Honoring Ora

Some of Ora and Lucile's grandchildren

So much of who we are is about where we came from- we came from a farm found in a little town owned and ran by a man named Ora who forsook the life of a stonemason and chased his dreams with his brother Irel- we called him "Uncle."

There is a little part of Ora in all of us... the traits are there and they bind us for life.  When we were young, we herded cows with grandpa on the farm.  We we were older- we listened to his stories.  He was a great story teller.

We celebrated Grandpa Ora's 100th (June 14, 1915-June 14, 2015)  birthday by gathering at his graveside and remembering. We love you grandpa! 

I miss my grandpa and his stories.  I miss my grandmother and her stoic strength, fresh linens, amazing food, and the wave she also sent me on my way with from her front porch.

 Time stands still for no one so we share the stories and we gather to remember, honor and pay tribute to grandparents who honored each other and life.

Ora and Lucile's Great grandchildren

My mom

At the graveside

My Aunt Donna

 Chris used to skip out of town after his high school basketball games to play yahtzee and hang with grandma!

 These two were named for uncle- Bernell Edward Hofheins and Troy Edward Hofheins- I love them both!

Janet, Joyce, and Starr

 Reunion of the Panguitch Ice Breaker champions- nothing like cousins!

Adelaide and Emma

Cousin Bryan and Aunt Starr

Anna, Javlyn, and Japrix

In honor of Grandma Lucile we had a Baker's Secret "Bake Off."  There were four entries- it was Yummy!

As the years go by, he reminds me of grandpa- his walk, his mannerisms- I love my uncle and the memory he brings to my heart.

 And then we played, and laughed and built relationships....

 They will grow in the blink of an eye.... we will share stories1

A Sunday afternoon find...The College of William and Mary

While surfing the net in preparation for our trip, I found a gem on "Trip advisor" (I was googling colleges in Virginia and ran upon the treasure trove of institutions- The College of William and Mary).

 I believe that exposure to higher education is a MUST when raising children. Hence our stop at William and Mary's- so glad we did!

 The College of William and Mary in Virgina was founded in 1693 by King William III and Mary 11.  It is  second only to Harvard University as the oldest higher education institution in the nation.

 It was holy ground- 16 signer of the Declaration of Independence attended here as well as Presidents Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe and John Tyler.

                                    I loved this Sunday evening stop!

Photo bomb!

Historic Jamestown settlement

 I remember the first vacation I took with my family.  I was a 1st grader, and we went to Disneyland.  I was so excited.  I even got to see the ocean for the first time.  Unfortunately, my 3 older brothers did not quite share my excitement.  In fact, they were either unimpressed by the vast ocean or embarrassed to be seen with our band of nine I still don't know, but they sat in the car the ENTIRE time we were at the beach.

I was so grateful that our 3 oldest boys decided to jump on board and get excited about our journey to and throughout the Historic Triangle (there were a few rough moments).  

Emma and Madsen

Maleck and Daddy

History- nothing makes me happier!  I am now officially the family NERD, 

 Emma to to meet legendary Pocahontas- We enjoyed learning about the real story of her life!

 Our visit here was somber.  Life at Jamestown in 1607 was anything but easy.  The death toll was tremendous and the lifestyle harsh.  To build our nation was not an easy task.

 Emma and Maleck at the James River 

gravestones of the UNKNOWN

Early American History will now be viewed differently by our Fab Five!

Seleck missed his ducks

 And of course I found a VERY old building!

 I am so blessed to call these five- MINE!

                                      and then there was EMMA!