Hitting the Slopes

I haven't been skiing much this year but I've had a chance to go with the Special Ed students to The Ability Center at Park City Resort.  It is a wonderful place that is such a blessing to each of these children.  They offer horseback riding, rock climbing, skiing and snowboarding in the winter.  They have special equipment and instructors many who have overcome physical handicaps themselves who work with the children.  It is very inspiring to observe paralyzed, one legged, deaf, blind, or mentally challenged people who have worked to overcome their limitations.  I admire the participants as well as the instructors.
One of the instructors posing with his students and a proud grandma who came to watch.  
This is Madison going out with her instructor.  It is always a fun thing to tell the other students when we get back what a great skier she is.  She gets very little positive attention as she struggles to do her schoolwork in her regular classes.
This was the Tate's reaction after getting all geared up and on the snow.  He loves the days we go skiing.  The instructors do such a good job and it gives the kids a wonderful sense of accomplishment. 
After I took photos of Tate he wanted to take a photo of me.
Here I am on a perfect Blue Bird day..blue sky and just right snow. When I get there I always enjoy the beautiful surroundings and company.    I know how happy it makes David when I go with him.  I mostly ski alone since he is the master of the hill and I feel intimidated when he zooms down the hill and waits while I catch up.  I'm proud that I've learned to ski at all and I'm better than I thought I would be.  David is taking the time to teach the Bellessa grand daughters to ski and I look forward going down the greens with them. 

A Happy Family

I'm so thankful to Calder for flight privileges that allow me to get to Sally and Willie's for visits.  I love spending time with them and their children.  I'm thankful to David for taking care of our business while I'm away.  The first order of activity was watching "Madagascar Two" with Wyatt.  
Hank is getting acquainted with the latest musical instrument.
A joyful moment on the bed.  What could be more fun!
Saturday morning at the computer.
Not too sure about our trip to the park.
Doing what the big  boys do.
Earnestly reading in the reading chair.  He pointed to the ball and told me what it was.
This is a fake smile with some toast in his mouth..while working on the computer
Hank wanted to do everything Wyatt did.  He had no fear of heights or sliding head first down the steep slides.
Every time I tried ending the swinging session Hank asked for more.  
Sally is a sweet and patient mother.  Poor little Hank had a bad ear infection and only wanted his Mama.
Favorite activities with Daddy are reading, playing music and listening to stories.  The boys love spending special time with Willie.  He is a kind and loving father.
This is the sweetest, kindest boy ever who is such an example of not only reverence but joy of life.  I'm so thankful to be his grandmother.  He sent me home with a flower to remind me of him and a beautifully composed letter for David.

A Good Memory

The pride and joy of Travis' senior year was a very cool 1957 Pontiac. He drove it around most of the year with an old Christmas tree tied to the top. We would brainstorm from time to time about how we could up the unique factor so he would be the toast of Helaman Halls his freshman year at BYU.
We had sold our home to Elvis' ex-wife, Priscilla Presley and on the day of the closing we got word the funding from Graceland would be a day late. Knowing we owned the home for another day spawned the brilliant idea of putting the Pontiac, lovingly named "the Stealth" in the garage to bring about the transformation. We gathered paints and brushes and called together friends and had a "paint happening". We each took a place and started creating. Luckily we had Pat Scullin (now a professional artist) in the mix. I'm trying to remember everyone who was there. I know Morgan and Melynne Murdock, Enoch Palmer, Chad Cerwin, Sally and Calder were there. It was one of the most fun days I can remember. It took us the good part of the day and we got so involved we didn't think of food until Mimi Murdock showed up with a pizza and pop which was such fun surprise. When we drove it out in the evening it was better than we thought it could be.
One side is very sixties with the flames, aliens, peace symbol, and psychodelic design.

The back has snowboarders getting air over the world..symbolic of "the Bob's" favorite winter sport.

Spiderman and Lehi's Dream don the driver's side

along with swimming fish and the "gas guzzeling snake"

The front has the CTR symbol and Captain America with happy faces. It at one time had a "Bob's Big Boy" hood ornament until someone stole it. There sure were lots of happy date nights loaded with friends cruising University Avenue in the coolest car ever to come to BYU. It served well until Travis left on his mission and some other kid took it over. It really should be in an art museum honoring creativity but is probably rusting away in some junk yard...but the memories are bright and new.