Gifford's Day in the Sun

We had a fun day visiting the Santa Monica Pier, California. The weather was perfect, the street preformers were fun, the water was refreshing, and the family outing was awesome. I like days like this one!

A Relaxing Day With The Family

We went to the Orange County "Great Park" where Andrew and Raelynn got to ride the helium balloon. It goes up 400 feet. Andrew was able to walk all around the gondola while Raelynn held tightly to the rails. Steve stayed on the ground where he was safe. It was a fun experience and the view was breath-taking.

Andrew's School Pictures

This is Andrew's school pictures. He is the reason the sun shines in the mornings. He just makes our day brighter!

Father and Son Bonding Time

Steve and Andrew purchased Disneyland/California Adventure passes this year and have been able to visit these amusement parks many time throughout this year. They have had fun riding the rides, eating the food, and enjoying the atmosphere.

First Day of Middle School

Andrew's first day of Middle School. All dressed and ready to bike to school for the first time ever. He is growing up too fast!

2009 Vacation

We saw the play "Utahoma" while we were visiting with Sherylee and Joseph. It was such a fun play. I laughed and laughed. After the show, the actors and actresses stayed in character and posed with us for pictures. What a magical night.

2009 Vacation

Riding the tracks in Salt Lake. Life is an adventure when you ride the tracks with Devan, Kyle, and Andrew.

2009 Vacation

These kids had so much fun at the Observatory. they made me laugh!

2009 Vacation

We visited with Christi and Billy Giles family in Sandy Utah. We had such a fun time with them. They took us to the health membership club that they are a part of and we got to swim. Again, the weather was so perfect. I was also able to get laundry done. Savannah gave up her bedroom for me to use while we were there-thank you Savannah. Andrew, Kyle, and Devan wanted to go back to the Giles home after we left. I really miss the Giles family and wish that we could live closer.

Vacation 2009

On Monday and Tuesday Andrew and I went to the lake near Spanish Fork and visited with some dear friends. We had so much fun staying up all hours of the night playing games and visiting. The lake was so beautiful and peaceful. The weather was awesome as well. Thank you Desiree for letting us stay at your home and thank you Struthers for showing us a great time.

2009 Vacation

Our vacation Started on July 3 at 5:00 in the morning. My mom, Andrew, and I drove to Cedar City to visit with Jim's family. In the morning of July 4 the town had a really fun parade. They threw candy, shot water at the crowds, and had lots of fun. Later that night there were fire-works. I left to go pick up Devan from work and watch the fireworks up the mountain at Brian's Head. Andrew stayed with his cousins and watched fire works with them.

Back to School Night

Andrew is in the choir at school and was invited to sing a solo in one of the songs that was sung at "Back to School" night. He had fun singing and showing me all the things that he has done this year in school. His teacher, Mrs. White, said that she has enjoyed having Andrew in her class and that he keeps her on her toes all the time. He gave me a tour of his room, the school, and the garden that he is making.

Andrew and Scorpion

Andrew is trying to complete his "Dog Care" for a merit badge in Boys Scouts. He is bathing, feeding, grooming, and exercising his dog while having fun the whole time.

Seattle-Big Climb: Fight for Leukemia

Steve's company sponsored him in a Walk for Leukemia. He had to walk up the talest building in Seattle. The stairwell was very narrow with not a lot of air. They made almost $6,000. I am so proud of Steve for doing so well!

Awards Ceremony-Principals Honor Roll and Science Fair

Andrew received the Principal Honor Roll and an award for placing 2nd in the disctict Science Fair. Notice his crutches - he is healing well.

Science Fair

Andrew was one of a few students chosen to go to district in the Science Fair Project. He tested 5 different chemicals to determine what chemical would melt ice fastest. The five chemicals he chose were: Salt, Sugar, Anti-freeze, Hydrogen Peroxide, and Borax. He determined, after 3 separate tries that Salt really does melt the ice faster. He won second place in District and received a beautiful ribbon.

Science Museum in LA

Andrew had a sleep over with Joshua and Justin. The following day we all went to the Science Museum in LA. It was so much fun learning and doing things hands-on. Good memories

Scouts is fun!

Surgery to repair broken knee

In the hospital after surgery-Grandpa's wheel chair

On January 1, 2009 Andrew was jumping on a trampoline as he was coming down, Kyle was starting to go up and Andrew landed on Kyle's foot. Andrew started screaming in pain. We carried Andrew into the house and layed him down on the recliner. He was given a blessing by his Dad and Uncle Jim. Steve and I took him to the hospital in Apple Valley where we found out that Andrew had broken his knee. He was given a splint, cruches, pain reliever prescription, and the directions to contact his doctor the following day. He slept on the couch with his leg elevated that night and was taken to the doctors the next day to receive a referral to a knee specialist. The Specialist explained that he needed to have surgery to repair the damage to his knee. Surgery was set up for January 8th - early in the morning. The bone was replaced and metal sutures were placed in the knee to keep the bone in place. Grandma Foster took care of the Day Care while I was at the hospital with Andrew. Waiting for him to get out of surgery seemed to take forever. Andrew was so brave and did very well. He came home a couple hours later. Grandma Laurel loaned him a Wheelchair that Papa used to use. That wheelchair was really useful. What a way to start out the new year!