Jackson Paul Hoopes: The first of the year brought us a new grandchild. Riki and Tim had a baby boy, Jackson Paul Hoopes, on January 21 at 10:13 a.m. He was 7 lbs. 13 oz and 20 inches long. He had the biggest hands and feet I have ever seen on a little one. I was fortunate to be able to go down to Florida and be there for three weeks. It was so much fun. I don't think they really needed my help as their ward members brought in meals the whole time I was there. It was fun getting to know my little grandson though.
Jackson was born Jan. 21, 2009 at 10:13 a.m.
Daddy and Jackson
Mommy and Jackson
Grandma and Jackson
30th Wedding Anniversary: February brought our 30th wedding anniversary. Has it really been that long. We really didn't do much for this anniversary as we had already celebrated it with a 2 week trip to Tahiti in the fall which was wonderful. We spent time lying in the sun, snorkeling, diving (I certified to dive just before the trip which was an experience in itself), sailing, eating and just relaxing in general.
30th Anniversary in Tahiti.
Passing of Belden: March has brought some sad news of the passing of Belden, the last of our wolf hybrids on March 7. He was the puppy of two of our former wolves, Poledra and Kheldar. He was 14 and a half years old. I will miss him. He was a sweet thing and was my constant companion here in the house this past year.
Blessing of baby Jackson: Lonny and I next had the wonderful opportunity to return to FL for the blessing of Jackson on March 15, 2009 (Lindsey's birthday). He had grown so much in the month since I had left. He is now 11 lbs 6 oz and 24 inches long. He is such a good baby and loves to be outdoors. We got to spend a week with Tim and Riki during which time we went to the beach, Shark Valley (even saw some gater wrestling) in the Everglades, the pool and diving in Ft. Lauderdale. It was a busy week. Lonny worked hard at keeping up with Tim and his friends playing racket ball. He remembered how much he really liked to play. Now he is hurting a bit so maybe should work into it a little slower. (I think the pains have more to do with the long airplane ride home). Now if he could only find someone to play with here at home. Danny stayed home and minded the fort (taking care of Emma). I felt bad that he wasn't able to come with us but I guess school and work are a priority. He is finishing up his winter term at the community college and then will go into the Spring term. He was so good to come and pick us up at midnight from the airport when he had to be at work at 6:30 the next morning. We are lucky that he is still here at home. (Maybe I should say I am lucky --- I don't ever want him to leave).
Jackson at the Beach
Beach Blanket Bingo
Jackson's Blessing (be patient I haven't figured this movie stuff out yet and don't know how to stop the song) I want to redo it and add a picture of Tim and Jackson and a picture of his parents with Jackson and sister with Jackson. Enjoy what I have so far.
Michael in New York: Michael has been transferred to the Bronx in NY. He is enjoying his mission and is really excited to be in the city finally. He says that he is in Huntington Point which is the poorest zip code in the nation ("gangster paradise"). What an experience for him. The ward is made up of mostly converts who are very helpful to the missionaries. He says he is not scared.
Can you imagine Michael's surprise to see Levi Sprengle (the one he is wrestling with) the first day out in New York. Levi was a friend of Michaels' who lived across the street when they were in elementary school. His family had moved with the military and he was serving in the same mission but English speaking. They served in the same stake in Poughkeepsie.
Winter in Stamford, Conn.
The baptism of Jorge (I think)
Lindsey and Steve in Provo: Lindsey and Steve are staying busy down in Provo with school and work. They are looking for a new furnished apartment as the rent just keeps going up where they are at and so do the utilities. Steve is studying to take his LSAT this Spring and then they will go looking at various schools in FL.
Scott, Erin, Eliza and Aaron in Chicago: They are ready for winter to end. Scott is planning on putting in a fence at their home this spring with Aaron's help. That way Aaron can have a place to keep his new baby. He is planning on getting a puppy this spring (a wolf hybrid). I think he is really excited about it. Eliza, I understand is keeping everyone busy. She is such a cutie. Check out the picture. Aaron and Kate headed to FL for a week after I left and got to spend time with Riki, Tim and the baby. They were looking for warm weather. I think they enjoyed the change.Hopefully I'll be better at keeping this up now. Life doesn't change too much around here very fast so guess I have to talk about my kids.
