ThrowBack Thursday ~ My brother Ernie...

Ern with Dad

 Ern with Uncle Carl

My brothers~ Ernie and Lloyd

I don't get to see Ernie often but I love him. He is a very private person and rarely ventures far from home. I'm happy I got to see him after Mom died a few summers ago. I miss him.

Summer fun...

I have been wanting to take Cash and Colby to Provo Beach. It was almost 100 degrees on Tuesday so being in an air conditioned place was just the ticket. Cash and Colby had fun whacking things and throwing balls. They are always so well behaved and they remember to say thank you. 

Colby wanted to take a picture in the cut outs. Cash said, Grandma Colby is by the girl. Oops, he still looks so cute.

I was trying to hold Colby up while Cash took our picture!

We walked across the street and had lunch at Malawi's Pizza. It was yummy!

We went to Grandma's house and played games... 

Summer fun is the best!

Wordless Wednesday ~ Pretty sunset...

Words to live by ~ Trust...

Challenges are at times an indication of the Lord’s trust in you.

~Elder D. Todd Christofferson

Lloyd...

As the years go by I feel more and more thankful for my brother Lloyd. We have had some really sweet experiences over the past few years. 

It was a very sacred and comforting experience to be with him at Mom's bedside the last few months of her life. He was my rock and I borrowed his faith and strength many times. 

We have worked together to plan family reunions. He is a no non-sense kind of person. He is fair and is always the first one to help others in need. He rarely waits to be asked, he just seems to know. He has the best sense of humor and one-liners. He has a big heart. 

He loves his son and daughter, and he loves being a grandpa. 

Lloyd always honored Mom and Dad. He helped Grandpa and Grandma Federer many times. 

He was often at Uncle Carl's ranch doing chores and helping him as well.

We have always been good friends. I honestly cannot remember a time we had an argument. He let me hang out with him and took me roller skating or to Ft. Collins to get curly fries at Arby's. We went horseback riding and played in the hay loft at Grandpa's barn. He let me drive the tractor. We went sledding and ice skating.

Lloyd and I can talk about anything and he gives me sound advice. I really love him with all my heart. He is so grateful for anything you do for him, even the smallest thing he will always show his gratitude.

He has found the love of of life in Rhonda. This makes me so happy because his first marriage was a struggle. I think he took what he learned from that experience and is a better person for it. He treats Rhonda like a queen. Her happiness is paramount and she feels the same way about him. It really is so heartwarming to see them work together at her family ranch. 

Rhonda mentioned to Lloyd that she wanted a memorial for her Dad. Since his death Rhonda has wanted a large stone to be place under a tree at the ranch. She said it was "Dad's tree." Lloyd told me about it when I was in Cheyenne last time. He chose the perfect stone and had a plague made. He sent a picture today and he said Rhonda was "astounded." What a thoughtful gesture. What an amazing and lasting tribute to her Dad. Now they have a place to go to honor him and remember him.

Mom loved butterflies and every now and then he will see a butterfly and take a picture. He sent this one the other day and simply text the word "Grannie." We feel like she is never far away.

Lloyd and I are only fourteen months apart. He was born September 11, 1956 and I was born November 11, 1957. He will be 60 this year and really want to have a surprise party for him. We will see how that goes! 

Sometimes you just need to document your thoughts, and tonight I wanted to give a shout out to the best brother ever. I love you Lloyd, I'm very thankful you are my brother.

Sushi and S'mores...

I thought it would fun to celebrate Tim's 64th birthday in the mountains and it was! We had sushi, yummy drinks, sweets treats, a few hot dogs, S'more cake, and S'mores over the fire. We did some hiking, exploring, and enjoyed nature. Happy Birthday Tim!

 Uncle Chris brought a fun drink with a marble inside!

 Lighting the candles and singing to Grandpa

 Grey enjoying Grandpa's birthday cake with a few chips.

Thanks to Chris, Mark, and Tiffani 
for the sushi and other yummy treats.

I sure love my family.