Reunion, Grace's Birthday and More

After BethAnne and I got back from Columbus, we had just a few days until it was time to go to the Baker Reunion in Park City (my parents and all their children and grandchildren).  We were all there and it was so good to see everyone.  We had some family portraits taken while we were there (click on the picture to see it larger).

 I love this picture with the crying babies.  Have 4 kids age 24 months and under at the reunion was a bit of a challenge, but it was definitely worth it.

The views from the cabin were amazing

 

 Andy had fun on the playset

Joy had fun too, except for the day she was really tired and kept falling all the time.

Grace's birthday was the day we left the cabin so we celebrated that morning with a little party.  We had a birthday tower of donuts for the cake along with a yummy breakfast. 

 Birthday girl Grace, age 9! 

 Grace had another birthday party at Nana and Papa's house when we got home from the reunion.  So much fun!

 

 This picture was taken just the other day at a fundraiser we went to.  They had horse rides and the girls had so much fun going for a little ride. I love this pretty picture of Joy.

Lastly, we have some exciting news!  Mark's brother Scott is engaged to be married to my good friend Tena.  Their wedding is on October 24th.  We are so happy for them, they're a great couple. 

So now I'm caught up on blog posts, I think.  I hope you are all well.  Have a lovely Fall!

Love, Aubrey

Columbus (Summer catch-up)

I've gotten behind a bit on my posting.  It was a very busy summer.  In July, BethAnne and I went to Columbus, Ohio for a week, for lots of tests and to see new doctors.  The visit went well.  We were especially impressed with the doctors and the Ronald McDonald House.  The Ronald McDonald House in Columbus is the biggest in the world.  There were all sorts of rooms to hang out in, like a library, movie theater, several family rooms, a princess play room, and other fun rooms.  The people there were very kind and our room was nice.  

Here's a picture of BethAnne with Ronald in front of the Ronald McDonald House.  We went to church the day of that picture.  The people at the ward were really nice.  A member of the Bishopric works as a nurse anesthetist at the children's hospital so we were able to request him for the anesthetized procedure (just some scopes) and he gave us extra attention.  

 Here's BethAnne at the Science Center.  It was pretty cool, lots of walking, but BethAnne had a lot of fun.

There was a cool water exhibit at the Science Center. 

Here's a picture of BethAnne with some of her "bracelets" one day.   

We went and drove by the Columbus Temple.  It's kind of tucked away in a neighborhood, but very pretty.

 

 My favorite place we visited was the Franklin Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.  It features Chihuly art glass throughout.  The plants and glass were amazing.  They also had a butterfly garden (with art glass) and it was spectacular.

This picture doesn't really do justice to the amazing butterflies that were at the butterfly garden, but it was hard to get good pictures of them.  

I loved this pink flower, very pink. 

 

 Some Chihuly glass that was in a ceiling.

They had a Bonsai garden, so cool. 

Here was a picture outside our room at the Ronald McDonald House. It is one of my favorite sayings so it was fun to see it there. 

 The Columbus Zoo was another amazing stop on our trip. The girls had asked BethAnne to get a picture with a cheetah, and she and the cheetah were happy to oblige.

The giraffes at the zoo were spectacular.  This feeding station was a couple stories off the ground.  It was amazing to see how tall they are.

I'm glad we got to do some fun things while we were in Columbus.  Some of the tests were really not fun, but BethAnne was brave and the doctors were able to learn a lot.  She will go back to have surgery the Monday before Thanksgiving.  She will be there at least 10 days.  It will be a pretty significant surgery (bowel resection, among other things), but it should really help her quality of life.  We would appreciate your prayers during that week and always.  

Love,

Aubrey