Elder Ethan Schmalz, starts missionary service

Before we took pictures, a group of excited Elders that were on their way to the temple greeted Ethan saying "Welcome Elder where are you going on your mission?"

  In front of the Provo, Utah Temple.

We dropped Ethan off at the curb at the MTC in Provo Utah 12 September 2012.  Our quick goodbyes and the Host Elder escorted Ethan away.  No time for lengthy emotional fair-wells.

pictures from a time past

Our last trip to California, we went to our old homes and the areas we grew up in. This first house is where Susan, Jerry and Rocky called home in Lakewood Calif. Three bedrooms, one bathroom, five people, dogs and many other types of animals. To know more, just ask those early residence.

Mitony Avenue, Whittier, Calif. home to the Howards. Mike, Don and Sherry grew up in this little beauty. After their Mom, Arminta, passed, the home was sold and the big trees out front were removed. Many days were spent with kids and grandchildren in this yard and neighborhood.

 This fixer-up was our first home. Located on See Dr. Whittier, Calif.   We started with two bedrooms, two children, one bathroom, lots of love and plans. We added two bedrooms, another bathroom, patio, fireplace, and three children here. This home started at 800 sq.ft. Finished at 1500 sq.ft.  We sold it and moved to St. George Utah.  Ethan our sixth child was born here, and we have made changes to our current home also. A story for another time.

One of our favorite places to get food was across the  street, it is still there after 20 years, Stuft Pizza

 The oil fields where Sherry used to ride their horses still has a few of the oil pumps working. A lot has changed around the Whittier,and Lakewood areas since we lived and grew up there. Hope you like the trip down memory lane...

Last Months Events

In May there was a solar eclipse, it was visible here in St. George. We built a solar camera from a cardboard box, and viewed the event with our neighbors. Ethan is showing the box and you can see the eclipse shown on the white paper in the bottom of the box.

We borrowed some solar glasses from the neighbors and what a sight. The shadows were strange while the eclipse was happening.

Memorial Day we went to be with Neil and Sara. They took us over to Boulder City and we went to the Veterans cemetery. Our Aunt Grace is buried there with her husband William. Corinne placed flowers and we enjoyed looking at all the flags.

We went out for lunch, Subway sandwiches, and had a picnic in a local park. Sara and Nora relaxing on the blanket. There are wild big horn sheep roaming the grounds, and this one posed for photos,just for the tourist. He stood there for twenty minutes. Thanks Sheep.

Feb. to early March

As a family activity, we enjoy the Parade of Homes, held each Feb. in the St. George Utah area. This year featured 28 homes, ranging from the low $300.000-1.8 million. The homes and furnishings are amazing, unique and breath taking. We enjoyed seeing all the new innovations, colors, ideas and the wow factor. Those who come and visit, not only see homes but the beautiful weather, scenery, and can visit family as a bonus. If you haven't seen this event here, maybe next year.  The home on the left is one everyone wants, while the one on the right is the one we can afford. Hey it's a two bathroom style.

 We went to visit NORA CORINNE SCHMALZ, what a beautiful baby girl. Not only does she look perfect, but her mother SARA, wow girl you look great. Only one week after the miracle of birth, and we are thankful for you sharing Nora with us. Everyone got to get pictures, I only post the best looking ones. It's not the cameras fault, but the men don't look as great as our women.  Everyone says their grandchildren are the best, we just know it. We love all our grandchildren, and if we would have known how special their are, we would have had them first.  Thank you to each of our children and their families. We look forward to visiting everyone throughout this year.

Sunday Dessert

Sunday's home made coconut cream pie, by Sherry Schmalz

 The recipe as shown, Enlarge to make. Yummy...

We saved this slice for you, just come and get it...

Dec. 2011 - Jan. 2012 with Family

 Christmas time with the Family. Sydney shows off a new learned talent.

 Afternoon games and puzzle projects.

 We went to California and visited Julie, Dewey and family. No vacation would be complete with out some shopping. We went to Santa Monica pier. Great Fun.

 These boys are looking for some way to escape. Watch out world we're coming.

 Makayla just hanging out with us. Too cool to be in school, New Years eve.

For those who couldn't make it for Ethan's ordaination to Elder.