Christmas Vacation and all that went along with it!

We got to go to Idaho for our Christmas Vacation for the first time in 7 years. It was full of mixed emotions. We had planned on going to Idaho on the Tuesday before Christmas to surprise my mom and Dad and get there a few days before we had told them we were coming. It ended up being a great blessing that we had planned to leave a few days early because Monday afternoon I got the devastating call that my Aunt Mary had lost her battle with Cancer. I have lost two of the most amazing women in my life in the last 6 months, it hasn't been easy but it has made me really cherish the women that I do have in my life. She fought with all her heart but in the end it was her time to go. I have had a hard time writing about this because there are so many regrets I have, so many things I wish I would have said long ago and I lost out on the opportunity. Her Children and husband and family did a wonderful job at the funeral, there were many laughs, tears and tender moments. Her kids have all written wonderful blog posts about her and given beautiful tributes that we will read often and I love them for sharing her with everyone.

After the funeral on Wednesday in Boise, we headed back to my parents place in Pocatello, It was a long few day in the car and the kids did WONDERFULLY we were really blessed by their Patience. We took the next couple days to get ready for Christmas and spend time with family. We spent Christmas Eve at Pier 49 helping my mom make pizza, do dishes and playing games. We also frosted cookies and Josh even delivered a few pizzas. We went home and spent Christmas eve night having a nice dinner and letting the Grandkids participate in a Nativity Scene, while Grandpa read the Christmas Story. It was fun for all. Christmas day was relaxing and fun letting kids run around and we took the Kids sledding, it was so COLD! I am not an Idaho girl anymore!!! Other things we did while we were in Idaho are:

Josh and Colin went Ice fishing

Played board games with family

Went to Lava Hot Springs (always a favorite)

I also got to go through a bunch of my Grandma's belongings and learn a little more about her which is always fun and special.

So after Idaho we head to Utah to spend time with Josh's Uncle Jeff and Aunt Becky they are always so sweet to welcome us to their home. On our way there we stopped at temple square and saw some of the sites and spent the day as a family. We arrived in South Jordan on the 30th and spent the 31st ( my birthday) there, The Hones made sure it was special for me, we played our favorite board games most the day and then Brianne and Brian arrived to spend New years eve with us! Mia and Taylor had a great time! It was fun for them to get to play together.

New Years day we headed home. We had such a fun fun fun almost 2 weeks away! It was rough getting back into the groove of things when we got home but I think we have finally done it.

Hope you all had a wonderful Holiday we sure did!

Happy 2011 to you all!

Im back at life

As most of you know, the last month has been a really tough one for us/mostly me!
My grandma passed away. It wasn't a shock but it was REALLY REALLY hard. So early a Sunday morning Josh, Mo and I jumped in the car and headed to Idaho ( Colin and Taylor were already in Utah with Grandma and Grandpa Martin) We met up with the kids and headed to my mom's where I got to see my entire family which has been twice in a year, that is pretty impressive. I also go to see cousins and an aunt and uncle that we haven't seen in quite a while. Among the sad feelings we all shared our happy memories of Grandma and tried to celebrate her the way she deserved to be celebrated. The Funeral service was perfect. Dad sang and uncle Steve spoke. Grandma was standing above so proud of her boys. Her spirit was a strong presence in all the events of those few days. The talks were wonderful they suited her perfectly, helped us all cope with death well and were perfect words of comfort during hard moments. It really was so special for me and the rest of my family.

In the meantime back in Arizona, school had started Taylor missed only the first couple days but was excited to get back to start school. She started Kindergarten this year at Legacy Traditional School. We opted for half day, she is doing well and would probably love to do a full day program but I just can't let her go just yet. She is a fast learner and really loves school and home work.
Colin also started preschool as soon as we got back. He has grown so much and I think we have learned that we have a little lefty in the family. Josh thinks this makes a good reason to get him into baseball :) which of course I love. Nana Ward would love to watch that sweet boy play. I know in heaven he will have a little section cheering him on in whatever he does but Baseball would bring a huge smile to Nana and Papa's faces.

Other things going on is MOVING! I think everyone in Maricopa is moving except us! I know for now this is where we are supposed to be but it is hard to see good friends leave. That is the story of life though! Even with all the craziness we are moving on. Trying to move forward with live and get back in the swing of things, I wonder if it will ever happen. I am determined to find a new groove! (see post below) If someone else can do it I can too!!!!
The Pictures ended up a little crazy but maybe you can guess where they belong...
First couple are funeral services Morgyn is getting so big and Taylor holding new little Gavin.
While we were there Taylor decided she wanted her ears pierced so we had it done for her. Josh and the kids went fishing with Bob up to American Falls res. You can see the fish were huge :). Then Taylor's first day of school!

Sea Life Aquarium

Grandma Ward( My Mom) Is visiting while we await the arrival of Valerie and Brian's little man.... Waiting!!! :)

Anyway yesterday we took the kids to the Sea Life Aquarium, it is small but it is indoors, air conditioned and the kids had a great time. It only took a few hours to see and enjoy everything. It was a perfect amount to spend with the kiddos not having to stop for lunch or anything like that.

We saw sharks, jelly fish, Sea horses ( my favorite, and the 2nd best display of sea horses I have seen, shed aquarium being the 1st)
Rays and lots of tropical and fresh water fish.

It was a good time!

Hope you enjoy the pictures

--Kara

Thanks Giving In Idaho!

Let the Back Tracking begin! It is going to be Easter before I realize and here I am still stuck in 2009!!!!!


For the first time in our Married Lives we headed north to Idaho for Thanksgiving. Also the first time in At least 6 years since the entire Ward Clan has been together( we were missing some of the kids s. It was a great week! We got to meet Shayla who quickly became part of the family when her and Bob started dating. R.Jay and Aimee home from their missions and Grandma Ward doing pretty well!
We enjoyed spending time together playing wii and other games as well as getting to take Josh and the kids to Lava hot springs for the first time. Josh and I got to go out a couple times and it was just a lot of fun.
We also had Ward family pictures taken while we were there.

Our Beautiful Tay

Colin Rocking out with Rockband! He loved it.... I did too! :) See below for my intense Drumming Skills~

Grammy and Mo.

Nana and Mo

Yes, Rockband is serious business! R.jay, Aimee and I made a pretty sweet BAND!

Fun Day with Family

These are pictures from Sunday after Aimee got home. Just before we headed back to AZ! This is the first time we have had all the grandkids together Thanks to some strategic measures by Mom and Janis. This was also Bobs Birthday!

Idaho Summer 2009

Mo and Aunt Aimee, she loved playing with her AuntiesMy Beautiful Girl in the Idaho sunshineAunti Aimee got all my kids to sleep at one point. Doesn't she look comfy! We got to pic-nic at Nana's it was really fun to share this with my kids because this is one of my favorite childhood memories.

Nana and Mo. This is the first time Nana has got to hold her.

The kids LOVE LOVE LOVE to get to go to grammys and make pizza! It makes them feel so big and very special Grammy and Mo! Best buddies from the moment she arrived!

Taylors Masterpiece

Taylor's favorite part about going to grammy's work is getting to do the dishes, she is usually soaked by the time we leave and the dishes are semi-clean

Tay showing off her shirt~ Pre race Janis, Angie(friend of mom and janis's) Mom

Daddy and his girls waiting to see Grammy come in on her bike!

Colin cheering for Grandma!

These are the shirts we made for each of the grandkids that were there to cheer grammy on!

Bunko Night! Mom with the Travlers hat! She WON!

Janis, Mom and Bob at the Losers table for a bit!

Welcome Home Aunt Aimee Here are the signs the kids made!

This post is a long time coming but here it is pictures from our blissfully cool trip to Idaho. We got to see Aimee home from her mission to Brazil, we got to watch Janis and My Mom run in a triathalon, make pizza, hang out with cousins and friends! SO MUCH FUN! OH and fishing of course! We have been back for a while getting back into the swing of things but we had LOts of fun! Here is a picture OVERLOAD!