Whitmore Family

Havasupai

2009-10-04T18:51:00.000-07:00

Norris and I just returned from a great trip to the Grand Canyon. We were able to take Sophia and Vanessa with us, which was a rare treat for us and them. We went with our dear friends Larry & Diana Bingham, Casey and Carly Bingham and made some wonderful new friends Mark & Shellie Reeve. We hiked down to the Havasupai Indian Reservation and saw some of the most beautiful waterfalls I have experienced. Wonderful friends, family and scenery! We will remember this trip as one of our favorites.

We are just starting out on our 8 mile hike to the village.

Vanessa & Sophia

Norris and his beautiful daughters!

Now, just the girls!

Brave Sophia holding up the rock.

"GQ here I come"

It took us about 3 hours to arrive in the village.

Not quite The Montage, but it will do!

Our first sight of the most breathtaking water on earth.

I have never seen such turquoise water. This picture

does not do it justice!

After a swim we relaxed on Casey's rock!

The next day we set out for Mooney Falls & Havasu Falls.

The girls showing their strength!

Norris is feeling like the king of hill

(or at least king of that rock)

Over looking Havasu falls & pond! Gorgeous!!

Havasu Falls

To get to Mooney Falls we had to crawl through caves,

scale a 200 foot cliff . . . no problem, just don't look down.

We all made it down without injury! Totally worth it!

Here is our group from left to right:

Vanessa, Sophia, Norris, Tori, Shellie, Mark, Diana,

Casey (in back), Carly & Larry!

On our way out we met this darling Indian lady selling earrings

that she makes so us three girls each got a pair and

wore them on our hike out.

Vanessa & Sophie made a friend. No, they did not ride him out of the canyon.

Just about done!

Proud Tori is the first one out.

Italy

2009-09-02T17:25:00.000-07:00

We just returned from a great trip to Italy with our

friends Fred & Janet Allen. Janet's sister, Carla and

her husband John also joined us. Janet has family

in southern Italy and we were so fortunate to spend

half of our trip with them. They treated us like royalty.

They had activities planned for us everyday and fed

us every meal. Their hospitality and generosity was

so amazing and our time in Melfi & Torre Canne was

the highlight of our trip. We felt like adopted members

of their family and will always treasure the time we

got to spend with them.

Our first night in Melfi with "the girls" Janet Allen's family.

This is taken outside the castle in Melfi with the town behind

us.

This was the draw bridge going into the castle.

The moat outside surrounding the castle!

We are over these twin lakes just outside of a Monastery.

From left to right: John & Carla, Mariada (Italian cousin),

Norris & Tori, Fred & Janet, Amalinda & Annibele

(Italian cousin)

After two days in Melfi we left for Torre Canne to

meet more family and enjoy the sea. This is my new

friend Aurelia. She is 24 and currently in Medical School.

She is so sweet and treated us with so much kindness

and love. We miss her already.

One of the highlights of our trip was staying in this

1000 year old Masseria, which is a renovated old farm

house that sits on a working olive tree orchard. It was

a magical place with a warm & friendly staff and

wonderful accommodations.

This is where they served us breakfast every morning! Wow!

Right outside of where we ate breakfast is a working

pizza oven . . . more ideas for our next home, right!

On the property of our Masseria is the oldest olive

tree in the world. Have you ever seen an olive tree

this HUGE?

The Italians took us to this awesome little town called

Alberobello, the city of the "Trulli". The town is filled

with these beautiful structures that are completely

built of stone, using no mortar or timber. We felt like we

had entered a fairytail.

So romantic!

This was to be our lunch the next day! Yikes!

Another charming city, Ostino, the white city. From

the bottom row left to right: Carla, Janet, Fred & us.

Next row: Gabriella, Adriano, Giovanni, Mariada & Nino.

Top row: Niko & Annibele.

Another magical evening!

From left: Francesco (he did alot of

the cooking and yes, in his speedo

with an apron,it was AWESOME!)

Nino, Annibele, Giovanni & Pina.

This beautiful young woman with her son was selling

pareos and jewelry right on the beach. Norris bought

me a bracelet and a pareo.

Off to Sorrento:

We took a boat from Naples to Sorrento. This is

taken as we are approaching this beautiful city.

Great view from a nearby bridge.

This is the view from our balcony of our hotel room,

not bad, right?

Positano - wished we had more time here. We only took a day

trip to this wonderful city. It is just like you see in movies.

Off to Rome

The colosseum.

The Trevi Fountain.

This picture is taken outside of Castel Sant'Angelo.

So far on this post I have failed to mention that this trip would

have been perfect had it not been for the miserable heat and

high humidity. We are atop the Castel here and my expression

says it all. The Vatican in the the background though is quite

lovely.

Janet wants to take accordion lessons so when we return to
Italy she can earn a few extra bucks to help pay for the trip.
She got a few pointers from this local artist.

Our last night at Campo di Fiore having yet another

meal. To console our irritation with the heat we just

ate our way through Italy.

4th of July trip to Utah

2009-07-09T16:58:00.000-07:00

We just returned from a great trip to Utah. We drove up in the suburban with Jake & Vanessa and Sierra & Ashton. It was so much fun. It was great to visit with all of our family in Utah and also nice for Sierra and Ashton to spend time with their Utah cousins Blake and Gracie. Great memories!

Gracie is trying to smile but the sun is just too bright!

Grandma with Gracie at the Promontory Pool.
The Youngs and Norris & I went to Salt Lake and walked around temple square, went through the Church's History Museum and then saw the Joseph Smith movie. It was a very special day for us!

Cute couple Norris & Brenna at the parade on Center Street at the Halladay gathering.

Christa and I took Blake and Gracie to a local school that had a fun jungle gym. Here is Gracie looking as adorable as ever!
Blake honing his zip-line skills!
Gracie could not be left out (the little daredevil). It was so funny because she would only hold on with one hand, but she was giggling up a storm.

As we were waiting for the fireworks Christa and Blake were playing throw the goldfish in the mouth game.

We took a drive up to Sundance and were in awe that everything is still go green!

We went to this awesome recreation center in Kamas, Utah (near Park City) with Vanessa, Sierra, Ashton, Ryker, Christa, Blake, Gracie, Norris and myself. They have this huge pool with a lazy river; a giant spiral water slide; a jungle gym inside the pool and then another lap pool with a high dive (5 meter), which both Ashton and Sierra jumped off - Brave kids.

Thanks Ryker & Christa for such a fun afternoon.

Here is Tori with baby Gracie. She loves the water and is quite fearless.

Norris with Ashton
Ashton loved the big yellow slide
Ryker with Blake riding piggy-back

Kauai May 2009

2009-06-10T17:00:00.000-07:00

We just came back from yet another fabulous trip to Kauai. We were able to go for two weeks. Our first week was on the north shore at the Cliffs with Nate and Trina (they had one free week there and so they let us crash their party). The second week we went to Poipu with Nate and Trina, Rod and Jenny and Brittan. Norris' mom, Lucille, passed away as we were traveling to Hawaii and so half way through our trip we flew back to L.A. for the funeral and then returned the next day to Hawaii to finish our vacation. Lot's of flyer miles!

On another hike to the Lava Pools - Brit, Jenny, Rod & Tori.

Norris took Jenny and Brit to Kauai's Grand Canyon. It was about an hour and a half of winding roads so most of us opted out - but the three that went had a great time. Here is Jenny with Brit and below is Jenny with Norris.

On our hike we stumbled across this beautiful little rock/water formation. Norris used his expertise in balancing the camera on a tree branch so we could take this picture by timer. Not too bad, right?
After kayaking we hiked to this beautiful waterfall. Here is Jenny and Tori in the pool at the base of the waterfall.

Rod & Jenny on our kayak trip

Out for Pizza
Brit - at dinner
Coming back from our hike to "secret beach". Not a bad view!
Nate, Trina and Tori on our way to Larson's beach - yikes!

Brittan's Clean Sweep

2009-04-15T14:46:00.000-07:00

BYU has one of the largest and most competitive intramural programs in the country. This last season Brit has participated in three different events: Women's tennis singles, all-girls Women's basketball and inter-tube water polo (for which we all have a hilarious visual). Brit has been participating in BYU intramurals for the past 3 years. If your event wins a championship . . . your prize - the "coveted T-Shirt". Those of you who know Brittan she is quite an athlete. She has obtained 5 "T-Shirts" - coed basketball, ultimate Frisbee, soccer, softball & 3 on 3 women's basketball (all over a three year period).

Yesterday was a momentous occasion for her. All three of her events resulted in a championship win . . . clean sweep for our Brit! Three T-Shirts in one day; we think that must be a record. Way to go girl!

Roadshow: Rock The Boat

2009-03-18T15:29:00.001-07:00

I just recently finished directing our wards Roadshow and it was a really great experience. When our Bishop asked me to do it I was very reluctant (inside) and knew that he was obviously desperate. I felt very guided and blessed during the whole process. My number one goal was to make it a good and fun experience for the kids and I think that we were somewhat successful in that endeavor. They were so great to work with and I could not have been prouder. I never got any complaints or moans during rehearsals and they were very happy with their performance.

The story is about a young man that comes across his great-great grandpa's missionary journal which then takes him back to the late 1800's where is grandpa is sailing home after serving a "failed" mission in England. The set is that of a ship. You also get the impression that there may be a love interest between a female investigator (Alice) and the Elder (awkward). Our big dance/song number was to "Rock The Boat" with the lyrics changed a bit. The ship ends up getting attacked by pirates and the Elders end up baptizing them, plus Alice. Alice then bears her testimony and declares that she has fallen in love with . . . the pirate captain (Jack). A wedding takes place on board. The play finishes with the young man reading that his great-great grandpa would then land in America and cross the plain where he exclaims "Indians!"; then we had about 15 primary kids (ages 7 through 3) run across the stage in indian garb. Cute script and sweet message!

So here are some fun shots of the event!

This is our last rehearsal before the performance . . . pep-talk!

Our Pirate Jack with one of his crew.
Three sailors - Maddie McKeon, Cindy Crockett and Frine Coley (Alice)
Myself with Captain and Captain Jack
The green room, performance night
In the green room - cast photo
Rock The Boat dance/song number
Elder Newhall II confronted by Pirate Jack
Yo Ho Yo Ho A Mormons Life For Me number
Curtain call
Rock The Boat
Indians running across - that's Lincoln

Ryker & Christa's Visit

2009-03-18T10:26:00.001-07:00

So here are two attempts to get a picture of all eight of our grandchildren . . . sometimes brilliant ideas just don't quite pan out, but we did all get a good laugh out of the photo shoot.

I love this one of Lincoln holding on to Rocky with all his might while Ashton is wondering why is Gracie scared beyond belief - too funny!

How about them eyes? Gracie is such a happy and adorable little girl.
Here is Blake and Lincoln working on a puzzle. Something they LOVED doing while they were here.
Angel Gracie!
Like father like son - cookin' away!
At Sierra's baptism Jake rented a jumper and the kids had a blast . . . here is Lincoln and Blake.
Blake, Lincoln and Rocky - such handsome boys!
Blake, Nixon & Lincoln
Another one of Ryker's moments where he had everyone in stitches . . . which was quite painful after we were all so stuffed from his delicious dinner he prepared.
The older boy cousins were watching a movie in the game room and I just couldn't help but imagine all these boys out on missions in about 15 or 16 years. It will be here before we know it.

Ryker & Christa at Disneyland

2009-03-18T10:13:00.001-07:00

We were so happy to be able to go with Ryker, Christa, Blake & Gracie to their first trip to Disneyland. Sophie, Lincoln, Rocky and Briana, Nixon & Rossi were able to join us for a great day!

Here is Ryker, Christa, Blake (shy) and Gracie (too interested in the flowers).

Ryker with precious Gracie.
We didn't start out too great, but as you will see Blake quickly fell in love with Disneyland!
Christa with Blake after riding Dumbo!

Dad and son waiting in line for the rockets - wahoo!
Cousins: Rocky, Lincoln, Nixon, Rossi (in back smiling so adorable) & Blake in Pooh's Corner.
Soaring over Tomorrow Land
What an amazing time we had with The Park City Browns! They left two days ago and I am already going through withdrawals. It was so fun for Blake and Gracie to get to know their California cousins better.

Ryker made us such wonderful food while he was here. We went down to the Santa Monica Farmers Market Saturday morning and got all kinds of unique vegetables and then onto the Santa Monica Fish Company for fresh Swordfish, Sea Bass, Shrimp and Scallops. We had a wonderful feast Sunday night. He prepared Grilled Swordfish and Bass with a mango salsa and coconut foam; pan sauteed scallops over fennel and orange salad; a delicious arugula salad with sauteed almond crusted goat cheese; roasted chickens (for the kids); fingerling potato's and sun-chokes (my favorite); asparagus; for dessert he made Norris Sr. an apple pie and the rest of us chocolate soufflé's! Everything was super delicious and we are all very sad that they live far away!!

We love you Brown Family and can't wait to see you all again soon.

Celebrating Christmas with our Utah clan!

2009-01-01T21:15:00.001-08:00

We had a fun afternoon of sledding . . . here is Ryker with Blake.

Tori & Christa with Blake and Gracie.

Blake ridding the tube by himself!

He was having the time of his life - he never stopped smiling!

Grandma with Blake.

It just goes to prove that your never too old to go tubing with your grandkids.

Mommy and Blake ready, set, go!!!

Gracie doesn't take a bad picture . . . the little cutie pie.

Blake having fun in the snow (before his little accident with a tree)

After the crash with the trunk of a tree - nothing that a little ice cream wont' cure.

Grandma with Gracie.

Tis The Season

2009-01-01T21:06:00.001-08:00

The boys enjoying their new Christmas toys.

Lincoln with his new race car set.

We are so blessed to have such a wonderful family filled with loving children and our adorable grandkids! We are overwhelmed with the joy that they bring into our lives.

Vanessa and Sierra with their new aprons!

Sierra (the artist) will love her new art project kit.

In front to our tree is Norris, Brenna, Jake, Vanessa, Ashton & Sierra.

Norris & Brenna with us!

Trina's Photo's

2008-11-13T14:48:00.001-08:00

Trina is turning into quite the photographer. Here are a couple of shots she took around Utah.

Driving from Park City back to Provo on a foggy morning.

Beautiful fall leaves.
Taking a ride on the scooter. I love this one with the two flags in the reflection.

The Adventures of Prop 8

2008-11-08T10:44:00.000-08:00

Being involved with the campaign of YES on Prop 8 has been an amazing experience. We have looked back over the experience and found it a privilege and testimony building. Waving signs, door knocking, phone calling, etc. seemed to consume our lives for the past month. We are so grateful that everyones efforts in this most important issue has ended in a victory.

Trip to Utah

2008-10-23T07:46:00.001-07:00

Gracie (Ryker and Christa's daughter) is almost 6 months old. Such a cutie pie!
Grandma with Gracie and Blake in Park City at Ryker & Christa's.
Auntie Brit with Gracie
The loving siblings!

Vote Yes on Proposition 8

2008-10-15T10:16:00.001-07:00

"Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California"

Visit ProtectMarriage.com for more information and even more ways to support Proposition 8.

"The family is ordained of God. Marriage between a man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitles to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity." - The Family: A Proclamation to the World.

Please help protect the definition of marriage.

Newport Beach

2008-10-09T16:53:00.000-07:00

Every year we spend a week or so in Newport Beach. Every year the beaches get cleaner and more beautiful . . . if it wasn't for the water temperature you would think you were in Hawaii. This year we had a lot of the kids/grandkids that were able to come down for part of the week.

Norris (Papa) in the rather cold water with Nixon and Lincoln.
Three boys chillin' on a rock (Rocky, Nixon and Lincoln)
Tori holding Lincoln, Sophie with Nixon & Briana pushing Rossi in stroller. We had a fun day at Disneyland!
Rocky, Lincoln and Nixon . . . best buddies.
Nixon in deep thought!
Norris (Papa) with Lincoln
Briana & Sophia with their boys (Rossi is napping)
All of the California grandkids: Ashton, Sierra holding Rossi, Lincoln, Nixon & Rockwell
Going back to our room after craft day.
Jake & Vanessa with Ashton and Sierra
Tori playing with the kids: Sierra, Lincoln, Nixon and Ashton

Rod and Jenny's Dogs

2008-10-09T08:07:00.000-07:00

Gage and Adolph, a.k.a. "The Monsters"

Brittan's Triathalon

2008-10-06T16:18:00.001-07:00

Brit's first triathalon (short course). She was having way too much fun!

Girls Weekend

2008-10-01T08:10:00.000-07:00

We had a delicious dinner at Ryker's restaurant - The Hearth . . . yummy!

We had so much fun spending time with Blake and Gracie.

Pedicures in Park City . . . what could be better?

Hawaii 2007

2008-08-31T10:39:00.000-07:00