Christmas Reflections

This is what Christmas is all about!

Natalie took Chase's photo while they were decorating their tree.

Blessing Day

The family gathered today as Chase received his blessing by his father. Craig's family was here for Thanksgiving and would be returning home by the afternoon. There was a small gathering of the immediate family and the bishop at the home. Chase was pleasant and had smiles to give. It was a special occasion for us all.

And Here's Ken . . .

Amazing all the changes in our lives this past year. I recall the first photo I saw of you. Amy described to me her hot boy she was dating. Her thoughts reminds of me a song that has been popular through the decades particularly when Dave and I were dating . . .

The first time ever I saw your face

I thought the sun rose in your eyes

And the moon and the stars were the gifts you gave. . .

A little corny perhaps but it was exciting to listen to Amy's voice light up when she spoke about you. There has been many firsts in your life this year. And now this is your first birthday as a husband and son in law. We are happy to be a part of that celebration. Happy Birthday!

The Land Before Time

Presley taming the Triceratops

Our New Grandson, Heber "Chase" Mackay

Here's to you - Andy, Laura and Rachel. We hope you enjoy the photo history and we are excited to share these events as a family.

Julie, Natalie and I were watching Women's Conference in Pleasant Grove. It was during Barbara Thompson's talk that Natalie suspected that she might need to go to the hospital. And it was during President Uchdorft's talk when we were timing contractions at 4 minutes apart. We went home and told Craig to get ready as we were all going to the hospital to have her checked. Natalie was delighted to know baby was coming and these events were not a false start.

Natalie & Craig are a great team

Chase was born Sunday, Sep 28 at 3:35 am.

He weighed in at 6 lbs. 14 oz.

Chase has some beautiful hair

Chase has his mother's dimpled chin

Mommy

Daddy

Grandma & Grandpa Mackay

Aunt Amy

Thanks to Ken and Amy for feeding us. We were quite hungry and they brought us food to nourish us and spend much of the evening with us. They are a great support of the family.

Grandpa Smith with Chase and Kelly holds Presley as she watches in wonderment. Isaac is thrilled to have a boy cousin since he had been the only boy in the family. Julie's training as a nurse and mother will be helpful for Natalie.

Brinley has already volunteered to become the Chase's babysitter.

Nate has always come last in the pecking order but first as a great uncle. He is Natalie's twin brother but two minutes younger. He adores his nieces and nephews and makes up his own pet names for them; namely - Boo (Brinley), Poo (Presley), Goo (Isaac), Roo (Rachel) and Hoo (Chase)

We can truly say, one more little one adds to our joy! Love to you all.

The Sport of Binky Wear

No matter how you wear it, it still a binky. . .

This girl makes us laugh!

Baby On Its Way

Thank you for spending the time to celebrate. It was great being together. Robyn and Julie were marvelous hosts and everyone added their touch to the event. Heather was not in camera range but we know she was there with the fun game she presented. Amy and Brinley were enjoying the good food. My photography skills need some prompting. Natalie is about complete setting up the nursery and our concerns for the pregancy has resolved. We wait patiently for the arrival of our new little guy which will enable Isaac to not be the solo boy act.

Love to you all. Presley had a marvelous day with the girls!

This is the Place Heritage Park

On the 24th of July we took the kids to the Pioneer park in commemoration of the day. They enjoyed many of the activities and crafts.

Milo Andrus house, part of the King family heritage. The house was originally located on 6400 South and was a halfway house for travelers as they journeyed on to the Draper Pony Express Station which was near Thanksgiving Point of today.

Brinley and Isaac participated in a mock pioneer school session learning about the class rules.

This was one form of discipline for disobedience. Another form was the use of the paddle by the teacher.

If the child forgot to do his homework he wore the "Dunce" hat for a half day. He would have to walk home at noon to complete his assignment and return. But the walk was often up to 2 miles one way.

There was a short parade of decorated handcarts created by the volunteers.

Isaac tried to master some of the pioneer games.

After a while he became bored and tried to use the rim as a hula hoop.

The kids rode the train through the village, made ropes, fans, windmills and painted a wooden snake. They finished off the day with a tug a war with other children at the park.

A long day for a tired baby.

The Pay family cabin.

Replica of the Pine Valley Chapel of Southern Utah.

Happy Birthday, Our Awesome Isaac

We love you, buddy! Have a fun day.

Back at the Ranch

We enjoyed our annual family reunion at the Morrill Meadowbrook Ranch near Capitol Reef National Park. It is a great time to gather and enjoy the wonders of this beautiful country. My great grandparents, William George Morrill & Ellen May Adams, raised their children in the two-room cabin. While the girls did the chores on the ranch, the boys often were on the mountain attending to their duties. The ranch is a heritage left to his descendants. We had a great gathering from the Merlin Morrill family and it was good to be together again.

Merlin Morrill family and the Morrill Ranch Road

The cabin has a livingroom & kitchen - Sherry, Natalie, Julie, Sarah

McKinley, Alexa, Brinley, Isaac - McKinley, Alexa, Isaac

Natalie, Presley, Dave - Alexa, Stace, McKinley, Paula

Ken & Presley, our sleeping beauties!

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More photos to come . . .