Saturday, April 3, 2010

Julie's Family

Happy Birthday Dad!

Dad, the best part about celebrating your 70th birthday, is the opportunity it has given me to look back at the past, enjoy the present, and look forward to the future. I have so many wonderful memories of me as a little girl with you, as a teenager, as a wife, and a mother, and now watching you play with my own kids. Sharing pictures of mom and you with my kids has been so much fun as they realize that their grandpa was once a curly blond-headed little boy and their mom was once a little girl who loved being with her daddy just as they love being with their own daddy. The continuous cycle of life is amazing. Having my kids surrounding me, there have been so many memories that I have duplicated because I first enjoyed them with my three sisters and mom and you. So many mannerisms, physical traits, and personality characteristics I see in my own kids, have come from you and mom. The legacy you have given us is immeasurable and something that I hope I can continue. Dad, you have given us so much. Mikayla has a love of reading passed on from the countless hours you and mom read to me. Jericca loves to draw and create, just as mom loves to. Eliza has the Johnson smile (as long as she is not self-consciously posing for a picture!) Skyla has a very sensitive little soul and she always wants everyone to be happy just like both you and mom. Who knows what fun things Jonah will bring into the picture, but he already has brought the same kind of happiness that you and mom have always said I brought when I was born to you. The thousands of brush strokes of your lives have created a grand painting that has touched so many generations. I am honored to call you Dad and blessed to have you grandfather our kids.
Happy Birthday Dad, Grandpa
WE LOVE YOU





I love it when you help us swim in the pool and when you tell stories to us in bed. I really love it when we play in your hot tub in your back yard. I love Grandpa because he always takes us to some place fun. - Eliza
I like it when grandpa holds me in his hot swimming pool so I don't breathe in the water
- Skyla





December 2001. Dick and Lawana came to visit for the first time, and during there first visit they fell in love with the island, the people, and the glorious beaches! They couldn't wait to come back the next year!

The purpose of this first visit of Dick and Lawana to Grenada was to pick up Julie and Mikayla so that Julie could be in a hospital that could handle the complications that might arise with Jericca's birth. Never in my life have I endured something so painful and hard as to see my young small family fly off in a plane that would make us be so far apart for so long. I never had a day that I didn't worry or think about my wife, but the fact that she was being watched and cared for by two people that loved her, brought me comfort and peace. I am so grateful for all the care and love you both have shown to our family as we have grown and traveled far and near. You always bring joy and relief to our home with your visits and I hope you always know you are welcome and loved. Dick, your dedication to do all you can to love and care for your family is an example that I appreciate. Thank you for allowing me to come into your family and share your love through your daughter. - Jared




I am so glad you were able to come to my baptism Grandpa and Grandma! - Jericca











I remember that I got to be baptized and then I was able to go to the Twin Falls Temple Dedication. I was so lucky to have Grandpa and Grandma there too! It feels so good to choose the right and to be baptized!
-Mikayla






Grandpa and Grandma with us at the Seven Sisters Falls, Grenada 2003

















Jericca and Grandpa enjoying the view from the Rex Grenadian Beach, Grenada 2002











On campus in Grenada, St. George's University with Grandpa and Grandma and Sheri and Terry. What an awesome time we had!










It is always a special treat to have Grandpa drive us around in the TR6!













Jericca
and Grandpa petting a kitten at the Christiansen's Family Rodeo.











I love it when Grandpa tells us stories in bed. My favorite one was about four mermaid sisters who lived in an enchanted ocean. -Mikayla













Grandpa and Grandma got to come for Skyla's blessing day! I really like it when Grandpa holds me! -Skyla











Mom and Dad helped Mikayla and Jericca build a cool snowman. Twin Falls, 2006.










Grandma and Grandpa came to visit when Jonah was born. He was so tiny! Notice Skyla's BSU cheerleader uniform - Go Broncos!











Dad and Mom with us in front of Shoshone Falls. What a fun day!









Grandpa is the baby magnet! Here is Eliza enjoying Grandpa's calming touch.













You rock Grandpa and Grandma! Just like "Dobin," our rocking horse you gave us! We love it and can even ride double! -Jericca









This was taken at the church on the day Grandpa and Grandma were set apart for their first mission. What great examples of dedicated service!











Park City family reunion, 2008. What a fun-filled week our family will always remember!









Taken during one of the highly anticipated trips to Grandpa and Grandma's house!












Fall 2009. This was a breakfast fundraiser for Mikayla and Jericca's elementary school. Jonah is asleep in his car seat under the table and our exchange sister Luciana is with us. So fun that Grandma and Grandpa could come!









I love that Grandpa and Grandma love to listen to me read and work on my fluency! - Mikayla
Grandma and Grandpa got to come for Jonah' blessing day!




















Thanksgiving 2008. We have been blessed to have Grandpa and Grandma grace our table so often! They make holidays so much fun!







Julie wanted to enjoy Women's Conference at BYU with her sisters and Mom, so, Dad volunteered to foot the bill as birthday presents. Thank you, dad, for supplying such an amazing learning experience.

No comments:

Post a Comment