Happy Halloween!

Addie went trick-or-treating for the first time this year. Luckily, we had a costume all ready for her (my bro. & sis. in Japan sent a Komono for her last year). Worked out great! Well, most of it. We learned it's not realistic to die a baby's hair & do full make-up! Oh well. We had lots of fun taking her out anyway & she enjoyed knocking on all the doors. She made such a cute little Geisha-girl ;)

My Angel Baby :)

We took a walk the other day & she kept looking back up at me like this. I couldn't help but take a picture. Sorry, I love my baby!!

Update on Riley's Tragedy

This is all that remains of the Riley home in Lake Arrowhead. We cannot imagine what it was like for Dave's parents to come home to this vision. Our hearts truly ache for them. They were finally able to go up the mountain last week to look at the property. Dave, his bro's, & sister went out and were there to support them. It was an emotional experience, but he said his parent's were amazingly strong. Unfortunately, all that they were able to find, were some charred coins from a safe that had broken open. They are currently staying with Michael's mother in Oak Glen. We don't know what their final plans will be, but we are surely pulling that they will be able to move out here as planned, be by us kids, & start anew. Mom & Dad, we firmly believe the Lord has great blessings in store for you. Stay strong. We love you and we know things will get better. We also want to take this opportunity to thank everyone for all your prayers & concern for them (please continue to do so). And we express our deep appreciation to those who have donated to the fund. This has been a very stressful & complicated situation to sort out & they are surely in need. For those who are still interested in donating, here is the information:
It's called the Michael Riley Donation Account: You may make a deposit at any Zion’s Bank or send donation to: Zion’s Bank, 98 North Main, Brigham City, Utah, 84302. We appreciate any support you can provide.

We were just sent this photo. It confirms the reality of what's happened.

Tragedy has struck :(

The unthinkable has happened. Our dear parents in California have lost their beautiful home to wildfire this Monday, October 22nd. We all are in shock & feel we are living some sort of horrible nightmare. We mourn our parent's loss immensely, but at the same time are so very thankful to our Father in Heaven for graciously preserving their lives. We owe gratitude to the authorities as well for their alertness in activating evacuation of all living in their area in a timely fashion. Mom & Dad, we love you SOOOOO much!!! We are so glad you are okay. We will be here to support you in any way that we can. We can't tell you how sorry we are that this has happened to you. In this catastrophe, we recognize that all that we have been given is not really ours, but gifts from God. We pray the Lord will grant you peace & comfort, and strength in moving forward in your lives. To all others, we ask that you take this opportunity to recognize your many gifts from God this day & give Him your thanks for each of them.

After: Front of house on fire in Lake Arrowhead




Firefighters tried their hardest to fight the fires. Unfortunately, it was too late for Mom & Dad's home. This is all that was left :(


Brooke said...
So sad :(
Brooke
JUNE 26, 2008 10:44 AM

Anonymous said...
This is heartbreaking. Im so glad that they had you guys there with them. What a beautiful spot! Stephani
JUNE 26, 2008 1:57 PM

heddomarie said...
That just really tears at your heart strings. I just can't even imagine. sweet little Addie lending that moral support.
JUNE 28, 2008 7:22 PM

11 COMMENTS:

Ambie T. said...
Condolences and love from the Treto's. We hope recovery will be swift. Your message is perfect. Thank goodness they were evacuated in time.
OCTOBER 23, 2007 9:49 PM

Shultzybabe said...
How bitter-sweet!! So happy that your parents are safe! Heavenly Father was looking out for your family. ;)
OCTOBER 24, 2007 7:06 AM

Becky Maness said...
Dave and Becky,

We are glad your family is safe, but sad that their home was destroyed. Are they planning on staying in California or staring over some place else? Love, the maness family
OCTOBER 24, 2007 11:08 AM

Beeker said...
Thanks, all of you, for your support & concern. We're hoping this gives them the push to be able to come & live by us now.
OCTOBER 24, 2007 12:06 PM

mikensi.jung said...
my heart, thoughts, & prayers go out to your parents and family. your blog was written so well. much love from the gilberts.
OCTOBER 24, 2007 3:15 PM

Mylinda & Marshall said...
We are so sorry! This is happening for Marshall's parents - they were in Big Bear. They are serving a 3 year mission at Camp Hinkley as the caretakers and live up there in the house. They were evicted earlier this week also. Although, they don' thave a lot of info on what is burned. They don't know if their house is still standing...or what. All our love and sympathy at this time! Love, Marshall & Mylinda Mortensen
OCTOBER 25, 2007 9:26 PM

Anonymous said...
Barry & my thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this tragic time. We've been watching some of the videos on TV, but never imagined it would hit this close to home. Please give Dave's folks our condolences, and we are so glad they made it out safely. Much Love ~ Barry & Mimi
OCTOBER 26, 2007 7:28 AM

Beeker said...
Thanks for your comments :) Mylinda, we sure hope all is well with your family. It is such a scary thing. We will, for sure, keep them in our prayers that nothing has been damaged & all is well.
Becky
OCTOBER 26, 2007 4:36 PM

Mylinda & Marshall said...
Becky,
Hello, this is Marshall. Mylinda accidentally typed Big Bear when it is actually Running Springs they are in. Just to clarify things. Small world huh? Thanks for your prayers on their behalf. Please keep us informed on how your parents are doing.
OCTOBER 26, 2007 8:29 PM

The Burns Family of Colorado said...
WOW! I am so sorry to hear about this, that is terrible. I remember beign at that house for you reception. They are in our thoughts and prayers.
OCTOBER 28, 2007 10:11 PM

The passing of Grandpa Ray Riley

This past month, we lost our dear Grandpa Ray. We were able to attend a beautiful service in California in honor of his life. His children all outlined his character & spirit wonderfully. When they were finished, I felt like I had personally known him my whole life. It was amazing. We will miss him dearly but know that he is at peace with his Heavenly Father now. To hear more about his life visit: http://www.rileysfarm.com/



Dave's last time with Grandpa Riley
(Robyn & Dave with Grandpa Ray)




Dad Riley reunited with cousins, Robert & Ron

We're sure gonna miss this place!

There's nothing like sitting out on the deck in gorgeous Lake Arrowhead! Looking over the golf course and down to the lake. Watching the beautiful wildlife all around (feeding the raccoons, squirrels & assortment of birds). Feeling the gentle breeze & hearing it rustle through the trees. Talking, laughing, eating, playing games, watching old tapes, just being together! There's been so many good memories here (it was the Riley family cabin throughout the years, and now those of us married-in have enjoyed the serenity as well). Although we're so anxious for our parents to move here to Utah, we will surely miss this beautiful home when they do. Good times! :)


View from the deck ~ golf course

Flaming Gorge '07

This summer is all about trips! Yippee!! We had a second round with my family(camping)at Flaming Gorge recently & we all agreed it was the funnest campout we've ever been on. Dad brought all the toys & found an awesome site. The Pyne's (Toria's parents) came with & it was an absolute blast. Perfect weather, good food, great company, etc., etc. :) Let's do it again!











The Pyne's treated us to a boat ride to the dam. A few of us got to follow on the jetskis. The scenery was gorgeous! Couldn't have been more perfect.

Wisconsin Trip '07

Okay, so I’m way delinquent on my blogging! We’ve already been on two trips since I’ve updated this. But I’ll update you on Wisconsin Family Camping first and THEN I’ll post Flaming Gorge (~ the funnest camping trip we’ve been on, should I mention!)

Here goes: There were many good times and some not-so-good times, so I’ll refer to them as “highlights” & “lowlights". WARNING: There's a LOT of pictures here. Enjoy :)

Highlight: Addie helped me pack ;)


Lowlight: We had to say goodbye to Daddy for 3 weeks :(


Lowlight: Addie’s video-player can’t work in Grandma’s car. Oh no!
Highlight: Grandma & I got to sing to Addie instead, which she loved & I’ll always remember! Thanks for teaching me some cute songs Grandma! (esp. Animal Crackers in My Soup ;)
Lowlight: Some horses got loose while we were traveling through Eastern Colorado and temporarily blocked the road for us.
Highlight: We had fun watching them running around wild! And the cowboys there, rounded em’ up eventually ;)
Highlight: Jordo & I got to drive together some of the trip and we had a blast joking around, dancing for the other drivers, passing Dad up, and making the truckers honk their horns. One even started dancing with us! Uh oh! “Work it, work it” ;) Haaaa haaa! ~ You never laugh so hard as when you’re slap-happy (so tired ~ everything is funny)!
Highlight: We spent some quality time with Great Grandpa Jack before the trip. And Addie & him became best buds. He even taught her tricks! (clicking her tongue, gimme-five, winking, how big are you?, etc). Too cute! He kept calling her “Beetle-Bomb” & “my lil’ Addie” :)
Highlight: Grandma Sue, Auntie Sheila & Uncle Mark had fun playing with Addie too. (She thought she was pretty hot stuff until Uncle Mark came around with that silly mustache and then she wanted to climb inside Grandma!) What a Ham!!




Highlight: Then we met up with my mom’s side of the family at the classic “Bill’s Pizza”. Mmm, mmm! Gotta have that thin-crust, the roast-beef sandwiches, deep-fried mushrooms & cheese curds! It was good to see them too ;)



Highlight: To top it off we went to Uncle Fred & Aunt Angie’s for fresh strawberry shortcake. So good!! We enjoyed the beautiful scenery on their property while the boys (Michael & Nate) & I tried to catch fire-flies. Don’t you just love those beautiful summer nights in Wisconsin!
Highlight: We got to spend some extra days with Auntie Sherry, Uncle Kenny & Kayla at Muskie Lake a few days before the big campout. Good times, “in the valley-o!” Hee hee



Highlight: Michael & Nate bonded with cousin Kayla, taught each other songs, made necklaces with Grandma, jetskied with Grandpa, and goofed around on the water trampoline.



Highlight: Uncle Jordan kept Addie busy so Mommy could have a break. He’s such a good lil’ buddy! Michael & Nate helped out too (although Grandpa had to interject to make sure things were safe ;) ha haaa


Highlight: Addie had bonding time with Auntie Brooke & Auntie Toria, while mommy rode the jet-ski. Whew-hew! Thanks guys :)





Highlight: Dad & Mom made lots of yummy food!! Thanks guys!
(steaks, celery chowder, teriyaki chicken, tin-foil dinners, corn-on-the-cob, stir-fry, etc., etc.)
Low-light: Toria found little bugs in her broccoli! ~ (that we were all in the process of eating, at the time) Eek!!
Highlight: Off to Lake Michigan (one of the Great Lakes). The campsite is huge & in beautiful back country!





Lowlight: We’re in the sticks!! No cell-phone service. Sorry Honey, won’t be talking to you for a couple days!


Lowlight: We found out the beach was temporarily closed, due to testing for E-coli.
Highlight: The beach re-opened (the tests came out negative for E-coli). Yay! (we thought . . . )
Highlight: Everyone was still a little leary of the water at the beach but wow, look at the views!! There'a even a lighthouse. And we could still go jet-skiing! Although it was a little choppy with the waves ~ remember it’s a “Great Lake” ;)




Highlight: Addie hung out with Uncle Timm, Aunt Tracy, Marissa & Kali while momma played on the jet ski. She even had a race with Uncle Timm & Kali on the beach. Too funny :)



Highlight: Auntie Tracy planned her annual scavenger hunt for the little ones (sticks, rocks, leaves, etc.) And they all got cute little prizes afterwards. Thanks Aunt Tracy!!


Lowlight: Addie ate dirt the whole time!! What is the fascination! I don’t get it. But finally I gave up trying to keep it out of her mouth. It was probably good practice for me anyhow! ;)



Lowlight: We miss Daddy!! It’s way too hard to be away this long!
Highlight: We got to meet cute lil’ Holdyn for the first time (my cousin, April’s, new baby). What a sweetie :) And boy, is Sheila sure happy she’s finally a Grammy!!






Highlight: We decided to take the group picture early-on, rather than the last day. (Thank goodness, we all looked half-dead in previous years!!) And Timm & Tracy decided to make cool “Gardner Family Camping” T-shirts for us to wear. We love em’! Nice idea :) (The cute “tie-die” guy in the middle is Great Grandpa Jack ~ he is Great, huh?!)



Highlight: Aunt Mimi came this year. It was great seeing her again ~ it’s been too long!!


Highlight: Walking along the beach at night was so much fun! There was a creepy red moon one night too!
Lowlight: My cell phone slipped out of my pocket as we were skipping along the beach! Ahh! Luckily we back-tracked with a flash-light and found it. Whew! Close one!
Highlight: Grandma Sue brought lots of cool toys to keep Addie busy and even went to a yard sale outside the campout and found more. Grandma, you’re too good to us!
Highlight: Addie was a great sleeper, but I can't say that for everyone else! She kept rolling over on her favorite music-maker all night ~ “It’s lullabye time!”






Highlight: Gotta love singing campfire songs with cousin Kurt! He’s the best! (Johnny Cash, John Denver, Beatles, etc.) Good ole’ folk songs and being with family ~ can’t beat it!



Highlight: And Sunday morning breakfast was amazing, as always. Uncle Mark whipped out his wash-tub-size frying pan and fried up some bacon. Everyone else contributed and we had more eggs, bacon, fruit, toast, goodies, etc. than we knew what to do with!! So scrumptious!


Highlight: After the campout, Mom, Jordo, Addie & I spent an extra day with Uncle Patrick. We checked out a new bistro, visited the animals in the shelter & spent the day shopping. It was a hit! Many great buys & Addie actually slept in the cart! What a good baby :)




Highlight: We got to spend a couple extra days with Grandpa Jack (Grandpa-Great ) after the campout. (He’s the main reason we make the trek out every year!)



Lowlight: Justin got E-coli poisoning and had to go to the hospital :(
Major Lowlight: Justin & Toria got rear-ended on the way to the hospital, and in their rental car too. Eek, can it get any worse! But, he got put on antibiotics and will be okay. Thank goodness!
Highlight: The driver in the other car was a local attorney (that’s a highlight???) Yes, he agreed it was his fault, gave them his card & said he’d take care of everything. So, nice :)
Highlight: Dad (& Uncle Mark) installed a new shower upstairs, with grab-bars, for Grandpa-Great. What a good Son!! (Grandpa had been trying to shower going down narrow stairs to a small dark shower in the basement! Eek!)



Lowlight: Dad had to go to the store THREE times to find the right stuff! What a pain, but it was worth it!
Lowlight: Mom wasn't feeling well, so Becky had to drive the whole way home.
Highlight: Beck & Jordo had more bonding/goofing-off time together :)



Lowlight: Mom got really sick on the trip home and we had to stay the night in a RV park.
Highlight: We got to go swimming and watch movies outside. Not so bad :)
Lowlight: We got back on the road the next day, and hit torrential downpours, wind, lightening & thunder. We both started hydroplaning! Scary! We pulled off an exit and thought we had to stay the night again. Arrgh! We just wanted to get home, by this time.
Highlight: The storm passed and we were able to get back on the road, although it was very late by the time we got home. Whew! That was rough, but we made it. Good thing Jordo kept me up with his music and our singing ;)
Highlight: Finally home (Colorado). Toria & Justin came by to say goodbye. Lil' miss "Addie-tude" kept us all laughing!!
Highlight: Visited with old friends :) ALL pregnant, I might add.
There's definitely something in the water, but Hey, can I have a drink!! ;)
Spent some time with Kristiina-beaner (an old Colorado roomie & one of my bridesmaids) & her son, Austin. It was so much fun catching up :) She's due August 16th with her 2nd.



Visited with Kirsten, my other Colorado roomie & one of my bridesmaids, as well. She's due October 19th with her 3rd.



Even my sisters are pregnant right now!
Here's Justin with Toria. She's due November 1st with their 1st :)



Check out these prego beach babes! (Brooke & Toria)
(Brooke's due October 24th with her 4th)


Highlight: Spent a night with my best friend from high school (Karen) & her cousin Christie. We stayed up late, looked at old yearbooks, came up with baby names, laughed, talked and laughed some more. So much fun :)
(She's due with her 2nd in September)









Highlight: Skylar & Addie (born on the same day) enjoyed doing everything together.
(Two peas in a pod!)



They even fell asleep together :)
Lowlight: I guess I should say, she enjoyed everything, except her first time on the carousel. She wasn't so keen of that!
Daddy kept busy while we were gone. Check out that garden!!

And his flowers took off too! Good job sweetie :)

Cutter was missed!