Family

For the first time in two years all the Stratford siblings gathered in Midway with their children. They gathered at Amy and Brian's condo where all 17 took care of naps, meals, dirty diapers, tantrums, nights up with babies and general chaos. Grandma and David got to have the grandchildren over to play at their house sometimes one or two at a time and sometimes the whole group gathered there. It was so wonderful to see the growth and development of each family. We loved seeing them play and enjoy each other's company and to strenghten the bonds of family love.

Ella and Vera came and we spent time making beautiful ladies from Hollyhocks and other flowers. As we did so I was able to talk about what it was like when I was a little girl their ages.

The weather was pefect and Ella was so creative and artistic in her designs

Ella and Vera are sweet sisters and play well (most of the time.)
Scout and Calder's favorite activity was playing in the pond. At her suggestion I bought a shark and floating chair to go along with the alligator.
Calder is a kind sweet boy who took time to watch and play with the younger children.
We had a fun evening at a local park. Stella had a good time with her watermelon rind with David looking on.
Crosby and Vera had a good time watching their favorite show, Dora.
The alligator went on a trip to The Homestead pool.
I loved seeing everyone in the pool having a good time.
Doing puzzles with Sara's help.
A glorious morning watching the sunrise when a friend took us fishing in Deer Creek Reservoir.
Our poles weren't out very long before we started catching big Utah trout. (16")
The final count was impressive. Both Calder and Scout provided us with a good Sunday meal.
Breakfast at Wasatch State Park.
I took Ella and Vera on a nature walk but as Ella looked ahead at the darkness she decided it would be safer to not go in there because there might be bears.
We went hiking up Snake Creek Canyon. Crosby had such a good time throwing rocks into the water as we passed.
Handsome Crosby and Calder.
Wyatt and Hank are meeting their little cousin George for the first time. They loved being with the babies.
A special dinner just the adults at the Snake Creek Grill. Starr had arranged for babysitters to come. While we were having a night out the cousins got to stay up..have snacks and have a cousin party. When we got home they were having a wonderful time and the house was orderly and put together..an amazing feat for the babysitters.
David worked hard at the office each day taking care of a lot my duties so I could spend time with the kids. They are always happy when he joins in. He truly is "the baby whisperer."
I walked in one evening to find at least 6 Mac computers on the table. This was part of the "togetherness" as they were on separate sites with occasional comments to each other.
Scout was a good "big cousin" to the younger ones.
This was the first time any of the children had been in Midway for Swiss Days..which is a MAJOR event. For two days the population of our little town swells to about 100,000 people. Some of the locals leave town to miss all the hub bub. Scout decided it was her very most favorite thing and asked her parents to allow her to bring some friends out from NYC for a sweet sixteen party (when she gets to that age.)
We all dressed up in Swiss outfits (Emma was a bride) for the Swiss Days Parade.

Scout was a tireless worker as she peddled Halloween decorations at the booth from a store that I own part of.
The main event was the baptism of Calder and the blessing of baby George. I had worked tirelessly preparing the pond for this event. My pond is fed by warm springs and in one area it is fairly deep. It was a beautiful event..so special as his father performed this sacred ordinance with the whole family present.

Here is Brian the proud father after giving George a name and a blessing.
I love George's name because that was my father's name. Brian's grandfather was also named George. He is a miracle and so welcomed and loved.

Here is how the family has grown in two years. Greg (David's son) came with Emma, Jamie and new baby Weston to support and share this great day. It is so worth any effort it takes to be together..to love and share the happy days . We have such wonderful memories of our time together. As Grandma Stratford would say, "This day will never come again."