Beth Becomes a Gubler

During the summer, Beth announced her engagement to Aaron Gubler.   We were able to meet him last December, and were very pleased that things had progressed in their relationship.

They chose October 19th as their wedding date, so arrangements were made for all of us to be their in Las Vegas and St. George, where the temple ceremony would be held.   Aaron's family was kind enough to let us all stay at their home.   We had some time to be together, and to plan and prepare for the wedding day events.

Dara, Aaron, Beth, Kart, Laura, Natalie, and Karalyn

Laura, Natalie, Karalyn

Aaron and Beth

Laura organized and helped to host a shower for Beth at one of her friend's houses.   It was a busy time of preparation, but turned out beautifully, with lovely decorations, some pretty yummy food, and a good time for everybody to honor the beautiful bride-to-be.

The day before the wedding we drove to St. George, and spent the night at a hotel in order to be ready early for the sealing in the temple.   

   

The first order of the day for Beth was getting her hair done.  It was a special time for me to be with her one last time before everything began.

The sealing inside the temple was beautiful, and then we had some time to rejoice with Beth and Aaron, and pose for pictures with them.

Lillian and Me

Owen and Aiden

Grandma with some precious grandkids - Emma, Owen, Lillian


After the pictures by the temple, we all headed back to Las Vegas to get ready for the reception.   Being in charge of the food for the reception was a little tricky, not really knowing exactly how many to plan for in a party is always hard, but we had ordered a LOT of pies and bought a LOT of pretzels at Costco.   It turned out great, and we didn't run out of anything.   There was a lot left over, but better left over than not enough.    The pies from Marie Callendar's were delicious, and we served giant pretzels with all kinds of dipping sauces.   The wedding cake was very untraditional, but I loved it!   Beth had done a beautiful job of preparing the decorations herself for the backdrop and all the tables. 

Royden Owen Baird July 19, 2013

This sweet little boy made his entrance into our lives and our hearts.   

He came with a shock of blonde  hair.

Lillian learning to be gentle.

Three generations of Baird men!

Proud Grandpa!

Hanging out at the hospital 

Lillian loves to hold him.

So does Grandma Baird!

And Great Grandma too!

Rocking a grand baby.  It doesn't get much better than this! 

Summer 2013 Shenanigans

The summer  brought this cute little girl (and her parents) to live with us on Sturbridge Road.   We were so happy to have this funny spirit to challenge us, entertain us, and love us.

I got to go to Young Women Camp this year where I worked for the second year as an assistant camp cook.  They had a construction theme, and throughout the camp, they "built" a temple by hammering on boards representing good deeds.   At the end, they walked across a "value bridge" into the temple.  With the way the sunshine poured out on the temple, I found it even more powerfully symbolic.

Happy Independence Day!   This has to be one of my favorite holidays.   We celebrated with the grand tradition of the Dale City Parade.   We rarely go to DC fireworks, but we were brave, and took the metro to Pentagon City, catching a bus to the Air Force Memorial to see the AF band in concert, and a great view of the fireworks afterward.

Lillian loved going to the pool several times this summer.

It's always a good time when you're spending it with Grandpa!

Spring into Summer 2013

Ryan's a college graduate!   This is Ryan, Dara, and Lillian in front of their house in Charlottesville.   We had some fun times visiting while they lived there.

 Ryan with his Dad

The graduation exercise was like a circus with a seemingly never ending parade of helium filled mylar balloons in every shape imaginable.   I guess that was the best way to pick out your graduate.   Ryan was just another dignified graduate with NO balloon.   (I think he was next to the pink flamingo though.)

His department ceremony was held in a little garden on the grounds.    We're so proud of all his accomplishments!

We took a special trip to Las Vegas before school was over to see Beth in action at her job as an orchestra teacher.   We were there for her school's spring concert.  

Nice office, Beth!

 Her orchestra played beautifully.   The program included a couple of numbers that she had arranged for the group.

After spending some time with Beth, we drove up to Utah to visit a little with the Barnett family.  We had some fun at the splash pad, eating out, and watching some boys get their summer haircuts.

Back in Virginia, and another end of year event - Baird Piano Studio Spring recital.   I'm always thrilled to see the" proof of progress program"!