Scandinavian Festival, class reunion, and more

SO this was a big weekend with the graduation and then it was also the Scandinavian Festival in Ephraim and also my 10 year high school reunion.

We always go to the parade. Ryker had a fever so we let him have popsicles...   mmmmm..

 My grandpa's family got together. These are most of his siblings. I know he had an older sister that has passed away. They try to get together still once a year. I used to know a lot of my extended family but over time I have forgotten a lot of them.

 but there was food and fun for all

and these are a few of my classmates that were able to come to the reunion. Scary to think that was already 10 years ago. The times flies so fast.

Happy graduation Shantay!

Dustin's youngest sister graduated from high school. She is so excited to get on with other things (weren't we all?)   Just wanted to say congratulations to her!

p.s. whoever has the picture that I was in too I would like a copy!

Happy Birthday Mom

My mom turned a big number this year. I can't tell you what it was. But my sister Leah and I took her north shopping and out to lunch then surprised her with a little party when we got back to my house. I have pictures of the cake but nothing else...  not sure where my brain was that night.

Love you mom!

Kindergarten Graduation

Whew. It has been a busy week. With the funeral, and tumbling review, and my Mom's birthday - HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!!! -  and now Kindergarten graduation.  I have been helping Haylee's group with their song and dance. We have had lots of fun. They did I'm a little teapot.

Lined up waiting to walk on

Haylee and some of her friends

Walking in

My little teapot

getting ready to dance. I couldn't take any while it was going because I was the one leading them..

She was so excited she jumped off the stage.

 With her 'diploma'

 With a best friend Kaycee

Grandma and Grandpa Steck were able to make it.

and one with mom and dad.

 and that concludes this blogging marathon...   I am ready for the weekend.

Tumbling Review

Haylee did tumbling again this year. Here are some pics from her end of year review.

 
She is off to new adventures next year in dance but we have enjoyed all that she has learned here.

Grandpa's funeral

The funeral was so nice. It was hard but we know he is in a far better place.

Here are some portions of his obituary:


~Richfield, Utah - Keith R. Hooper Sr. age 86, died Wednesday, May 12, 2010 at his home in Richfield due to complications from a fall earlier and a short battle with cancer.


He was born July 21, 1923 in Annabella, Utah. He graduated from South Sevier High School attended one year at Utah State University. He served in the US Army Air Corp during World War II.
After the war ended, he returned to Annabella and worked as a farmer. He later became a Highway Patrolman, a position he held from 1957 to 1979 when he retired as a Lieutenant.
Keith always raised a good garden and delighted in sharing his produce with friends and neighbors. He was a great example and will be missed by many.


He and his family built a cabin on Cove Mountain and he enjoyed many happy hours there in his later years, where he loved to fish on Big Lake and just relax with family and friends. ~

He was a great man. Here are some of the pictures I took.


Dustin wore his Honor Guard Uniform to show his respect to a retired UHP lieutenant and grandfather in law. 

He was given a police escort to the cemetery. There were so many officers there at the funeral. It was so awesome. I get really emotional when anything has to do with law enforcement...  wonder why..

There was an Honor Guard detail there for him.

As well as a Military detail as he was a WWII veteran.

The pallbearers were the first born sons of each of his children. So these are my cousins and my older brother.

The rain was abundant but everything was so colorful and beautiful.

Haylee and my mom placing a flower on the casket.

4 of my 5 brothers and myself. We missed you Kelan but we are glad you were able to be here before he went, to say goodbye. Yes. I am the shortest one..... (but I think Landon was on his tiptoes)

He is reunited with his first sweetheart once again.

My Grandpa

He was the one who would growl with me when I was just learning I had a voice.
He taught me how to fish and only grumbled a little bit when I kept catching moss and snags.
He let me come stay at his house every summer just so we could know each other better, and ate my pancakes without complaining.
He let me play in the puddles on the lawn while he was irrigating.
He threw the oar out of the boat when my cousin and I kept arguing over it to teach us a lesson
He always had "whiskers" for me every time I'd visit. 
He was always there on grandparent's day.
He taught by example and was one of the best examples I have ever had.
He loved me. So much. And I never doubted it.
He loved my children and would always light up when we came to visit.
He was everything a grandpa should be and more.


I will miss him.

But I am glad he is with the people who have passed on before and no longer suffers from our mortal limitations. Someday my kids will be grown and we will teach them how to fish and I will always remember my grandpa.


I love being married to a Trooper because it runs in the family. ( And I just love a man in uniform especially one as handsome as my Grandpa)

One of my last trips fishing

Grandpa and Haylee

Grandpa and Kenzie

Grandpa and Ryker

At his house for Thanksgiving 2009

Celebrating 75 years with visitors from the Highway Patrol

Bubs gets stuck

Ryker is rolling around now and managed to get himself stuck under the playpen. (sorry about the red eyes. It is just his inner devil showing)

I am sure it won't be the last time...

Mother's Day

This is what I got for Mother's Day. I was way excited.

We had a great day visiting both moms and spending time with family.

Happy Birthday Dustin

Dustin celebrated birthday number 29 this year. He really wanted a new TV so Kenzie saved all her dollars and helped pick one out. :)  Since he was working all day we didn't have any trouble getting it in and set up for him.

We love you Dustin. Hope you had a great day!

got to love that kenzie girl!