In Loving Memory of Graham W. Doxey

My Grandpa Doxey passed away on Sunday night and he will be missed. We were so lucky to have him stick around long enough to visit him several times after we moved back to Utah.  He's been battling lymphoma cancer for the past 6 months or so.  I admired his optimism in the face of a hard physical battle.  Of course once he's gone I wish I would have gotten to know him even better and spent even more time with him, but I am very grateful for his wonderful example in my life.  He accomplished many things and served endlessly for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Thank you Grandpa!  I love you!

Zander's Birthday - a bit belated :)

We had a little party on Zander's birthday way back in August that I never posted, so just doing a little catch up.

It wasn't anything too fancy, but Momma Brown helped me make some cake pops that turned out super cute, not to mention yummy!!! Then we just did yogurt/berry parfaits and mini bagels because it was brunch time. I made a "2" pinata I was pretty proud of and then prepared a couple simple games.  It turned out a success because Zander had a great time.  He and Brayden were talking about it for weeks and are now all about birthdays :)  Mission accomplished!

Here's the photos!

The Cute "Happy" Birthday cake pops!

Balloon static!

My homemade pinata!! (pretty good, right?)

So, 30 seconds after this picture, Makaila was tears because her mom had hit the pinata! She was pretty sure you're not supposed to hit things! Hahaha )

In the end, we needed a little Daddy muscle to break it open.

makeshift candles. . . I always forget something!! ;)

 We planned on making dinner at home, but when it was already dinner time and we were all tired from a fun party day, we asked Zander what he would want to eat and he wanted fries. Haha. So, we figured we could splurge on Wendy's.  And splurge we did!  We bought them kids meals for the first time ever!!  They LOVED it and still point out "the Wendy's from Zander's birthday" every time we pass.  I love kids!

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LITTLE ZAN!!

Cottrell Family Reunion

Technically it was called the Cottrell Family Dinner, but in all honesty it was basically a reunion.  And it was fun!  This was Preston's mom's side of the family from Grandma Cottrell on down.  So, basically just the close cousins and families.  I was asked to be the photographer and that was fun.  A little nerve racking at first, but I enjoyed it in the end.  Here's some of the fun!

60th Anniversary!!

 Can you imagine being married for 60 years???  I can't even imagine being alive for 60 years :)  But, my sweet Grammy and Grandpa Stevens are coming up on their 60th wedding anniversary, so we decided to celebrate as a family!  There were a lot of fun "festivities" but it was definitely on standard Steven's time because we like to linger and take our time with things. So, some of the pictures ended up being in the dark and the kids got to bed quite late.  But, what better excuse than celebrating with family?  And we have a great family!  I ended up taking a lot of pictures just because I could and I like it.  But, my "assignment" was to make another slideshow of the family in the last 5 years.  I made one for their 55th, so this was just to update on all the births, weddings, graduations, etc. in the family.  It was so fun!  Hopefully I can get it to load on here. . .  At least there are definitely pictures!

The big group of Stevens

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got our toasting glasses!

hugs good-bye to Kaila who was going to bed on time :)

Me and gorgeous Grammy!