LIFE IS GREAT

Quick Update

2012-01-24T20:58:00.000-07:00

So I was asked to give a quick update on the past month. I got a super nice camera for Christmas and have been taking awesome pictures with it, but my computer isn't set up so no pictures with this update just lots of words.

Let's start at the point where I moved in with my WONDERFUL parents. We moved in on Dec 15th just in time for my boys to realize that Christmas really was coming and their mom wasn't crazy to only allow them to watch Christmas Movies and listen to Christmas music(when your packing up your lives just before Christmas it's kinda hard to feel the joy surrounded by boxes with no wrapping paper, a tree, lights, and sitting on camping chairs instead of couches). Anyway, Christmas was amazing!! We really got to enjoy it. The boys enjoyed Christmas Eve so much that they didn't get up until 8am on Christmas morning! It was killing me not to go wake them up at 6am so I could enjoy watching them open their presents. When they finally woke up (with a little help from mom and dad) they loved their presents. Dan and I also got to open an exciting present; there was an envelop that said baby on it. We opened the envelope pulled out the ultra sound picture and discovered there is another beautiful BOY in our future. That's right folks I will be even more out numbered. Luckily, I enjoy my boys and we have all the boy stuff so heck why not right. Since Christmas fell on a Sunday we got to attend church too. Luckily, my parents ward doesn't start until 11am so it was perfect for us to get up and enjoy opening presents and still have time to get ready and head for church. At 1pm we headed over to my Dad's brothers house, Uncle Doug, for the annual Drake family Christmas breakfast. We moved it to 1pm because most people would be out of church by then and able to attend. At first my mom and Aunt Helen toyed with the idea of actually having lunch but when most of the kids complained that we wouldn't get tuffys(grandma Drakes special Christmas scones) they decided to have breakfast anyway. Of course the food was great but it was even better to get together with all the Drakes that could make and catch up on our lives.

With Christmas done it was time for Dan and I to start focusing on finding a place in Vegas. On Christmas Eve a member of our ward from Salt Lake called and asked if we would want to use their Wyndam vacation in Vegas because they could no longer use and they couldn't cancel and get their money back. It was a wonderful gift and we gladly accepted! So for two days while Dan worked me and the boys drove around with a great realtor looking at prospective places to rent. After looking at more than 30 homes and rating them from 1-10 I had it narrowed down to 5. We came home on Wed and on Thurs we headed back down with my parents and grandparents. My moms sister Diane that lives in DC was in town for Christmas to they wanted to get together and visit. We dropped Grandma and Grandpa off at my cousins house and headed out to check out my 5 remaining houses. With the help of my Mom and Dad we narrowed it down to 2. Mind you Dan has not seen any of these house; I was left to do this on my own. He told me he didn't care as long as I liked it it would be great. I made him come with me to check out the final two places and we picked one. I was relieved!! Finally, we could be a family again. After arriving back in Santa Clara Dan calls me and says I want to look around on my own some more I think there might be more out there. I could have reached through the phone and STRANGLED him!!!!!!!!! But whatever fine knock yourself out.

This was on Dec 30th so thankfully New Years eve was the next day to help distract me from wanting to kill my husband. Sarah and her crew came down to party and it was great. The kids had a great time as usual and it was sad to see them go New Years Day.

Dan went to lots of houses and narrowed his search to 3. So once again myself, Mom, Angie, and the boys got back in the car and headed for Vegas. The first house we saw we loved! We went to a couple others but decided it didn't matter we wanted the first place. Naturally, we call the management company and guess what an hour earlier someone turned in an application. That sucked, but we didn't give up Dan called back later and tried to hustle the guy in to putting our application in first and then we learned the house we set for a short sale and they only wanted tenants for 1-3months. Wow, I felt better. Unfortunately, that put us back at square one.

As we're leaving town Angie mentions her friend whose aunt lives in Vegas and might know someone looking to rent. On a long shot we contact her. She gives us the name of a lady and Dan gives her a call. This lady just so happens to know a family with a house just like we we were looking for trying to rent it themselves. Dan heads over there one night and instantly likes the place. We do face time on our phones as he takes me on a tour of the house, PERFECT! Since there was a long weekend coming up the boys and I headed down to Vegas one last time to check out the house and hang out with my cousins. I can finally say we have a house! Last Saturday, in the rain might I add, we loaded up three trailers and headed to Vegas. They still had some cleaning to do but we were able to move all our stuff in to the garage. On Thurs Jan 26th it will be ready for us to officially move in. Thank Heavens!!!

Finally, a real family. No more weekend Warrior stuff. Every night Dan gets to kiss his boys goodnight and read them Stories. No more Drake telling me when he gets mad that he's gonna go to Las Vegas with his dad cuz I'm mean. I am so looking forward to it.

Viva Las Vegas

2011-12-20T11:41:00.000-07:00

Well the weekend before Thanksgiving Dan had a job interview in Las Vegas. That Wed he signed a contract to be the Head Chaplain/Bereavement Specialist/Volunteer Coordinator for the hospice company. He is so excited and is really looking forward to this. He started work Dec 12th and is rotating staying with my cousins. The boys and I stayed in SLC to pack up for the move. On Dec 15th we loaded up in the van and headed for Santa Clara, where we'll be staying until we find a place to live in Vegas.

My Dad was kind enough to drive up with a trailer Wed Nov 30th and Wed Dec 7th and took loads of furniture and boxes to store in my parents garage. On my dads second trip we loaded up the rest of the furniture minus the crib, toddler bed, and box springs. So for a week I slept on an air mattress that some how developed a hole and we sat on camping chairs. it was an interesting experience that I don't wish to repeat. I also learned something about myself, I HATE packing!! For three weeks I ate, drank and dreamed(if I slept) about packing. Dan was around for the first week of packing but Dec 4-9 he was at a suicide prevention training in Phoenix. He flew in late on the 9th and left again on the 11th to start work on the 12th. So it was Drake, Logan, Me and did I mention I am 18 weeks prego at this point and packing a house. I had several meltdowns but I survived, well mostly. I also learned that we have a lot of misc crap. I thought for sure after my dad left that we would be able to pretty much fit was was left in Dan's car and the mini van, boy was I wrong!! I had to leave enough stuff that we are going to need another trailer to go get it. Those little odds and ends really add up.

The happy note is I had my ultrasound on Wed Dec 14th and the baby looks great! Unfortunately, because Dan obviously couldn't be there I didn't find out the sex of the baby. When the tech came to that part I closed my eyes and she printed the picture with the sex written on it and placed it in an envelope so we could open it on Christmas morning! I know it sounds a little crazy but I decided it was only a 10 day wait not a 9 month wait so I could handle it.

Well so here we are in Santa Clara relaxing, not thinking about the piles of boxes in the garage that I will some day have to unpack, enjoying the Christmas season being with family. Dan is really enjoying the job so far and can't wait to stop reading paper work and really get to jump into the work.

I hope everyones Christmas Season is wonderful and full of family, food, and fun!!!

It's a Toy Story Thing

2011-11-16T11:28:00.000-07:00

Drake has always loved the Toy Story movies and one if his earliest phrases was 'to infinity and beyond!!' Logan now loves Toy Story so I thought it only fitting that they get to be Buzz and Woody for Halloween. At first Drake was going to be Buzz but when he found out that Woody was going to be able to carry a gun he changed his mind. Logan would have been happy to be whom ever cuz if he was Woody he would get a gun and a hat(he loves hats) and Buzz gets to fly around. They were super CUTE! Dan decided to dress up as in his cowboy get up and once he placed the hat on his head I made the comment that he looked like Elmer Fudd. So we have Buzz Lightyear, Sheriff Woody, Elmer Fudd, and little old me.

For trick or treated we headed to the Dellamas again to trick or treat with the cousins and dinner after. I of course forgot my camera but Sarah took some pictures for us and we had a great time and got some awesome candy!!

The cutest Buzz and Woody ever!!

BIG News

2011-10-27T11:57:00.000-06:00

Well we made an official announcement last weekend while we were down in Santa Clara with all the family, minus Eric & Heidi. Logan got to borrow Drakes old shirt that Drake wore to Disneyland about 2 1/2 years ago to announce 'I'm the Big Brother'. Yup that's right we are adding baby #3 to the family due May 11th. Which happens to be my Mothers 60th birthday!

I'm sure you can tell that's a baby, right.....

When we told Drake that mommy was having a baby and that the baby was in my belly he decided he had a baby in his belly too. In fact if you ask him mommy doesn't have a baby in her belly only he does. The cutest thing was the other day he kept telling me his belly hurt. When I asked him why he told me it was because 'the baby's crying'. Isn't he sweet! Anyway Drake is going to be a great big brother. He loves to kiss and tickle all the baby's that he sees. Logan on the other hand I'm a little nervous about. He is pretty attached to me and has a hard time sharing my lap with Drake. He's going to be a little jealous of the new baby I think. Luckily we have about 6 1/2 months to prep him.

CHEESE

FAMILY GATHERING

2011-08-22T17:21:00.000-06:00

This past weekend we headed down south for a little rest and relaxation in the beautiful city of Beaver, UT. We have some family friends that have have a cabin there and it is large enough for all of the Drake clan to hang out and even sleep for a few hours.

While waiting for my parents to arrive Thursday night we relaxed in the hammocks and watched a few does and some fawns come over looking for some food. Drake had been begging for weeks to go camping so Dan and Drake set up the tent for some camping on the lawn. My parents arrived and Logan and I went and claimed our bedroom.

I had a good nights sleep, unfortunately Dan didn't get to sleep as early. Drake was having so much fun playing the with his flashlight from Grandma and the remote to the lanturn that Dan didn't get quite as much sleep. It didn't help either that Drake rose with the sun the next morning.

Later that morning Eric, Heidi, and Baby Kinley arrived. They had flown in from Oregon late the night before. Not long after they arrived Sarah, Miah and the rest of the Dellamas's showed up. Drake was so excited to see Sami and they had a great time all weekend together just following each other around. Later Friday night the Staheli's came after school had gotten out. Now we were all together and ready for some fun!!

Saturday morning we ate breakfast and packed the coolers for a trip up Beaver mountain to do some fishing at our favorite spot Lake Lebaron. I'm sure we were a sight to see. Twenty two people lined up along the shore in our camping chairs with lots of little kiddos. But WOW the fishing was amazing!! That was the first time in all my years spent fishing at Lebaron that everyone caught a fish and some people caught as many as 10! This was not early morning or evening fishing people this was late morning early afternoon. Drake was so excited to catch a fish. He had been so excited to go fishing since we first mentioned it to him. In fact last Sunday he had to sit in the hall with me because he was crying during Sacrament meeting because he just wanted to got fishing with Grandpa. It was a lot of fun! About lunch time my Uncle Mark and his family came up to fish and for dinner that night. Even they caught fish. We figured that we caught about 50 fish and we able to release all but 8 back in the lake. What a successful day.

After fishing we headed back down the mountain. We got back to the cabin and relaxed for a little while until it was time to get the dutch ovens ready for potatoes and chicken. While dinner was cooking we got a family volleyball game going. Kids 10 and up could play so we played six on six and the other kids played around on the swings and cheered us on. I don't really remember who came out the winners but it was a great time. After dinner we said good bye to the Beatty's and got ready so some late night card games.

Sunday we attended Sacrament Meeting at the local ward and then headed back to the cabin for lunch and cleaning up.

It is so much fun to get together and have fun. It's nice for the kids to have cousins to play with and follow around. I think Logan was mostly attached to Austin and Drake and Sami were connected at the hip. We are already missing it and having withdrawals. Drake and Logan loved spending every waking moment outside. They loved fishing, seeing the deer that come to eat, swinging, dirt, and playing with cousins. We are blessed to get to do this so often.

Just Swinging

You can't really tell but he is smiling

Too many kids not enough swings so Drake offered to share with Sami

My mom and I went for a ride on the see saw

Logan and Mati on the See Saw

There was an old school nintendo. Dan and Eric spent much of the weekend playing Contra

Sami, Drake, Austin, and Alyssa playing on the hammock

Logan's favorite spot...the mud hole

Logan is eating his catch of the day, Gold fish

Drake with his Cars fishing pole

He was so excited!

Logan just wanted to reel in the line

Dan and Logan enjoying the time together

Hey look Dan caught a fish

The other nintendo nerds playing the original Super Mario Brothers. They even remember where all the free lives and stuff are.

The Dellamas's

The Stahelis

The Nevilles

The Drakes

The original Drakes

The add ons

Summer Update

2011-07-27T12:15:00.000-06:00

Here is a quick summer update. For Fathers Day my Dad was staying with Sarah so we headed down there to hang out. I can't remember the last time I was with my Dad on Fathers Day so it was fun to be able to eat and visit with he and my Mom. We also had Sarah's father in law there. We love Dale and always have a good time with he and Julie. It's also nice because my kids either want Grandpa or to just play when we're at Sarah's so I get to kick back and relax.

Drake getting grandpa

Logan loves grandpa

The four Dads; Dan, Dale, Miah and Denny

It was also Sarah and Miahs anniversary that day 12 yrs

Camping

Camping with Grandpa Neville. Dan's dad got a camp ground for a week up Big Cottonwood Canyon. The boys were so excited to go hang out and play outside all day. They are your typical boys in the dirt, mud, water, trying to chop wood, finding bugs, chasing squirrels, and anything else that would get them dirty and wet. We had a great time! Drake got to stay one night with just he and Grandpa and he thought that was the best thing ever. Dan, Logan and myself only stayed one night but we got to spend a couple of days hanging out. We can't wait until next year!

Grandpa chopping wood with the boys

Drake had a wipe out. He leaned a little too hard on the trailer door and fell out on his head.

Dan and Logan enjoying the creek

Grandpa packed water guns with Drake could not leave alone

This little boy didn't want to take a nap so he decided to try to climb out of the pack n play

Aunt Deb with all the boys throwing rocks in the creek

Stephanie(Dan's older sister) and Bryan(Dan's dad)

David(Dan's twin)

Drake and Logan are shaking the tent their cousins Jason and Nick are in

Dirty faced little cheeser

Cute boy

Playin a little tether ball

The Wedding

Dan's little sister Deborah got married July 21st. It was beautiful and a little stressful. I had volunteered to help her plan and decorate. Her fiance or I guess husband is from Canada so his family wasn't able to help and her mom didn't really know what to do so Deb and I planned it. It was very nice went pretty much as planned and hey, they got married. Unfortunately just as Deb and Matt were about to walk down the aisle my camera died, and since I was busy making last minute decorating things I left the camera with my nephew and the pictures turned out really blurry. That was the last and biggest event so far this summer. Hopefully there is more to come, summer isn't over yet!

5 Blissful Years

2011-06-16T16:35:00.002-06:00

On June 10, 2006 Daniel Aaron Neville and Darci Lyn Drake were sealed for time AND all eternity in the St George LDS Temple. It was a beautiful day filled with three if my favorite 'F' words; family, friends and food! Now here we are 5 years later.

For our anniversary Dan wanted to really celebrate. He wanted to have the 'honeymoon we never had'. Meaning as long as we didn't go to Disneyland we would have the honeymoon we never had. For weeks he had been asking me what I wanted to do. He had so many great ideas I told him to pick one and I would be happy just to be with him. He finally settled on a day in SLC, a short ride down to Scotland, and a evening train ride.

The morning of Friday June 10th Dan spent almost 4 hours trying to save us $300 by trying to replace the starter in his car with his friend Karen Reilly. A few hours, some bloody knuckles, and a perfectly fine starter and battery later we were waiting for his brother Jim to come and help tow his car to a shop. While they towed the car in I packed up the boys and headed to Dan sister Stephanie's to drop off Drake and Logan for the weekend. I kissed my little guys goodbye and headed home to pick up Dan and we were off!! We got a call less than an hour later from the mechanic who was almost laughing as he said the problem with the car was not the battery, alternator, or starter it was corrosion on the battery wires. Less than $40 and a half hour of work. At least Dan tried to be the man of the house. For lunch we went to this Thai Restaurant and had some good curry then we went to check into our hotel....The Little America! Dan has a friend at work name Loni and she got us a room in the tower, I know I know you're thinking there isn't a tower at the Little America only at the Grand America but alas you would be wrong, there is a tower and the rooms are really really nice. I was almost afraid to touch anything in the room. We left our bags and headed out to do some shopping. Dan had gotten me a gift certificate to Kohl's and there happened to be one by a Texas Roadhouse where he had gotten me another gift card and where we were going to dinner. So we walked around Kohl's and found some fun stuff for the boys and a couple of shirts for me. Next we headed over to Texas. I love a good steak and Texas Roadhouse has some of the best steaks around! I also love bread and they have those wonderfully tasty rolls with the cinnamon butter mmmmmmmmmmm. We had rolls and butter for breakfast the next morning too.

Saturday morning we decided it would only be fitting to attend the Temple since that is were this all began 5 years ago. Also the boys were in Woods Cross we decided to head to the Bountiful Temple and do a session. I had forgotten how difficult it is to keep your eyes open during the movie, we have been going to Salt Lake so long now where it's live and you move rooms. Anyway it was beautiful!! After the Temple we headed to the next leg of our awesome weekend, Thanksgiving point. I had heard rumors of the Highland Games that are held at Thanksgiving point but I didn't know they were that big. I have never seen so many men in skirts (kilts) and not only were they in kilts but some of these guys were freaking HUGE! They have to pick up telephone poles and throw them. They were doing the hammer throw, discus, shot put, and this thing with pitch forks and bundles where they throw the bundles up in the air behind them and try to clear a bar set at like 27 feet. It was amazing. While there we heard about this really good homemade root beer that was sold in these sweet looking bottles so we said why the heck not. The root beer was a little flat but the bottle were worth it. After leaving the world of kilts, bagpipes, and river dance we made a stop at another shopping venue. Dan had also given me a gift card to Bath and Body. They were having their semi annual sale so we headed over and got a lot of good stuff! Dan had so much fun shopping that I had to beg him to come on so we didn't miss our train. Awe, the Heber Valley Railroad or better know to my family as the Heber Creeper. Dan got us a ride on the Heber Creeper and they threw in a dinner and a show. This show was not just any show it was a murder mystery. We were among the people attending the Sunnyside High class of '91. The student council did a great job of planning the reunion that is until the class president was poisoned. Then it was confusion trying to figure out who dun it and what was on the agenda. After the Secretary was shot it was nail biting hoping you weren't next. Luckily we figured out who did it and that person will be held accountable. We made if safely back to the station and headed home. We picked up the boys about 10:15pm and took our tired monkeys home.

It was a wonderful weekend and even the boys had a great time with their cousins. I can't wait until our 10th anniversary and see what Dan plans for us then!!

This our really comfortable bed

The couch and the view

This guys throwing a telephone pole

I loved this sign! It was up all around events

Dan's just catching a ride

Dan gets the best pictures of me

We climbed in the engine then reailzed that it was the engine that would be pulling our train to we quickly exited

Self portraits are great

The root beer bottles

Memorial Weekend

2011-05-30T22:48:00.001-06:00

First and for most I need to tell you just how grateful I am to the men and women that serve this country. I have always loved The Star Spangled Banner, but since Dan joined the military every time I hear that song and think about the lyrics and the many lives that have been sacrificed to make our lives what they are today. I get choked up. Without fail, whether I am by myself in the car or surrounded by people I have to wipe the tears away. I know Memorial Day is to honor not only our service men and women but those who have gone before us. With the recent passing of Dan and my grandfathers we have a chance to look at their lives and realize how they have formed our fathers lives and how our fathers have formed us. We have been greatly blessed with our families and the people we have become and who we can strive to be more like. Our grandfathers lived during the Great Depression and World War II. They raised children with wives of 60+ years. They left a legacy of hard work and perseverance; struggle and sacrifice. When we complain about money or work. We need to remember that they had basically nothing and still made it through with their dignity. I hope to someday become more like Russell Neville and Howard Drake.

Now for our Memorial Day Dan convinced me and my friend Mandy to go golfing. Yes, my father is a great golfer, me not so much. Don't get me wrong I have a great drive, with an even better slice! No matter how I hold the club, where I stand, or turn my body I still slice it. Dan has tried fix it but I think I like to brag about my slice so my mind refuses to listen to his good advice. Anyway, Mandy has never been golfing and to get warmed up her husband Wade decided to challenge her to a game of Wii golf the night before. She said it was the worst round of Wii golf she had ever played. So neither of us was too excited to go golfing and silently hoping it would be rainy so we had a good excuse to go shopping instead of golfing. It rained all night but was nice and dry by 9am. Mandy came over and Dan got the golf clubs all loaded up for us. We have such wonderful husbands they packed our golf clubs with umbrellas and Wade even packed Mandy a water bottle. After all the equipment was loaded in the van we headed to the Par 3 just down the road. Mandy and I laughed when we checked in that there was nobody there and when we asked for a cart the older gentleman behind the counter looked at us strangely and said we have the pull carts. We smiled sweetly paid the fee and for the pull carts and walked out laughing at ourselves. After loading our bags onto the pull carts we headed to the first tee. Following the first several attempts to hit the ball on the correct fairway, and trying to figure out what all the dang numbers on the clubs meant, we had a great time. No we did not have a scorecard and yes we laughed a lot. We were very grateful that we were the only ones on the course and that at about the 3rd hole we were out of sight of the clubhouse, so the nice older gentleman could get back in his chair and catch his breath from all the laughter I'm sure he was suffering from. After six lost balls(all of them mine and all of them in the water) lots of boogies, lots of fun, and lots of laughter Mandy and I decided we should do it again. It would be a wonderful date night with our husbands, or maybe just the two of us again. Thanks Mandy I had a great time!!!

THE HOGLE ZOO

2011-05-26T16:54:00.000-06:00

So far this year we have gone to Hogle Zoo not once but twice. In fact we decided to buy season passes because the boys had such a great time. Drake we couldn't get to hold still for very long and on several occasions both times he disappeared because we were going to slow and he needed to see the next animal.

The first time we went, we went with my sister Sarah and three of her kids; Mason, Sami and Mati. Sami was a great follower when Drake was ready to move on to the next exhibit. They were often seen running away. For a while this summer there are also dinosaurs on display. They are pretty cool moving and noise making dinosaurs. Drake thought they we 'so cool'! We had a great time wandering around checking things out. Even Logan got really excited when we were in the reptile house and he got to see so many things up close. He was just waving to the animals. Drake especially loved the alligator. I guess it's actually a crocodile but he they're closely enough related right. He still talks about the alligators in the water and thinks there are alligators in every little pond or river we see.

The second time we went, we went with our friends; Mandy, Jacob, Anna, and Cole. Drake was still very impatient with us and took off several times but we usually found him checking out some animal. Between this trip and our last one Logan has learned some animal sounds. So this time he made sure to talk to the animals as loudly as he could. It was so cute to watch him waving and yelling at the animals.

I'm really excited for the next year and to watch the boys really enjoy the zoo animals.

Logan and Anna digging for fossils

Drake and Jacob(in the blue hat) digging

Drake, Anna(pink),and Jacob

Anna, and Drake riding the carousel

Logan and Mati(she fell off her high chair and broke her arm) They are three months apart

Drake and Sami riding the train(they are a month apart)

Logan enjoying some cake

Drake wondering if he can have more frosting

Drake really likes the carousel

Logan not so much

Logan waving to the camera

Drake really liked the elephants too

Logan watching the baby triceratops

The boys ready for the next close encounter

Loved Ones Leading the Way

2011-05-15T10:55:00.000-06:00

April was a month we spent traveling and most importantly being with family. It is really amazing to think back and reflect on someones life. Can they ever really know the impact they had on their family, neighbors, friends,? and acquaintances? We have had a month filled with reflection, tears, great stories, laughter, and loved ones.

Dan's Grampy Russel Neville passed away the end of March so we made the drive to Prescott Valley, AZ to honor him. I had only met Grampy twice before this but both times I felt loved and accepted. Unfortunately, because of the distance Dan wasn't able to see his grandparents as often as he desired. Family Christmas parties and the occasional pilgrimage back to 'The Holy Land' as Dan likes to call Arizona. When Dan was young his Grandmother gave him a Phoenix Suns hat and he has been a faithful fanatic ever since. I think it is his way to respect where he came from and if he couldn't be around his extended family perhaps he could at least have something that reminded him of them. Dan's grandpa lost his wife of 65 years Mary Jane Neville last September and Grampy just decided it was time to join her. No doubt she had something for him to do. Last year Dan was happy to take an evening off from a chaplains conference he was attending in Scottsdale. He was very touched by the devotion Grampy had sitting and holding his beloved wife's hand while her health began failing. The late stages of dementia and the hurtful insults and claims made by her had no effect on her faithful companion and grampy was exemplary in how he loved his wife through his example even to her last breaths. Dan remarked that this was the first time he had ever known a man who endured faithfully to the end. Both Granny and Grampy will be greatly missed but they will always live on through their children, grandchildren, and great grand children.

Russell Wesley Neville, loving husband, father, grampy and great grampy,

passed away March 28, 2011. Russell was a tool and die maker

in Phoenix until he retired in 1987 to Prescott Valley, Ariz.

He was born in Alliance, Ohio, Nov. 7, 1924. The greatest secular achievement of his life
was when he was awarded the silver beaver award from the boy scouts of america.
truly he was a man who was: trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, curtious, kind, obedient, thrifty, cheerful, brave, clean , and reverent.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Mary, just

six months ago. Two sisters also preceded him in death.

He leaves behind seven children, Bryan (Barbara) of West Jordan,

Utah, Clyde (Linda) of Prescott Valley, David (Elois) of Phoenix,

Judy (Dave) of Prescott Valley, Zona (Floyd) of Mayer, Ariz., Rebecca (Gary)

of Prescott Valley and Marijane (Richard) of Prescott Valley;

22 grandchildren and 31 great grandchildren.

Just a few short weeks following Grampy Neville's passing my Grandpa Howard Drake passed away. It was a really difficult thing for me because this is the first of my Grandparents to pass. I still get teary eyed thinking about all the good times I had with him and all the things my kids will miss out on by not knowing him. I know that people can live on through us; it's hard to picture anyone else filling the big boots left behind. Grandpa was a one of a kind... a character who was great at getting a laugh and a smile out of people. He had a story for everything. I never needed fairy tales because his life was right out of a story book. He was not a knight in shining armor but no cowboy was ever more true to his roots and faithful to the core than he was. I was fortunate to be able to visit Grandpa pretty regularly. Growing up almost every Sunday afternoon we headed out to Dixie Downs or Central to visit Grandpa and Grandma. Grandpa was an outdoors man. He also was a pretty good athlete. Basketball was his preferred game and he even played against the Harlem Globetrotters years ago when my dad was a young boy at the old Dixie College Gym. He was also a great gardener. Growing up I remember driving up to Central and heading out to the garden to pick some veggies. He even had a vegetable stand set up with a scale, a price list and a sign that said 'pay hear'. Grandpa was one of the last of a dieing breed called Cowboys. Even when he could no longer ride a horse he still needed a horse out in the pasture, and a tractor to putter around on. He will be greatly missed by his family. I'm sure he is sitting on the front porch of heaven enjoying the beautiful scenery and waiting for Grandma to come help him figure out how to open the Damn Gate!

Howard Drake achieved 87 years as a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather before passing away peacefully on April 19, 2011, in Las Vegas, Nevada. He was born April 28, 1923, in Alamo, Nevada, the 4th of 13 children, to Thomas and Cecil Alger Drake. Howard married his lovely wife, Betty Lytle on December 8, 1943. Howard spent his early years with his family in Alamo and Pioche, Nevada. His later years were spent in Enterprise, where he attended school and played basketball.

Howard has always loved horses and the cowboy way of life, which he passed onto his children and grandchildren. He was western through and through. Howard worked as a wrangler on many movies which were made here in southern Utah and enjoyed meeting great cowboy stars. He was a mans man, tough, determined and strong willed. Howard has always had a love for the outdoors. He loved sports, fishing and hunting. His gardening talents were enjoyed by everyone.

Howard is survived by his wife, Betty Drake of Central; sons, Doug (Helen) Drake of St. George, Tom Drake of St. George, Denny (Dawna) Drake of Santa Clara and Jeff (Erdine) Drake of Veyo; daughter, Jackie (Clint) Hardman of Central; 17 grandchildren and 42 great-grandchildren; and sister, ReVoe (Darwin) Hulet of New Castle. He is preceded in death by his parents, great-grandson, Chantz Drake, and 11 brothers and sisters

It's the Little Things in Life

2011-03-21T15:13:00.000-06:00

You know your a parent when you get so excited to hear your baby cry for the first time. And for your child's first poopy and/or wet diaper. That first smile they make when they are sleeping and then awake. It's amazing to see it in their eyes when they recognize you for the first time. When they are sick and all you want to do is make it better so they don't have to suffer, but it's so wonderful to hold them and snuggle them. Oh how wonderful and heavenly the sound of their first laugh. The first real nights sleep. The first time they roll over and you call everyone you know to tell them the good news. When they start to scoot around and then you discover just how dirty your floors really are. The mess they make with their first attempt at rice cereal. The first steps, and their new discovery of two hands that can reach everything. The first hair cut and how it is so much harder for you to say goodbye to those baby locks then it is for them. That first slobbery kiss and accompanying hug where their arms can't quite reach around your neck. Their first, second, third words and then discovering that they pay much better attention to you than you thought. The first time they say 'I luvs you Mommy'. The first time you realize that they are actually singing the words to a song in the back seat of the car. When they can tell you the story of their favorite book just by looking at the pictures. And consequently noticing when you skip pages because you are tired and want to finish faster. The times they have to remind you to fold your arms and close your eyes for the prayer. When they walk around the house repeating lines to a movie. When after so long of you encouraging them to do it by themselves you get frustrated because they want to do everything by themselves. The tantrums that you just want to laugh at but you have to keep a straight face or turn around and hope they don't notice your shoulders shaking from the silent laughter. When after months of potty training they poop in the potty and you again feel the need to shout it to the world. After you dance around like a lunatic, give them hugs and kisses, and tell them they can have the car you promised when they turn 16, and the pet they were offered will be a fish.

We are just reaching this point with Drake. My little man turns 3 in two weeks and sometimes I can't believe how much of my fondest memories have happened in just 3 short years. Drake is so much fun to watch and listen too. Logan is his little shadow whether he likes it or not. I can't believe that I still have a years to watch him grow and hear 'I luvs you Mommy'.

Happy almost 3rd birthday Draker!!

Riding his bike to the park

Not so impressed with being dressed in drag

Posing with his picture he made for Daddy while Dan was away for Drill

These Boots were Made for Walkin

2011-02-12T11:54:00.011-07:00

i love this picture, Mason is trying to get Drake to look at the camera

FAMILY PICTURES

Since all the family was together for Christmas we decided we needed family pictures. It was freezing cold but we had a great time

DISCOVERY GATEWAY

I took the boys, our neighbor Anna, and Dans brother Jim toDiscovery Gateway. It was so much fun! Drake loved the water and Logan loved the balls. It was great watching them play. I can

Drake loved the water
Logan and the balls
Jim and Logan
Drake and Anna
Drake thought the helicopter was awesome

Anna and Logan going for a ride

LOGANS WALKING

Logan has been teasing his Dad for a while. After a few DAYS of walking across the room Logan decided it was go time. Dan was so excited!! The only problem is my sweet little boy is now a bit of a terror. He thinks he is so funny when he makes a mess. He is also really hard to keep still, as you can tell from the pictures. He has this really cute smile where he scrunches up his nose and he laughs. He is even keeping up with Drake a little more too, and loves it.
Logan running away
He thinks he's funny
Drake wanted a picture

2010 Holidays

2011-01-06T11:38:00.003-07:00

Temple Square

It was almost Christmas and we hadn't made a trip to Temple Square yet to see the lights. So we called up our friends the Fulton's and headed over after some delicious Smashburgers. It was a freezing cold night so we didn't stay really long but long enough for Drake to make his way under the chains and almost to the nearest sheep in the Nativity scene that is set up by the north Visitors Center. Oh the memories he is helping to create. Anyway it was beautiful and I glad we made it this year.

The reflection pool with some lights and fog
One Happy COLD family

Christmas in Santa Clara

This year after four years of marriage we were finally able to go to Santa Clara for Christmas. Since Dan works for UPS he works Christmas Eve and the day after Christmas so up until this year it has been impossible for us to come home for the holidays. Dan still had to work the Monday following Christmas so he went home by himself and the boys and I got to stay and play. This year all my siblings were in town for Christmas. Angie & Nate and their 4 kids came in from Hawaii, Eric & Heidi and baby Kinley came in from Oregon, Sarah & Miah and their 5 kids came down from Springville, and of course Dan & I with our 2 from SLC. It was a full house. When it came to sleeping Angie and Sarah's families went to Angie's house(they still have their house cuz they were only going to be gone for 2 yrs) a couple of blocks away, and Eric and I at my moms. It was late nights and craziness, but totally worth it.

Like I mentioned Dan works Christmas Eve and this year he finally had a good shift. He was getting off at 3pm but at 915am he called and said they were going to be letting people off early! I hurried and packed the car and at 1030am he was off and we were on the road. We made it in time for a wonderful Christmas Dinner and lots a fun with all of the Drakes(22 people), Grandma & Grandpa Beatty, and my moms brother Mark his wife and three kids. They kids put on a great Nativity with baby Kinley as baby Jesus and the production managers, Mom and Sarah, helping to get the kids on stage for their parts. After the Nativity we opened the traditional Christmas jammies and then headed to our places of sleep. The next morning at 6am the Staheli house people showed up and we woke the other kids to come roaring down the stairs to see what Santa had brought and open gifts. It was so fun to have so many people opening gifts. Drake I think got every thing a 2 yr old boy could want: trains, airplanes, tractors, dump trucks, music or should I say noise makers. Logan was more interested in balls he got a lot of stuff but his favorite was a little baseball tee with a bat. He had a great time. Dan and I had fun too!! It was an awesome Christmas.

After getting all our gifts open we headed to my dad's brother's, Doug, for the Drake family breakfast. It was fun to see all the cousins and eat tuffies.

We also had a family party with Dan's family but all those pictures are on his phone so unfortunately there are none currently available.
The Drake Family smorgas board
All the kids after the nativity
All the kids in their Christmas jammies
A Christmas tree packed with 22 peoples gifts and a second tree with a few more upstairs
Logan with his haul
Drake with his loot

My Baby's One

2011-01-04T14:03:00.006-07:00

Logan is my sweetheart. He has the cutest one sided smile

and he will smile at everyone. He likes to pretend that he is shy just

so someone will play peekaboo with him. He loves to follow Drake

around and play with what ever Drake is playing with, much to Drakes dismay.

He is starting to walk and is so proud of himself when he accomplishes

something new. He likes to snuggle into your shoulder and really loves

to be held by Grandpa Drake. He laughs really hard when you tickle his knee

and giggles as the little pig goes wee wee wee all the way home. He

really enjoys throwing and chasing balls. In fact ball was his first word.

He is an absolute joy to everyone he meets. Thank you, Logan for joining our family.

We are truly blessed!!

Logan turned one on Dec 29th. Since Dan had to come back to work and wasn't there on his birthday we decided to have this cake and presents on New Years Eve. But on his actual birthday my mom suggested we go to Jumpin' Jacks. If you have never been there it is pretty fun. They have the blow up toys like slides and obstacle courses. Sarah and I did one obstacle course and had to sit for awhile to recover while the kids moved on to the next one. Drake had a great time and Logan decided that riding the Merry go round was more his style. It was out of order but he had so much fun just sitting on it that he spent most of the party there.

On New Years Eve I put a candle on his cake and unknowingly to me it was a trick candle. So after several attempts for lots of people to blow it out we pulled off and tossed it in the sink. He didn't care too much for his gifts at the time, Drake on the other hand thought they were great and wanted them all opened so he could play with them, Logan just wanted the cake. We cut him a piece of cake and he was so excited. Amazingly enough he ate the whole piece of cake. What a good boy! I love my baby boy and can't believe it has already been a year since he joined the family.

Logan on his valiant steed or elephant...
Drake enjoying the ride
Drake(left) and Sami(right) loved this slide
Austin taking Logan down the slide

Mommy and Logan

Look at all those presents
Can you tell he is excited about cake
Logan enjoying his cake!

November

2010-12-09T13:03:00.007-07:00

Well another month has passed me by and I need to do a quick review. I think I have mentioned before that I am terrible about getting out my camera at large gatherings because I forget I can. So I have a few pictures that I had Dan's sister, Deborah, take for me. The rest of the memories are nestled securely in my mind.

Thanksgiving this year was at Dan's sister, Stephanie's, house. It was a lot of fun with all the Neville's minus Jim on a mission, and Jon and Somelea in DC. We ate good food, watched some football, had a piano and french horn concert, checked black Friday ads, visited, and ate some more. It was great to get together.
Steve Watching some football
Dan, Josh and I chillin on the couch
Dave and Bryan cheesing it for us
Dave and Barbara playing Christmas songs
Drake loving the Geotracks airplane
Steph and Mario on clean up
Deb and Logan
Grandma trying to teach Drake how to play the French Horn

A few days after Thanksgiving we had that wonderful 'blizzard'. We got about 8 inches of snow and Drake was begging to go play. I got the boys all bundled up and headed outside. Logan was tired and didn't last long outside, but Drake was having a blast and didn't want to go inside. Drake wanted to build a snowman and while we were doing so he just kept singing 'Once there was a snowman'. When we finally finished the snowman he immediately wanted to knock it over. I kept trying to convince him that Daddy need to see it first but he really wanted to knock it over. He knocked it over a couple of times but luckily I was there to put him back together. Drake was having so much fun in the snow so I tried to teach him how to make snow angels but he was more interested in jumping in the snow and then doggy paddling around in it. After two hours he finally decided he was ready to go inside. It was a great snow day!!
Drake and Logan bundled up
Drake working on his snowman
Drake after a failed attempt to help him make a snow angel
The finished project

For the first time since we have been married I was able to get out all my Christmas decorations the day after Thanksgiving. Dan took the boys to his Steph's for the day, and Deb and I did some shopping. After shopping I came home and decorated my house. It was so nice not to have to worry about little people for the day. That next Monday for Family Home Evening we went and picked out our Christmas tree. We tied it to the top of the Van and got it into the house. It was late when we finally got home and Logan had fallen asleep in the car so he went to bed. Drake, Dan and I did the decorating. We had a lot of fun and then the final touch was Dan placing his Grandmothers angel on the top of the tree. It was fun to have Drake help with the tree and it will be even more fun next year when Logan gets to help too.

Drake on Dan's shoulders
Dan adding the angel

Halloween

2010-11-10T09:21:00.003-07:00

Halloween was a lot of fun this year. Not only did we get to go to Disneyland but we got to see good friends and make an attempt of trick or treating in the rain and hail.

The Friday before Halloween we had our annual Pumpkin carving with friends Ben and Vanessa over with their adorable little girl Kinzley. We had some broccoli cheese soup in bread bowls(yummy) and a pumpkin roll for dessert. Next we carved our pumpkins. It is always so much fun to get together with Ben and Vanessa. At least we get to see them once a year.

For our trick or treating fun we headed to Springville to hang with the DeLlamas's again. We always have so much fun with them. This year was a little different though, because of the weather. It rained a lot and hailed a little. Luckily, Drake had had a good time trick or treating in Disneyland and I didn't need anymore candy to snack on continually everyday, so he didn't seem to mind hanging out at Sarah's playing with airplanes and cars.

All in all it was a very memorable Halloween!

Ben loves cleaning out the pumpkin

Drake got to help Daddy carve his pumpkin

The final product. Howling wolf(Ben and Vanessa), the Troll(Dan and I) and Happy the jack o lantern(Drake). The one on the end is a fake one.

Tigger and Eeyore

I love this picture of Logan!

Tigger smiling, poor Eeyore had a nose in the way a lot

October Update

2010-10-28T13:51:00.013-06:00

SAMI'S VISIT

We started out the month with a 10 day visit from my niece Sami while her family; Sarah & Miah, Jake, Kade, and Mason with the exception of Mati who was staying with her Grandma, were in Hawaii visiting my other sister Angie. For the most part they got along pretty well, but there were those times when he just wanted to make her cry and she didn't disappoint. I realized that boys and girls are just programed different. We had a great time with Sami and Drake cried when we dropped her off.

Drake and Sami playing the best toy ever...an empty box

Sami in the box

Drake figuring out how to close the box

DISNEYLAND

For those of you that know me know I LOVE pretty much anything Disney. This month we got to go to Disneyland with our friends Clayton and Kristi Fulton and their two daughters, Kaylee and Lauren, who are the same ages as Drake and Logan. We checked in to our place Monday evening after the drive from Santa Clara.

Tuesday morning, we had to kill some time because Mickey's Halloween Party didn't start til 3pm in Disneyland, so we went to China town to do a little shopping. Dan got some hats, I made an impulse buy that I immediately regretted and then we ate at the resturant that we ate at on our honeymoon. After our short trip we headed back to get the kids dressed up to head to the Happiest Place on Earth. It was a bit of a rainy day and we weren't sure how it was going to be in the park, but once we got there we realized that it was going to be great.

For those that have never heard of or never been to the Halloween party should really go. It is totally worth it. The party officially starts at 6pm but you can start entering the park at 3pm. They put a wrist band on you and hand you a trick or treat bag as you walk in. They only allow a certain number of tickets for the party and at six when every one else has to leave you pretty much get to run on to every ride. Not only is there a limited number of people in the park, they have trick or treat stations and give out GOOD candy and lots of it, they have the characters out for pictures, parades, and fireworks. Now when I said you run on to the rides I wasn't kidding in fact because there was no one in line Dan and Clayton didn't even have to get out of the log on Slash Mountain they just sat there and went again. Kristi and I had the same thing happen when we rode Indiana Jones. It was AWESOME! I think we will go the Halloween Party again in the future.

Wednesday, we took a drive to try to find a beach. For future notice Newport Beach did not have a beach. At least not that we could find. So we ended up at Huntington where we got to see a guy who was fishing off the pier catch a stingray. We also got some fries at the Ruby's resturant that was on the pier.

Thursday, we were back at Disneyland and California Adventure. I tell ya I can't get enough of it. It was still a rainy day so there wasn't the over whelming number of people as usual.

Friday, we packed up and our little family headed up to Riverside, CA to visit my mission president. It was so wonderful to see Pres and Sys Baugh. It has been a couple of years since the last visit. After visiting with them we met up with the Fultons in Barstow and headed back to Santa Clara for a couple of days and then on to home.

As much fun as the vacation was it was nice to put my kids back to bed in their own rooms and in their own beds. Needless to say I can't wait until the next time we go to Disneyland.

Four years ago it was just the two of us on our Honeymoon in China Town now there are four of us.

Eeyore, Tigger, and Dad

Kristi, Lauren(aka Ariel), Clayton, Kaylee(aka Tinkerbell), Drake(aka Tigger), and Dan waiting to shoot some aliens.

Enjoying the ride

It was a bit rainy can ya tell?

Eeyore it taking a nap

Little Tigger and Eeyore meet big Tigger

Mom and a happy Eeyore

Dad and Tigger

Halloween at Disneyland

Tigger had a great time

Dan and Drake with Lightning and Mater

Mom and boys waiting for Muppets in 3D

Drake loves to drive

Kristi, Kaylee, Drake and I riding the spinning lady bugs. Drake and Kaylee just laughed the whole time.

Dads enjoying some flying at Bugs life

Drake told me "I loves Chip and Dale"

An afternoon nap

Dan, Drake, Clayton, and Kaylee on the tea cups

Drake is one crazy driver

Logan had so much fun.

He was so excited to shoot the monsters and anyone who got in his way

LOGANS FIRST HAIRCUT

Sadly, my little Logan is growing up. I was trying to wait until his first birthday to cut his hair but his hair grew a lot faster than Drakes, and I'm afraid that if I wait that long he will look a little too shaggy. So we got it cut. Here are his before, during and after pictures. He will be 10 months old tomorrow.

One last look at my baby boy.

The barber was great!

He's not so sure about the clippers

The first after shot

He looks so big...(if you are wondering about the hand; he wanted to see how hot a lightbulb gets. Five blisters later, it gets really hot.)

Labor Day

2010-09-08T17:03:00.008-06:00

Labor Day weekend is one of the few holidays that UPS celebrates and with Dan off at 3 we planned an great weekend; family, hiking, food, friends and of course baseball. We began with a friday afternoon date….to the gun range. Dan bought a .45 caliber pistol and hadn't got to blow anything up yet, so we went to the range with with his new .45 and an old Ruger mark II .22 pistol. Dan was so excited that he took apart the Ruger and cleaned it the night before. We got to the range and started shooting the new pistol. It was great. Then we decided to use the Ruger…..not so great. Dan, with weeks of experience behind him, put the gun back together and forgot one simple step. So it was a quick date since only one of the two guns was working. Dan came off champion in the marksman contest and avenged an earlier loss in the week at the bowling alley.

Saturday morning we travelled to Provo Canyon for a hike with my cousins from Las Vegas. Kip and Mel, Paris and Lisa, and Miranda. We hiked to bridal veil falls. It was short and fun. The water was freezing. Dan finally manned up after all the other men got in the water. My cold weather sissy husband just couldn’t let someone else show him up. After working up an appetite we went to Fuddruckers for lunch. While there Drake got bit by a total strangers child it drew blood in several places. The final activity for the day was heading to a range in Springville so the guys could feel like men.

Sunday was full of….relaxing and church

Silly Drake
King of the rock
Paris helping Drake across the log

My three boys

Logan likes the vibration

Monday was a morning at wheeler farm and an afternoon at the bees game with our good friends the Burnetts. A long ride up emigration canyon, through east canyon, and back out through Henifer and Morgan. On the way back we stopped near Hill Air Force Base and ate at a great mexican restaurant. The kids went to bed immediately when we got home. Dan had his fantasy football draft with some friends and the night was over. What a wonderful weekend. Enjoy the pictures.

Logan wants his pacifier
Drake and the goat
Don't they look like they are having fun
Driving the tractor
Taking a ride on the wagon
Drake taking Logan for a ride
Drake loves horses

"I DID IT"

2010-08-18T16:39:00.005-06:00

So Drake wants to go golfing on a beautiful Saturday afternoon. I gave in to the mounting pressure and walked with him for 6 holes of Par-3 golf. I would tee off and then we would walk to the green together where Drake would pull out his golf ball and putt. The system was perfect because he loves to putt. In fact one ball is never enough for him. he routinely takes my ball and puts it with his own and will putt them both. This short video clip was the highlight each hole.

Kids Say the Darnedest Things

2010-08-09T12:17:00.003-06:00

The other night Drake was helping me fold laundry when we came across Dan's speedo, he wears them under his real swim trunks just so there is never a crack showing. Anyway Drake picked them up and asked me 'Mommy what this?', I told him ask Daddy. He turned to Dan and said 'Daddy what this? Daddy swim diaper?' I almost died laughing! It was hilarious!!

Minivan

2010-06-02T22:21:00.003-06:00

Ok, so I know that many people frown upon minivans, but I find them highly functional and logical. After months and months of shopping and test driving; this week we joined the ranks of proud minivan owners. We purchased a 2004 charcoal gray Nissan Quest. It has all the features and more that we wanted. It is leather, with DVD, automatic sliding doors and automatic rear gate. This means I come out of the grocery store push a button on my keys and the back opens up. It also has running boards, luggage rack, moon roof, and sky roof( four sun roofs for the passengers in the back). It is beautiful! I really am so excited. Every time I get in it I have to smile and I get all giddy discovering what all the buttons do. Thank you Dan for allowing me to get it!

Back from Basic

2010-05-10T22:44:00.007-06:00

I've been meaning to post about Dans return for awhile now so here are the pictures of it. I was so excited to get him back, Drake seemed to be excited also, and Logan was his normal happy self. Drake was super excited to get to see the airplanes. We decided to have Dan fly into St George since the boys and I were there, and because we thought it would be more fun for Drake to be able to watch the plane land and see Dan get off it. Dan was dreaming of Drake running up to him and giving him a big hug. Drake watched Dan's plane land and watched for him to step off. My Dad held Drake by the door and when Dan walked in Drake ran towards him, then at he stopped looked at him and ran towards me. We finally got him to give Dan a hug and then he was attached to his Daddy.
My dad and Drake waiting
Drake watching the plane land
Waiting for Dan to exit
There he is getting off
Drake giving Daddy a hug

Since Dan's birthday was the day before his return we had a birthday party for him. We made a cake and opened presents. For the next two weeks we stayed at Angies house and enjoyed being together as a family once again. Dan brought back a uniform for Drake and Drake loved it. Drake would put it on every morning to go outside to play. They looked so good in their matching uniforms. One day Drake had been outside playing and came back in the house wanting his bottle. He happened to have two bottles each half full one with milk and one with juice. He fell asleep on the floor under the bar with two empty bottles wearing the uniform. I think with he had a bit too much to drink. One day we headed up to Snow Canyon and took some great pictures. It was a little sad that it was raining so no hiking, but it was really beautiful. I had forgotten the beauty of the red rocks backed by the gray sky. Sadly we had to return to SLC and leave behind the warm and sunshine. Good thing I have such cute boys to get me through the following three weeks of Dan being gone again. We can't wait for him to be back for good!!
Drake 'lighting' the cake
Testing out the gifts
Matching uniforms
Passed out like so many before him
Snow Canyon

My guys
Two of the cutest boys around

2010-04-20T18:32:00.013-06:00

Here is the post about our wonderful trip to Hawaii. Enjoy the pictures, I know I will!!

This is the beach the day we got to Hawaii. I'd tell ya the name but I can't remember it is a beach that is near Angie's house. Angie and Heidi are enjoying the paddle ball game going on in the water. Eric's dream is to play a wiffle ball game on the beach...too bad the wind is always blowing on the beach. Oh yeah, Eric and Heidi were there for the first week of our vacation. It was good to see them and spend that time in Hawaii.

Drake is still a not feeling well and wasn't so sure about the water. Eventually he warmed up to it.

You would think that Logan had had enough sleep since he slept the whole time on the plane.

Here we are on the beach at Bellows Air Force base. One good thing about Dan in the military I got to use my military ID to get us on the base. It was the most beautiful beach I have ever seen.

Angie lives on the rainy side of the island. Every morning there was a rain and mist. Finally on the morning we were leaving I got to see waterfalls coming down the mountain. This is the view from Angie's back porch. Isn't it amazing?!

Angie, Eric, all the kids, and myself went to the PCC. Heidi was feeling sick and she had been there before so she stayed back. It was so fun to see the different areas of Polynesia. We got to play with the sticks at New Zealand, witness the tree climb and coconut opening in Samoa, the drums and spear throwing in Tonga, and much more. The big show that night was awesome. We had great seats thanks to a friend of Angie and Nate's.

Drake had a great time fishing. You get a stick, line, hook and bait. If you can get it past the little fish you might get a nibble from a big fish. Eric, Brock, and Austin were trying really hard to get the big one.

We were trying to learn the Hula. I was standing next to Eric but Drake decide he wanted out of the stroller and fell out on his head. But this picture of Eric is priceless.

Well since I couldn't hula I decided to try some poi. It was kinda bland but not disgusting

Here we are having quick family Kodak moment, and I mean quick Drake was trying to get away.

Every now and then at Angie's we could hear a gong. This Japanese temple is basically in their backyard. It is an exact replica of a famous temple in Japan. The grounds were beautiful with big fish, turtles, wild peacocks, swans and a really big Buddha.

Drake ringing the gong.

You can buy bird/fish food and if you hold really still the birds will land in your hand and eat. Unfortunately Drake could not hold still long enough to get a bird on his hand but he could hold still and feed the birds that were gathered on the ground.

Drake feeding the birds

While we were visiting, Brock was Drake's favorite name to call. Whether it was really Brock or Austin, Drake called them both Brock and was happy to play with either. This is Austin playing catch and Brock and Drake enjoying the game.

Angie had to run to Honolulu one day to get her Hawaii ID. Drake, Logan, Alyssa, and myself were sent to roam around until she finished. Here is on of the huge Mangrove trees. They were so cool.

Since we missed a day of snorkeling when I was sick we decided to go to Hanauma Bay. We got there early and there weren't too many people there. The beach was nice and the kids were building sand castles. I didn't make out to snorkel but along the shore we got to see three or four types of fish and there were some big ole black crabs. Angie offered the boys $25 to catch one but they didn't try very hard.

After Hanauma Bay we went Bellows again. I was texting and took this picture with my phone first and sent it to him. He thought it was a painting, so I took a picture with the camera and it is a beautiful picture and beach.

On our second week in Hawaii Nate's brothers family came to visit also. Poor Staheli kids were unable to sleep in their own beds for two weeks. I hope at least they enjoyed our company. So here are most the kids getting ready to hunt Easter eggs. Not only was this conference/Easter Sunday but it was also Drakes second birthday. That's right, Drake got to celebrate his second birthday in Hawaii. Too bad he won't really remember.

We decided an appropriate place to visit on such a Sunday would be Pearl Harbor. It was kind of a rainy day which to me fit the occasion. We took a boat ride over to the Arizona Memorial; saw the oil still leaking from the ship and read the names of those who were buried with the ship on that fateful day. It was a very somber place and a reminder of how quickly life can change.

As I mentioned earlier Drake was attached to Brock and Austin to he didn't want to sit with me on the boat he wanted to sit with the boys.

Here is Drake and his Mommy on his birthday on the boat ride back to shore. After walking around Pearl Harbor and reading about many of events from the war Angie, Nate, Alyssa, Drake, Logan and I once again used my Military ID and went over onto Ford Island and visited the USS Utah Memorial. It was pretty interesting also, 58 men lost there lives when that ship sank.

When we got back to Angie's we were unloading kids and this was what my cute Logan looked like so we decided we needed a picture of it. He is such a good baby!

That evening we had a party for Drake. I made cupcakes and we stuck a couple of candles in one. I'll tell you what we were having a hard time keeping them lite. Drake was blowing them out before I could finish lighting one. It was funny and cute. He got a lot of books and things to help keep him entertained on the plane ride home, and a Cars backpack to put them in. Now there was a item of contention for he and Alyssa. I couldn't believe how they fought over that bag. It was always a race to see who could get to it first.

Drake didn't eat much of the cupcake but he loved the frosting. Happy Birthday Good Looking!

The day before we were leaving we headed to Laie. On our way we pulled over at some beach and there were three sea turtles in water right off shore. It was pretty cool. Too bad they wouldn't come up on beach.

Here we are at the Temple. It really is a awesome temple with beautiful grounds. I wish it had been open so I could have done a session, oh well.

After the Temple Angie took me to get some lunch at Kau Aina's for some world famous burgers. The avocado burger was huge and very delicious. Angie to the pineapple burger and it was good too.

And of course what trip to Oahu would complete with out a visit to Matsumotos for some shaved ice. I don't remember the flavors but it was gooood with a little ice cream on the bottom. This was are finally full day in Hawaii. The next day we packed up and headed to Honolulu early so I could see Waikiki and the Punchbowl. At Waikiki there is a statue of Duke with a camera pointed at it. I called my mom and she pulled it up on the Internet to we waved. The ladies at her work thought that was pretty cool. When we got to the airport we asked the airline if we could get a special pass for Angie to help me get through security with my two car seats, double stroller, two small children, four carry ons, and one unsure Mommy. Once Angie left I started to panic. Especailly when Drake started crying, Logan was hungry and we neede to figure out how to get all our stuff to our seats. Some concerned passengers made sure there was a flight attendant to assit me to my seat. There was and all the flight attendants were great. The attendant that was on my side of the plane offered to hold Logan for me if I needed to use the bathroom or get Drake out of his car seat for any reason. Thank You Angie and Hawaiian Airlines for being so understanding and helpful.

We arrived in Las Vegas at 12:15am Utah time. We were by far the last ones off the plane and with help got the stroller and things settled. My wonderful parents were there to pick us up. We made it back to Santa Clara and went to bed. It was a wonderful trip! Thanks to the Stahelis

Quick update

2010-04-19T17:35:00.002-06:00

Well as many of you know Drake, Logan and I went to Hawaii to visit my sister's family that is living on Kaneohe, Oahu. We spent a wonderful two weeks that started off a little shakey with Drake throwing up literally as we were walking out the door for the airport. Let's just say it was a long flight and thank heavens the guy sitting next to us was a very nice that didn't mind a little throw-up on his pants. Logan slept the entire way on Angie's lap, what a good boy. We finally made it to Hawaii and loved the landscape, the beach, and the company. It was wonderful!!

We got back late tuesday the 6th, by the way if you ever decide to travel with two kids under the age of two by yourself talk to me first. It was a rough but thanks to some wonderful fellow passengers and the flight attendants it worked. Dan FINALLY came home on Saturday the 10th. Since he got home we have been hanging out in Santa Clara at Angie's other house, Thanks!

Pictures will be posted of Hawaii and Dan's arrival once we make it back to real life:(

Poor Haley

2010-03-09T11:27:00.004-07:00

Dear Haley,

I am so sorry for invaiding your house. I'm sorry you get stepped on. I'm sorry you get your hair pulled. I'm sorry you get chased with bats, rackets and arms. I'm sorry you get hit with golf, tennis, wiffle, soft, basket and foot balls. I'm sorry cars are driven all over and around you. I'm sorry you get sat on while you are sleeping. I'm sorry there are attempts to ride you when you are awake. I'm sorry you get feed things that make you throw up. But thank you for always returning these with kisses. You show the true meaning of 'turn the other cheek'.

Just thinking

2010-03-04T23:36:00.003-07:00

I was just sitting here thinking, for the past 8 weeks I have been staying with my parents. It has really been quite nice. We try to keep our mess in the basement and they keep theirs upstairs. Drake loves his Grandpa Drake and follows him around like a puppy dog, unless Grandpa is leaving in the car without Mommy. Rain or shine Drake is outside playing and he now needs an audience to watch him play. Most days I don't mind sitting in a chair watching his mind, hands and feet work. Drake is definitely almost 2. He has some of the best tantrums and usually when we are going into Walmart or the grocery store. Everyone likes to stare as Drake is screaming at the top of his lungs and trying to climb out of the cart. This is why I try to only shop at stores that have carts because you can imagine going to a clothing store and having a screaming child that lays on the floor and crawls away. Which wouldn't be so difficult if I wasn't caring a car seat. Ah, the joys of motherhood. Drake has been wonderful with Logan and he is very protective of his 'baby'. I love to watch him run over and give Logan a hug when he cries, and get in his face and say 'hello' over and over trying to get him to smile.

Logan is growing so fast. He recently had his 2 month appointment and now weights in at 12 lbs and is 23 3/4 long. I can't believe how much his has changed in just 9 short weeks. Dan won't recognize him when he gets back. Logan has also reached one of my favorite milestones, smiling. He has a wonderful smile that as of yet I have not captured on camera. In fact, until a couple of weeks ago I didn't know he has a dimple in his right cheek. Everyday my goal is to make him smile just to see that adorable dimple. Watch out girls; tall, dark and handsome is coming.

Dan is still loving his Army adventure. Although, he says now he is starting to miss us. Only 4 1/2 more weeks!!!! I can't wait. It has definitely been a challenge to only be able to talk to him on the phone or skype, but at least we get that. The worst is when Drake or Logan is crying and Dan can't hear me so we just have to sit and wait for the kids to chill and usually by that time there is something that needs to be done and we have to say goodnight. It hasn't been easy but it could be worse, so every night I thank God for my many blessings; two beautiful children, a great husband who is willing to take care of his family and serve his country, wonderful parents, and a great supporting cast of friends and family. Thank you!

Valentines

2010-02-26T14:53:00.006-07:00

Our Valentine weekend was full of fun and excitement.

We celebrated Valentines a day early. It started off with

the annual Lincoln Day Breakfast, which is the Washington

County republican party's thing. This year my Dad was

asked to speak. He was in almost regal company; Governor Herbert,

Speaker of the House David Clark(Utah, he's from Santa Clara),

Sen. Orrin Hatch, and Sen. Bob Bennett. My Dad was

assigned to give the 'State of the County' address. He did a

great job, and for those of you that know me know that

I'm not a real political person but I found this very interesting.

I was impressed very much with Governor Herbert.

He seems to be taking the state in the right direction.

He's got my vote. After the breakfast was the

party. Read below for more info on that.

Republican party pres, Orrin Hatch, David Clark, Governor Herbert, and my Dad speaking
Bob Bennett is the second from the right of my Dad

Dad's name tag at the head table

After the breakfast we got to work putting the

finishing touches on our Valentines day party. We

started off with a buffet style dinner. We had BBQ

buffalo wings, meatballs, and a chocolate fountain. The dipping

treats were as follows; pineapple, mandarin oranges, bananas,

strawberries, pretzels, rice crispy treats, peanut butter

cookies, and Cinnamon bears. It was delicious! After that

we headed downstairs for games. We started off with pin the

arrow on the heart. It was just for the kids. Next we had a

licorice eating contest. You put about an inch in your mouth, placed

your arms behind your back while standing. We did this in

groups of four starting with the four oldest down to the four

youngest. Sadly Drake, Sami, Mati, and Logan were a little too young.

It was not as easy as you would think either. Our last

game was a balloon popping charades game. In each balloon

we placed something that had too be acted out. It was pretty

fun watching everyone try to pop their balloon and then have

to act it out. My cousin Alex too to the next level and spelled

his charade with his butt. Now that was funny.

Unfortunately, I didn't get pictures of this game because

Logan was starving so we were in the other room. So our

Valentines party was a success and lots of fun.

We did get a package sent off to Dan. It was a camo mailbox

full of candy. There also was a bear from Logan, a

valentine card that Drake colored, and a mushy card

from me. Dan has sent us a Valentine/my birthday package the

week before. Although I'm still not sure who's birthday it was

for cuz there was a pair of army sweats, a lanyard for my

keys, and a stuffed Valentine dog for me. Logan got an onsie

and a hat. Drake got two packages of cars, a barrel of

monkeys, the helicopter from cars and more but I can't

think of it right now. It was a great package, Drake really

enjoyed it. Dan also ordered flowers for me for Valentines.

They were beautiful red roses.

My Mom with the a couple and the kids and the heart

The first group, Grandpa, Grandma Beatty, Mom and Dad

The next group, Sarah, Shannan, Mark and Diane

Third group, Lauren, Alex, Jake, and Me

The final group, Mason(not pictured), Luke, Kade and Anna

This was for the best in show title. Mark is the winner

I'm having the time of my life

2010-02-25T09:22:00.011-07:00

Smiling before Night Infiltration Course

Should have done this training during summer. BRRRRRR!

NCO quizzing me. Notice he has pringles. no sharing allowed.

Leadership Development Course. Fat chaplains and balance obstacles DO NOT work well together

FUN! FUN! FUN! Exhausting but fun.

The hardest part for me is not the physicality of the exersize, it is keeping my mouth shut when a sarcstic NCO taunts me.

"Chaplains do not carry weapons so we have chaplain assistants who go through training to protect the president (chaplain). Essentially they shoot for two and act as our shield during fire. They are the true warriors.

Me crying and gagging after being released from the CS Gas chamber. Tear gas is not fun to inhale, choke on, or gag with. DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME!

The confidence course is a lot of rappelling, cargo net climbing, and rope bridge negotiating. The soldiering aspect of the military is energizing and fun. Most enjoyable if I do say so myself.

The donning of the beret is an incredibly spiritual experience. Trying to verbalize the emotions of completing the soldiering phase of chaplain basic training is challenging. The American flag and U.S. Constitution have become so much more than they used too. I am proud to be an American. This picture is supposed to represent that I am now Army strong. No tuff guy stare from me though, remember, I am a chaplain.

God Speed

Logan is One Month old!

2010-02-01T14:58:00.007-07:00

Where does the time go?! I can't believe it has already been

a month since this handsome little boy joined our family. He is so

chill. He sleeps wonderfully at night. He is bright eyed during the

day. He big brother just loves him, and his Mommy loves to

snuggle with him. His Daddy wishes he could hold him and see

more of him than just by skype.

Here are Logans 'new born' pictures. My mom and I set up our

own little studio in her basement and if I do say so myself the

pictures turned out great.

I love my little family!

He is starting to kinda smile
It doesn't leave much to the imagination...

Handsome boy

My strong little army guy

Precious piggies

Drake and Logan's piggies

Big yawn!! (I am under the black velvet holding him on my lap)

High Five!

Happy Family!

2010-01-29T09:39:00.008-07:00

Best Buds

What a cute face

Our little family

My boys

My camo guys

Proud Daddy

good lookin kid

They will be good friends

Just before Dan left to head out to South Carolina we headed

up to the Red Hill to get some family pictures taken by my Mom for Dan to

have with him so he wouldn't forget what we looked like. Please

pardon the still pregnant look about me, I mean come

on it was only 10 days after Logan was born.

And for a quick update on Dan. He is having a great time at

Chaplain Basic Officer Leadership Course (CH-BOLC). He loves everything he is getting to do. So far he has: Been exposed to tear gas (the gas chamber was one of his favorite activities, which is odd since he suffered quite a bit), ropes course, rappelling, first aid/combat life saver, orienteering/map reading, night infiltration, and his newest favorite ( he has a lot of faves) the low crawl in sand under barbwire with live ammunition and grenade simulators going off. He was proud that out of 105 Chaplains in the course that he finished within the top 10. What a nut job my husband is. he seems normal, but you never can be too sure.

We have been lucky enough to be able to

talk to Dan every night by phone or skype with him. He has his

own one bedroom apartment there on base. Yes, that is unusual but

he is an officer so his basic is slightly different than basic

for enlisted men. Unfortunately, all the really exciting stuff

is over and he now gets to spend many long days in a classroom

being taught how to help the soldiers he will be counseling.

As for me and the boys we are loving the St George sun!

Drake gets to go outside and play, I get to sit in a chair and

watch, and Logan gets to chill in his swing. We are looking forward

to getting to go visit Angie and Nate for a couple of weeks, the

end of March and into April. in Hawaii. It is going to be so

much fun!! Drake gets to have his second birthday on the

beach!! And then a few days after we get back Dan comes

home. Yahoo!!

So I would say right now life is pretty good.

More pictures

2010-01-21T09:47:00.007-07:00

Ok, so I finally found where the pictures were saved on the computer.

These pictures were some that we took in the hospital. It's kind of

weird having a baby and not haveing many people, especially all the

kids, be ableto come visit you. I mean Drake didn't even get to meet Logan

until he was three days old. But it was so cute when he did. We only

filmed with the camcorder but Drake was so excited for 'baby'. He ran

over to the car seat when we put it down and opened the top. He

just kept saying 'baby, baby'. I did get a couple of snapshots of him

holding Logan. It was so cute! Even now Drake loves to give

Logan hugs if he is crying or give Logan his pacifier. He even likes to

sit on my lap and hold Logan. We have a lot of bonding time with the

three of us on the lazy boy watching cartoons or taking naps.

Logan relaxing

His first bath

He's not so sure he likes it

Relaxing under the lights

He's got his paci and glasses what more could you ask

Finally going home

Here are a few pictures of us at home. Unfortuantely, we did not take a ton of pictures itwas crazy trying to get packed, clean the house for Dan's brother to move in while we are gone, and then with my Dad getting a ride in an ambulance after slipping and falling in the parking lot and hitting his head. Lets just say he is doing fine it was just really scary.

I love snuggling my babies

Grandpa the morning after hitting his head with his newest grandson

Drake loving his baby

I was slowing getting the picture of Drake kissing Logan

Logan Taylor Neville

2010-01-10T10:29:00.003-07:00

I know I haven't posted picture yet of your little dark haired Logan but with the whole Jaundice on a bilibed for three days, trying to clean the house and pack up for three months, and then saying good-bye to Dan Friday night it has been very busy for me. Here are a couple of quick pictures of Logan right after he was born.

For those of you who don't know our story we attempted a VBAC which is a normal delivary after a c-section. After 20 hours of labor, only being dialated to a 6, and the baby starting to stress the dr decided to do another c-section. Logan was born at 5:17am Dec 29th, 7lbs 12 ozs, 21 3/4inches. For those of you who are successful with a regular delivary you rock. As for me and my house we love the c-section in a matter of minutes your baby is born and luckily I never really have pain so my recovery is fast.

Drake has been great with his brother. He does like to rub his head(be soft we call it) and point or poke out his eyes, nose, mouth, and ears. He'll come let you know when he is crying and he loves to cuddle on moms lap with Logan there too. Of course I love being able to hold both my boys without any fighting. Drake has also become a little protective of Logan. When people Drake doesn't know well are holding Logan he goes over and tells them 'no' and pulls on Logan. It's quite cute if you ask me.

So far is has been great with my little blondie and my little brown haired boys I can't wait til they can start playing together. Then again that also means with will be fighting....oh well that's life right. I'll get more pictures posted when I get my mom's computer figured out.

Our Christmas season

2009-12-26T08:45:00.007-07:00

Through out December we have had a great time. We were in
St George the first weekend in December and got to see 'fall day'.
Fall Day is the day that all the leaves just fall of the trees, and you get
to make huge piles of leaves. My dad got the leaves all in a pile
and we sent Drake out to play. He had more fun trying to make
the pile bigger than actually jumping in it.

Jumping in the leaves
Surveying the piles
Enjoying the slide

When we got home Drake helped me decorate the tree.
I think he was more excited about playing with the Scooby
Doo ornament, Rudolf ornament, or the glass bulbs
but we had fun.

Decorating the tree

We also got to go to Dans sisters and have a gingerbread house
building contest. It was so interesting to see how each pair
decorated with their house. It was a good time
and great company.

Deb and Matt
Jon and Somelea
Josh and Alex
Bryan, Jason, Steve, and Nic
Bryan's house and mine

Well Christmas day is over and it was a great one! Drake loved
every present he opened. He loved them so much we really had
to coax him to open the next present. Once we were done
opening presents and we were getting his toys out of the packaging
he was jumping up and down yelling, Yea! Yea! Yea! You know growing
up Christmas was fun but being able to watch Drake enjoy it was
so much more fun. He spent the rest of the day spending
5 min with each toy before moving on to the next and
then back again. We can't wait until next year when
we get to have two boys to enjoy Christmas.

Drakes haul
The tricycle
Dan enjoying a breakfast of cinnamon rolls
Only two more days!!
Our Christmas afternoon nap

Thanksgiving

2009-12-02T20:48:00.003-07:00

When there are big group gathering I am either really good about having my camera out and snapping pictures or I'm not. This happened to be a not. I did manage to catch a few pictures of the after the dinner and the sampling of the pie. Other then no pictures we had a great Thanksgiving. Dan got his annual football game with my brother Eric and brother-in-law Miah in. Although his shoulder is still a little tender and his wife recommended he not play. If any of you believe that because I recommended he not play was the reason he didn't you are sadly mistaken; he decided the night before while trying to throw that it was probably best he didn't play, but he was there for moral support. Drake and I headed to Grandmas in Woodland Hills early to help get ready.

We spent the weekend at grandmas with my parents and my Uncle Mark and his family. Drake loves having people to play with and follow around. Eric and Heidi stayed at Sarah's and we missed the Staheli family. They were lucky though I mean why go to a movie on Thanksgiving when you can go surfing instead. Friday was shopping day. Sat was also shopping day for the girls while the guys headed to the BYU Utah game. Dan was the only one in red. We got all of our Christmas shopping done except a few odds and ends, so now we can really enjoy the season. And my last few weeks of pregnancy will be calm and relaxing right...

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Kade, Miah, and my cousin Matt

Aunt Shannon and cousins
Heidi and Eric with Sami and Mason

Bad Mommy...

2009-12-02T20:34:00.004-07:00

I learn a VALUABLE lesson the other day after coming home from
grocery shopping. DON'T let your son play in the BACK of the jeep
while you have your arms are FULL of groceries. He may feel the
need to just STEP right off the bumper of the car and use his FACE as
the landing gear. Then you DROP all the groceries you were holding
BREAKING the eggs to pick up a crying child with bleeding SCRATCHES
down the side of his face and a bloody hand. Luckily he RECOVERED quickly
but his mother is still TRAUMATIZED.

Our first snow

2009-12-02T20:19:00.003-07:00

We got our first snow of the year, well at least the first snow that really stuck. I got Drake all dressed up in his snow clothes to go play in the snow. Dan at first refused cuz it was too cold out, but once Drake and I were outside having fun Dan couldn't resist coming to play. Drake kept taking off his gloves so he could really get his hands in the snow and play. They got pretty cold but that didn't stop him. It wasn't great packing snow or we would have tried to make a snowman. Anyways it was great fun!

Trick or Treat

2009-11-02T12:05:00.007-07:00

Halloween has come and gone and we had a great
time!! We had originally thought to dress Drake up like a horse,
but as it got closer to the day I started to rethink that choice. Drake
had been running around the house lately in my batting helmet from
College and carrying one of his bats or his glove, so I felt
inspired to make a baseball uniform for him. I found a
baseball shirt for him at walmart, a pair of red socks,
last years sweats and his tennis shoes. Next was a trip to Michaels
to get some iron-on-paper and fabric. I used the cricket
to cut out a D. NEVILLE and 24 and then got it all ironed on.

On Halloween day we got dressed up in our baseball outfits
and headed to a trunk or treat at UPS. I was surprised at how
many people were there. Drake made a killing and because he
was so cute he got double the candy at some trunks. After trunk or
treating we headed to Sarahs house for the real trick or treating.
My parents came to town, my grandparents came over and
Sarah had her in-laws there. Drake and Sami rode in the
wagon pulled by Dan tagging along behind the other kids.

After we finished, or should I say Drake was finished going door
to door we headed back to Sarahs for dinner and a party. My nephew
Kade's birthday was Oct 3rd and his baby sister was born Oct 1st
so he didn't get a party and wanted one. We took all the kids
halloween candy and put it in a pinata. They broke open the pinata
and were so excited for the candy. It was funny.
We had a great time.

My dad's idea of a costume
Mom and Mati
Our soon to expand team
Drake before heading out the door
Drake the baseball player and Sami the pumpkin
The Dellamas's Miah(pedro), Mati (a little ghost), Jake (robot), Sami (pumpkin), Mason (indian), Kade (AK 47), and Sarah

Drake
Drake and Sami thought it was pretty fun to drag their pumpkins from the wagon
Drake is giving Sami a hug but it looks a lot like cousin lovin
Beating the pinata
CANDY! CANDY! CANDY!

Pumpkin Carving

2009-10-28T20:30:00.005-06:00

Every year at Halloween we get together with our friends Ben
and Vanessa, have dinner and carve pumpkins. This
year we had a jack-o-lantern pizza from Papa Johns and a yummy
dessert, chocolate chip cookie crust, peanut butter spread, with reeses
pieces and frosting drizzled on top .

Dan had a little... trouble with his pumpkin. Ben and Vanessa
had a really thick pumpkin and cheep little knife wouldn't go all
the way through so they improvised. A little better than Dan might
I add. I picked an easy picture so mine went pretty smooth. Drake
had his own little pumpkin that he decorated with markers.
He ended up coloring more on his high chair, the kitchen chair,
and his face than the pumpkin, but that is why
I made sure he had the washable markers that came right
off with wipes.

We had a great time like always and love to get to hang out
with Ben and Vanessa. Until next year....

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

Ben and Vanessa getting their picture ready
Drake coloring his pumpkin
Dan trying to get his pumpkin ready
Dan's, Mine, Ben and Vanessas
Aren't they cute
I hate pictures when I'm prego.

Cookies

2009-10-10T21:15:00.007-06:00

I decided to start a new family tradition this year. Something
fun we could do between conference sessions on Sunday.
After a lot of thought I came upon the idea of
Halloween sugar cookies. I got out the cookbook and
found a pretty simple recipe. While the cookies were
baking I got out some white frosting and started
adding food coloring.

Once the cookies were done I got Drake and Dan to come over
and start decorating. Drake did not want Dans help frosting
the cookies or help eating the cookies.
He was really enjoying the cookies and we got some fun
pictures of him.
I can't wait until next year and having two boys to enjoy
the cookies.

Drake unhappy with Dan's help
Drake fingering frosting
Yummy
Cute boy
Posing
Reviewing the damage

Matilyn Dixie Dellamas

2009-10-01T22:04:00.006-06:00

This afternoon we received a new addition to the family. Matilyn Dixie Dellamas was born at 1:52pm 7lbs 14 oz 20 in long, to Sarah and Miah. Her brothers were so excited to see her and Sami was a little unsure. She is a beautiful and we are happy to have her here. We look forward to December when our little boy makes his appearance.

Just minutes old
Mati and Mommy
Grandpa and Drake
Anxious big brothers
An unsure big sister

I, Daniel Aaron Neville....

2009-10-01T20:25:00.007-06:00

Well it finally happened on Sept 26 Dan became Lt. Daniel Neville of the Nevada National Guard. He is officially a Chaplin Candidate, which means in three years when he gets his masters degree he will be Chaplin Neville. We are so happy to finally get this part of our lives started.

We flew out Thurs Sept 24 at 6:45am. We landed in Vegas killed an hour and then jumped the next flight to Reno. We got to Reno, pick up our rental (cream cadilac with black leather interior), and drive to Carson City. Once in Carson we head for the armory where we meet up with Lt. Howes, Dan's recruiter, and Chaplin Woomer, head Chaplin for the state of Nevada. He then gets to meet with a board and answer some questions. The ice breaker question was 'Why are man holes round?' For some reason Dan knew the answer and even added some thing the board didn't know. They loved it and were very impressed. Following the board we went out to lunch with Chaplin Woomer and all the other Chaplin Candidates. It was a great visit. Next we headed back to armory so Dan could get some more info and to meet up with my uncle Lt. Co. De La Paz and get directions to his house.

We made it to the house in Genoa and met up with my aunt and cousins. It was a great weekend. We went to Lake Tahoe on Friday, caught cray dads, had a picnic, and feed the squirrels. Saturday morning my uncle Swore Dan in with my aunt, four cousins, three spouses, and a few kids watching. It was a very special moment. After that the boys headed out to the range to do some shooting, and clean out my uncles office; he is headed to Iraq for a year. The girls got ready and headed to the Candy Dance. The Candy Dance is a fun weekend of booths and food. Sunday we packed up and headed out for our trip from Reno to Vegas to SLC.

It was a fun filled weekend and now we get to begin the one weekend a month, two weeks out of the year. Oh and don't forget basic training for 12 weeks leaving your wife, 21 month old, and a two week old. Santa Clara here we come.

Drake and the cray dad
Who needs a swimsuit
Up close and personal
Lake Tahoe
Drake and the squirrel
Drake, Paris(cousins husband) and Sadie(cousins daughter) watching the squirrels
Paris was so proud of himself for feeding the squirrel from his hand
Drake and Dan feeding the squirrel
My cousin Ben, his kids Gus and Bella
My cousin Alex on the stairs (cousins husbands Paris and Kip)
My cousins Lisa and Melanie her daughter Sadie and Aunt Diane
Kike swearing in Dan
Finally

Home made tee

2009-09-11T10:04:00.003-06:00

For the Labor Day weekend we were down in Springville for a family reunion. My sister has a couple of baseball tee's and a yard. Drake was in heaven just hitting off the tee and all baseballs. So he came home and yesterday morning while we are just relaxing he set up his own tee. We thought it was so funny and creative that we had to get pictures of it.

The rest of the family reunion was lots of fun! It was my mom's side of the family, the Dayton's. We were at my mothers uncles house, who has a huge backyard. It had a great playground and lots of room to run. It was wonderful for Dan and I also. Drake had tons of cousins to watch him so we just had to look up every now and then to locate him. Unfortunately I forgot my camera so no pictures yet.

Dan's big hit

2009-08-19T15:04:00.004-06:00

The elbow with 4 stitches and the bum swollen shoulder
The happy victim, I mean patient
The bloody knees
The other road rash arm

So I get a phone call last night about 10:55pm from a cell phone I don't recognize; it was Dan. He told me he needed me to come pick him up and I should call our good friend Mandy to come watch Drake. So not knowing why I made the phone call and Mandy came right over. I found Dan in the median of Redwood road with a couple of guys standing nearby and two cars traveling opposite directions pulled over with hazards flashing. I flip around, park the car, and some guy comes walking toward me carrying Dan's bike. As he is putting it on the bike rack and Dan is hobbling toward me the guy tells me that Dan just got hit by a car. Dumbfounded I just looked at Dan and said something stupid like 'you just got hit by a car!'. So we get the guys insur info and I keep asking if we should call the police but no one really says anything. I load Dan up in the car and hurry to the house to grab my purse and ask Mandy if she can stay while we head to the ER.

We get to the ER and they immediatly take him back, strip him down, and start the morphine. Of course Dan has a unique sense of humor and the doctor looked at me and asked if that was how he usually is or if she should be concerned about head trauma, I let her know that it was just him. Dan took everything in stride and had a great attitude. Well they took him and did xrays, put stitches in his elbow, scrubbed all his road rash to get the asphalt out, and I called the police. They sent an officer and he took all the other guys info and took Dan's statement. He also called CSI and they came and took some pictures of his injuries.

After all this fun they wrapped him up and sent us out with prescriptions, a referal to an orthopedic surgeon, and a request he come back in 48hours to make sure there is no infections. We got home about 3:30am and sent wonderful Mandy home. Today has been filled with calling insurances and getting Dan on disablity for work.

Needless to say it has been a very exciting few hours. And I so look forward to all the crap that will be coming with all the insurance companies. Yahoo! Oh and all those great poopy diapers that me, myself, and I will be changing for the next few weeks.

It's a BOY

2009-08-10T16:06:00.004-06:00

Well we just got back from the Dr's and as you can probably guess from the title of this post, we are having another BOY!! Dan was so excited that he offered to tip the nurse for insuring he was having another boy. He also continues to claim that he doesn't know how to make girls so he will only ever have sons.

Dan's favorite memory from camping in beaver

2009-07-26T18:53:00.001-06:00

Dan's favorite moment of the camping weekend involved 1 nephew, 2 neices, Drake and some punches being thrown.

Mason (almost 4) got punched in the face by Alyssa (almost 3) and immediately punched her back in the face, knocking her over and making her cry. Then just a moment later little Sammy (16 months old) played a little game of monkey see monkey do and hit Drake in the face. Drake, playing his own game of monkey see monkey do, slugged her back. She cried and we all had a good chuckle.

The only regret is that the camcorder was not recording.

Camping on Beaver Mountain

2009-07-22T23:01:00.006-06:00

Every year around the 24th of July we usually head to Beaver Mountain to do some family camping. This year we had to move it up because Angie & Nate move to Hawaii on the 28th and Eric & Heidi leave on the 26th to move to Oregon. So this past week we all met up at Lake Lebaron and enjoyed one last family get together for a few years.

Dan, Drake and I headed down on Wednesday and got the perfect camp spot right next to the meadow and close to the potty. We made tin foil dinners and set up the tent. Unfortunately, when I made my list of things needed for camping some how the blow up mattress got missed. I did remember the pump though. Well Drake started off in the pack and play but he woke up and decided he wanted to sleep with mom and dad on the hard ground. It was a rough nights sleep. My parents showed up early the next morning with Jake and Austin. Eric & Heidi came next with Alyssa and Mckenna in tow. Then the Sarah & Miah with the rest of their kids. Finally, Angie and Nate came with Brock.

It was a great time fishing playing ball in the meadow and watching the kids just enjoy hanging out with their cousins. Dan even tied for first in the number of fish caught for the weekend. He was so proud of himself. He even kept a couple; luckily he forgot them in the freezer of the trailer cuz I wasn't going to touch them if they smelled fishy.

It will be a couple of years before we all get to camp out together again, so we look forward to the next time. We will miss all the family heading in different directions and we love them very much.

Drake helping unpack the car

Our first night camping
Playing ball in the meadow
Grandpa helping Alyssa and McKenna get their poles ready
Drake and Dan enjoying the fishing
The row of chairs for the fisherman
The whole family
Bunch of goofballs
Grandparents and grandkids
Our little family and a bulging belly
Uncle Eric and McKenna, Alyssa, Sami, and Mason
Sarah and Miah just chilling
Grandpa and Sami
Hangin round the fire
Drake and Sami
Drake liked the chairs his size
Grandma, Alyssa, Mason, and Drake

Good old Days

2009-07-22T22:42:00.004-06:00

I had the opportunity to spend the evening with some of my girls from my first year of coaching at Mtn Crest High School. It was fun to catch up and find out where everyone is in life and just reconnect. Thanks Vicky for planning the party and we'll have to do it again sometime.

Vicky Thompson Gold, Heather Duncan, Kayla Hansen, Me, Maria Johnson, Nikki Richardson

Smile you are on camera

Drake enjoying the time with girls. Can't you tell...

Fourth of July

2009-07-22T22:03:00.008-06:00

For the FOURTH of July we headed to Dan's parents house for a BBQ with the family. After the BBQ we, meaning Dan, Drake, myself, Deb, Jon & Somelea, Alex, Josh and some friends, headed out to Utah lake to do some shooting. We had a GREAT time and I must say I'm still a pretty good SHOT. After the shooting we headed BACK to Dan's parents house for fireworks. The BOYS of course were having way too much fun holding on to the FIREWORKS too long and throwing them. Somelea was not enjoying that but NATURALLY that just made the boys hold on longer. We enjoyed our FOURTH and look forward to many more.

Class of '99

2009-06-25T20:47:00.006-06:00

On June 20th the Snow Canyon High School Class of '99 got together to CELEBRATE our 10 year reunion. It was kind of CRAZY planning it. My friends Tami and Jana were put in charge of putting the party together and they did GREAT!! We started planning back in Feb and the committee members had great IDEAS that we were able to implement to make it PERFECT.

We STARTED the day at 7:30am there was a 5k which Dan participated in. He didn't win but it made him REALIZE that for a man that has run the SG marathon 3 times he was very out of shape. We OFFICIALLY started the events at 8:30am with breakfast. We also had rented a couple of blow up TOYS for the kids. There was also a TRAIN that was pulled by a golf cart to keep kids busy. It was so much FUN to be able to see old friends and of course their kids, if they had any. The breakfast fun lasted for several hours and it seemed like everyone had a blast. Unfortunately I FORGOT my camera for the morning stuff, but I did REMEMBER it for dinner.

That night we were able to use the ELECTRIC THEATER as our dinner spot. Those on the committee headed over at 4:30pm to put the FINISHING touches on decorations and set up. People began arriving about 5:30pm and the MINGLING began. Lisa Shaw catered for us it was WONDERFUL food. Dinner was served at 7:00 pm. There were a couple of different salads, bread sticks, and 4 types of pasta, DELICIOUS. As we were finishing up dinner our fun PROGRAM started. Brad Glauser was our MC and Caitlin Cleminson was his Vanna. We played a Class of '99 JEOPARDY. It was a fun to learn so much about CLASSMATES and where they are in life. The most ENTERTAINING part of the show was Mike Horton's video that was just...well it was Mike. Also, a part of the slide show had a movie from the last day of 9th GRADE. Talk about a BLAST from the past.

We have only heard AWESOME things from those that attended, that they really enjoyed the reunion. Tami and Jana and all those on the committee did a GREAT job of bringing everything together. THANKS for all your hard work. Here are a few pictures from the evening event.

The Electric Theater all prettyed up

Marissa and Jana putting the finishing touches on

Bonnie (Stewart) Foley and Michael

Nichole (Prisbrey) Arehart and Trevor

Jocey (Anderson) Hobson and Ben

Brooke (Smith) Jensen and Chad

Dani (Shaheen) Jensen and Wade

Tami the lady of the night

The view from the balcany
Tommi (Reid), Joanie Steele, Jana (Bundy) Homer, Marissa (Sevy) Thompson

Marissa, Jocey, Me, Tiffany (Brennan) McDonald, Brooke, Julie (Patchett), Natalie (Brown), Natalie (Comer)

Caitlin Clemenson, Marissa, Jocey, Me, Tiffany, Jana, Julie, Natalie, Tami, Natalie, Lacy (Aldridge) Salazar, Brooke

Disneyland

2009-05-25T17:52:00.005-06:00

The first week of May my whole family made a trip to Disneyland. It was a lot of fun. Drake and the best time with all of his cousins and Dan and I had a good time too. Well Dan maybe not as much as the rest of us.

Dan, Drake, my brother Eric, his wife Heidi and I headed to Cali the morning of Monday the 4th. We met up with my sister Sarah and her family in Oceanside. We got there early in the afternoon and headed for the beach. While the rest of us put on sunscreen Dan decided that it was not hot enough to need any. It was a wonderful day and we all enjoyed the beach. Tuesday we headed to the beach again. This time Dan wore.....a button up shirt. 2nd degree sunburn complete with blisters, puss, and PAIN! He learned his lesson the hard way. The rest of us enjoyed the beach again on day #2 while Dan sat in a chair under an umbrella trying to fake a smile while in immense pain. Drake loved the sand. whether eating it, burying mommy's legs, or throwing it at his cousins he loved the sand. Cold ocean water in May, not so much fun.

Wednesday began with the rest of the Drake family arriving bringing the total number of Drakes to 19. We announced that Darci was pregnant and the fun never stopped from then on. We spent all day Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at Disneyland and California Adventure.

And of course what Drake family vacation would be complete with out a MLB baseball game. Saturday afternoon before the long ride home we visited Chavez Ravine and watched the Dodgers vs Giants complete with foot long Farmer John Dodger dogs and popcorn in a helmet. We had a great time and can't wait for our next Disney vacation. Why don't we do this more often?

Drake and Dan on the beach
Drake running away from the cold ocean
Sami, Mason, and Drake enjoying the sun
Dan, Eric, and Heidi burying Austin
Drake eating the dirt his dad piled on his lap
Drake and Sami doing a little sand surfing
Dan after the sun burn
Our friends Ben and Vanessa that were also in Cali on vacation
The whole fam at Disneyland
Some of the crew on Splash Mountain
More of the fam
TIGER! (Dan is wincing from Drake touching him)
Drake is helping me on Buzz to find targets
Drake Grandpa and Nate on Small world
Drake's first day t-shirt that made the big announcment
Small world
The most recent family pic
Again notice Dan wincing
Alyssa, Drake, Eric, Sami, and Austin with Lightening and Mater
Dan and Drake on Dumbo
Drake and Alyssa were dancing to the music from the parade
Heidi, Drake and I on the new Toy Story ride in Cali Adven
Our row at the Dodger game
Drake and Grandma
The Fam at Dodger Stadium

Birthday Parties

2009-04-27T16:55:00.007-06:00

Drake liked seeing himself on Good Things Utah

Thanks for DVRing it mom
Mickey Mouse cake
Everyone singing Happy Birthday
Can you tell I'm trying to blow and Drake is trying to touch the candle
His very own piece of cake
The first bite
Stuffing his face
Wanting more
Shooting on his new basketball hoop
Drake and Dan climbing the tree in my parents back yard
Dan and Drake blowing out their candles. (Dan has way more than one)
Testing the cake
Opening presents

Ok, so it has been almost a MONTH since Drake turned ONE and I am just now posting pictures of his parties. Drake got TWO parties because we were in SG for his birthday so we had a party with all the fam and there, and a week later we had a party with all the fam up here for DRAKE AND DAN'S birthdays. We had a lot of FUN with all the family and Drake is a very LOVED boy cuz he was SPOILED rotten.

Drake's One Year Pictures

2009-04-08T08:31:00.005-06:00

Drake has turned ONE! Here are a few of his one year pictures. I can't believe it has been one year since he arrived. It has been an AMAZING year! He is such a HAPPY and EASY going baby. It has been a BLESSING to have him in our family. We love to watch him as he figures out how to WALK and SHOOT hoops. We have forgotten what it was like before he was here and we are ok with that. We LOVE you Drake, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

The Suns Game

2009-04-01T21:29:00.005-06:00

So for Drakes first birthday present his thoughtful daddy decided to buy 2 tickets to watch the PHOENIX SUNS vs. Utah Jazz at Energy Solutions Arena. He bought the tickets from a supervisor at work who has season tickets and Drakes first patronage to the Phoenix Suns was well on its way.

The 2 seats to the left of us belong to another one of Dan's supervisors and the trash talk was kept respectful and fun. The Jazz were up 21 early in the second quarter and as a sign of mercy Dan's boss gave a pleasant surprise birthday gift to Drake and he enjoyed it immensely as you can tell by the stains on his shirt. Orange and purple slushees turn brown when mixed for future information.

CATCH!

2009-03-10T21:05:00.003-06:00

Dan has been working really hard with Drake to get him to play catch. Well whatever Dan did he did it well. Drake loves balls of every kind. The other day we were at Dan's parents house and Dan's mom was holding a kids basketball hoop down for Drake to put the ball in. Now mind you we do not have a basketball hoop so this was something new. He grabbed a mini ball and threw it in the basket. He loved it. Too bad Grandma's back got tired or he would have played all day. He uses what ever he can as a basket now, cups, toy box, even the garbage can. So anyway here is a fun video of Drake enjoying playing catch.

First Haircut

2009-02-09T21:05:00.003-07:00

Drake in the chair with the cape on

Drake checking to see what Nichole is doing

Mom, are you sure she knows what she's doing?

This past weekend we decided to make a trip down St George just to get away. Since we would be passing through Cedar City I called my friend Nichole to see if she would be willing to give Drake his first haircut. Drake's hair wasn't out of control but he never lost his original hairs and they were getting long enough to reach just barely past his eyebrows and it was getting kind of long over his ears. I couldn't believe how good he was. He got a little upset when the kids were out of view but other than that he was great. Dan was in charge of the camara so we got a ton of fun photos here are a few of my favorites.

You need me to tilt my head how?

Watch out for my ear please.

This wasn't so bad

Nichole, me, and Drake with the finished product

My Super Brithday party

2009-02-09T19:35:00.005-07:00

Drake and Sami Playing with the Kat

My Football cake

It is always the biggest party of the year and for me it happens to fall on my birthday every now and then. It sure makes me feel special when I know that most of the country is celebrating my birthday with pigs in a blanket, pizza, 7 layer dip, chips, etc.... My sister Sarah threw me a party and even made me my first football cake. I got every thing I could want, and even though the Cards lost it was a great game to watch. Oh, if you haven't figured it out my birthday was the same day as the Super Bowl. It was a day full of food and family. My cousin blessed her baby and my aunt made me a cake. Then we went to Sarah's for the game and more food. Thanks Sarah!! And a big thanks to Dan and Drake for helping to make my 28th a great one.

Blowing out my candles(aka matches)

Yahoo! I got them all!!

MTC

2009-01-27T22:18:00.004-07:00

Entering through the missionary door

Getting his name tag pinned on

January 21st we went to the MTC to drop off Dan's little brother Jim. This was the second time I have been to the MTC. It's a little different entering in through the family door, taking pictures of the missionary as they check in, and being handed the address to the MTC. As we waited in the lounge we took pictures along with all the other families dropping off their little boys and girls.

Jim and Drake

We finally headed toward the orientation meeting and as we were walking by the cafeteria I was peeking in the windows to see if Wednesdays were still ice cream sundae day. It was one of the few times in the cafeteria that I got to chose what I wanted to eat. It was wonderful. Well, I couldn't tell if it was set up, and Dan wouldn't let me stare in the window very long he said it looked kind of creepy.

Cheeeeeeeeeeese

We made it to the orientation and watched the 'Called to Serve' movie (this really needs to be updated). Then it was time to say goodbye and exit through your separate doors. Jim gave everyone a hug and made his sisters cry, his mom, and Jason(6yr old nephew who worships Jim). We waved and walked through our door.

Jim fighting off kisses from his parents

On our way to the parking lot I noticed the mood of the crowd had changed dramatically. When the crowds were arriving they were loud, laughing and generally happy. At least on the outside. Afterward it was quiet, somber, and there were tears.

He's a missionary. No touchy!

Well, Jim is now in the MTC and from his first letter he is enjoying it. We will miss Jim but, we know that he is going to the people of Meridian, Mexico to love them and teach them about the restored gospel. He will do great! Also, he will be coming home just at the right time when Drake is starting to be more fun to play with.
We love you Elder Neville!