Ratcliffe Christmas Party

Ratcliffe Christmas Party

We had our annual Ratcliffe Christmas Party. It was so much fun. It is always nice to get together with the whole family. We had great food, a special visitor, we played games, sang songs and had the little ones act out the nativity. We are so very blessed this Christmas season. Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas!

Grandma's Little Helpers!

Thanksgiving 2009

We have been so truly blessed this year, so many things to be thankful for. Our children are all doing well and are all healthy. What a joy they are to us. Gary's mom is still living and seems to be doing OK right now. My dad is doing well. What a blessing they are to us. We are thankful for all of our extended family and all of our friends, we love you all. These are the things that are most important!
Here are just a few pics from our Thanksgiving we spent at Grandpa Ratcliffe's.

Our trip to Maine

We just returned from a beautiful trip to Maine. We learned while we were there that our official name was "leaf peepers". The leaves were absolutely breathtaking. The weather wasn't the greatest but we did manage to get out and see the sights. Here are just a few pics from the trip. They really don't even capture the beauty!

Our trip to Maine

What happens at Grandma and Grandpa's, stays at Grandma and Grandpa's!

Grandpa's 80th Birthday Party

Saturday we celebrated Dad's 80th Birthday. It turned out to be so nice. I think Dad really enjoyed it. Most of the family was able to be there to help him celebrate. We are so very grateful to him for being such a great example to all of us. He has always been there for all of us when we need him. What a great dad he has been! Happy Birthday Grandpa!

One of the things I love most about summer are family parties and get togethers. Every year we have a Butler Family Waterfight. It is always lots of laughs. This year was no exception. We rented a giant waterslide. We thought the younger kids would enjoy it, as it turned out the adults loved it too!

4th of July Celebration

We had a great 4th of July weekend. So much going on! Gary and Issac played in the all-night tennis tournament on Friday night. They did really well. Gary tied for 4th place. Saturday morning Jenny, Ryan, Joel, and Mikaela, all ran in the 5K race. They all did so good. We were so proud of them. Jenny took 1st in the women's division. We went to the annual Grantsville 4th of July parade, had a barbeque at Grandpa Ratcliffe's house, went to the park, went to Dawna's for navajo tacos, went to the fireworks, and then to our annual Denny's at midnight. It was so much fun. We are so blessed to enjoy the freedoms that we enjoy. We live in the greatest country we must never take it for granted! Happy 4th to all!

Father's Day

Just wanted to express gratitude for all the fathers in my life today. My dad, who has always been such a great example to me. He has always been there for us when we have needed him. My husband, Gary, who has been the best mate and father I could have asked for, and the love of my life. I have two wonderful sons, Isaac and Joel, who have become such great men. I also have a great son-in-law, Ryan, who is such a good husband to Jenny and a wonderful father to our grandchildren. Thanks to all of these great guys! I love you! I am truly blessed!

Memorial Day Picnic

We had our annual Memorial Day picnic at Debbie and Sam's yesterday. It was so much fun. Debbie and Sam are so gracious. Thanks so much to them for always getting everyone together! Here are a few pictures.

Maine Event

We just returned home from a wonderful trip to Maine. What a beautiful state. We loved the lighthouses, they are just as you see them in pictures. We are planning to go again in the fall we are sure it will be spectacular! Here are a few pics!

Grandma Butler's 87th Birthday!

Today we celebrated Grandma Butler's 87th Birthday. It was such a nice day! Gary's sisters had planned an open house at the care center. I think mom really enjoyed it. There were so many people there.

I really admire Grandma Butler for the way she has faced the adversity in her life with such a positive attitude. I am sure she would not choose to be living in the care center at this point in her life but she seems to have accepted it and is making the best of her situation. We love you Grandma! Happy Birthday

Easter Picnic

On Saturday we had our annual Ratcliffe family Easter Picnic. Although the weather wasn't the greatest, it did warm up enough to have an Easter egg hunt. The younger kids don't quite have the hang of it but Reagan seemed to catch on! It was great to get together with everyone. Thanks to Grandpa Ratcliffe for all of his hard work! Happy Easter!