Not Dead Yet

For those of you who still check this blog in the hope you may get an update, here it is. Many may think we had fallen off the planet, but we are alive and kicking. We have had a relatively busy couple of weeks and for some reason, I'm not good at updating as I go. I have greater respect for those of you who in the midst of your chaotic lives continue to update your blog and keep us well informed of all you are doing. Someday I will be able to do that. Thanks for your patience.

So much has happened, hard to know what to include. Since the first of April we had some activity, trip, event that took place every weekend. We tried hard to balance work, school and seminary in the midst of all that was going on. It helped that most of the events were fun and included spending time with family. Here it is in a nutshell:

1. Easter weekend in Palm Springs-great to be with my family (Grandparents, Mom and Dad, Cami, Whit and Ryan and even good friends Dan, Stef, and Sophia) It was great to get away to warm weather, play some golf, lounge by the pool, eat lots, and plenty of good conversations.

2. Weekend in Arizona for Harrison's blessing- Got to stay with Jill and Riley at there new home in Higley (outside Phoenix) and play lots with our new nephew John Harrison. He is sooooo cute and we loved hanging out with the family. The boys bought new radio control planes and enjoyed great adventures in flying.

3. Aunt Vicki's Magic Carpet Ride Birthday Celebration in Santa Rosa- we got to see my grandparents, cousins (Heather & John, Laurel and Holly) and my aunt and uncle. What a fabulous party. Aside from the rain and the party getting moved inside, we had a blast. The beautiful decor, the great food, and even better company. It was such a fun time.

4. Goodbye to Mom and Dad- Off to Houston for the summer. My dad has the opportunity for another stem cell transplant to keep him in remission. He his blessed to have a sister who is a match for stem cells and she has been so generous to donate her cells. We are sad to have them gone, but know it is a blessing. It is a tough road ahead, but will be well worth it in the long run. Keep up the good work Dad.

5. BYU Graduation for Hilary- the O'Neil family all met up in Salt Lake to stay with family friends, thanks to the VanDyke's for taking us all in. We spent the day in Provo for graduation, oh the memories when I go back to the BYU. The campus is so beautiful and has such a great spirit. We enjoyed lots of playing and chatting, good food, great ice cream (BYU Creamery), so fun to see the neice and nephews. We enjoyed a trip to Layton to visit with Grandpa O'Neil, I think he was a little overwhelmed with all of us, but great to see him. Congratualtions to Hilary on graduating. What are you doing next?

6. Chris ran a half marathon- it seemed appropriate since he need to run 13 miles that day anyway in prep for his marathon later this summer. He met up with his good friend Evan in Sacramento to do it. Unfortunately I had to work that weekend, thanks to Carrie for taking pictures and being their cheerleaders. It sounded like a good event and quite the accomplishment, I don't think I ever want to run that far.

7. Mother's Day weekend Whitney and Ryan in town- they came to stay with his family, but we got to spend some time together. We hung out at the track meet for his brother, had mexican food dinner together, and sunday evening hang out. It was nice of the Stodtmeisters to let us come and be part of their family for the weekend. Great to see whitney and ryan, glad your done with school ryan, have a great summer.

8. Chris' graduation- YEAH!!! Fun weekend with his family. Sad to not have everyone there to celebrate with, but none-the-less Congratulations Chris!

It has been a rollercoaster of activities, but so many good things, I will post some pictures of the things we have done. I look forward to seminary being done next week (yipee). We hope to enjoy a little more time now that Chris doesn't have 21 credits and seminary will be over.



Thanks for putting up with my ramblings.