A Big Milestone!

Today at approximately 10:00 a.m. Parker got his DRIVERS LICENSE!!!!!

He has had an eventful week and what a way to finish.

Tuesday he won his first ever high school swim race - placing 1st in the 100 back.

Thursday he swam the same race - this time loosing his goggles and not winning the race.

Thursday he made his debut at HHS with his "Bigfoot" howl at the Winter Sports Assembly.  President (cousin) Willie called him up to do his thing.  Apparently he was laughing so hard he didn't have his best performance - and he said his voice kind of squeaked!

Today was the last day of early morning swim for the season!!!!!

Now - the fun starts - he just barely called - 1 1/2 hours after getting his license asking if he can drive to the Petersons to go to lunch with them.......

HOLD ON - PARKER'S DRIVING!!!!!

Happy New Year

This year we kind of got the vision of being "empty nesters".  Parker went with Willie and others for a night out - ending up at the Petersen's! 

Me and Evan - the "old farts" - went to Buffalo Wild Wings.  We ordered mild, medium and hot...about burned my lips off with the one HOT wing I ate.  It was fun - loud and crazy!  Went to visit Dad - then went home and tried to watch the New Years programs from NYC - they were AWFUL!!!!!!

Waited until Parker got home shortly before 1:00 a.m.......just a glimpse of life without kids at home....sure am glad I still have one chillin at home!!!!!

Hello, this is your Daughter

Sunday afternoon, December 23rd - who would have thought.  MKW trying to call us to arrange a time to SKYPE on Monday.  We hung up twice - thought it was one of those annoying auto dial marketing calls.  The third time was the charm. 

I answered.  "Hello, this is your daughter".

Me "You must have the wrong number.

Caller "No, this is your daughter".

Me "Again, you must have the wrong number"

Caller "MOM, this is Meranda".

Me "MERANDA........."
Much happiness, much phone passing, talked to Me, Dad, Parker and Grandpa!

AWESOME!!!!!

Happy Birthday Evan...

Today is Evan's birthday.  I don't think I have ever posted Happy Birthday to him...what's wrong with me...so today I will correct that!

Evan is a great husband, father, son, and brother.  It's crazy that when he decided to move to SLC some 26 years ago it would lead him to me - and I'm glad he did.

He is a sports nut - and loves to watch football - the Utes, Denver Broncos and Hunter Wolverines.  He didn't have the chance to play football in Wayne County, but I'm pretty sure he would have been a great linebacker. 

He loves softball and baseball - coaching all three of his children.  He built his own "net" to throw soft-toss to Preston, Meranda. Parker and every boy/girl he ever coached.  He has spent countless hours catching for each of them as they practiced their pitching skills.

He loves a good steak and smothered burritos at La Puente and likes to drive a nice truck!  He is the Best!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY EVAN!!!!!

 

Concepcion, Paraguay

Weather forecast for Tuesday, October 30th.

103 degrees...
Real Feel 108 degrees
 "Unseasonably Hot" 

 
OH DEAR!!!

What Happens When You Turn 16 Years Old...

Birthdays come and go - some significant - others not....

Most of the significant birthdays (I believe) happen before you are 21 - starting school, baptism, young men/young womens, priesthood, voting, legal age.....and the Double 'D" - Driving and Dating.

Parker turned 16 on Tuesday - went on his first day on Saturday - Sadie Hawkins.  He had a blast - went with an "older" women - and they wore Harry Potter costumes - which actually made me google to see who they were - you see I have never read a Harry Potter book and have never watched a Harry Potter movie!

Parker, Allie (his date) and Kyla (next door neighbor in their group)

Parker and Allie - yes she is that short!

And Best of All - Parker got a Happy Birthday from Meranda!!!!

Happy Birthday Parker!

It seems like just yesterday that I was sitting in a seminar, 9 months pregnant, writing down possible name choices for the baby due on November 9th.  I stopped at Fred Meyer on the way home, bought a few bottles a couple of little outfits - I had plenty of time to get ready.

Some time after we had gotten to bed, I woke up thinking I had "wet the bed" - actually my water broke - something that I had never experienced!  I woke Evan, jumped out of bed, grabbed the phone book called Dr. Marchand who said to I better get to the hospital.  I called Mom to come stay with Preston and Meranda.  She arrived with Diet Coke in hand, asking how to work the remote....I'm so glad we took a picture (sorry it's so small)!

At 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 23rd, 1996 our beautiful baby.....Parker Stewart Wood became a part of our family and we haven't been the same since.  He is unique, fun, loving, kindhearted, smart, likes to procrastinate, doesn't like to play sports that require physical contact, tall, handsome, outgoing, talks to just about everyone, is a "chic magnet", is almost an Eagle Scout, and has passed his driving test.

So Happy 16th Birthday to Parker - life would be pretty boring without you!