Park City Party

The woman who lives downstairs from us at the Ranch is mean and grumpy. She got mad at the kids a couple of weeks ago for walking down the stairs in the hallway too noisily. We literally tiptoe when we're there, and it's annoying. So I was dreading taking Xanthe and her friends up because a group of tween girls ins't the quietest thing in the world. And in my experience with Araceli and her friends, sometimes they will not shut up no matter what you say. On the other hand, these girls were perfect. They were quiet because I asked them to be, and they had a great time.

First stop, Quenchit for drinks to enjoy in the car and cookies to save for later, in lieu of a birthday cake.

Next stop. Panda for dinner in Park City. A family feast was plenty for the six of us.

And then we drove to Kamas for the aquatic center. This was a brilliant idea. We were there for about two hours. I sat on the sidelines reading until Vilina started bugging me to video her going down the slide. I think she's used to more parent involvement than I am. After that, I hid where they would never find me and waited for them to emerge at closing time, which they did, perfect girls that they are. They were so easy! Back at the condo, we ate the birthday cookies and the girls watched a movie until they fell asleep. Last year, Scott and I were in Spain with Ruby on Xanthe's birthday. She insisted she didn't want to have a party when we returned, but she was mad about it all year. We definitely made up for it this year! Happy birthday, dear Xanthe!

Araceli's Sweet Sixteen

Little Araceli Circe. She was so full of love as a baby and a little girl, and she still is. Look at that face!  She turned 16, and now she's even more beautiful and more spunky than the little 4-year-old who gave herself a haircut. She didin't want to go on a trip for her birthday. She didn't want to have a big party. She certainly didn't want to go out to a stuffy dinner with Mom and Dad. She wanted to get her hair done. Her appointment was at 6:30 in the morning, which turned out to be good, because it left time open for lots of other fun things.  The gorgeous hair, by Hair in the 801, Andrea Gibson, whom I've known since she was born. She was a fun person for Araceli to spend that much time with on her birthday. I love Andrea! This gorgeous hair cost more than a trip. ;) Hard for me to swallow, but that's what Araceli wanted for her big day, and she was happy! And it looks so pretty.

Celi did her traditional lunch at Orlando's (formerly Pepperbelly's) with Scott. He sent me pictures of all their lunches through the years. Celi really holds that tradition dear. PT and TZ wanted to go, and Araceli graciously invited them.

2016

2015

2014

2012

2011

After Scott's allotted time slot of lunch, Araceli worked at my store a little, then went home to get ready for dinner with Kayden. Our family tends to have scheduling worked out to the minute, and we run very on time. Kayden was 45 minutes late, and Araceli was mad. He did bring her thoughtful gifts of a watch and some lavender syrup to make Italian soda, so he redeemed himself somewhat. He was terribly excited about the gifts, so Araceli tried not to be upset. I picked her up at Kayden's house at 8:56 for my time slot. (I really did tell her 8:56. I love how my GPS tells me exactly when I'll be everywhere.) We went to a chick flick at the Kaysville Theater, Home Again, which was cute and funny. I love Araceli. There isn't a single person on earth who is anything like her. It will take me a lifetime to figure her out, and it may take her a lifetime to figure herself out. In some ways, she is supremely confident, though. It actually scares me. With Araceli, you live in the moment. You don't worry about the future. You're just grateful for the moment you have with this remarkable girl, and you sit back and feel the love. Because let's be real. Nobody can handle more Celi than what the present gives you. We'll let the future unfold in the future.

Superbowl LI

Superbowl Sunday! The Dopps came over for some football and food, but first, church.

Tziporah was quite a photographer in sacrament meeting.  Doesn't Scott look dapper up there conducting the meeting?  We like to sit on the front row and stare at him. ha ha

Don Carlos' bed was invaded by Sinatra, who is an old man now and spends a lot of time inside.  Don Carlos is scared of him.

This is one of two pictures I took at our Superbowl party. The real reason for the party was Dopp January and February birthdays, but then it was the Superbowl.  I felt bad that people had to watch the big game at a house where we had to dig this one, solitary football-related item out of a closet.  But it was lots of fun, we had a ton of food, and the game was really exciting in the second half. Patriots came back to win from like a 25 point deficit.  I have to admit, I only watched half time. Lady Gaga.  I had already seen all the commercials online.  I'm a bad football fan, but I like hearing the game in the background.  It's soothing, like a wave machine. 

Nana Finally Turns 100!

The morning of Nana's ONE HUNDREDTH BIRTHDAY, Frank and I stopped by on the way to Salt Lake to be among the first to wish her a happy day.  Nana was up, ready to face the day at 100 years old.  Incredible!

I got teary-eyed while Frank was taking this picture, just with gratitude that I get to hug Nana on her 100th birthday.  It's been a long, hard road to get here, and it's a destination that Nana never wanted to reach.  Nevertheless, she has made the journey with dignity, gratitude and joy, and that's how we celebrated.

 This is what happens when your mom buys your clothes.  Twinners!

I love Freestone

Later that afternoon was the party.  We already had the big bash in August, so this was slated to be low-key.  Coco was recovering from surgery, so she moved slowly, but got a wonderful party off the ground.  Many friends from her Bountiful neighborhood came.

These are Nana's former next-door neighbors.  They used to check on her every afternoon at 3.  They are saints.

Bre, Max and Elizabeth

Marilyn with her girls hiding behind her.

The siblings, minus Paul, who was in Montana.  Marla was there, and I didn't get a picture, darnit, and Da was in Thailand.  She is turning one of her apartment buildings into a hotel.

Happy birthday, Nana!  We love you so much.