Our Princess Emma Turns 6

Today is our sweet little Emma's 6th birthday.  I have thought so much about her throughout the day and wanted to share a few pictures of her life.  Emma's birth was one of the happiest days of our life and a memory that I will always cherish as are the birth days of all of our children and grandchildren.  Her birth six years ago sends me back in time 29 years to when her mother was born.  I can still feel the joy that was so overwhelming that I thought my chest would explode when I first saw our own little redhead.  Emma is our next generation 'little redhead' and our daughter and son in law gave her the middle name Merlynn, which is my mother's name and she was also a redhead.  We never know what to expect when Emma visits as she is old enough now to dress herself and she definitely has her own little sense of style.  The older she is getting her hair is also turning more strawberry blonde with the Reay influence, and she grows more beautiful with each passing year.  Her grandma always gets a kick out of Emma when she wears one of her funky hats as well.

I remember the day our kids announced that they were expecting and the happiness that rebounded throughout our family.  Emma continues to be a source of joy for all of us day in and day out.  She is always so upbeat and has so much to say and is wise beyond her years.  Emma often has to remind her grandpa that 'stupid' is not a nice word and it's fun to watch her listen to a conversation and have her young mind try to make sense of everything that comes her way.  Emma is so sensitive and careful with others feelings.  It makes me so proud to see her want to reach out and help those that are less fortunate, and it's so important to her that everyone is happy.  I hope she can maintain this wonderful outlook on life as she grows older.

We look forward to sharing many more birthdays with her, she is unique and so very special and our family certainly would not be complete without her sweet little smile and tender, loving heart.  Happy Birthday Emma - we love you!

Emma at the Library

 Our daughter, Danielle, has instilled within Emma a wonderful love of books.  Her library is one of her favorite places and there is nothing more fun than having her read a book to us now that she is learning to read on her own.

Emma at the playground

Christmas Program 2011

Allan teaching Emma to ride her bike.

Train ride with Grandpa, Summer 2012

Crazy Driver!

Emma helping Grandma celebrate her birthday, 2012

Danielle on Halloween 2011 with her three children.

Emma as Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz 2011

Emma helping with her brother, Walker's birthday.

Homemade suckers, sleepover at Grandparents

Grandma Larsen, story time with Emma & Walker

This is grandma's favorite time of a visit from the grandchildren.  The time spent in the bedroom reading books, sharing stories and remembering what it was like for us as young parents to take our children for a visit to the grandparents home.  Having grandchildren is truly one of the most remarkable blessings one can ever have.  We love being with the special little spirits as they learn and grow.  It is truly remarkable as is Emma Reay.

Emma visiting Uncle Rick in Utah

Reay family at Temple Square 2012

Emma & Walker

 We love to watch Emma be a big sister.  She can be rough and tumble with her siblings but she is always so careful that they are well taken care of and happy.

Emma Merlynn Reay

Emma certainly has her own sense of style.

Faces of a Birthday Celebration

Yesterday we had a celebration not only for my wife's birthday but for our Grandson's Eli's as well.  Threw in a bit of Emma's also as she will be having a party later in the week to celebrate her 6th birthday.  We had a really nice time with some family and friends.  Thought I would not go into much detail, but here are some pictures that tell the story better than words ever could.

 

 

 

 

Holly 52, More Beautiful Than Ever

Holly turns 52 this week, where have the years gone?  Just seems like yesterday we were dragging main in my Chevelle, drinking shakes from Peach City and dreaming of a life together.  Now here we are with many of our dreams fulfilled and enjoying a wonderful life with friends, family and a life filled with memories.  I often tease Holly that she is 'Holly the Good', and she truly is.  The best decision I ever made was to ask this cute little 17 year old out after convincing my younger brother that she was meant for me and not him.  With more than 32 years together she knows me better than I know myself and I still learn new things about her all the time.  Holly is the most genuinely kind and loving person I have ever known.  She exemplifies the life of the Savior in almost everything that she does and has been the source of spiritual strength for our family for many, many years.  Her unwavering faith still amazes me when we are faced with trials and the struggles of life.

She has certainly made my life complete and is the hub that our family revolves around and I am so very grateful for her on this, her 52nd birthday.  Hope you enjoy the pictures that tell a bit about the life of this incredible woman whom I love more than life itself.

Holly 2012

Obvious to me that Holly could have been a 'Supermodel' but glad she chose the life a stay-at-home mom instead.  Still makes my heart skip a beat when I see pictures like the one above.  Inner beauty shining through a radiant face, that's my Holly.

The Broby Children 1961

Holly, The Little Dancer

This pictures speaks to me about the nature of my wife.  She still has the heart of a child, so naive and timid.  So many qualities to admire, love and respect.

Holly School Days

The Broby Family

I was fortunate enough to be 'adopted' into this wonderful family.  Holly has the greatest of respect for her parents and siblings.  They continue to play an important role in her life each and every day.

Dennis & Holly, Young Love

It was love at first sight at least for me, and I love that the courtship continues.

Blushing Bride and Her Grandparents

Holly with Kids and Grandkids

Lots of years have passed since those early years, too many photos to share but the end result to date is 4 children, 4 grandchildren, a dog and a couple wonderful son-in-laws thrown into the mix.  There is nothing more important to Holly than her family and she lives every minute with their welfare in mind.

Holly, Her Mom and Brothers

Holly with Hannah on her birthday

I'm pretty secure in my relationship with Holly, but I also know there is one she loves even more than me and that is Hannah, our golden retriever.  She truly is Holly's best friend and companion.

Holly, Val and Deb Camp - Southern Utah

More friends of the two legged variety.  She is loved by many but Val and Deb hold a special place in her heart.  Holly is fun loving and enjoys kicking my butt at whatever game I can talk her into playing.  Note to Holly: I'm sick of Scramble.

Halloween with Danielle and Deb

Holly with Haley and Kelsey

Thankfully the girls got their mother's looks and tender heart.

Grandma Holly with Emma

Danielle, Grandma and Walker

Grandma Holly with Eli and Kelsey

Grandma Holly with Lillian

 There is nothing Holly enjoys more, now in the middle of our life together, than spending time with our grandchildren.  They are each so unique and special in their own little way and Friday nights babysitting is often the highlight of our week.

Kindred Spirits

Holly in Jasper 2012

Yes sir, she's my baby and I'm glad of it.  Happy Birthday Holly, looking forward to the next 52!  I'm sure I speak for us all, friends and family alike, when we say that our lives are richer for having you as an integral part.  We love you!

Our family minus our son in law, Allan - the photographer

Day of Walker's Blessing, Cory & The Reays

Our family continues to grow and Haley will wed the man of her dreams this coming year.  Des, thanks for bringing happiness into our Haley's life.

Haley & Desmond