-Coloring Easter Eggs!

Jackson LOVES naming his colors and thought it was so much fun to put the tablets into the dishes and watch the water change colors.

Then he dipped the eggs - very carefully because he doesn't like to be "messy".

Seeing how the eggs had changed colors was the most hilarious part!

After they were dry, we put on decorations and he put them in the

basket to wait for mom and dad to come home.

2008-03-22T14:25:00.000-07:00

Spring Break Madness

2008-03-22T14:11:00.000-07:00