Emmeline Laura Griffiths

I didn't think it would happen, but Liz had another baby!!! It was a little girl to help balance out the two crazy boys (Kazden & Tanner) we just added to the family. I'd like to introduce...

Emmeline Laura Griffiths

8 lbs 9 oz

21 inches long

Born February 1st, 2013

She was a good size baby, complete with the cutest chubby cheeks!!

Here are the proud new parents: Liz and Casey

Rach and I went late to see her one night and met up with my mom, dad, Aleesha, and Kenzi. We really know how to stuff a hospital room! For my parents Emme makes a 12! One Dozen Grandkids! There are 7 boys and 5 girls! Welcome to this crazy family Emme!!!

Arizona Road Trip!!!!!!!

Is there anything better then a little quality time with your sisters? Yes! How about A LOT of quality time with them! A couple of months ago my cousin, Stratton got married. My mom would have loved to be there, but since she can't, she sent some of the girls of them family in her place. Liz, Kenz, and myself set out for a looooong drive to Arizona, with no kids! How weird is that? I'm not used to driving without someone yelling at me for a snack, or a drink, or that they are board! (Though... I may have expressed these similar thoughts at the end of the trip!) We missed Aleesha, Rachel, and Janine and would have loved them to join us on our girls trip. But we managed to have a ball anyhow. We did pick up one more along the way, my Grandma Sealy made the trek with us! 

We had 3 days to drive to Arizona, go to the wedding and drive home. So, since two of the days were "all about the drive" as Liz put it so well, we enjoyed it! We had to make a stop in Cedar City so there is something I always wanted to do, but Brett would have thought I was crazy and I couldn't do it with my kids. So, who better to take along then my sisters! I didn't have a digital camera in college... too bad cause I would have had so many more pictures! But whenever I drive through Cedar, there are a few spots I look at and like to remember what happened there. Silly as it is, here are a few pictures I always think about.

This is where I met Brett. He lived in apartment 24 of College Way Apartments. He had called me a week or two before he moved to Cedar. He got my phone number from Tara, our mutual friend. We didn't know each other but she mentioned to him she had a friend down there. I came over and helped him move in (I carried a pair of flip-flops in... what did he move with?)  I met him and his friend Jim. We had a lot of fun at his apartment. BBQ's, football parties, homemade ice-cream and hanging out with friends. I spent a lot of time here.

This is where I lived my 2nd year of college. I lived on the 3rd floor of Windser apartments. Brett and I had our first kiss at my apartment.

Of course they had to be cleaning the library window when I was there, but I ran into Brett almost always when we were dating in front of the library. It was fun to walk up and see him there!

If I didn't see him over by the library, he was almost always by the business building. Sadly, because of the hail storm we were dodging in and out of (with no umbrella!) I forgot to take a picture of the back of the Science building. We had a math class together in that building. Every time I see the back, twisty staircase of the Science building, I think of Brett and I walking out of class, walking down the sidewalk together, flirting and chatting until we got to his car. Instead of me going to my Chemistry lab he talked me into going home with him instead. (I can't believe the things you do when your young and in love! And if your wondering... I did not pass Chemistry that year. Shocker!)
While I'm thinking about places around campus, I should have taken a picture of the institute building. Brett and I had just barley started dating. He was in his institute class and I stopped by to give blood that morning. In a hurry to get to my Chemistry class (see this class was not mean to be!) I ran out the door without eating a snack after giving blood. Resulting in me fainting and being all whoosey. They were hoping I knew someone there and yes. yes I did. My new boyfriend, Brett was in class. So embarrassing. They pulled him out of class (telling the entire class what happened! Awesome.) And he came and got me and took me home. I felt so dumb. And once again, I missed another Chemistry class.

This picture was taken my Kenz and it took a lot of talent to get it! It's not easy hanging your head out the window, going 80 mph, holding a camera to snap a picture of a sign. Why would I want a picture of the Kanarraville sign you ask? Kanarraville is right outside of Cedar City. One night us and a bunch of our friends went someplace in the mountains and made a bone fire. Brett and Jim were big on dutch oven cooking. We were all hanging around the fire when Brett pulled me aside to go for a walk under the stars. It was that night, in Kanarraville Brett told me he was in love with me! Every time I see this sign it makes my heart melt all over again.  

We got married and moved into Cinnamon Tree Apartments. For 2 years we lived on the top floor of this light blue building. Inside was one bedroom, one living room, a tiny bathroom and a hallway kitchen. The walls were paper thin and the carpet was too! But this is probably one of my most favorite places in Cedar! Life was simple. We didn't have much and we were so in love.

We took a little detour and went to St. George to pick up my Grandma Sealy. She was super nervous about coming. She is getting older and has a lot of care at the home where she lives. But my sisters and I knew we could take great care of her! And we did! It was so fun being able to spend that much time with her again. We saw my cute Grandpa Milt. I found he was the resident spotlight of the week! I had to take a picture of it cause I love the picture of him wearing the green lei.

Stratton and his new bride got married in the Snowflake Temple. It's such a tiny little temple.

Kenz reunited with our cousin Kendra. BFF's from the time they were tiny!

It was fun seeing a lot of my family. My cousin Monette and my Aunt Lori were there.
My Aunt Vicki and Uncle Richard were there.

It meant a lot to everyone to have my Grandma there! So I'm so glad she decided to come. It took a few phone calls to convince her. We grew up not more then 5 minutes from her house, so we enjoyed the 3 days we had her to ourselves!

Strattons wedding was designed around the shabby sheek look. They all looked darling! Stratton's best men tried to throw him in the water at the temple.

My sisters and I got a picture with grams in front of the temple. I love his picture. The sky is beautiful!

My Aunt Lori and new cousin Heather made their wedding cake. It turned out darling and tasted divine! Loni and her husband our awesome cooks. One of the layers was a peanut butter chocolate... yum!

Braden "stickied" up Stratton's truck with millions of post-it notes! I thought it was pretty clever!

The next morning before we left, we stopped by some dinosaurs. I knew my boys would love seeing me by some dinos. We also got some petrified wood to take home to them. It's so cool, it looks just like wood but it's so heavy cause it's a rock. If you cut into it it's just shiny and pretty!

Yes, this fake dinosaur tried to eat me!

On our way home we drove by the Colorado River. It was so pretty we thought we would get out and stretch our legs. My sister's were embarrassed by me (I'm finding I enjoy it now) that I asked some stranger on the bridge to take our picture. What were they going to do? Say no? Or run off with my camera? It's a long bridge with no where to go. I thought I would take my chances!

After 12 hours in the car there and 12 hours (plus some) on the car ride home I was getting a little board of the car. There is only so much Price is Right and Family Feud you can play on the ipad. That was fun though! My sisters and I won so many prizes! Heck, Liz won 2 cars and a trip in one turn!

We thought of every game we could think of, sang songs (though, they vetoed country music so that didn't leave me with a lot to sing to!) We drove each other crazy and laughed a lot!!!!!!!!!

And I knew Kenz got board cause I found a lot of pictures of her on my camera when I got home. Even a close up of her eyeball. Thanks for that Joe. It was a great, fast, trip! I loved spending time with my sisters, chatting with relatives, being with my grams, and just having a great time! Liz was right, it was "all about the drive!" 

Off To College She Goes...

For the fist 8 years of my life, I was the darling baby sister that everyone adored. And then... my little sister was born! What a blessing Mckenzie has been in my life! I love her. She is such a talented little lad. 

Growing up, I shared a room with her. I took millions of pictures of her, peeked and poked at her in her crib at night hoping she would wake up. As she grew up, I teased her, helped her, and she helped me. I borrowed her makeup, invated her room... the list really goes on and on. She is one of my best friends. Now I know she isn't far, but it's a big step to see her leave home. Mckenzie moved to her first place at BYU. My sisters and I helped her move in this past month.

Isaac must have not noticed where her bathroom was, because when we left he was very concerned that she wouldn't be able to go to the bathroom.

She is doing well and has adjusted to college life... minus getting used to all the PDA there is on campus! I love you Kenz! Good luck at school! And come back and visit! 

Chezy's Wedding!

My sisters and I took a little road trip to Logan a few weeks ago to see my cousin, Chez at his wedding reception.  

Dax was a trooper and barely made a peep the entire trip! I think he liked me sitting by him in the car and making faces at him. We sang, played games, and were silly as ever. Brett called at one point while we were singing to the Newsies Soundtrack. He was really grateful he couldn't come with us after he heard that! 

I can't believe how grown up Chez is. To me, he will always be that little boy that smashed his nose against the window in Bear Lake waiting to see if we could come out and play. When we went through the line, he hugged me and introduced me to his wife as the first girl he ever married. When we were kids, our syblings dressed us up as king and queen and performed our wedding ceremony. We even had crowns and rings! I'm sure Chez's wifes ring was a little more fancy then our tinfoil rings. If I ever come across the picture, I will have to post it!

It was so fun to see cousins I haven't see in ages. 

Kylee and his wife recently had twins! Making their family of 4, jump to a family of 6!

Shea and Jackie have kids the same age as my kids - I plan on taking a trip to Vegas to see them. She of course was his goofy self and was tired of taking pictures!

Mckenna (Shea's little girl) was so darling when they cut the cake. She put her little hands in-front of her mouth and said, "they kissed!" She is darling. I also got to see my Aunt Loni who lives in Arizona!

And Don and Monette! 

Mo's my cousin and Brett and I used to watch their kids when we were first married.

My darling cousin, Carson was also there from Arizona. They had this darling treat table for the guests to make a treat bag and take it home. I thought it was so pretty!

My crazy sister Mckenzie loved the green, flower balls outside. 

Note to self - for when she ties the knot one day! (Which better not be for a long time!) 

And it was fun visiting with my Grandma Sealy. I don't get to see her nearly as much as I would like to, but she is so darling - and it's fun to see how much she loves her grandkids and great grandkids! 

Daxton's Baby Blessing

Saturday, January 2nd we had a small gathering with family and friends at our church and had Daxton's baby blessing. Because of the flu season and the crazy sicknesses being passed around, we decided having a small gathering would be best. It actually turned out to be such a nice way to have a blessing! It was such a neat experience to have so many people we love, all in the same room, as we blessed our sweet baby boy.

Daxton, Ashley, Isaac, and Brett

Brett gave a beautiful blessing and I am truly grateful for a husband who honors his Priesthood and can bless our children.

Grandpa Dale, Grandma Linda, and Daxton

I was so thrilled my mom could be at Daxton's blessing. Just recently she is doing well enough that she was able to buy a van and get around to a few places. It was really neat having her there.

Grandma Nancy kissing sweet little Daxton

Grandma Nancy, Grandpa LaMonte and Daxton

It was also very exciting to have Nancy and LaMonte here for the blessing. When Isaac was born they were on their mission, so we were very grateful to have them there. They are always such a big help!

After a little luncheon, my family realized we were all together at the same time and dressed up, so we took the opportunity to have a small photo shoot since none of us could remember the last time we took a family picture. Too bad the lighting in the gym isn't that great, but it's still nice to have documentation of us all together!

This is my family - All grown up!

L-R: Cordale, Rachel, Dad, Liz, Aleesha

Ashley, Mom, and Mckenzie

This is all of us - plus our spouses!

L-R: Mckenzie, Cordale, Gordon, Dad, Casey, Brett, Aleesha

Janine, Rachel, Mom, Liz, Ashley

And now, the entire family - grandkids included!

L-R: Mckenzie (18), Cordale, Eliza (4), Gordon, Dad, Josh (5), Casey, Isaac (3), Brett, Aleesha

Cayden (12), Janine, Rachel, Mom, Liz, Daxton (2 Months), Ashley

Madelyn (8), Zander (5), Hannah (10), and Acacia (7).

And just for fun, A sister picture! I love these girls!

We are so grateful for so many of you who supported us in this special day regardless if you could be there or not. It was such a neat experience and it warmed my heart to see the room filled with family and friends. It was a wonderful day!