California Reception and Rose Parade 1-2010

The Goodman's hosted a wonderful evening for the kids. The church was decorated like nothing we have ever seen before. The happy couple. The sign in table.

They even had a chandelier hanging from the ceiling.

Fabric was draped all along the walls. Big beautiful floral arrangements were everywhere.

It was a bonus for us to get to see my Nephew Jason and his family. The kids loved the chocolate fountain.

The Goodman's are loved by many. There was a steady stream of people and they all raved about what wonderful people they were. It was really fun to see where Joel grew up. I think by the end of it...we were ALL glad that the last party was over! The kids had three beautiful events.

The next day we got up bright and early to go see the Rose Parade floats. Steve and I were both thrilled to go. Steve grew up watching this parade and his grandfather lived just a few miles away from this when he was alive. It was a trip down memory lane for him. I just took it all in.

The floats were amazing. It is hard to believe that literally EVERYTHING on the floats are natural or flowers. It really is true. I would love to be apart of making a float one year. I was a little sicking to think about how much money must have gone into making all of these floats. It was beautiful though...I am so glad that we went.

The Goodman's and Steve.

On the flight home....I actually feel asleep. I knew I had to hit the ground running into the new chapter of our lives....moving to Canada! CRAZY!!

Texas Reception 12-30-2009

We had Carly's and Joel's wedding reception at the Old Historic YWCA in downtown Fort Worth. It was beautiful venue and such a fun "party". By the time we had the reception we had excepted the employment offer from PriceWaterhouseCoopers. We knew we would be moving to Calgary Canada in a few short months. Knowing this made the party all the sweeter. We were celebrating the wedding but it was also a farewell party for all of the friends that we love and mean so much to us. I am not so sure that these pictures do it Justice. The Bride and Groom.

My boys...they are all so handsome!

I had SO much help from so many wonderful friends. Dina, MaryBeth and Christine were the brains and backbone for the evening. I would have never made it without them. They help me plan a prepare at such a crazy time of year. I also had a great committee of women that spent the entire day cooking and setting up. I will miss the sisterhood and friendship I share with these wonderful friends. Barbie and MaryBeth.

The serving table. This was a beautiful display of great food!

Dina and her daughter Sydney. Dina is also moving. She is Miss Presentation. What a talent she has. She even flew home a day early from her trip to help me! I OWE her. I Owe all of them.

Kaylee and Carly making the wedding bouquets. They were such big help and did a great job. Carly was even brave enough to make her own wedding bouquet. Kaylee had an allergic reaction the next day and her eyes were swollen and red. I am not sure what it was but I fear it may have been the flowers. Good thing Joel's dad is a doctor and called in a Rx for her.

The sign in table.

Matt and Kay Goodman. I love this picture of them. What wonderful in-laws Carly has in the Goodman's.

The family.

Kitchen Help. Christina, Christie, Caroline and Krista. (not pictured is Judy) I love these ladies!

For whatever reason Grant was ready to go home the second he got there. He was looking dissolved in the first 30 minutes...

Lighting the candles. Lets get this party started!!

Carly and Grant.

My beauties.

The boys. I love this picture!

Steve and Carly danced to "I loved her first". What a great song. It says it all...perfectly!!(sung by Rich Anderson)

Tom and Toni Honeycutt kick up their heels on the dance floor. They are such a darling couple.(Tom served with Steve in the bishopric...)

Our good friend Rich Anderson has a FUN band called, " 7 car Pile UP " I know what you are thinking..I have no idea what that name is all about but just having them in the room always adds FUN! They played the whole evening. Carly was so excited when they said they could come and play. I think she would have even moved her wedding date to book this band! Thanks Rich! It was a ton of stress and work....but what a fun ,fun memory. Even Steve loved it and he has never even asked me how much I spent... :) Good thing we have a few years until the next one!

Pedicures and Christmas 2009

A picture is worth a thousand words! Carly had the great idea to give the family pedicures. All of the girls were fine with that. We had to do a little talking to get a few of the other on board. (Blake and Tyler blew off their appointments.) Steve is always worth a good laugh with his extreme reactions....I told him that people pay good money for this. He also likes his showers luke COLD! Kaylee loved it and is always such a good sport. Joel is just letting the wax work away at softening his feet.

Grant went first. What would we ever do without that little guy??

Although we were in Idaho at Christmas we celebrated a few days later (Dec. 28th) when we all got together. Carly and Joel spent Christmas on the ship for their honeymoon. Tyler and Kaylee were able to spend Christmas in Arizona with Kaylee's parents. We were thrilled to have all of the kids together for a few days after Christmas.

Blake and Grant put bows on Max and Missy's necks and gave them to Joel and Carly for Christmas. I keep trying to give the dogs to one of the kids to take home...anyone want a couple of dogs?? :)

Carly and Joel with the Max and Missy. Those ungrateful kids left their gifts here at my house.

Of course Blake would get Grant another living present. This time it was a Hermit Crab. Grant, thought it was the coolest...Kaylee isn't so sure. She pretty much stayed at arms length.

They named the crab "Buddy".

Kaylee is a crafting queen. She knitted all of us something. She really is amazing. She can do whatever she puts her mind to. This is Camille's hat and I got a couple of great scarfs. Kaylee got a sewing machine for Christmas from us and I can't wait to see what she makes next.

Steve had just finished his online Financial Planning from New York University. We framed his diploma. It has been a goal of his to take this class. We are proud of him. I actually think he is also proud of himself!

Tyler and Kaylee made this great picture frame for us. It is the Family Proclamation with family snap shots around it. They did a great job. What a treasure this will be. Blake!??:)

Tyler, Kaylee, Carly and Joel.

Grant was always so willing to help all of us open gifts.

What a busy December we all had but it was very rewarding. We have truly been blessed and I am so grateful for the Lords goodness to us and for such great kids.

Our Talented Girl

Camille has been taking piano for almost 2 years now. She fought me in the beginning about taking lessons...I think it has surprised her how MUCH SHE ENJOYS it! She is quit good and the bonus is having her music fill the house. She must have Grandma Williams gene's as she also was a fabulous piano player. Here she is at her Christmas recital. Keep it up cam! Camille and her piano teacher Beth Ann Sands. Beth Ann is a wonderful teacher that is just hip enough to draw the kids in.

Crazy girls posing after their recital. Carly, Stephanie, Camille, Jessica and Mackenzie.

Honeymoon..Dec. 2009

So while we were all freezing in Utah and Idaho over Christmas...these two headed off on a week long cruise to the Caribbean. Camille was shocked that Carly would not be spending Christmas at home with us! :) Here are a few pictures of the fun they had. Check out bikini girl in the background...who walks around like that?! ha

I am thinking we got this all wrong....Steve and I should have gone on the cruise and Carly and Joel should have been home preparing for the receptions....