Weed Family

Karlene: This One's for You

2010-07-15T22:08:00.000-07:00

We were reminded by our dear friend, Karlene, last week that we've been seriously delinquent on our family blog. We spent the first part of July visiting our former neighbors, the Williams, who moved a number of years ago to Maryland. They were the perfect hosts and showed us around Washington, D.C. From there, we visited Dave's old stomping grounds in Delaware, Philadelphia and New York City. After several days in NYC (and record breaking temperatures) we met up with Dave's family for a reunion in Palmyra, NY to visit LDS church history sites and the Hill Cumorah Pageant. Then, we traveled on to Amish country around Lancaster, PA, and finished up at Gettysburg before flying home. It was a whirlwind trip--but so fun. The kids loved it in spite of a couple of days of lovely heat and humidity.

Birthday-Birthday-Prom-Birthday

2009-04-27T20:53:00.000-07:00

April has been a big month. Rob celebrated his birthday on April 6th. Melanie followed with her birthday on April 19th. Christy had a fun time at the Mountain View Prom last weekend and today, Clark turned two!

Arizona Winter

2009-02-26T20:14:00.000-08:00

Having spent a lot of time in places with four seasons, it's still hard to imagine spending one day of a winter weekend hiking around the zoo in shirt sleeves, and spending the next day a little over an hour away in the snow. We'll enjoy it while we can. With temps in the high 80's--the hundreds can't be too far behind.

Sweet Sixteen

2009-01-28T23:39:00.000-08:00

Christy turns 16 today. She has been a joy and a perfect bridge between our younger and older kids. We sure love her!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

End of a Year and Era

2009-01-06T21:22:00.000-08:00

Sometimes, there just seems to be too much happening to update these blogs with any frequency--at least that's our excuse. Halloween was the last time we posted anything, but (at the risk of too much brevity) it suffices to say that Thanksgiving was fun with the family and Christmas was enjoyed by all--even though we missed Mike who was in New Mexico with Melissa.

On a bittersweet note, Dave's mother passed away on Christmas Eve after a full and wonderful life--struggling during the last few years with dementia. We made a quick trip to Utah for a glorious reunion with family and friends and to celebrate the remarkable life of Chloe Weed. Hers was a life filled with love, devotion, dedication, consecration, and the development and sharing of her extraordinary talents. After reflecting on and considering her life over the past several days, we all came away determined to be better people.

On a lighter note, we were able to visit with a number of relatives and friends in Utah and go ice skating (during which Katie fell on the ice; splitting her lip in a manner that occasioned a visit to a Provo urgent care facility--they are quite nice). A highlight for our desert dwelling youngest was experiencing falling snow for the first time in their lives.

A Little Bit of This...

2008-11-12T20:58:00.000-08:00

Here's a mish mash of pictures from the past several weeks. Try to match the description with the picture: Chloe with some (but not all of her cousins at Hermosa Vista Elementary; Grandpa Ray at a recent Sims and Nellie Ray Reunion--Grandpa is the oldest of this family gathering; our kids in various Halloween get ups; and Carly's 18th birthday and getaway to the cabin with a couple of her friends from school.

Conference Weekend

2008-10-07T19:23:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we went up to Pine and enjoyed general conference with other family members. Before we left, Carly informed us that she was invited to ride the Best Buddies float in the Mountain View Homecoming Parade. She had a great time tossing out candy--also along the parade route we saw Rissa riding the Senior Class of 2009 float (even though she's only a

Junior--it must have been for her birthday).

In between conference sessions, we enjoyed visiting with extended family members and the kids loved playing with cousins on the new trampoline and beautiful water feature the Bagleys and Stapleys put in behind their cabin.

The Donahue Trail

2008-09-28T09:11:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we traveled to Pine--determined to hike up to the steep rim far above the cabin. A deep gorge separates the cabin from the rim so we researched some of the public trails in the area to determine the best way to get to the top. The Highline Trail passes a few miles to the south of us and the map indicates a spur called the Donahue Trail that leads up to Milk Ranch Point on the Rim that appears to overlook the cabin. We headed off on the 10 plus mile hike in the morning. The trail is seldom used and has some serious switchbacks up to the top. Weather was warm, but a cooling thunderstorm with light sprinkles chased us down the last few miles of the trail. The elk were bugling near the top and we saw a fairly large herd of them. Unfortunately, the summit did not afford us a glimpse of the cabin--but we enjoyed a beautiful view of the surrounding area anyway.

Back Into the Swing of Things

2008-09-07T10:12:00.000-07:00

It is good to be back in the school routine--the kids have been back for almost 4 weeks and ASU started 2 weeks ago. Chloe celebrated her 7th birthday in August. We also went blackberry picking with other cousins up at Pine on Labor Day. Mike returned to work part time at Walgreens and is attending ASU. I almost felt a little nip in the air this morning when I went out to get the paper--good weather can't be too far behind. Oh,...and Carly really likes our new parakeet--I think the feelings are mutual!

Back to School!!!

2008-08-11T12:55:00.000-07:00

Carly, Christy, Kate and Chloe headed back to school this morning. Carly and Christy to start new adventures as 1oth graders at Mountain View High School. Katie and Chloe are in 4th and 2nd grades at Hermosa Vista Elementary. Chloe has 3 boy cousins in her class this year--she's excited to have a ready made group of friends. Mike and Melisa left this morning for a trip to New Mexico--he starts back at Walgreens and ASU later this month.

Quick Trip to Pine

2008-08-04T12:49:00.000-07:00

On the spur of the moment, we took Katie and Chloe up to the cabin for one last trip before school starts next week. It was so nice to get out of the heat. We spent Friday night watching movies, took a short hike up to the top of the mountain in the morning and went to town to buy some old records (Andy Williams classics) at the thrift store. As always, the Fillmore's playhouse was a hit. I think everyone is ready for school to start back up!

California Adventure

2008-08-03T10:42:00.001-07:00

We recently returned from a week at the beach house north of Ventura, California. This has been a fun tradition for our family over the past several years. Melanie and Clark were able to join us from Chicago (minus Rob, who we greatly missed) and Mike brought a friend, Melissa. We enjoyed swimming, kayaking, surfing, and day trips to Santa Barbara, downtown Ventura and Magic Mountain. Most of all, we enjoyed our time together and quiet moments to read and enjoy the beauties around us.

Pine Showers

2008-07-07T19:37:00.000-07:00

We spent a couple of days up at the cabin in Pine. It rained every afternoon and left everything so fresh, green and cool--especially appreciated after the 110+ degree days down in the Valley. Leave it to desert dwellers from Arizona to get excited about pictures of kids in the rain. It's amazing that just a little over an hour away from our home in Mesa, we can watch the fireworks in 60 degree weather--bundled up against the cool, night air! Uncle Paul has been busy finishing a beautiful playhouse up in the trees for his grandchildren. It's a masterpiece--he is so talented.

Those Lazy, Hazy, Crazy Days of Summer

2008-06-24T19:46:00.000-07:00

Since school has been out, we've experienced Girls' Camp, EFY, Gilbert Children's Theater Workshop, trips to the cabin, swimming in the pool, Camp Tatiyee, trips to Pinetop, a long boarding accident, scorpion hunts, volleyball tournaments, early morning weight training, visits with family and friends from out of town, Grandpa Ray's 90th birthday and lots of late nights. We are loving it!

Dance Recitals and Rocking Out at the Gym

2008-05-20T18:45:00.001-07:00

As the end of the school year comes, so follows the parade of dance, piano and other recitals! Katie and Chloe were in different dance classes and performed a couple of cute numbers. Melanie, Rob and Clark are off to Chicago for the summer. We enjoyed having Mel and Clark stay with us about a week while Rob was in Chicago getting everything settled.

For Family Home Evening the other night, we took all the kids to the Phoenix Rock gym and Mike taught the girls how to climb the various walls. They've had us climbing the wall for years so it's only fair that they learn how, too. To our surprise, the girls were naturals and loved scampering to the top.

Easter/Spring Break

2008-03-24T13:07:00.000-07:00

During Spring Break, we headed to the happiest place on Earth--(aka Disneyland) with our two youngest--and had a really nice time together. Christy spent the week down in Mexico with friends and Carly enjoyed helping her sister, Melanie, babysit Clark in Mesa. We were able to enjoy our Easter weekend together as a family--with Mike coming down from Provo earlier in the week.

Cruisin the Mexican Riv

2008-02-01T21:04:00.000-08:00

After nearly 25 years of marriage, we ventured out on our first cruise--heading off to the "Mexican Riviera." We were pleasantly surprised to find that we were among the youngest couples on the cruise. Rob and Melanie watched the home front while we were gone and we admit, with some guilt, that we didn't worry about the kids once. It has taken about a week to get back into the routine of our pre-cruise lives--and will take even longer to work off the added poundage. Whose going to turn our bed down each evening?--and where are those doggone mints!

Apache Tears

2008-01-10T21:28:00.000-08:00

On the last day of Christmas vacation, Dave, Katte and Chloe went on a hike in the Superior area to look for Apache tears. The legend--perhaps with a Weed twist--is that as the Apaches were driven from the Superstition Mountain range, the tears of the people fell to the ground and turned into black, obsidian-like rocks. It didn't take us long to hit a mother lode of Apache Tears and in a short time the girls had filled their bags.

Holiday Happenings

2007-12-30T17:22:00.001-08:00

The Ray cousins also got together one evening last week for the first time in many years. It was great to see everyone again--it is quite a crew. Thanks to Aunt Sidney and Aunt Melody for organizing and hosting this wonderful event. The cousins range in age from 40+ to our Chloe, who is 6.

The holidays have come and are almost gone. We enjoyed getting together with all our kids and grandson.

Party Time

2007-12-11T21:39:00.000-08:00

Katie had a fun party with friends on her 9th birthday. Everyone pitched in to help and Mom and Dad managed to survive the day. We love our Katie!

Birthday Girl

2007-11-29T22:10:00.000-08:00

Katie is celebrating her 9th birthday on the 30th. It's hard to believe she's been part of our lives for so long. She has always been the perfect little girl and is such a delight. We love her to pieces!

Halloween

2007-11-02T14:32:00.000-07:00

I am the all time scrooge of Halloween, but somehow we managed to have a good time.

Grandpa Weed

2007-11-02T14:10:00.000-07:00

Our Grandpa Weed passed away two weeks ago and we traveled up to Utah to enjoy being with family and celebrating the life of this good husband, father, grandfather and man. He was 86 at the time of his death and was married to Grandma Chloe for over 64 years. He was quarterback of the first BYU football team to beat the University of Utah. He and Grandma met while at BYU--he was the Student Body President and she was the Student Body Vice President. A few days after being married he left to fight in the Pacific during World War II and was gone for about 2 years. He received a PhD in Plant Physiology, worked in research and marketing for the DuPont Company and enjoyed professional success--living back East for almost 40 years and raising their 6 kids. He served faithfully in the Church as a Branch President, Stake President, Regional Representative of the 12, Mission President and Stake Patriarch--but above all, he loved and was devoted to his wife and family.

Carly's Birthday/Reunion Time

2007-10-12T19:48:00.000-07:00

Carly celebrated her 17th birthday today. We all love her to pieces. It's hard to believe she could be that old. In a similar vein, Julie will be attending her 30th high school class reunion this weekend--again, it's hard to believe she could be that old--but what a cutie!
Those who have at least several children, or several brothers and sisters, will understand that the youngest child enjoys a little more latitude than the older kids. That's probably a pretty good explanation for what's going on with Chloe in the picture below. We've also attached a photo of Christy and a couple of her friends .

School Picture Time!

2007-10-03T12:41:00.000-07:00

The girls thought that they were hilarious making beards out of their hair. Guess which photos were taken on school picture day.

Mike and His Roomies--Minus the Drakester

2007-09-24T22:53:00.001-07:00

Star in Your Own JibJab! It's Free!We never knew that these guys had such talent!

Pine Getaway

2007-09-23T19:24:00.000-07:00

We had a fun weekend at the cabin . The girls played with some cousins while we swept off the cobwebs and got the pine needles off the roof. It rained off and on while we were there making everything so green and beautiful.We still enjoy going to Christy's volleyball games.
And, of course, we love spending time with our gransdon, Clark

Hail the Conquering Hero

2007-09-06T13:56:00.001-07:00

The Stapley Sabrecats remain undefeated in girl's volleyball action and Christy plays an important role on the team. Kate and Chloe love playing dress up notwithstanding the pained look on Chloe's face.

Birthdays and BYU

2007-08-29T12:50:00.001-07:00

We celebrated three birthdays in August with Chloe celebrating her 6th! Carly loves holding Clark any chance she can get. Mike headed up to BYU and received some big hugs from his sisters. (The arguments over who would take over his room commenced minutes after his departure.) Christy is enjoying playing volleyball at Stapley and they won their first match. Go Sabrecats!

Mt. Humphreys Death March

2007-08-20T17:03:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, the Madsens were kind enough to let the Weeds crash their family gathering up in Pine and the Fillmores graciously accomodated our overflow. On Saturday, the menfolk (minus Bryon who volunteered to stay behind and protect the women and children) traveled to Flagstaff to participate in a bit of male bonding and hike Mt. Humphreys (12,600 feet high). A local Cancer Walk prevented the group from getting to the trailhead, but the men were not to be denied. Even though a detour added a few miles to the hike, everyone made it to the top.

Back to School

2007-08-16T13:27:00.000-07:00

Katie and Chloe headed back to school this week together with Carly and Christy. Christy is excited to be playing volleyball at Stapley this year. Mike finished at Walgreens and is heading for Provo and BYU in a few days. Finally--after 22 plus years, Julie has an empty house all to herself during the day. Not a tear has been shed.

Getting Along

2007-08-07T15:32:00.000-07:00

It happens much less frequently than we would like, but it sure is nice when the kids get along. It has been a fun summer, but we surely are looking forward to the start of school!

July Happenings

2007-08-01T13:58:00.000-07:00

The girls bought a new bird a few weeks ago and love it to pieces. They are also pretty fond of their nephew, Clark.

Fun in the Sun

2007-07-16T16:59:00.000-07:00

Just a couple of photos of the girls at the Ventura beach house in June.