A WORLD OF BIRTHDAY WISHES

Mom and I thought this was an appropriate birthday wish this year... and we expect the kids will really like it!

To the Best Dad and Husband

Classical to Broadway

On Friday evening... after seeing the youth off to the LDS Prom... Mom and I went to a concert.  Some thoughtful friends offered us two tickets for the Orange County Mormon Choral Organization (OCMCO) spring concert at Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa.  The concert was titled - Classical to Broadway.  It was wonderful and inspiring.

This is somewhat of a recital for the 5 groups that make up the OCMCO - the Choir, Concert Choir, Youth Chorus, Childrens' Chorus, Young Singers Chorus and Symphony Orchestra.  If you want to know a little more about them google OCMCO.

HUMMING ALONG TO THE SCIENCE CENTER

Last night was the LDS prom at the California Science Center.  Arcadia Stake had a beautiful showing - both in numbers and in appearance.

Mom was particularly excited to be down at the Stake Center, the meeting place for the send off,...

... so that she could see so many of her cutie, cutie Seminary kids.

With such a large, awesome group going, the transportation just had to awesome as well....

... what else but a stretch limo Hummer!!!

The youth were awestruck anticipating the ride and the fun at the prom.

The parents couldn't help but check out the decked up ride - after they had taken bunches and bunches of photos of their decked up kids.

Looked pretty fun, and pretty flashy!
(The 15 year olds can hardly wait 'til next year!

An amazing photo

Chris Mix, Dad's aunt, is putting together a book of memories about Grandma Maude Neeley for the celebration of her birthday in a few months.  She requested memories from all dad's cousins.  As part of his memory  Matthew Neeley sent some pictures of his parent's wedding day.  He has been digitizing his dad's slides.  THIS ONE JUST HAD TO BE POSTED.  First of all - our Grandma Cornwall - WOW!!!  Then those three little boys, the outfits down to the socks.  Do you think they were having a good time.  Well we all know that Kent was having a good time.  I love this picture.  Thought you all needed to share in the joy.

Click image to enjoy fresh Brazilian Corn

Click image to enjoy a few nibblets of fresh Brazilian Corn

BOSTON WITH BENNETT

On Grandma and Grandpa's recent visit to Boston we learned a lot of fun things about Bennett.

Bennett loves to swing

and swing and swing and swing.

 

Bennett's number one passion is shooting basketballs, any size or type of ball will do, the more the better.

Bennett loves to have his bath and then read books and books and books before bed.

Bennett enjoys dressing sharp (hmm... what other boy in that family does that sound like?)

Bennett really loves his Grandma.

Bennett loves Harley... the dog  (and certainly Harley the girl too) and he loves playing in the back yard.

Bennett learned to love Easter Egg Hunts ... especially by his 3rd one.

Bennett's favorite hang-out spot (when not at a basketball hoop) is standing on the bench at the dinner table in front of the window.

Bennett loves doing projects with his dad.

Bennett loves watching out for his new baby sister.

Bennett loves making everyone laugh ... even Emary.

Bennett loves Elmo,,,  not as much as Buzz Lightyear... but quite a bit.

Bennett loves to sit in his Toy Story chair and open Emary's Easter presents  (and Bennett's dad likes it too).

Bennett loves to jump and jump and jump (and grandma does too, but not as long as this video was)

 And Bennett loves to have Grandpa visit and watch Toy Story 3 and BEYOND!!!.. among other things.

Visiting Grandpa Mel

I shot a wedding on Friday in Bountiful, UT. Since we were in the area, Reesa and I decided to go visit Grandpa Hodgkinson's grave. We got directions from Mom who informed us that the office could assist us in finding exactly where Melvin lay. However, when we arrived the office was closed. Determined, we turned to the old fashion way. Miraculously, we found him within a couple minutes. We picked some blossoms from some nearby trees and placed them in the pot. It was really special to be there. I don't think I have visited since he passed in 1998. What a great man. So proud to be named after him. 

For the most wonderful Mom ever (and the olympics of course)!

Blessing Dress!

Emary's Great Grandmother bought her a beautiful blessing dress. So I of course snapped a few pictures the day before her blessing! She looked so beautiful! We are so blessed to have our little Emary.

She is such a happy little lady!

FIELD TRIP TO the HOSPITAL

On Friday, of Mom & Dad's trip to Boston, there was a fun drive into downtown with Marybeth, Bennett and Emary.

There are always a lot of interesting and handsome things to see in Boston.

We met Robbie just up the street from his new place of employment as he had just gotten off work.

'Mass General' is the largest hospital in New England (over 1000 beds). (All of the buildings in the photo below are part of Massachusetts General Hospital... and are just a few of the 25-30 buildings on the campus.)

We were excited to go inside this hospital which is ranked among the top two in the United States..

It is a bustling, bustling place with over 90,000 individuals crossing it's threshold(s) each day ot it's 18 acre campus.

Historically... it was founded in 1811 and is the third oldest general hospital in the United States. The St. Charles river used to flow near by to drop off patients'

MGH is renowned for having the first surgery to be done under anesthetic (in 1846). MGH does 34,000 surgeries per year today (and every one of those patients are so glad the hospital pioneered anesthetic.)

The original hospital building remains. Robb said it is used for administrative offices.
This video is taken from the middle of Mass General's main courtyard. (p.s. It was a windy day and yes, that is Bennett's voice in the background.)


On the way out of downtown we drove along the St. Charles river. it was a beautiful day for sailing.

Then we did a quick, little drive-by tour to see a few sites.... such as the Paul Revere statue and the Old North (one-if-by-land, two-if-by-sea) Church.We are so proud of Robb and this great opportunity and new stage of his life.