Merry Christmas!

We were so happy to have Scott and his family from Texas, and also Tamra and her family from Utah come for Christmas this year.  Lisa and Brian live close by so it's always fun to have them here as well.  We had a great time and everyone was excited to wake up to snow on Christmas morning.  We've been very blessed this last year.  We hope you and your loved ones had a wonderful Christmas and we wish you much love and happiness in the new year!

Gibby Grandkids Sure Love the Hot Tub!

Fun in the Snow...

The day after Christmas we went to a place pretty close to our house and did a little sledding.  Okay, okay..... that is our old knee-board from when we had a boat, but Marcus did get it working great.  Way to go Marcus!

Fun with Aunt Lisa and Uncle Brian...

Lisa and Brian are a great help with the grandkids when they're around!

Busy times....

Since the last month has been so busy, I've been a little behind with my blogging.  A lot has been going on!  I was in Utah from Nov. 15th until the 30th.  Now I'm trying to get my Christmas decorating done.  Scott and family and Tamra and family are coming for Christmas this year so we're excited about that!  I've made some blog entries but if you want more info, click on the kid's links for more details:  Kristin had a baby.... Joseph got a new job.... they have moved to Wichita, Kansas!  Cindy and Chase found out where they will move to for their next air force assignment.... Wichita, Kansas!!!!!!  Can you believe that!  It won't be until April or May but I am one happy grandma!  Of course, Cindy and Kristin are pretty happy too.  Also Hunter is walking now.... don't miss his video on Tamra's link.      

Happy Birthday Ansel!

Ansel turned two on November 23rd and it was fun to be able to be there.  He's reading the dinosaur book we gave him.

Big brother and sister....

Isabel and Ansel are great helpers with the new baby.

Lincoln Tanner Ashby has finally arrived!

Congratulations to Kristin and family on the arrival of their precious little Lincoln!  He was born on November 18th.  If you want more details, just click on Kristin's link on our blog.

Happy Birthday Hunter!

On November 15th I was at Tamra's for Hunter's first birthday party.  He is such a cute one year old and it was so fun to be able to make his monkey birthday cake and cupcakes.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

On the road again...

On Friday and Saturday I was in Los Angeles helping out with Hunter.  It's only a 55 min. flight from Reno.  Tamra was at a genetics conference there.  Barry was on a job not far away so as soon as he finished up, he came to take over.  The weather was beautiful and it was fun to see Hunter again,  He is such a crack up..... I can't believe he will be one in a couple of weeks.

Hey Grandma.... if I fit in here will you take me with you?

Granny Nanny...

Last week I made a quick trip to Utah to help take care of Hunter.  I was there Monday through Friday.  Barry was out of town and Tamra had an overnight business trip.  Of course, you know they really had to twist my arm to get me to come.  It was really fun to see how much Hunter had changed since July.  He is quite the go-getter now and is always so happy!  An added bonus was when Kristin, Isabel, and Ansel came up for a day.  What can I say, we sure have cute grandkids and they all have such incredible personalities....we love them to death!!!  

You've Gotta Love Those Nevada Sunsets!

OKINAWA, JAPAN

I'm Having Withdrawals...

After being able to spend almost a month in Okinawa with Cindy and family, I am definately having withdrawals.  I MISS THEM!  Little Maren is such a sweet baby, and the boys are so cute with her.  We were pretty busy and the time went by so fast!  It doesn't seem like I was there as long as I was.

SNORKELING IN THE EAST CHINA SEA!

Chase, Cade, and I went snorkeling.  I had never tried it before.......it was awesome!  We ended up going to the sea wall then swimming out a ways.  I was pretty impressed at how good Cade did (he had a life vest on, but wow.... you should have seen him!)  Actually I was pretty proud of myself as well (no life vest!).  We saw a lot of sea cucumbers, awesome colorful fish, and even some small barracudas.  

My First Time Ever on a Waterslide....REALLY!

Japanese Roller Slides...

Fun at the Butterfly House...

Nago Pineapple Park...

Unmanned remote "pineapple carts" took us through the tropical greenhouse/gardens.  It was fun to see how pineapples grow in their palm tree surrounded fields.  Wow, I didn't know there were 100 types of pineapples.   It was fun to walk through their market and taste all the samples!

Squadron Wives' Social

Cindy took me to a social that the wives were having.  They had a cooking demonstration and it was fun to sample the sushi as well as other Japanese foods.  Before the evening was over, they gave out some prizes and since they figured I hadn't been there very long, I got the "chopstick challenged" prize which was a bottle of sake and chopsticks.

WE HAVE A NEW GRANDBABY!!!

We are so excited!  Cindy, Chase, Cade, and Cael welcomed a sweet baby girl into their family on July 29th.  She weighed in at 8 pounds 5 ounces and was 20 inches long.  Her name is Maren Irene Crosby.  If you click on Cindy's name under our Family links, you can see more photos of her.  She is a sweetie that's for sure!  (Special thanks to Cindy's friend, Kimberly Mitchell who is the photographer of this first photo.)

Fun at Lake Tahoe...

July 19th through the 26th some of our family was able to join us for a vacation at North Shore. We had a wonderful time!  Some of the favorite activities were swimming, climbing on rocks, fishing for crawdads, playing in the sand, kayaking, taking the peddleboat out, playing games, visiting, and of course eating!