Mays' Dynamic Journal !

Justin James Wilcox Arrives!

2009-07-19T20:09:00.001-07:00

Very little Justin James Wilcox has arrived! The firstborn son of AJ & Jessica, Baby JJ arrived on the scene nearly 3 weeks early! After some early breathing problems and a couple of days in the NICU, Baby JJ improved quickly and was able to leave the hospital with his Mom, right on time! Both Mom and Baby are doing fine!

Mama Yahwee and Papa Wob are both delighted to have another grandchild and our first grandson. We are thrilled that his health has improved and he is home in his own room! There are pictures on the Wilcox' blog, so go there to see this cute little dude. He was only 5lb 8oz and 18 in long, but knowing his Dad, I'll bet he grows up to be bigger than I am!

At times like this past weekend, it is hard to be 600 miles away from where the action is happening. We wanted to be there! News from Orem Community Hospital just wasn't coming fast enough. For us in the desert, it was a humbling lesson in patience! Laurie will go and spend about 11 days starting July 25, her birthday. What a wonderful birthday present for a new grandma, the chance to hold a brand-new descendant!

Orlando, Florida Trip with the Cardons

2008-11-11T21:09:00.018-07:00

Saturday, October 11, 2008-Rob and Laurie flew to Orlando, Florida from Phoenix. Erika, Marcus, and Olivia flew in from Salt Lake. Unfortunately Jessica, AJ, Monica, and Johnny were unable to come due to school and work. We missed having the whole family there, but we had a great time with the Cardon family. We stayed at a condo in Kissimmee (that's pronounced ki--SIMM--ee, not KISS-a-mee) near Disney World. The temperatures were in the 80's most of the time with a balmy breeze. Laurie misses the mild humid days (not so much the hot summer humid days.)

Sunday-We attended church at the Windermere Ward in Orlando. We belonged to the Metro West Ward when we lived in Windermere, but it was dissolved and the ward members were split up into multiple wards. Many of our friends have moved away from Florida as we did, but a few friends remain there such as Kim and Chuck Nelson. We had a fun time visiting and catching up on our lives since it has been over 8 years since we were there. Erika used to babysit the three Nelson boys so it was fun to see how big they are now. We also drove by our house in Windermere. It was very sad to not even recognize it. The neighborhood was new when we lived there and now it looks different. The trees in the neighborhood have grown and they are very pretty. But our house looks like it was painted a different color and the front door was changed. We also drove by West Orange High School which has been replaced by a new school building, and there is a new freeway going through the area, and parks, stores, and office buildings where fields used to be. It was fun to be back, but it's almost as though living there was a dream.

Monday-We went to Magic Kingdom. Olivia's favorite rides were the Mad Hatter Teacups and Aladdin's Magic Carpet. Watching her laugh and laugh was priceless. Her mom kind of liked it too. But playing is hard for babies, so after awhile Olivia fell asleep and took a nap until it started to rain, Florida style, and we had to find shelter for about 10 minutes. Olivia had no problem taking over her dad's ice cream and gobbling it up to get her energy level back up to par.

Tuesday-We took it easy around the condo. Then we all went to Lego Land at Downtown Disney. We had fun building with the Legos. We also had a treat from Ghiradelli's Chocolate Shop. Yum Yum!

Wednesday-This was our second day at Magic Kingdom. Rob and Laurie are standing at the Mickey Mouse photo spot. Erika, Marcus, and Olivia sped down the race track in their speedy car. Eat your heart out AJ! And then it was Grandpa Rob's job to help Olivia settle down for a nap.

Thursday-We went to New Smyrna beach. Erika, Marcus, and Olivia dug in the sand. Then Erika and Laurie helped Olivia jump the waves. She laughed and laughed until her lips were blue and she was shivering. That's us way out there. Marcus is building a sea turtle in the forefront (He's the one on the right side of the picture if you were unsure.)

Saturday-the last day together. So sad! On Friday we took it easy at the condo and then Rob and Marcus went back to Lego Land at Downtown Disney to take some pictures. Grandpa Rob couldn't resist getting Olivia a Donald Duck stuffed animal. On Saturday Grandpa Rob gave Olivia and Donald Duck a hug before we drove to the airport.

Rob and Laurie's trip to Salt Lake-Business and Pleasure!

2008-09-28T20:57:00.018-07:00

SILLY GRANDPA ROB!!!

On Sunday, September 21st, Rob and Laurie flew to Salt Lake. Rob had business meetings Monday through Wednesday, so Laurie tagged along so she could play with her kids. We met up with the kids for Sunday dinner at Erika's apartment. We played outside for awhile and then visited inside. Rob is reading "Where is Baby's Belly Button?" with Olivia.

I might get in trouble for this Halloween preview, but Olivia put on her puppy Halloween costume to show Grandma Laurie and this picture is priceless.

On Monday, Laurie went with Erika, Marcus, and Olivia for their house walk-through in Eagle Mountain. Laurie got to play with Olivia while Erika and Marcus met with the house representative. The Cardon family has a beautiful home that they are moving into this weekend.

On Tuesday afternoon, Laurie, Erika, and Olivia went to Jessica's school, Paradigm High, where Jessica is teaching art. I can't believe that one of my baby girls is all grown up and teaches in a high school.

"ALL BECAUSE TWO PEOPLE FELL IN LOVE"

"WILCOX-OUR FAMILY IS FOREVER-EST 2005"

On Tuesday night Laurie, Erika, Jessica, Monica, and Olivia had a Girl's Night Out! We went to Bajio's for dinner and then we went to Denise Schaefermeyer's home (Laurie's niece). Denise owns her own vinyl cutting business and she was kind enough to help each of us do a craft.

"CARDON-FAMILIES ARE FOREVER"

On Wednesday morning Erika and Laurie finished their crafts. Laurie finds it interesting that her girls chose family phrases, while her phrase is about food. Hmmmm, what does that mean?

Family Camping Trip

2008-09-15T21:13:00.028-07:00

Monday, August 25th. On Sunday Rob and Laurie drove to Kayenta which is near St. George, Utah to visit Rob's dad Dan and his step-mom, Katie. We had a delightful time visiting, especially on their patio.

Rob and Laurie set out about noon on Monday and drove to Boulder Mountain in central Utah. We set up camp in the Singletree campground in Dixie National Forest, near Torrey. It is also near Capitol Reef National Park. We had a great time Monday through Friday exploring and re-exploring hikes and jeep roads.

Rob taking it easy in the campground.

Wednesday, August 27th. Laurie and Rob had an adventurous day. We took a little picnic lunch and did a short hike in The Gulch, which is in Escalante Grand Staircase National Monument.

Rob in The Gulch.

Rob stopped to take this picture at the top of Burr Trail, which we drove down. It is a series of switchbacks on a steep road.

Rob and Laurie looking back at Burr Trail which they just drove down. It is carved into the side of the mountain in the background. Laurie feels like alot of money could be made at a T-shirt stand where they sell T-shirts that say "I survived Burr Trail."

Laurie and Rob went to Hall's Canyon Overlook. As you can see, Laurie is standing far away from the edge of the cliff.

Rob is sitting on a rock outcropping at Hall's Canyon Overlook. Laurie was a bit anxious seeing him sit so far out on the ledge. You can see the unique design in the rock behind Rob to the left called The Waterpocket Fold.

Thursday, August 28th. Rob and Laurie drove over Hell's Backbone from Boulder to Escalante. This road was built in 1935. The canyon drops off on both sides of the bridge. Needless to say, Rob was the photographer for these pictures since Laurie wouldn't even get out of the car.

This is the canyon drop off on the right side of the bridge. The left canyon looks similar.

Friday, August 29th. Rob and Laurie hiking to Singletree Falls. We are smiling, but what you don't see is the steep decline behind us.

Rob standing in front of Singletree Falls. It is a pretty waterfall, but the hike was a bit more strenuous than expected. Laurie thought it was going to be a little 1/2 mile nature walk. Not so!

Saturday, August 30th. We drove to Dry Fork Gulch off the "Hole in the Rock" road by Escalante, Utah to do a hike through Peek-a-Boo and Spooky slot canyons. This is the beginning of the hike.

We all took a break under a shady tree on the trail between Peek-a-Boo and Spooky. Due to a pool of water at the bottom of Peek-a-Boo, we hiked above the canyon and entered about 2/3 of the way into Peek-a-Boo and hiked to the top. Then we took a rest before we hiked through Spooky.

The top of Spooky slot canyon with the whole Mays gang except Rob, the camera man.

This is the start of Spooky. It is a canyon with high narrow walls and a path that winds around. In many places the walls are no wider than your shoulder span.

Rob is kneeling under an arch in Spooky. Would that be an "angel arch" with all the light shining down?

Olivia is taking a little break in the middle of Spooky. She was tired of being held and passed from person to person like a sack of potatoes through the tight spots. Her proud, and tired, Grandma Laurie and Grandpa Rob are taking a break with her.

We had to use some team effort getting down this rockfall. Notice Rob at the bottom. He is actually standing on a big rock. And then notice the rest of us up above the crack. We were all concerned about getting Olivia down, but she was the easiest of them all. Some of the rest of us were a bit nervous. I'm not naming names, but Laurie, Jessica, and Monica were sure happy when this section was behind us.

Jessica practicing her basic ballet movements going down the rockfall. Fortunately her dad was there to catch her.

Laurie is getting pretty stressed out by now with all the narrow walls, limited space, heat, and lots of bodies. Jessica was having a great time taking pictures of us all.

Rob was happy sharing this experience with his sons-in-law. We took the girls through here about 15 years ago and they all wanted to share the joy with their husbands.

At the end of our hike through Spooky and Peek-a-Boo, we all felt like Olivia. We were exhausted and tired. It was definitely a character building experience with some team effort. Way to go guys!!!

Monday, September 1st was our last day together. We had a great weekend despite the heat, cold, wind, rain, thunder, and lightning. As we all left to go home, the kids turned right out of the campground and we turned left. We were a little sad to part ways. But we are already looking forward to the next time we'll all be together.

Double Bridal Shower-New House

2008-08-15T11:59:00.009-07:00

On Friday, July 18th, Rob and Laurie flew to Salt Lake from Phoenix. It was a close call, since the flight was cancelled. We caught another flight and fortunately Laurie made it in time for Ashleigh and Lauren's double bridal shower. We had a lot of fun.

On Sunday, July 20th, we stopped by Erika and Marcus' new home. It is looking good!

Bridges Family Reunion-Lagoon

2008-08-15T11:25:00.013-07:00

It was a long, hot, fun day on Saturday, July 19th, at Lagoon celebrating the Bridges reunion as well as honoring Laurie's parents, Zenna and Eugene. We celebrated their upcoming 80th birthdays. Rob and Laurie had a fun time watching their first grandchild, Olivia, on the rides and playing at the water park with her. Oh, and of course, we also had a great time with our grown up kids and other family members as well!

The Amazing Mays Family

2008-08-15T11:15:00.005-07:00

On Sunday July 20th, we had a Mays Family dinner and sing-along. Monica and Johnny hosted all of us at their new apartment. We had a great lasagne dinner and then we had a fun time singing and visiting.

Girl Time

2008-08-15T11:10:00.003-07:00

On Monday July 21st, Erika, Olivia and Laurie went shopping. Then Grandma Laurie had some fun hugging and kissing her favorite little girl named Olivia

A New Coat of Paint

2008-07-04T22:59:00.004-07:00

In June we had our house painted. The "before" picture has a pair of ducks in it that like to swim in our frontyard when we have flood irrigation. The "after" picture is taken on July 4th.

Olivia's first birthday celebration!

2008-07-03T22:39:00.003-07:00

For Christmas, Rob gave Laurie a plane ticket to go to Olivia's first birthday party in Salt Lake. So in January Laurie joined the rest of the family for Olivia's one year celebration on January 26th. It was alot of fun. She was a joy to watch. Laurie also had fun being with all her kids, even though it was a bit colder than Arizona. Erika, Jessica, Olivia and Laurie braved a snowstorm a few days later to go to Laurie's favorite Mexican restaurant "La Puente." She was a little unused to riding in a car in the snow and had a few more gray hairs on her head by the time she got home.

Our baby's coming to town!

2008-07-03T22:30:00.003-07:00

At the end of March, Erika and Olivia visited us. We had a great time playing, swimming, napping, shopping, and playing some more. It was a delight spending time with our oldest baby, Erika and our youngest baby, Olivia. Actually Olivia is Erika's baby and our grandbaby. She almost walked solo at our house, but not quite. Olivia loved to "tickle" us and make us laugh. My favorite time was when we were all laying on my bed and Olivia picked up a pillow, dropped it back down on the bed and then threw herself onto the pillow. She would laugh and laugh. Then she would do it all over again. She did this for about 30 minutes. It was one of the funniest things I've ever seen. I laughed so hard I cried.

April showers bring May flowers-oh yeah-I live in the desert!

2008-07-03T22:26:00.004-07:00

Jessica and AJ visited us in April during AJ's spring break. We had a great time visiting, playing games, swimming, exercising, and attending the Mesa temple to do some family names for the Wilcox's.

St. George retreat and Salt Lake trip

2008-07-03T22:15:00.003-07:00

Laurie went to her Sister's Retreat in St. George, Utah, May 30th to June 4th. We had a great time talking, eating, shopping, book reviewing, going to movies, and sitting by the pool. Denise brought her twin girls, so we had plenty of mothering as well. On Sunday, Laurie and her mom, Zenna, visited Rob's parents, Dan and Katie. We had a nice visit sitting on the back patio.

Laurie drove to Salt Lake on the 4th and stayed with her kids for the weekend. On Thursday, the 5th, she drove to Eagle Mountain with Erika and Olivia to see the Cardon's new house site. We went to a nearby playground and let Olivia swing for awhile. Her face is pure joy! Unfortunately Rob did not experience pure joy during those 10 days as he remained at home in hot Mesa working, working, and working some more.

Hangin' with the kids

2008-07-03T21:58:00.006-07:00

On Saturday, June 7th, we all went to Brick Oven for dinner and then went to Monica and Johnny's home to visit and play games.

August 26th-September 2nd---Cruisin' with the Mays Family

2007-09-12T21:44:00.001-07:00

On Saturday, August 25th, Rob and Laurie flew from Phoenix, Arizona to San Juan, Puerto Rico. We barely made our connection in Philadelphia, but our luggage did not. We met up with our kids, who had flown from Salt Lake City, Utah, in the San Juan airport that night and stayed at the Marriott Courtyard Hotel. On Sunday, some of us went to church in San Juan. Since we didn't have our luggage, we had to wear our travel clothes, but the members of the ward were so friendly and happy to have us there. Fortunately our luggage made it to the cruise ship by Sunday evening before we sailed out of port. On Monday, we had a "formal night" for dinner and it was fun to dress up.
Erika, Marcus, and Olivia.

Jessica and AJ. Monica and John.

After eating a wonderful meal and putting Olivia down for the night, the rest of us gathered in the library to have a rousing game of "Imagine If...."

Cruisin' with the Mays Family in Barbados

2007-09-12T21:03:00.000-07:00

TUESDAY. One of the highlights of our trip was chartering a catamaran on Barbados. They took us to a snorkeling place with a ship wreck and beautiful fish. Then we sailed to the north side of the island. On the way back, they took us to a snorkeling place where there were sea turtles. It was here that Erika took Olivia out in the ocean. She loved it. The first picture is of the boat, "Good Times." The next picture is of Erika and AJ. The third picture is of Jessica, AJ, Monica, and John. The next picture is of Marcus, Jessica, and Erika. The fifth picture is of Rob.

Laurie, Rob, Jessica, AJ, Erika, and Marcus. The newlyweds, Monica and John.

The last two pictures are of Erika and Oliva; then Laurie and Rob with the family behind them.

Cruisin' with the Mays Family in St. Lucia, Antigua, St. Maarten, and St. Thomas

2007-09-12T20:13:00.000-07:00

WEDNESDAY. It was fun walking around and looking in the many shops in Castries, St. Lucia. Rob, Marcus, and AJ went to the airport while the rest of us took a water taxi back to the ship.

Rob had fun playing with Olivia. The cabin steward created a bat which is "flying" from the ceiling.

THURSDAY. On the island of Antigua, Laurie, Erika, and Olivia stayed on the ship while Rob, Marcus, Jessica, AJ, Monica and John went on a kayak/snorkeling excursion. In the afternoon we walked around St. John's. Later, Marcus, AJ, Erika, and Jessica geared up for some rock climbing .

FRIDAY. On St. Maarten, all of us went on a Treetop Adventure except for Erika and Olivia. It involved zip lines, bridges, and rope swings. We had a great time.

Monica is on the bridge; while Jessica is on the zip line.

SATURDAY. Rob and Laurie went parasailing on St. Thomas. It was fantastic! We all went shopping that afternoon and Grandma Laurie couldn't resist buying a shirt for Olivia.

The shirt says, "Help, mom's having a bad day, call 1-800-Grandma"

August 18, 2007-Monica and John's wedding day

2007-09-08T19:33:00.000-07:00

On the eve of Monica's wedding, the Mays family pitched in and helped Monica clean her old apartment to get it ready for "clean-check" the next morning. Grandpa Rob had the pleasant task of playing with Olivia, while the rest of us cleaned.

The morning of the wedding was a bit hectic as we were all getting ready for the luncheon and the wedding. John's sister Michelle, helped Monica get beautiful for the big day.

Monica and John had a wedding luncheon at "The Old Spaghetti Factory" in Orem. We were happy to have so many family members attend. We were suprised to have Rob's parents come as they were camping. We were glad to see many of Monica's aunts, uncles, and cousins. Also, John had many family members attend.

Monica and John were married in the LDS Mount Timpanogas temple near Lehi, Utah. We are thrilled to have John as a new member of the Mays clan.

Monica and John decided to not have a wedding reception. So, after the wedding and the pictures, they drove off in their decorated car (courtesy of the Williams clan). Rob and Laurie gave each other a "high-five" as they walked to their car relieved there was not a reception and the day's festivities were over. It was a wonderful day!

August 2007 Family Reunions

2007-09-08T13:01:00.000-07:00

Laurie flew to Salt Lake City the night of August 1st. The next day she played at the playground with Erika and Olivia. Laurie likes this grandma gig. It's the greatest!

On Friday, August 3rd, Laurie rode to Bear Lake with Erika, Marcus, and Olivia. We played at the lake while some of the Bridges family members went boating and water skiing.

Erika, Marcus, and Ashleigh rode on the banana boat. Grandma Laurie got to take care of Olivia while her mom and dad were playing.

At the Dingle house we had an obstacle course for the children and relay races. We finished with a game of tug-of-war.
Melissa and Julia were in charge of the Bridges reunion and did a great job. We finished the day's activities with a program honoring Zenna Mae Schmid Bridges.

After the Bridges family members left for the night, Laurie visited with her kids at the Dingle house. We had fun telling stories about Monica to her fiance John. AJ serenaded us on his ukelele.

On Saturday, August 4th, we all went back to Bear Lake for the Schmid reunion. The Schmid brothers and sisters on the front row: Alice, Zenna, Emma Lou. On the back row: Marvin, David, Connie, Ivins. Uncle Bobby was unable to come. Deceased: Anna, Julia, and Dorothy.

Fort Ticonderoga

2007-07-20T17:59:00.001-07:00

Friday was cold and wet day in Canada. After waking up early, we headed out into a rainstorm to leave Quebec and return to the USA. It was raining solid all the way through Montreal and on to the border. There was a long line of cars to enter the USA where we did, mostly Canadians heading into the USA for the weekend. We made the border by Noon, but it was more than an hour to get across. But at least the rain stopped!

After a beautiful drive through the Adirondack Mountains in New York (our 8th state or province on this trek), we found our motel in Ticonderoga, New York. I've always wanted to see Fort Ticonderoga because of the remarkable military history of the area. Today was my chance!

Here is a picture of me on the lower wall at Fort Ticonderoga, looking south, getting ready to aim the cannon and fire on a sailboat anchored in the bay. This is Lake Champlain, near the inlet of La Chutes River from Lake George upstream.

This is a photo of a reenactment of the military parade grounds at Fort Ticonderoga. This is inside the fort looking toward the south barracks. As you can see, the actors were dressed in appropriate Continental dress.

Now the artillery regiment is taking aim at the sailboat! It looks like they may actually hit something! There were many cannons on the walls. After Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold took Fort Ticonderoga from the British in 1775 (first battle fought and won in the Revolutionary War), General Washington ordered 69 cannons moved from Fort Ticonderoga to Cambridge, MA. There were still arms available in the fort to guard the way.

This is Fort Ticonderoga from the top of Mount Defiance, across the La Chutes River. The British put cannons on top of this mountain at one point to seige the fort. No one ever challenged the fort straight on, but it changed hands often during a 30 year period. Seige was the big enemy. I guess the soldiers never stored their year's supply of rations!

A Rainy Day in Quebec City

2007-07-19T17:45:00.000-07:00

Thursday was a rainy, overcast day in the City of Quebec. Early morning found a thunderstorm right over the city, with lots of thunder, lightning, and moderate rain. We stayed in our room until almost Noon, munching on fruit, fresh rolls, and juice. Then the weather broke and we were rain-free for the remainder of the day! It was breezy and a little chilly at times, but other than a cloudy sky, everything else was fine!

We took many pictures today, so this just a sampling of our photography skills and exerpiences of the day. We took a couple of walking tours using a book on Quebec. We found some interesting things along the way, learned a bit about Canadian history, and saw some beautiful places in Quebec.

This is a picture of Rue du Petit-Champlain from above. This is part of the lower city, just outside the city wall along the river. It is a walking-only street, much as it would have appeared in 1750, lined with shops and eateries.

This is solid brick wall, painted in a style called trompel'oeil, meaning trick the eye. It is a fun representation of the history of Quebec, with 18th Century figures combined with people of today. Click on the image for a better view and examine this artistic style.

The City of Old Quebec is protected by a stone wall, and sits on top of a cliff. Between 1760-1800, the British conquered the French in North America and Canada became part of the British Empire. Since the Brits are better at building fortifications, they added these big guns, and many more like these, to protect the city and control the river. No trade ships could move up or down the river without passing the big guns! Interestingly, they later added a fortress within the city wall called La Citadelle, which still houses a regiment of Canadian troops today. That fortress had mounted guns facing in all directions, in case the rebellion came from within the city and the conquered French citizens.

This image was taken from La Citadelle looking east along the river. It is easy to see Hotel Frontenac, the tall building on the left, the lower city near the river, and the St. Lawrence River looking east toward the Atlantic Ocean. Years ago, Quebec was the largest North American seaport.

The city wall and an entry gate from the rest of Quebec City. It appears that Old Quebec once had about 5-6 gates in and out of the protected city. There are a few more today. This entry point faces west toward downtown Quebec and allows traffic through on Rue Saint Louis. By the standards of the day, Old Quebec was a strong fortification and a safe place to live.

Quebec City

2007-07-18T17:42:00.000-07:00

Wednesday was a little more trying than some of the other days. We woke up in the Mount Washington Hotel to cloudy skies and rain, sometimes hard rain. We checked out of the hotel and headed north to Canada. It rained all the way to the border, then stopped and we had dry roads the rest of the way into Quebec City.

Here is our only picture of the day, Hotel Frontenac, the landmark in Old Quebec. We are not staying in this hotel, because it runs about $350 per night and up. That is way out of our price range! We looked for a Motel 6 in a 200 year old building within the city wall, but no luck. We are staying at a smallish Hotel du Vieux Quebec, a mediocre hotel, but it is in a terrific location. We are within walking distance to everything!

We are planning to do some walking tours tomorrow, weather permitting, so hopefully we'll post more pictures tomorrow night. The weather forecast is poor, so we'll have to see what happens. We do have jackets and umbrellas, so we'll likely be out doing something!

White Mountains

2007-07-17T17:47:00.001-07:00

Welcome to the White Mountains ... the Presidential Range in New Hampshire. This is the Mount Washington Cog Railway. It literally crawls right up the side of the mountain behind the station! Incredible!

These little guys were wandering around near the railway station. Three red foxes came out of the woods toward the road. I stopped the car, and as you can see, they weren't especially shy! These must be the party foxes of the area! Always looking for excitement and action!

Here is our room for the night! This is a majestic Mount Washington Hotel! Built in 1902, accessable only by rail or horse in the early days. Nestled at the foot of Mt. Washington in a small valley. I'm sure it was really the place to be 100 years ago! It is still pretty darn nice today!

Mount Desert Island, Maine

2007-07-16T17:51:00.000-07:00

Another year older? Rob had a birthday on July 16, and wondered "which way to the beach?" all day ... despite sitting on it! This photo was taken near Sand Beach in Acadia National Park. Beautiful pink granite, lush forests, and the deep blue ocean!

Here is our "home" town for a couple of days, Bar Harbor, Maine. The photo was taken from the summit of Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park. As you can see, the views were incredible!

Where does lobster come from? From lobster fishermen just like the guys in this boat. If you click on the picture and enlarge it, you'll see them pulling in the lobster trap! Maine is famous for wonderful fresh lobster. So how is it you ask? I don't know ... since I'm allergic to lobster, I don't dare try it! This photo was taken near Seawall in Acadia National Park.

Here is a photo of the Bass Harbor Lighthouse on the southern tip of Mount Desert Island. This lighthouse is still in use today, in fact, it was blinking when we were there, even though there wasn't a cloud in the sky at the time! It was built in the late 1800's and has saved many ships over the past 100+ years!

Southwest Harbor, Maine. A beautiful little harbor town on Mount Desert Island, but on the opposite side of the island from Bar Harbor. On the south side, a natural harbor hosts the town, and a similar little town on the other side of the harbor, Northeast Harbor, Maine.

Ellie & Justin

2007-07-15T20:01:00.001-07:00

Ellie & Justin at the rehearsal dinner on Friday night, the night before the big day! Don't they make a cute couple?

There they go! Mr. & Mrs. Justin Watson!

Here is the Greenwood Family, including their newest member, Justin. Claire and Lyn in the front. Ellie, Justin and Lee standing in the back.

A special appearance at the wedding from The Blues Brothers! Jake (Lee Greenwood) and Elwood (Charlie Greenwood) arrived just in time to perform a special version of Soul Man with lyrics specifically for Ellie and Justin!

Laurie & Rob Visit Connecticut!

2007-07-15T19:26:00.001-07:00

Here is our home away from home, The Inn at Lafayette in Madison, CT. We arrived late on Thursday night, after a long travel day. It was wonderful to have a comfortable room and bed waiting for us!

Kenny & Marie joined Laurie & Rob for some sightseeing. One stop was the Whitfield House, or the Old Stone House, made entirely of stone in 1639. Wow! And I thought the house I grew up in was old!

Laurie & Rob are enjoying the summer sun on the Southern Connecticut coastline. This is the Guilford Marina, in Guilford, CT. Boats and sea captains were out in force on that beautiful Friday afternoon!

Here is Kenny, Rob and Justin Watson (Ellie's new fella!) discussing the tides and currents on the beach in Clinton, CT. This was the backyard setting for the rehearsal dinner held before the wedding on Friday night at the home of Justin's grandparents. What a spectacular setting for this event!

Grandma, Grandpa & the Baby

2007-07-08T10:27:00.001-07:00

Here are Grandma & Grandpa Mays with their first grandchild, Olivia Isabelle Cardon. This was taken in April 2007, the day of her baby blessing in Orem, Utah. As you can see, she is relaxed and content with her Grandma & Grandpa ... and we are certainly content with her! We only wish we could be with her more often!

Here We Are!

2007-06-17T20:20:00.000-07:00

Laurie and Rob are learning new skills! We are trying to figure out this blog thing! What a wonderful way to share our experiences with others, including photos of our children, grandchildren, and our adventures. But all new experiences come with a price ... in this case, a learning curve. And I can't help but think that this is a new trick and we are getting to be old dogs!