Donald Franklin Latimer

Donald Franklin Latimer

June 1, 1922-June 4, 2011

This is my cousin Brian presenting the United States flag to my grandmother at the graveside for my grandfather's service in WWII.

Tanner's turn

Look and that laugh...
Where do I even start to brag about this kid? This past year he finished 4th grade with flying colors. It only took him 5 years of school to finally realize that he gets as much as he puts in. So after the first trimester he worked really hard and did extra credit when ever possible and stayed on the A-B honor roll the 2nd and 3rd trimesters. I can't believe he only has one more year of elementary school and then it's off to Jr. High.

He has watched his cousins participate in the Massula Children's Theatre the past couple of years and decided during the tryouts I had taken Madisen to that it looked like fun and he joined in. He was cast as one of the "Camelotian's" in the play "King Arthur's Quest." They rehearsed every night for a few hours for 5 days and then Saturday performed twice. He had a blast and wants to do it again next year. He's the one on the left in the second row of the picture above.Tanner played AA Minors the year in Little League with the D'Backs. He had an amazing coach and grew leaps and bounds from all the hard work and many hours at practice. All the hard work paid off as they took 1st place in the League for the over all season and then were invited to play in a special baseball tournament called the Tournament of Champions and on Saturday they took 1st place in that they had an amazing season that was a blast to watch.

He is such and joy to have in my life. He is the most amazing big brother. I was looking through Madisen's year book at all the signatures and on the front page Tanner had written, "Have fun in second grade. You have done a great job. I am glad Heavenly Father sent you to be my sister. I love you."

This last week was a bit of a struggle for him. He had to choose between playing in the championship game with his baseball team or attending his great-grandfather's funeral. After talking with him Monday night he decided that he thought grandpa would tell him to play ball instead of coming to the funeral. Madisen and I got up and were about ready to walk out the door when Tanner came running down the stairs, dressed in his suit, tie in hand and crying, "I need to go to the funeral with you." He had been my little rock all week reassuring me when I got teary eyed that Grandpa was happy and no longer in pain. He was quick with a hug and full of smiles. We got in the car and when we got to the church he found my mom and that is the one and only time I saw him cry. He told her he was exactly where he was suppose to be when she asked if he was sad he was missing his big game. He is an amazing kid with such a strong, protective, gentle spirit.

These are the hands

These are the hands that were in the circle the day I was blessed at only a few weeks old while surrounded by the power of the priesthood and was given a name and a blessing, There hands held mine as I said my last good byes to my brother and father at the tender age of 5. These are the hands that baptized me and confirmed me a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints when I turned 8. These are the hands that pointed at the back yard when I was sick and home from school while saying, "I guess we will have to just take ya in the backyard an shoot ya. That is the only cure for hybobalobis." These are the hands that would hold mine while walking into a daddy/daughter activity while missing my dad the most. These are the hands that set up cones and taught me how to parallel park a car because my mom didn't know how to. These are the hands of my chosen witness when I got married in the Las Vegas temple for all time and eternity. These are the hands that held my children and oodled at them when they were just infants, who tickled them as toddlers and clapped at every "performance" in their living room at every visit to great Grandpa's house. These are the hands that gave me strength when I thought I couldn't go on. And these are the hands I will miss dearly until we meet again in heaven because these hands are sealed to me for all eternity. Families are FOREVER!!! And for that I am truly thankful tonight, for tonight I have one more angel in heaven watching over me. I love you Grandpa!!!

Madisen's update

Well since I'm so behind I decided to update one kid at a time. I'll start with of course, "ladies first". We went to Disneyland back in December and Madisen, being my thrill seeker, was so excited that she was finally tall enough to ride the California Screamer. It was the first ride we headed to and she and her dad took her first ride together. Tanner was "absolutely not getting on that thing" but after some persuasion he decided not to be out done by his baby sister and now it is both of their favorite ride.

Madisen and Justin on her very first ride on the California Screamer

She played soccer after taking a season off and rocked it!!! She is the best keeper on her team and only had 2 goals scored on her the whole season.
Once a year the Massula Children's Theatre comes to our town and puts on a production in just a week. This year they did "King Aurthur's Quest". It was so cute. Madisen played mini Merlin and was hysterical. She has found her calling. She loves the stage and is currently working on her song for the talent show audition next week at school.

As I mentioned in the previous post (months ago) Madisen got very special gift for her birthday this year. I arranged an all girls trip to Disneyland and her and Shayna had a blast. Erica and I did too!!! We met Minnie Mouse and all the princesses. They got their faces painted and wore matching t-shirts and pajamas. They kept saying all day girls rule and boys drool. So fun!!!

Shayna, me, Madisen and Erica

"Finally I get my face painted! This is the best day of my life!"

Madisen is growing so fast. I can't believe my sweet baby is 7 years old. She is such a joy and delight in our home. I love having her to brighten our home and keep us laughing.

I'm such and looser!

SO much has been going on the past few months since my last post I'm not even sure if i should back up or just pick up where we are in our everyday lives...?

Christmas was great! Madisen got a super cute vanity and Tanner got a Nintendo DSi XL. They were both very happy and I'm happy to say they are still just as excited about them three months later. We had dinner at our house that night where the kids played games upstairs while the adults played Taboo where once again the girls won the boys!!!

January found us a bit restless and looking for a weekend away from the city and work so we headed to our cabin in New Harmony over a long weekend. We went to the tubing park in Brianhead and had a blast. The weather couldn't have been better. It was warm enough to melt the snow on the tubing lanes so they were faster to ride down. The kids were giggling and having so much fun as we raced down for hours.

February was suppose to be just a normal month. Madisen turned 7 on the first, (I took her to Disneyland with a friend just the girls but that needs it's own post to follow soon), Justin turned 33 on the 9th, then came Valentine's Day which we celebrated with a fantastic dinner at the Eiffel Tower restaurant and we bought a new house. I will post pictures in a few days after we get the kids rooms painted.

Tanner started another season of baseball with Little League and Madisen is playing soccer. They both just participated in a play with the Missoula Children's Theatre this past week so to say they are busy is an under statement. We are so blessed to be healthy and happy and hope you all are too!

Catching the Christmas SpiritFun

At Christmas time we always go to The Magical Forest with our friends the Furber's and the Zyla's. This year was no different. We had dinner at Red Robin and then headed over to walk through the Magical Forest of trees and ride the train. The kids love it and as long as they do we will continue to go.

Tanner eating a giant lollipop.

Cute Madisen posing it up for the camera!

The kids were making faces in a large ornament and this is what they looked like in the reflection. It was hysterical.

Family picture

After two years we headed back to Disneyland to see if we, Justin and I, couldn't get out of our funk and get a little more "Christmasy." Turns out that was just what we needed. We had a a blast!!! I really missed that place. Madisen and Tanner were both tall enough to get on every ride and they did. Tanner was really nervous about riding the California Screamer roller coaster but was giving the "rock on" sign as we exited and was mad that the line was so long and we only rode it once. Madisen rode Indian Jones for the first time as well with he eyes squeezed shut. We were able to meet up with some friends and just had a very laid back relaxing few days with the kids!!! Merry Christmas!!!

The kids were so excited to talk to Jack and Sally. The conversation was way cute and went like this...

Jack: What are you asking Sandy Claws to bring you for Christmas?

Tanner: A DSI XL

Sally: OOO

Jack: I don't even know what that is

Sally: Me either but it has a lot of letters.

Sally to Madisen: What would you like?

Madisen: A vanity?

Sally: May I come over to do my hair with you?

Madisen: Yes I will have my mom give you our address.

Our favorite spot in the park...the CHURRO STAND

Madisen got to stand in line to meet Tinkerbell and Tanner was having nothing to do with it.

My sweet silly kids, so glad they love each other.

Day one Madisen rode the roller coaster while Tanner need a little more time to decide if he wanted on or not. So I have pictures of her riding not Tanner because when Tanner rode the next day I was on it with him.

Family Pictures

I have never been so happy with family pictures as I am with these! My kids were so good since we were outside and they were able to explore a little as we shot with our photographer, Cheryl Snow. We had such a fun day and I can't wait to get these hung on the wall.