4 countries in 2 1/2 weeks . . .

Doesn't Daren look like he's having the time of his life?  He's just returned from working in four different African countries - Senegal, Cape Verde, Mauritania, and Gambia - and has the tan to prove it!  He not only got all the work done that he went to do, but also drove through the Sahara desert, ate goat meat and rice with his hands from a bowl on the floor, worked with folks that spoke French, Arabic, and Portugese, with a little English mixed in, saw lots of camels out and about, and enjoyed a whole array of oceanside hotels.  We're thrilled to have him home, but are so glad for him that he's having such wonderful adventures.  And the goodies he brought back (necklaces, crazy print pants, an African mask, etc) weren't bad either . . .

Nanny and Pops . . . .

Twenty six years ago, that guy on the right turned me into a mother. Now, thanks to him and his sweet wife - they're going to turn me and Daren into grandparents! That's right - the next generation of Taggs will be debut in September. On Valentine's Day, at the love dinner, the soon-to-be-parents had wrapped up a small gift for us containing a sonogram printout - such a fun surprise!!  Still awaiting news of gender (which, in the mean time, keeps the shopping for baby stuff to a minimum by this yet-to-be-grandma . . .) But, feel free from here on out to call us Nanny and Pops. We're looking forward to some great years ahead . . ..

Blooper . . . .

Marcy qualified for this year's school spelling bee - and was ready to storm the competition! After spelling some words correctly, she was given the word 'blooper' - but thought the moderator had said 'bluebird'! She spelled perfectly - b-l-u-e-b-i-r-d - but was eliminated. Apparently, you have to spell the correct word correctly, not just any old word correctly . . . She was a little disappointed - but likes to remember that she didn't, after all, misspell anything!

Love Dinner 2012

For the last several years, we've celebrated love in our family with an annual 'love dinner' - special food, special gifts, special people!

This year was no different. The special food included shrimp, steak, heart shaped ravioli (thanks Costco!), asparagus, roast potatos and my homemade rolls. Marcy impressed us all with a beautiful pink cake. Bethanie brought a lovely heart shaped cake as well - no shortage of sweets around here!

There were gifts to go around as well - something special at each place. Randon and Bethanie joined us - and jumped in on the gift giving as well - more on that in a later post.

As for special people, words aren't enough to express how thankful I am to be part of this group of folks - a wonderful husband, 7 matchless children, and 2 perfect daughters-in-law. I couldn't have handpicked a better group myself. I love each one with all my heart and wonder sometimes how I got so lucky.

Here's to a future filled with many more 'love dinners'!!

Roller Derby

Gotta love a stake youth activity at the roller rink. Max and Chap (3rd and 4th from left) sported some wheels and took a few laps. Even Daren, Marcy and I did some skating - what a ride! I only fell once - but it was all worth it.

byulacrosse.com

Hey - the Cougars are hot. They've started the lacrosse season at 3-0. They're on a road trip right now in southern California and look to extend their winning ways. Player to watch - that #20, whacking opponents on long pole defense. Go Tanner! Check out byulacrosse.com to stay up to date throughout the season.

He's not always wearing a white shirt and tie . . .

Here's Bret's description of this picture. " This picture is outside our house. There is a coconut tree that is super tall. To take the coconuts down we had to climb on top of our house and bash the coconuts of the tree with a shovel. It was pretty fun. (The black bear technique of hugging the tree all the way to the top didnt work too well.)" Now that's really livin'.