September/October 2009

The quilt Jeanne made for her sister Lindsay's baby, Alayna Lu

Jeanne's baby Gwenie, about 6 months old

Lindsay finally posted her story of Alayna's birth. Go to her blog for details at http://mikeandlindsayfamily.blogspot.com

We are having a busy, hectic, and fun time here in Sweden. Today Izzy, 2 and in the middle of potty training, dipped and drank from the toilet. She's a cutie, but full of IT. I'll try to get some pictures posted when I get home.

Sweden is great. Today we rode the ferry ($100 round trip) to Denmark. The castle we wanted to tour was closed, but we saw the mote, the courtyard, the drawbridge, and the turrets, etc. Then we drove on a highway by the sea and saw wonderful houses, some with grass thatch roofs, some huge mansions. It was fascinating. We returned by ferry to Helsinborg and ate at Burger King (Nana's treat). The kids melted down on the way home. What a lot of crying and screaming and unhappiness! Baby Alayna, who is sick with her first cold, was the best of bunch! But Izzy has suddenly become mostly potty trained, and even got to go pee pee in the castle restroom.Tomorrow at church Mike will give Alayna a name and a blessing. Then next week the kids will have their Primary Sacrament meeting program. It's nice that I'll be here for both of those events. I'll try and post a few pictures when I get home on October 26. The towns are so lovely and quaint, with lots of old people, including many with walkers, busily going about their lives. It's a treat to be in a small European village like Raa, where Mike and Lindsay live. It has cobblestone streets, little shops, and many pedestrians. It's certainly a walking country. My goodness, I'm out of shape.I'm happy to report that Karsyn's surgery for a cyst in her throat went perfectly yesterday. She is home and tired, but doing well. She will be up and running in a couple of days.More later. Hej da (not spelled right, but meaning see you later in Swedish).

September 2009

Cooper started preschool. Kate felt bad leaving him the first day

(with silent tears in his eyes), but I'm sure he will love it.

Bailey started 4th grade. She's so grown up!

Tyson and Meghan and Jack came for a short visit over Labor Day.
The "boys" (including Brandon with Karsyn and Bailey,
Tyson and Meghan with Jack, and Papa Mike) went shooting.
Even Meghan (above) got in on the action.
(Nana Bette stayed home and took a long hot bath!)

Tyson and Jack

Brandon with Karsyn and Cooper

Karsyn, Jack, and Cooper enjoy an apple after jumping in the Bounce Around.

Baby Alayna Lu Simons is here!

Alayna Lu Simons was born to Lindsay and Mike Simons on 9/9/09 in Sweden! She is healthy and adorable. We are delighted with grandbaby #11! I leave for a five-week visit on 9/17. It will be so much fun to hold the baby and to see Ethan (8), Addy (6), and Izzy (2), and, of course, Lindsay and Mike. Congratulations, Simons family!

September 2009

Karsyn is excited for her first day of afternoon kindergarten!

More August 2009--Karsyn rocks!

Karsyn (not quite 6) is an quite an athlete! Sister Bailey cheers her on.