This IS The Place for a Hampstead Reunion

We planned a little Hampstead Ward Reunion a la Utah style while we were out west. We were sooo happy to be with former ward members whom we love and miss so much. Here are the attendees:

Rachel H. with an adorable babe in arms, Dustin (if you need a good patent attorney in SLC, he's your man) and Cheryl C. - our patient and willing hosts, and Rich and Les (neither attorneys nor dentists).

Dr. Brian Holman (if you need a good orthodontist in the South Jordan area, he's your man), Dan Bethers (OH, and if you need a root canal in St. George, yep - he's your man!), and babe in arms and Kirsten.

Dr. Cory Price (yes, if you need a good orthodontist north of SLC, he's your man....) and wife, dear Em with babe #4 appearing in a few months.

AND..... the boys of the above mentioned people. None of them are dentists or lawyers - yet.

We thank the Calls for all their prep and for hosting. I am soooo sad that I didn't get my camera out until the after the Smiths left (That's Dr. Greg Smith, an amazing and capable dentist in the South Jordan/SLC area.... yep! He's your man, too!!). We missed the other families who weren't able to come....oh, and they are pretty much all dentists, too.

How ironic is it that I know about one million dentists now, and my home business offers services to dental offices, and yet, I am still petrified of going to the dentist!?! There's gotta be a great story in there someplace....

Tait Turkey Day

[OK, so I have been trying to make a mosaic from Picasa to upload here.... Well, I made one. However, blogger won't upload the collage. It shows up as separate photos, not the collage. Maybe it's because I turned this into a three-column blog? Anyone? Anyone? Bueller? Bueller? If any of you techy bloggers can help, please let me know. I am tired of trying.]

We went to Utah for Thanksgiving this year. I don't think we have spent a holiday there since.....1980 something. We had a great time with Richard's family. Here are a few highlights:

David, an awesome nephew who really loves Lemonheads (long story)....

Lynnette, his talented and gorgeous wife with Jackson - this little family spent the day being thankful for Primary Children's Hospital after an incident with a doggie - both participants are fine. While they were gone, we took care of:

....Kaden. Uncle Richie did share him a little and let him take his naps.

Dear Liz came with Alexandra and Adara and Joel (below). They all were SOOO happy that I took pictures!!

OK, so Joel didn't mind it so much! Great kid!

Janet, our lovely hostess, checking out the spread.... deeLISHous.

A VERY scary man with an electric knife... yet donned in a lovely apron (actually, this was his mom's apron used many years ago for family gatherings!)

Cooperative nieces and nephews Jordan, Joel, Alexsandra and Adara....

....Les with cousins Parker and Lauren - equally as cooperative.

Aunt Lizzie, the queen of creating BEAUTIFUL jewelry, shares her talents with others (let me know if you want to buy some... her Etsy shop is almost up and running!).

Brother and Sister, hitting the bottle - of MARTINELLI'S of course...!!

More family joins us for some photos, including the girl cousin shot, full of JOYFUL gratitude...

........ or maybe that is just silliness? Annie -Bo-Bannie, Lolly Lou, Lilleth (in front), Hillary "Spike" and Bug.

Thank you, Timothys, for a wonderful, wonderful day!!

Defenders' Day

OK, I will stop with the politics for a while.... whew. Last weekend we attended the "Defenders' Day" Celebration at Ft. McHenry in downtown Baltimore. To quote from a WBAL reporter, Scott Wykoff,

"Defenders Day is a Maryland holiday that commemorates Baltimore's successful defense against British invaders in the Battle of Baltimore during the War of 1812. The bombardment of Fort McHenry during the battle inspired the words to "The Star-Spangled Banner." The British launched a land assault at North Point before initiating the naval attack."

We had a great time with friends watching the many War of 1812 re-enactments, listening to some live music and partaking of some lovely food and conversation. You can read more about this event here. Fortunately, I didn’t run into the MD governor during his photo op time… (Dang, I wasn’t going to be political!!)

The Patriotic One

Gadberrys

Friends

Kaylene and her new friends

Marching into Battle....

a little bit of the 4th

We rarely have 4th of July barbecues, but this year we decided to have one kind of at the last minute. Every time we have planned one over the years, it has rained. This year was no exception. We are grateful for old friends, and new ones, who decided to join our small gathering. (I did miss photographing a few partiers - sorry!!)

Long-time friend Pamela and husband, Bill

The "Man Room" - no game playing goin' on here!

Did I get anyone with his eyes open??

What do you do in Maryland when it's too rainy to go outside and swim or do anything else?
Play wii!!

A few girls just chattin' and munchin' - Carrie, Laura, Kaylene and Krysta

BBQ Man Richie - yes, he finally has a GAS grill!!

A lovely rainy 4th of July.