Cruisin the Mexican Riv

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

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

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

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

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

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

Grandpa Weed

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.