Garner Strong!

Christmas and More!

2012-01-14T11:08:00.000-08:00

Lidia a very happy, energetic little girl.

She turned one in Jan!!

Very cute girl.

She loves her daddy.

They moved out of town and now live on a farm. The kids love the animals and Phil and the family have to feed them early in the morning.

Yummy birthday treats!

Doing chores, every day.

That really looks good.

Cooking up some good grub.

Lost in a sea of presents. Santa was very good to our house.

Hmmm...where should I start?

Once Seth had a car, the other presents were less critical. (guess we should have just bought a couple of cars)

Ellie was in heaven and had a fun time with the entire Christmas season.

What is it Gmom? I love it!!

Mandatory picture taking, of course.

Betsy got us a cool map of the world to track family missionary travels and other adventures.

We quickly found a place on the wall for it.

She loves that Princess stuff, and anything horse-related.

And the boy just wants anything with wheels. (is it genetic or just a man-thing?)

Tebow Time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just plain wore out. He doesn't just chill very often.

He's always up for a Gmom hug.

Gpa trying to get in on it.

Christmas day church going. The weather was great.

Cars and trucks make him smile.

Ellie in her pretty Christmas dress.

What do you mean I'm not in Nursery anymore? Sunbeams?

Seth really got attached to Jake and will really miss him. Jake's off to UVU and the Provo experience.

Yeehah!!!

They all love Jake.

Adam and Hayley went to run/race. They each did great, I think they each won their age group.

Ellie was intrigued by the Nativity, though a little nervous until I showed her they were just plastic.

Gmom was the official race babysitter again, but this time had Gpa to take pictures and help.

Post-race family shot.

Gpa brought a Mexican General to Texas to give him a new helicopter. Very fun to see the Bell helicopter factory and fly the simulator.

Lots of goodwill and ceremony.

A shot of the ceremony principals.

Betsy Visits Mexico

2011-12-03T18:30:00.001-08:00

Betsy came to Mexico, here she's in front of the entrance to the National Museum of Anthropology.

Mexico City is filled with interesting memorials to many different things.

Museum of Art

One of the very old churches in downtown Mexico City. 16th century I think.

It was really fun to have her here.

On the upper deck of the tour bus.

It was good for the first couple of hours...after that, much less so.

Another look at the very old cathedrals. Lots of gold and statues inside.

I think this is a memorial for the worker and/or revolution? Not sure, but very interesting looking.

This is the very interesting looking musem that belongs to one of the richest men in the world, the telecom multi-billionaire Carlos Slim.

The Mexican Navy flew us (and other, of course) to Acapulco for the commissioning of a new ship.

On the beach.

Because of the violence in and around Acapulco, the place was somewhat deserted.

Very beautiful sunset.

At the commissioning ceremony.

They put on a good rescue show for everyone there.

To the rescue!

The newly commissioned officers of the Mexican Navy arrived from a cruise to the Mediterranean.

We even got to see President Calderon speak.

Betsy putting on her best smile with the group of attaches and their wives. (and I'm not even an attache this time around, but got invited anyway)

Welcome Home Elder Garner!

2011-11-08T17:28:00.001-08:00

Jacob flew home late Thursday night October 13th. We took a few pictures the next day before we left to visit with the Stake President.

We even had Dad here to share in the fun!

It was his first time to see the new house and experience the "country life"!

The boys were excited to have him home too!

Mom is always so happy to have her boys home.

It may not look like it, but Ellie was so excited to have Jacob come home. We had been building him up to her for awhile. After all the things we told her, he was up near Hero status when he arrived.

Jacob is buying Ron's car to take to school. I think he is happy about that!

One of Ellie's favorite movies is Calamity Jane. So naturally she was convinced to be a cowgirl for Halloween. She was adorable!

Seth had no choice. We went with the theme and he was our little cowboy!

A couple weeks after Jacob came home he turned 22! That is crazy! We forgot to take pics before we ate the awesome Hayley homemade carrot cake.

Adam and Hayley gave Jake a planner. His upcoming College life will require it!

Mom and dad gave him clothes, clothes, clothes. He needed some new stuff.

We are so happy to have him around for a couple of months before he heads off to school in Utah. Welcome home Jacob. We are so proud of who you are and all that you have accomplished!

More from Mexico

2011-10-02T08:52:00.000-07:00

In Ciudad Juarez, at a signing ceremony for some communications equipment we are giving to some border towns.

Giving gifts for recognition of several months of effort.

A view from up on the roof. I go up there to sit and read on nice Saturday afternoons.

Another view of my apartment. Not big, but nice enough and has everything.

More From Nebraska and Mexico

2011-09-03T14:07:00.000-07:00

My Office in the Embassy, Mexico City

Another view

The Conference Room

The living room of my apartment

This is where I go to Church

In New Jersey for a helicopter donation ceremony with the Mexican Navy

With the Admiral

Trust me, this boy is an accident waiting to happen

I think Betsy was deciding which swather to buy

She loves dogs and well, they love her

She loves holding babies and well, they love it too. With Ezra, that's what happens if someone says "cheese"...

A Trip to Nebraska

2011-09-02T06:20:00.000-07:00

Ron and I both made a trip to Lincoln Nebraska to meet Griffin Garner!

What a sweetie!

He sleeps like his Grandpa!

I love holding a newborn baby.

Heather and Ephraim are doing a great job with their Three boys!

Max and Ezra liked Grandpa's computer.

Life can be very tiring evidently.

We took a trip on Saturday with Ephraim and the boys to the Nebraska State Fair!

Lots of great animals in the petting zoo.

Cheeeeeeese!

The boys loved the straw maze (and it was free)

Being Nebraska, there were lots and lots of animals. We even saw the biggest steer in Nebraska, he would fill several freezers.

Looks like he's got farming in his blood.

Ezra seemed game at first, but before it was over, he just put his head down and waited for it to be over. Max seems pretty fearless.

They were brave and had fun.

Max was the only one willing to ride the camel. He loved it all.

Looking like Lawrence of Arabia

This was the ride that Ezra preferred. Happy boy!

Max rode the big slide all by himself, Ezra rode down with his Dad

They're up there.

Watching Nascar race and chillin with Griffin and Ezra.

He was very happy just hangin (sleeping) with Gma.

Picking books for their nightly story time.

Proud papa.

Ginger loves Daddy too.

Ezra is helping Gpa get it right.

They love story time, Gpa liked it as well.

"I love you Daddy!"

This is the control center of the plant where Eph works. He monitors multiple screens and makes sure nothing blows up. (my own assessment of the job at hand, but it's much more, I'm sure)

Very cool facility, turning atmosphere into separated compressed gases.

Showing his Mom around the plant. Hardhats and protective eyewear required.

He made sure I didn't touch any of the controls.

Where the gas gets separated and compressed (I think)

Our busy month of June!

2011-07-04T09:06:00.000-07:00

We had an eventful June this year. Ron was preparing to leave for 2 years to work in Mexico City and we had so many things to do before he left. Since we moved to our new house, we have been making a list of all the things we wanted to do in the yard. The first on the list was to clean up the trees in the front of the house. They were covered in vines and in bad shape. We liked the privacy they gave us, but we also knew how messy they looked. At first Ron and I were going to tackle it ourselves, but we soon realized it would take days or probably weeks to do the job. So we hired a landscaping company to come and do the work. What took them about 4 hours to do, I am positive would have taken us weeks. Once the area was cleaned up it revealed a dilapidated wood fence on the corner and some more areas of barbed wire in a mess. We decided to quickly replace the wood on the corner. What we did looked so great, we then made the decision to make the wood fence go all the way down the front. We took our time completing it. The weather was very hot and humid, so we would work an hour or two in the evening until it was finished. We love it, and now plan to do it around the whole place. Of course it will have to happen a little at a time, and when Ron is around to do the work. It will also require more clearing of old fences and grown over areas. I had a huge "Honey Do" list for Ron, and I believe we nearly accomplished everything on the list.

Ron was pretty sad to leave Ellie and Seth. They have become such a part of our lives. He needed a few pictures taken before he left the next day.

Seth changes so much every week. He will probably be walking when Ron sees him next.

Ellie sure loves her "Pa".

They will always be best buds!

We took a few pictures while they were clearing the vines and the huge mess in front of our house.

It is amazing what a few good men with the right equipment can do!

The dilapidated fence that was under all the vines!

It cleaned up pretty nice!

We built the fence on the corner, and then decided to keep going.

Now you can see the house from the road! Good for curb appeal, but bad for privacy!

These are a couple pictures Hayley took of us doing the work. Or should I say Ron doing the work. I had to laugh when I saw the pictures. Ellie and I are in the very same position. Genetics?

This is the street view from the corner. It was a great accomplishment for us to get it done before Ron left.

I love it!

The day after Ron left, Alex flew in from Korea. Sara, Jensen, and Duke came to Virginia too! They bought a Slip and Slide and Alex was first to show the kids how its done!

Jensen was a fast learner!

Ellie never did quite get it. The water was a bit disturbing when it hit her in the face. She had fun anyway!

These are just some pictures of the kids watching a movie. First is Seth!

Second is Ellie!

And last is Jensen. I always think it's fun to watch them watch a movie!

We were lucky to have Jensen here on his Birthday. We love to share birthdays every chance we get. Jensen loves Dino's.

Ellie loves presents. Lucky for her we have had a few extra parties this year. She is never left out of the fun.

Even Duke got his own Dinosaur!

Hayley made some awesome cupcakes. Jensen was eager to do the job of blowing out the candles.

Like I said, Ellie is never left out.

WOW!

These are the Dog Days of Summer!

More water than Tex "should" ever Drink!

Ellie is always happy to help him out.

Grandma Garner said she needed some more pictures of Lidia. These are two Hayley took when we visited them in Savannah in May. She is adorable.

May 2011

2011-06-02T05:14:00.000-07:00

Gma and Gpa have been busy at the new place before Pa heads off to Mexico for two years. The fence was a must-have for Gma, so we sweated and did the work, and we had a work crew come and thin the trees and undergrowth so the house can be seen.

The fence and the trees look kind of orderly now, not like such a mess.

Not bad now. (If I could just get the grass to grow good)

Betsy says this is her Pemberly view. (?)

The heat has arrived and the first days in the 90's meant sprinklers and pools. Ellie, Seth, and the dogs were happy to cool off.

Seth's good side? Today he fell in the pool headfirst, gave him a good surprise.

This is livin'!

Gma and Hayley went down to Savannah to see Phil and Paula off to California. Everyone loves it when Gma comes. Phil is off to Monterrey to learn Serb/Croat before they go to Belgrade next year for some in-country cultural and military training.

That girl is cute, of course, both of them, actually.

The girls watching a movie.

Big man Will, loads of fun and spirit.

They all wanted to go on the slide, but...

...but were too scared to go without Gma.

Seth loves excitement, and has a huge smile when he's happy.

Ah, Cool Ranch Chips!

Yummy!

Yes, Will loves them too.

Cute cousins.

Having fun at the park while Phil and Paula were busy with movers and cleanup, the less fun part of the Army life.

Will wanted to be part of everything the bigs kids were doing.

"See you in California!"

Spring is Springing!

2011-03-27T16:03:00.000-07:00

All in all, Tucker thinks Spring is looking pretty awesome so far.

Baby Lidia and Savannah!

2011-01-30T15:50:00.000-08:00

Lidia is a very mellow and beautiful little girl.
Gpa loves the new babies! Number nine is fantastic.

Gma enjoyed spending the week with Phil, Paula, Izzy, William, and Lidia. (oh yes, Fox too.)

We went downtown and had some yummy ice cream.

Gpa went with Greek yogurt and honey. Very good!

Will loves ice cream too. Who doesn't?

The best part for Will were the trains at the Savannah Candy Company on River Street.

The old cobblestone streets off of River Street.

Will was Mr. Independent and wanted to walk all by himself a lot.

Izzy is being trained in the fine art of pizza making.

Meanwhile....Lidia was just chillin'.

Will loves trains, choo-choo.

He learned all about trains from his sister, who is the biggest fan of Thomas the Train.

Phil is an awesome Dad, and the kids all love to read with him. Lidia is getting an early start.

Will is still figuring out what being a big brother is all about. He's been really good at it so far.

Lidia likes to sleep, but mostly while being held if possible.

Gma loves baby time.

Izzy is a very good helper for her Mom.

Very handsome. Just like his Dad.

Will, Phil, Izzy and Gpa got together to bowl for lunch. Very fun.

Izzy got to do it all by herself.

Strike! Give me five, big guy.

Of course, it did run into nap time.

....so he got to spend a couple of hours in Gpa's Charger taking a nap.

The Japanese restaurant was lots of fun and the food was great.

Izzy was in awe when the chef lit everything on fire.

We ate way too much.

Izzy and Lidia trying out the new Afghan that Gma made. Gma's been very busy crocheting over the last couple of years.

Pretty Gma. Lidia liked it too.

Will and Gpa enjoy some craziness together making lots of noise.

Izzy loves having company around and is a very sweet girl.

Believe it or not, Izzy convinced Gpa that playing Candyland is a must-do activity.

Gma with her girls. We didn't want to leave but had to get home.

That Will is very entertaining. Here he is yucking it up with Gma.

Christmas and More!!!

2011-01-09T14:37:00.000-08:00

Well, we survived Christmas and loved being in our new home and having some of our family come and be with us.
Ellie loves to help everyone with their candles. REALLY loves to.

The first good snow of the year. Ellie still wanted to try and get on the trampoline.

Tucker likes playing outside as long as one of his people are somewhere nearby.

Tucker giving out kisses to Seth. Seth doesn't seem to mind too much, and Tucker tries his best to help babysit.

Ellie loves anything related to horses. These have been in the family for almost 30 years and still get played with.

Jensen came to see us for Christmas and he and Ellie had fun playing with all the toys, mostly individually, however.

We had fun building a fire outback and roasting marshmallows and hot dogs. The two little ones consumed allot of marshmallows and the rest of us ate a bunch of hot dogs.

Jensen learns the joy of a good roasted marshmallow.

Lola had allot of fun at Gma's house too. This country livin' suited her just fine.

Ellie didn't care about the roasting part. She just put away a hole pile of marshmallows.

Everyone, dogs included were having fun.

Even Sara had fun and managed to keep the smoke blowing in the other direction. Alex has since left Sara and the boys in Ohio for a year to serve in Korea....ah, the joys of Army service.

Betsy loves a good campfire, especially when you can just walk right back in the warm house if you get too cold.

Yummy!

Ellie also decided that Hebrew Nationals didn't need to be roasted either.

Sara and Duke on Christmas Eve!

Jensen feeling some excitement in the air!

Getting ready for the Christmas Eve Opening of one present each. Which we all know means new jammies!

Duke is modeling his new Captain Awesome PJ's.

Jensen and Duke looking cool!

For some reason Ellie would only do pictures if she had a camera to to her own pics!

We got the TV mounted to the wall that evening. Ellie is enjoying her own theater seat and a movie!

Christmas morning. We are patiently waiting for Hayley to come home from the Hospital for a little while to open presents. Poor baby Seth had to miss out on his first Christmas. He was in the Hospital for 5 days with two types of Flu and pneumonia.

We had some breakfast and hot cinnamon rolls while we waited.

Jensen picked his spot for the big event!

Ellie opened a some awesome artwork from Uncle Alex and Aunt Sara! Sara is so talented!

Jensen is thinking about this before he begins.

Ellie is pretty excited to get a Jessie Doll with cowboy hat and all!
Ellie loves Toy Story!

Tex likes Jessie too!

Believe it or not the Dogs remained pretty chill throughout the morning!

Jensen was pretty thrilled with his Dragon "Toothless" and buddy "Hickup".

Check out the Blue fire from Toothless!

Alex got new Shoes that no one else has!

Adam works at a running store and has connections, so he gave Alex the hook-up!

Sara wants to get in on the action!

Ellie got a Repunzel doll!

And of course the "Ridin" Ellie was not sure what to think. But after she got on, she was ready to go!

It sings, whinnies, and wags its tale. What more could a girl want?

The mutts were happy Dad joined them on the floor!

Dad got new cushy floor for the gym in the basement!

JeJense with this barn and animals.

This is a couple days later when Seth came home from the Hospital. We were so happy to have him and Hayley home with us.

I think he was happy to be home too. Ellie is showing him what toys are all about.

Ellie is modeling her Cinderella Jewelry. We must all agree how pretty she looks. She insists!

These were taken on Christmas day at the Hospital. We are so grateful he is doing better!

He is such a sweet little boy!

We had a great Christmas. It could have been better without the flu hitting the house, but you have to keep going. We were thrilled to have Alex, Sara and the boys with us for a few days. I think they were lucky enough to get out of here with no flu. Just some cold like symtoms I believe. We are so grateful for a wonderful new home to live in and for a wonderful family to share these times with.

Trip to 'Bama to see Duke Danger

2010-11-17T17:06:00.000-08:00

And now a quick trip to Rotterdam in The Netherlands and Betsy's Birthday

2010-11-07T12:23:00.000-08:00

Hanging out with Gpa.

Betsy got a new bedding set for her bed for her birthday.

Someone had to get in on the festivities. She loves cakes and candles now.

Only three Betsy? Well, she does look good whatever her age.

Guess what? My back hurts already.

Luckily, Adam pitched in putting in the invisible dog fencing.

There is allot to do with the new chainsaw we bought recently. The place has lots of undergrowth and years of storm damage.

Rotterdam, the Netherlands

Very proud of their maritime history and importance.

I didn't see too many old buildings, due mostly to the fact that the Germans leveled the place during WWII.

Rotterdam is the 2nd busiest seaport in the world. Very clean and neat too.

A quick trip to Moscow, Russia

2010-10-24T16:36:00.000-07:00

October!

2010-10-14T17:09:00.000-07:00

Words to come later. We are in the house. Ron even mowed the lawn on Saturday. We are happy to have Grass. We will enjoy the house someday when we are finished getting the old house ready for renters.

It's Done!!!!

2010-09-18T15:37:00.000-07:00

The finished product looks great. We were pleased to see it today. We should be closing the middle of this week and begin the torture that is moving.

They sprayed on the seed just a week ago and big areas are already up and started.

They painted the foundation the color of the house, looks nice.

The back steps, believe it or not, would have added another week or two because of permits, plans, etc, blah, blah. We'll have to get it done later.

We have some shrubs.

...and a house number.

Ellie likes it.

I couldn't help myself. I don't want them to dry up before we even move in.

2010-09-13T17:38:00.000-07:00

One Week Closer--Detail Work

2010-09-05T17:49:00.001-07:00

Most important things first: Seth is getting cuter every day.

"If you're happy and you know it, then your face will surely show it"...Ellie loves primary (nursery) and loves doing the motions for the songs.

It's coming along fast now. They say one more good week and it will be about there. Carpet and finishing fixtures, grout in tiles, etc will come this week.

Had to take a picture of my LP gas tank fill valve--the tank is under the ground. Gas is used for the cooktop and the tankless water heaters.

Our football/sports/picnic field is about ready for seeding.

So now there's a cooktop in the island, dishwasher was still in a box.

The master bath was just about done; ready for grouting.

The hardwood floors are in the dining and entry way. The pillars too.

These are my sweet gas tankless water heaters. They better work as advertised. The idea is a never ending supply of hot water for less money. We'll see.

The railing is ready for sanding and staining; they'll be the color of the hardwood floors.

The dining room / entry.

The gas cooktop is in place. Very cool.

Fireplace and mantle is in.

More fill dirt and some good topsoil. They should seed it next week.

Looking almost there. The day after these pictures were taken, they were doing more trim painting inside and out.

The end of a hot August!

2010-08-29T10:04:00.000-07:00

We're Getting Closer!

2010-08-22T16:11:00.000-07:00

It starting to feel like home everytime we visit. Maybe 15 Sep, we're hoping.
We're glad that allot of the trees were preserved; though there's lots of cleanup to be done.

I don't know why I'm so excited about having a well and our own water, just am.

By the time we come back the ceramic tiles will be down in the kitchen. So cool!

Crown mouldings are in place.

Tile work is started in the bathroom.

I thought septic systems were so simple, apparently not so much anymore. It goes into one tank, flows into a second, then is pumped uphill to our septic field, which I thought was cool as well.

The builder says they have people stop and ask about the house. They think it is the color; not a color that is seen a lot yet. The builder has used it on some of their bigger homes.

The septic drain fields--this times five.

I seem to have a natural affinity towards sanitation. This is my kingdom.

So, on the right it flows up from the pump station, then over to the distribution box, then out to the five drain fields with the perforated pipe and the gravel beds. Amazing, right?

A busy few weeks!

2010-08-16T18:09:00.000-07:00

The House is Coming Along!

2010-08-01T08:06:00.001-07:00

So...Saturday when we got there they were putting on siding and by Sunday, this is what it looks like. Still needs shutters, some trim and lights, but it is looking good.
The garage doors were installed...

...and the view from the back looks good as well.

Gma and I hurried down after church to give it a quick look.

The weather on Saturday was really nice for late July, so we were all in good spirits. Ellie loves Gma allot. She usually calls her Ma or Pa (we both get called Pa as much as anything).

Can't wait to soak in that tub!

This is looking upstairs from the entry / dining room.

Looking from the great room into the kitchen. We can't wait to cook in there!

This is one of the guest rooms, so come on down!

Can't wait t0 see it done.

Hayley is pretending to be excited, but she just wants to have that baby is what she's really saying.

Best buds.

And the well went in this week too. Lot's of progress and our own water, (no more water bill).

Gpa made cookies for the Marine OCS LDS students and Ellie loves cookie dough.

One more week on the Homestead Watch

2010-07-25T17:00:00.000-07:00

Hayley didn't like hiking around as much when it's 100 outside.
Big news is that the inspections are done and the drywall is ready to go up. Next week should show major progress.

That's allot of sheet rock!

Ellie's favorite thing is picking up garbage; interesting garbage.

She loves going to see Gpa and Gma's new place.

The windows are back to their correct size. That's a long story, ask about it sometime if you're bored.

Ellie loves hangin' with Gpa.

This is Gpa calling for roadside assistance since the keys are at that moment locked in the truck. What you can't see is the sweat rolling off my arms. It was over 100 that day in Virginia.

Our neighbors are very quiet.

We're deciding where the football field goes.

Ellie now thinks running everywhere is the best, though maybe not the safest, way to get around.

The outhouse still makes Ellie say "poo".

More Homestead Progress

2010-07-18T16:36:00.000-07:00

The guys on the roof are doing shingles; another step closer. The plan is for fill dirt to be brought in to about the level of the front porch.

The airguns were blasting away full speed.

Betsy had to get the view of her front porch.

Go hombres, go!

A view from the backside.

This is the view from the upper floor looking into the great room, the breakfast area, and the kitchen.

This is from the balcony looking at the fireplace in the greatroom.

This is looking from the greatroom into the breakfast and kitchen areas. The wiring, plumbing, and heating and cooling rough-ins are ready for inspection. It looks like they're going to drill the well this coming week as well. Stay tuned...

Hot Time in July

2010-07-11T15:16:00.001-07:00

The house continues to make progress, mostly inside, but the porch is coming along as well.
Maybe grass will actually grow in this backyard.

Trying out the new stairs.

The electrical is coming along.

Testing out the facilities.

This gave Ellie the opportunity to use one of her favorite words: "poo".

(and no I didn't)

Hayley is about 3 or 4 weeks away from having the next handful; just in time, little Miss Independent is wanting to do things on her own anyway, (sort of).

Then, in spite of temps near 100, we went on a picnic to the Prince William Forest Park with Adam, Hayley, Ellie and the mutts.

Grandpa taught her that hitting a tree is cool fun.

It was stinking hot, as the dogs are clearly demonstrating at the park.

Ellie and Adam went exploring.

These knuckleheads did too.

"Hey everybody, I'm back!"

The Montclair fireworks were great.

Ellie was kind of scared of them but the freeze pop with Gpa was good.

...and learning to roll down a hill at the golf course wasn't bad either. She saw the other kids doing it and had to join in.

Yeehahhhhh!

If anyone is willing to go outside, Ellie is happy.

And then the water gets turned on.....

The dogs were happy and looney.

Dog heaven!

Ellie loves the water almost as much as the dogs. She can't resist water, clothes and all.

Ooooh!

2010-06-27T16:28:00.001-07:00

We now have windows and Dupont Tyvek wrap! Go Dupont!

The Beginnings of the Front Porch!
Grandma and Ellie Checking it out!

View from the back.

Ellie enjoys our trip to the house each week!

More fun!

A trip up the newly installed stairs to the second floor!

Another Week of work!

2010-06-20T17:35:00.000-07:00

It's a .....It's a..........It's a house!!!

2010-06-13T13:31:00.000-07:00

Well, we went out to the homestead on Friday, the workers were just finishing for the day and wow!!! It's a house!

Nice view, lots of fill dirt to be hauled in to fill the front of the house and up to the garage.

The front will have a large porch after the fill dirt comes and dirt will go up level with the garage and up to the front door.

It looks big with Betsy standing in front of it like that.

This is the back, some of the windows haven't been framed in yet.

Me and Ellie's future favorite....TV, workouts, and play area. (and the obligatory storage space)

Ellie is giving us the tour.

Hayley and Ellie are missing Adam, he's out finishing a class in Utah.

Ellie liked picking up whatever she could find.

...and checking out the views.

The two red-heads like cooling off together in the sprinkler.

He's a fatty but he's cute and momma loves him.

Ellie likes a playmate too.

Fort Hood and Captain Crunch!

2010-06-06T18:01:00.000-07:00

We had a fun day in the hot Texas sun, about 96 degrees that day, but a happy day for all. Lieutenant Garner became Captain Garner.

Max and Ezra were excited to show Gma and Gpa Garner all the cool Army stuff at the Ft. Hood outdoor museum.

This is just like Gpa's first helicopter in Germany.

Mom with her soon to be Captain.

Eph has a great family and enjoys Texas barbeque.

Max and Gpa had fun playing and looking at stuff.

There's Heather putting Captain's bars on Ephraim.

Max had fun just playing it cool.

The new Captain saluting his men with his 1st Cav Stetson on.

The boys took it all in stride.

We are proud parents and we were very honored to have been there. We are grateful to see the great lives that all our children are living.

They do make a handsome couple!

Ezra woke up finally and was trying to figure out what the big deal was.

The Garner's of Fort Hood, TX, June 2010.

Progress

2010-05-15T13:13:00.001-07:00

So, while Gpa's away in Georgia, Gma, Hayley and Ellie went to see if any progress had been made and....holy cow! It's going to be a house!

It's a great view, this is where the garage will be.

The very proud, soon to be new homeowner.

Ellie thinks this is where she can ride her toys while Gpa works out in the basement. (of course, the floor has to be poured first)

This is where the septic field will be, and where the baseball and football will be played.

Gma is wondering where to make Gpa put a garden, and where the dogs will play. (just don't mention burro to her)

Where the walkout basement walks out. Exciting to see it take shape. Cool faux brick look in the concrete too.

We're excited to move in later this summer. Anyone that wants to help move is more than welcome.

Spring has sprung....

2010-05-09T15:44:00.000-07:00

We took a trip down to the new homestead last month, no movement; something about permits...blah, blah, blah.....

Ellie came too to see where Gma and Gpa would live someday.

Lots of trees around it, loads of potential, just needs a house...and us.

The girls survey the land.

...a driveway right about here...

Pighini Builders, we hope so.

So we went back on Saturday, 08 May, and guess what? They're started!!!!

Two thumbs up for this one!

A view from what will be more or less the backyard.

Kind of feels like home already.

Turn 3 of the future 4-wheeler track.

We did some work in the dining room at the current place, getting ready to rent it out.

The chair rail and some paint looks nice. Betsy is in charge of the painting, I'm the cheap, reluctant help.

And a new dishwasher cause the old one was on its last legs.

Tucker thought it looks nice as well.

Ellie always has an opinion on everything.

We also went to Richmond International Raceway for the big Nascar race. Betsy wanted to try out her seat 4 hours before starting time. Apparently, our new friends did too (we don't actually know them).

We also tailgated, well, in our own way. No beer of course, just pop and snacks, and crocheting and music....wow, we're exciting. But we really enjoyed our day.

Go Jeff!!!

Gpa had to try out his seat as well. Good view of the Start-Finish line from here.

It was a night race, the 18 car won, and our favorite came in 2nd.

Jeff led for a big part of the race...just not the lap that counts, the last one.

Winter! Winter! Winter!

2010-02-10T12:26:00.001-08:00

A Sweet Time in Savannah!

2010-02-10T12:10:00.000-08:00

After four deployments to Iraq by Phil, Eph and Alex, we got almost everyone together for the first time probably ever. We're just missing Elder Jake, who's in El Salvador doing a great job as a missionary. He is having lots of success and is currently training a new missionary and serving as a District Leader. We all met in D.C. for Grandpa's promotion to Colonel then we headed south. It was cold the whole time but we rented a nice house on Tybee Island and enjoyed each other's company and let the kids play and watch movies. The day we took most of these pictures was about the warmest day we had, maybe it reached 50, but was short-lived. Who knows when we will get everyone together again, but we hope it is sooner rather than later. We are truly blessed by the Lord with good kids who have great spouses and fantastic families.

What a fun bunch of people! Am I right?
And a good looking bunch too!

We are some lucky Grandparents. Good looking kids.

The Garner Clan back together, well, almost; we're just missing Jacob, who's in El Salvador serving the Lord.

Sometimes silly is the way to go.

This picture may look easy, but this is like trying to herd cats; this a little luck and lots of Moms and Dads off camera pulling lots of faces and whatever else it took. Six kids three and under! This lasted about five seconds.

Cute!

Adam entertaining Ellie. She likes lots of fun and adventure.

What a pretty girl that Izzy.

Isabella, William, Phil and Paula.

Cute Will and Paula.

Ezra is full of life and lots of fun.

Heather, Max, Ephraim and Ezra.

They drove all the way from Ft. Hood, Texas to DC then Savannah then home. That is no small feat but the boys love watching movies and munching on treats.

Adam, Ellie and Hayley.

Ellie love attention and being in the middle of everything.

Grandpa loves that Izzy.

Grandma and William sharing a moment. He's a good looking boy.

Lucky Grandma Betsy and Grandpa Ron.

"Hey Mom and Dad, what about my pants?"

The Promotion

2010-02-09T16:18:00.001-08:00

The Eagle Has Landed! Finally.

Max and Ezra were looking sharp for the occasion.

Adam, son of an Army LDS Chaplain, gave the invocation.

Of course, Brigadier General Nowak had very nice things to say, whether deserved or not.

Captain Phil published the orders for promotion.

First Lieutenant Ephraim pinned on one shoulder.

Sargeant Alex did the other one.

The General readministered the Oath of Office.

Colonel Garner

Grandpa Garner and Betsy looked happier than Izzy.

Now she's happy.

Ellie and Hayley looked very pretty.

Ephraim and Heather came clear from Texas to be in the Pentagon with us.

The cheering section. All the way from California and Utah.

Paula, Izzy and Phil; William is hiding somewhere. Smile Izzy!

Lynette, Ron, Julene and Dad.

Good looking Jensen and Al.

Jensen liked the treats after the ceremony the best.

There's William!

Father and son.

It's been a big, fantastic adventure for over 30 years.

A Great September!

2009-10-16T07:51:00.000-07:00

We got five of the six grandkids together; what a cute bunch! Max, Ezra, Ellie, Isabella, and William.

Ellie and her bud Tucker play all the time; usually peacefully.

Ezra decided he liked dogs. Here he is with Fox.

Ellie is just one of the dogs sometimes. "Maybe Gma's home!"

That Gma reads one mean story!

"You just gotta love me."

Ellie appears to be happier than William about this encounter.

Ellie's 1st birthday. Cool chair of her own.

Izzie and William decided to test-drive it too.

...and new blocks too!

Max go a bow and arrow set. He loves dressing up and pretending. He's a smart boy.

Gpa and Ezra just chillin watching a movie.

It was so nice that of course we soon had company.

We spent a nice day at the temple before Jake headed off on his mission to El Salvador.

What a beautiful temple and two very lucky parents.

Dad, Jake, Mom and Hayley.

Nancy and Jay Rollins, two of Jake's favorite people and seminary teachers. Their son Michael is Jake's age and is in Argentina.

Gma makes people smile.

Ellie loves playing on the trampoline with her daddy.

And Adam found a place to get away from the crowd.

Max doing his best Superman super-fast running.

Gpa showed up for the rough stuff.

Jake is proving he still has the "right stuff" of a 12-year-old Jake; here doing his famous back-flip.

Loads of fun.

"Ring around the rosie" is Ellie's favorite game; and everyone else's as well.

"...all fall down!"

Hey Dad! Come home soon.

Canine shenanigans as well.

Jumping with Gpa.

Nice hair Ellie.

The kitchen is a busy place.

The kids love the beach and the sand.

This girl LOVES the water!

Had to take time for a lunch break.

So which food group is peanut butter in?

One, Two, Three....GO IZZIE!

Putting mud on Gpa's legs seems like a "good activity".

Sweet Baby William and Family

2009-10-01T10:39:00.001-07:00

Izzie, Paula, William and Phil live in beautiful Savannah, GA, one of Phil's childhood homes.

William Berrett Garner

He learned to smile quickly.

Phil blessed William in the Savannah Ward; we were glad we could be there.

The happy family at the church.

William in his blessing outfit.

Izzie loves her new brother.

Our Trip South

2009-10-01T07:36:00.001-07:00

Our Trip to Alabama and Georgia

Gpa got to get to know Jensen again, and of course, Kiki.

Gma was busy with William's Afghan (Kiki loves Gma too).

Jensen is getting big and grown up. He loves trucks, motorcycles and cool movies.

Like any boy, anything will pass as a gun. (and if someone will fake dead, all the better)

"Not one step closer, dirtbag!"

Jensen's favorite activity was anything that involved Gma's truck.

Off to Savannah and Phil and Paula's place.

Gma Betsy got to hold her newest grandson, William Berrett Garner.

Paula is an amazing cook and makes the best desserts anywhere!

Phil with the "man child". Now Izzie has a little brother to take care of.

Alex, Sara and Jensen came over to see them too, which of course led to some "horseplay".

The big poofy chair works for more than just sitting, as you can see.

Isabella modeling the new hair ribbons that Aunt Sara and Gma made.

Of course, Phil took the guys fishing in his new boat, a must have toy for life in Savannah.

Just like when he was little, Alex caught the biggest shark.

For some reason, it was up to Gpa to grab it and kill it, then clean it and cook it. (some things don't change)

We all took turns catching sharks, just not as big as Alex'.

Navigating the waterways of Savannah, Georgia.

You get to catch allot of interesting creatures there, here's a ray.

Okay, not very big, but it is a fish, OK?!

Paula and Phil

Gma is good at making people happy. Izzy is 2 1/2 now, William was born in July.

What a difference June makes!

2009-07-16T16:33:00.000-07:00

Adam and Hayley come to Virginia for his Doctoral Program at Marymount University!

Grandma and Ellie have been enjoying getting to know each other.
The Grillmaster at work. It's taken 35 years or so, but I'm starting to get it right.
Tex is always looking for something.
It's tiring having so much fun!
As is the case with everything she does, Ellie has her own style of crawling.
She cracked us up the day she discovered sticking out her tongue. Luckily, it only lasted a day or two.
Roughhousing with Dad is a favorite activity.
The newest addition to the clan is Tucker, an Australian Cattle Dog.
He is a big baby and loves to play and cuddle.
Even Uncle Tank has been very accepting; except when he has a chew.
Ellie and Tucker are best buds and wrestle and fight over things all the time.
Of course, Betsy gets to nurture another kid (dog).
Jake is on her favorite person in the world list.
It's tiring eating and playing.
He will crash anywhere.
Ellie learned how to clap and actually have hands meet each other. (they used to just wave back and forth)
Her favorite things are anything related to the dogs, dishes especially.
We're amazed at this. Tank has decided she is OK and lets her crawl right over top of him. Could be he's just too old and lazy to care anymore.
She owns this place.
One of the many battles that occur throughout the day.

Ellie tries to referee, but usually just gets mixed up in the fight.

Virginia Beach

2009-07-16T16:11:00.000-07:00

Lots of Fun in Virginia Beach/Fort Story, VAWe were so glad to have Jensen back from Deutchland!

He seemed glad to be back in the US of A as well.

The boy is in love with motorcycles!

"How did you get an i-phone with movies and I got this darned old motorcycle?"

I guess Alex and Jake were glad to see each other too?!

Modeling the latest in cool beach attire.

We took a nighttime walk on the beach.

Got to see the ships go by.

Izzy is always glad to hitch a ride with Paca.

We like the beach, me and Izzy.

Jensen was reunited with his little Kiki! Lots of hugs.

Not sure if Kiki was as thrilled. (kind of has that "save me" look)

The big Jake.

He is cute, no doubt.

Good hugs for Gma.

We just got back from a run; it was hot.

Tex decided he wanted to lick off all the sweat.

Gpa still runs with the boys, even if not as fast.