Julianna's baptism day and dress

My granddaughter, Julianna, turned eight and was baptized as a member of The Church of Latter-day Saints during our last visit to Arizona.

 It was a special day which she had been looking forward to for some time.

She had many of her friends and family come to support her including this "best" friend.

I love being present for the baptisms of my grandchildren.  It is a truly special time.

I have made baptism day dresses for four of my granddaughters so far.

Grandpa Glen was also happy for his Julianna.

Grand parenting is an amazing adventure.

Julianna with her sweet mother, Susan.

It was a special day for Julianna and her family.

Both sets of grandparents had traveled far to share her day.

And they were not the only ones.  It worked out well that Rachel's wedding and Julianna's baptism were on the same weekend.

Here are some closeups of her dress.  I added a jacket because it would be December.  On Friday at the wedding, it was 75 + degrees.  After a big wind Friday night, it was a chilly Saturday at 55 degrees.  I was glad that I had included the jacket.

Embroidery on the jacket.

Each baptism dress is white and has smocking details with a bit of color.

The smocking was made with the same colors as the embroidery on the jacket.

Crystal buttons on the back and a back buttoned belt.  She seemed to really like her dress and I was happy to make it for her.  It was a great day Julianna!

The Little Opera

The Utah Arts Council visits elementary schools and helps classes to write, stage, and costume their own little opera.  On the big day, other students, parents, and grandmas like myself are invited to come watch the final production.

The Arts Council brings in the baby grand piano and a  great sound system with a screen with the words of the students so that we can follow along as they act and sing their hearts out.

My sister went with me and we enjoyed every minute!

 

That is my grandson with the beautiful Beatle's hair cut.

 

Keep in mind that these are kindergartners!  They were so engaged in this project that they had worked so hard to bring about.  Thank you Utah Arts Council!

A weekend at the Blue Boar Inn

Last April my husband and I celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary.  As part of that celebration, our children gave us a gift card to be used at the Blue Boar Inn in Midway, Utah.  This lovely Inn sits just south of Wasatch State Park and has beautiful mountain views.  We decided to save our gift for a stay during Fall color time.

The Inn has old world charm (lots of it) and they serve wonderful food.  The complimentary breakfast was beautifully presented and expertly cooked by the on site chef.

We loved our two night stay in this beautifully appointed Inn.

We were greeted in our charming suite with a rose, chocolates, terry cloth robes, and of course, a stuffed boar.

We also received a little gift book featuring selected readings from several authors.  You see, every room is given an author's name with decor hinting at the time period in which they lived.  We were in the Elizabeth Barret/Robert Browning Suite which included a cozy fireplace and four poster high up bed with a lovely canopy.  Go here for photos of the rooms and suites.

After a leisurely late breakfast on our final morning, we decided to take the long way home.  We crossed the road into Wasatch State Park and headed north up the mountain side.  This was our view looking back at the Inn and Midway.  The Heber Valley cloud cover was stunning.

We were on Guardsman Pass road which took us into the mountain tops with mountain meadows heralding fall.

It was lovely.  The road came to a junction where one could choose to go to Park City or west to Big Cottonwood Canyon.

We chose to descend into Brighton and Silver Lake at the top of Big Cottonwood Canyon and then on down the canyon to the Salt Lake freeway system and home.  The aspens were beautiful.  It was a glorious day following a few days of rain.  It was a wonderful weekend.  Special thanks to our very generous and special children and their spouses.

Ceci's Blessing Day

I enjoyed a very special Sunday.  My newest granddaughter received her name and a blessing during Sunday services.  She was surrounded by male family members and friends holding the Priesthood as her father gave her a special blessing.  I am always so touched by the spirit during this sweet moment.

Cecilia has been born to a very sweet and loving family who already love her so much.

These pictures were taken following her blessing.  She has licked off  her booties but this is the blessing outfit I hand smocked, embroidered, and sewed for her.  Her mom called her the "pioneer baby."

When Ceci smiles she has dimples just like her momma.

Daddy, Grandpa, and Ceci on her front porch.

Just look at that sweet face.

Grandpa thinks she is pretty special.

So does grandma.

I am in love with this sweet girl who likes to make eye contact, attempts to talk back, and smiles.

She is definitely a keeper!

My sister, Lynette,  is the grandma of two baby boys.  She was delighted to hold this sweet girl.

We attempted a shot of the friends of the family on Ceci's front porch.

I had more success from an angle but lost a few men folk.

A bit more of a close up from left . . .

and then the right side.  Look at all those amazing children and there are a couple more coming soon!

My daughter's family also joined us.

Church started at 9 am, so we enjoyed make your own breakfast burritos afterwards.

Grandpa hung out in his grandson, Oscar's room.

Nate's and Nichelle's new old house is a great space for entertaining both inside and out.

It was a beautiful rain free day. . .

enjoyed by all.  We are so thrilled to welcome this beautiful little girl into the family!

The following are close up pictures of the outfit I made for Ceci.  Sometimes there are tender mercies that occur in our lives.  Today when I turned on my sewing machine it would not start up.  It is my new computerized sewing machine now a little over two years old.  I had a bit of trouble with it earlier but on the Friday before Sunday when I sewed all the French seams and put all the pieces  together, I had no problems at all.  The machine sewed beautifully and started up every time!  Saturday morning I put in the last three button holes and delivered it to her home.  Today, no start up!  I am so grateful that  the machine worked while I needed it.  I was able to finish in a timely manner these heirloom pieces of clothing for Ceci's blessing day.