MTC Graduation Day

 

It is with mixed feelings that we spent the day at Camp Pendleton and at the San Diego airport with our Marine after his graduation from combat training. We are so proud of Joe's determination as he went through the past 5 months of training that pushed him to the limits of endurance and came out smiling.

He has shown himself to be of the same character as his Grandpa Sevey and Opa Bielefeldt as they both served in the military with honor and courage. 

Joe shared with us his fears, hopes and dreams just before we left him at the airport. We hugged and I cried later, wondering when we will next meet our son - our Marine.
We are proud parents of a proud marine!

Fun in Snowflake

 

While visiting in Snowflake, just a few days after a huge snowstorm, we braved the ice and went to explore a treasure house that we had discovered several years ago.  Now that these kids live there, this might become a favorite spot. Of course it wasn't too cold for an ice cream treat, which everyone enjoyed, but only Allie made hers last long enough for a picture.

The delightful Heritage Antiques has wonderful homemade sandwiches and soups, cookies, ice cream and a variety of specialty drinks appropriate for families, served from an old fashioned soda fountain. If that's not enough, it is great fun to explore the old treasures in the musty basement and several rooms that seem to infer hidden tunnels to a fantasy world. I would recommend planning to do some shopping as well as eating in this magical place.

Treasures of My Heart

 

Grandaddy, tell us the stories about these pins on your hat !

What Child is This? - Mormon Tabernacle Choir

Joe and the Nunley's Swinging High

 

Joe's fun times a few days before Marine boot camp. 

(sorry I am having problems with the video clip - check back later)

Enchanting Berry Picking and Falling Stars

Watching the stars all night was a thrill during an exciting meteor shower in August. It was amazing to see a star streak across the sky and disappear in a blaze of white. Sometimes there were several falling stars within a minute. Robin led us in the song, "Catch a falling star and put it in your pocket." Pictured here are the star gazers awake at 4:00 a.m. Even though everyone was so tired, the next day was spent gathering blackberries at Tonto Creek and putting them in a basket. The little ones frolicked in the pools of water which were abundant in the creek.  Later Beth made a yummy blackberry breakfast cake for dessert after which the group laid out under the stars again for another all nighter.  Fatigue won over and the group all fell asleep before midnight. Early morning brought far away sounds of coyotes, but no sign of elk.  

Jared: World Cup and Baptisms

Elder Jared Bielefeldt had many missionary moments 

as he and his comp watched the world cup on television with members and their friends. The events were taking place where he was assigned in Durban South Africa.

Family Moments in July

Joe - Marine Recruit

Today. July 1 Joe was sworn in as a recruit to "America's elite warriors" - the Marines.
During the swearing in he had strong feelings that serving his country is exactly what he wants to do.
As a recruit he will spend some time each month preparing for being shipped out in March.
Being a protector and a warrior for the right has always been in Joseph's nature.
His parents are so very proud of him and are very emotional. 

 

Art Barn

Marty's art barn is in progress!!

Little Garden Princesses

The Spice of Life

Spice - The 4 year old toy poodle with the indomitable spirit - She waits everyday by the backyard gate just hoping that maybe it will be the day for a trip to the cabin or to Beth's house. She even has learned to accept the big dogs  sharing her space. Posed here, hoping to be invited to jump up in the swing at the cabin.

Susie's Boys

While Susie spent the weekend at work out of town, Jacob spent Saturday working at the cabin with Dad. Shown here, he actually took a little time of to have fun with "the boys". Unfortunately I forgot to take pictures of his before and after job, but the property is now all cleaned up after hours of toil. Thankfully, the weather was beautiful and the doggies all had a great time romping around.
Even Spice had a fun time and enjoyed having the boys around.

Sibling Reunion

How swiftly the years have passed, but how long and precious are the memories and what fun and sweet times we still have together. Through the years and problems our family has faced, we have kept alive the feelings that our family members are more precious than anything. 

A family is the greatest treasure in all the universe.

Jilly Flower

Precious Jilly Flower -
our firstborn grandchild to our firstborn child - 

graduates from Highland High School. 

She will be attending ASU on a scholarship to study Art.

We are so proud of her.

Her graduation night was quite pleasant with a beautiful sunset.