DEREK'S A PAPA

He's here. After a long labor, Jeanine was wheeled in for an emergency C-section but all is well.

Please welcome to the family. . . 

  Harrison Bruce 

 7 lbs 4 oz, 20 1/2"

August 13, 2016

Proud Daddy, Derek

A VISIT TO ROLFE FROM ANDY

Reunited after 31 years. Andy was able to come to America and meet his birth mother. It was a wonderful week for both of them. Here are some pictures Julie has sent.

 Meeting at the airport.

 No words needed.

 One of the hi-lites of visiting Rolfe is going to another little town where a man made it his life' work to create this rock grotto. Many rooms and all done by hand. It is impressive.

 Afterwards a stop to eat where Andy had the largest BLT ever!

Capped off with a milk shake.

 Getting ready to soar.

 Going with Julie to take Toby on a walk.

 Checking out his American heritage?

Riding Scott's new mower.

 Helping Julie with the weed whacking or as he calls it in the UK, "strimming".

 They have a huge lawn so it was great to have Andy help.

 Someone letting him have a tasted of what it's like to be in a harvester.

Another unique tourist sight in Rolfe!

A family dinner with Scott's daughter, son-in-law, Ruth, Scott, Andy, Julie and Scott's grand-daughter.



And as Julie wrote on her Facebook, "Thank you Andy V-Z for an amazing week! I am so lucky you found me withSusan Friel-Williams help. So thankful to your parents, especially Sue, for the gentleman you have become. Lots of love!!!

REUNITED

Look who is visiting in Iowa.

CONTINUING ON . . .

After the new porch was completed it was on to making a walkway that extended out from the existing walkway.

 Shovel the decorative rocks away.

 Sometimes you have to drill with a long bit to loosen the soil.

 Dump the rocks and the soil in the sifter to separate them.

 This outfit comes in handy when you are hauling stuff.

 Carrying the sifted rocks over to the side to dump them with the rest.

 It's a heavy load. Takes two strong guys.

 Here comes some more help.

 Steven showing his "moves".

 All three at it this time.

You have to use heavy gloves.

 The front side yard.

 The side planter at the end of the sidewalk part.

Note the landscaping they did along the walkway.

 They had to dig down about 6" and then put about four layers (i.e., barrier, sand, etc.) before they could lay the pavers.
Ken also put in electrical for lighting and a drip system for watering. Nathan is giving the flowers a little extra water during the hot summer days.

Full shot. 

A view looking out.

 (That's my new little buggy!)

 You can't beat Utah for the glorious clouds on a hot summer day.

THE PORTICO

I actually thought I had posted this a couple of months past, but apparently not. This was Ken's newest project (although there has been one since - more on that later). He wanted a more extensive entry way that would be especially nice in the winter. Here are a few pictures.

Getting the framing up.

Getting a plumb line for the last trestle, (or that pointy thing). An experienced neighbor lending his expertise.

Setting it in place.

JP helping in his own way.

Getting the roof on.

More figuring it out.

Cement blocks to hold the posts.

Coppelia checking in.

Davis arriving from his dorm at BYU via his good-weather transport!

Sophie wants to try it out.

Framing the posts.

Roof done! Cupola added. Really nice.

TA DA!

THIS 'N THAT

Here's some miscellany you might enjoy!

 I went to lunch with January (while she was here visiting), Dennis & Ken. While January was refilling her drink, Ken swiped her mobile and photo bombed it with these two photos!

 January took this photo of me with the happy couple.

Another on that special day.

 Just another beautiful Saturday in Springville!

 This is a dear friend of January's. Sherry recently moved from Fairfield, Ca to Provo, Ut.

Yes, that is her real, curly hair that she has had all her life!

Before we headed to Maui's to go swimming, we had to make a stop at Harmon's and pick up lunch and goodies. 

All the essentials.

Life is good. :-)