Tuesday, June 30, 2009

'Golden Boy' is Back in Town!

Wally’s oldest son, Zac, is in town from Serbia where he lives with his wife, Ivana. He is here for a month or so to visit family & friends. We are so looking forward to the time we’ll be able to spend with him during his visit!
Pictured is Zac, Wally, and Brandy

Thursday, June 25, 2009

All Star in the Family

Congrats, Derek, on making the
West Jordan All Stars 'A' Team!!

We are so proud of you!

Monday, June 22, 2009

Congratulations Graduate!

Wally’s daughter, Erica, graduated from FIDM College this past weekend in Los Angeles, CA. We are so proud of her! She has worked very hard to get to this point—what an accomplishment!



While in California, we took in as much beach time as we could fit into the two days we were there.
Manhattan Beach
Venice Beach
Manhattan Beach
Manhattan Beach

We also drove by Wally’s childhood home on Ocean Ave in Venice, CA. Apparently, it has changed quite a bit. We thought it might be pushing it to ask the new owners for a look around!
We had a fabulous time and can't wait to return!!

Monday, June 15, 2009

Wally's Birthday Party

Wally's birthday party coincided with UFC fight night! Here are some pics from his WILD & CRAZY NIGHT!
John, Wally, Donnie
Wally & his kids
Partygoers
John & Jackie
Jackie & Brandy

Wally's Brother-in-Law, Jason
Wally & Chris
Partygoers

Saturday, June 13, 2009

The Big Four Seven

Today is Wally's 47th birthday.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
to my sweet husband!!

Wally's "Big Day" is the 6th in a line of seven birthdays we celebrate in our family during the month of June. Before Wally and I got married, I celebrated a grand total of two birthdays in June. Taking on the task of celebrating and gift shopping for five additional birthdays in a single month should have been part of our vows! We joke that there is a pre-requisite for anyone who marries into our family, and that is...said person can NOT have a June birthday. We simply can't squeeze in one more celebration. Ha Ha! By the end of June, we are plum tuckered out (by we I mean me)!

Wally was born in Murray, Utah. Shortly thereafter, he and his family moved to sunny California, which is where he spent most of his childhood years. Along with this move began his love for the St. Louis Rams (formerly the L.A. Rams). Although his family eventually moved back to Utah, he remained a California boy at heart. He loves the beaches, the ocean, and don't even get me started on his longing for a trip to Disneyland. I'm pretty sure that our next vacation will revolve around The Happiest Place on Earth. Quite fitting for someone who, for the most part, is one of the happiest people I know. He is even happy first thing waking up in the morning--this 'craziness' of being happy and cheerful before 9 am is foreign to me! Even when life is dragging him down, he is able to find something positive out of the situation and focus his energy there. It is a rare occasion to find Wally feeling melancholy or sad. He is the YIN to my YANG. His cheerful outlook on life often stabilizes my occasional sour mood. Thank goodness for that!

Wally and granddaughter, Sydney
Wally is kind-hearted, giving of his time, loving, silly, stubborn, quick witted, straight forward in his thoughts and actions, social, hard working, energetic and loyal. He will do just about anything to help out his family or friends in need. Wally is a true SOCIAL BUTTERFLY! He thoroughly enjoys spending time with his friends, most of whom he has known since what seems like the dawn of time. His friends are a very important part of his life.
Wally and granddaughter, Payten
I can't blog about Wally without mentioning his love for sports, specifically FOOTBALL. Some people (me!) would say it borderlines on obsession. I once bought a t-shirt for him that read "FOOTBALL IS LIFE". That statement pretty much sums it all up! He loves the sport so much he became a little league/high school referee. One Saturday last season he refereed five games in a single day lasting from 8 am - 6 pm. For a good part of the day, there was snow/sleet/rain/what I would consider miserable conditions. Upon arriving home in clothes soaked through and through, I expected him to complain about having to ref in such poor weather. Instead, all he could talk about was how much he enjoyed teaching the kids about football and watching them play what is apparently the BEST SPORT EVER INVENTED!

Mel & Wally, Cove Fort
After a somewhat somber conversation about what each of us wants should we pass away before the other, Wally told me that when he dies he wants to be buried in his St. Louis Rams football jersey and matching ball cap. He wants nothing to do with a suit and tie or a formal service. Instead, he would like a "rockin" party held in his honor (and to be dressed head to toe in Rams gear). So telling of his personality!

Wally and daughter, Ammie
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BFG!!!

(anyone notice the common theme of his attire?)
I think we have ourselves a #1 Rams Super Fan!!

Friday, June 12, 2009

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DER BEAR!!

Today is my nephew's 11th birthday.

HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Derek!!!

Derek is one of my favorite people to be around. We used to call him 'Bear' because he had this cute little growling sound he would make when he got mad or frustrated. I'm sure he doesn't appreciate that I still like to call him 'Der Bear' from time to time! Here are a just a few of the great things about Derek that make him so special...

He is easy going, kind, athletic, smart, charismatic, and last but not least he is quite the ladies man! He has been known to receive many, many "love notes" over the years in his cubby from the girls at school. I remember him being a charmer from a very young age. I have seen him be so sweet and patient with his little sister, Megan. He is very polite and well mannered (way to teach 'em young, Nat!) Derek LOVES playing baseball and is so dedicated to the sport. He puts A LOT of time and effort into practicing his pitching, catching, and batting. He has already hit several home runs this season! He has become quite the "stats" man when it comes to sports in general. He knows the players, which teams they are on, who the best teams in the league are, who's been traded where, etc. He is like a walking ESPN Sports Center!



I am so proud to have Derek as my nephew!!!
HAPPY B-DAY BEAR!