William M. O'Keefe ~ 1.2.18 to 5.18.09

I know I haven't posted for a long time but I wanted to blog about a wonderful man I called Grandpa! He was the greatest Grandpa! I have so many memories of him and though I know he is in a better place, I can't help but cry when I think of all the great memories I was able to share with him! My Grandpa and I were a lot alike. He was a steak and potatoes man and I loved my steak and potatoes! He doesn't like fish and neither do I!! He was a smart ass and so am I!! I always felt like I had a special connection with him but he had a special connection with everyone!! For the memories, I will start with a memory I was told about. When I was a toddler, I LOVED my Grandpa so much that when parents, brother and I went to Disneyland when I was 2 years old, I wouldn't stop crying on the plane coming home! The only thing that made me stop crying was that Grandpa O'Keefe would be at the airport! Then there are the memories of traveling with him and camping at Wasatch State Park. I remember going to the National Parks with him and Grandma, Cindy and Caren. Those were some great times. I remember going to Cindy's boss' cabin in Heber and we would go for hikes. I remember the first year, Grandpa and I walk up to the end before everyone else and saying how slow they were and the next year, we were the slow pokes! I will always remember our time in Ireland! He was the oldest person on the tour but he was right there with everyone! He loved it in Ireland! It was his dream to go and he went twice! It only took him 81 years to get there! I will miss going into the tv room and Grandpa sitting in his chair looking at me and asking "Where in the hell did you come from? Who let you in?" Then he would give me a hug and a kiss on the side of my face. He would always end with grabbing your hand and holding it for a moment. The last time I saw my Grandpa was Mother's Day 2009 and he put his arm around me and kiss me on the side of my face! I will always love & miss you Grandpa O'Keefe!!! Rest in peace!

The cutest kid... EVER!!

I'm not prejudice! This kid is hilarious and so stinkin' cute!! Little do you know, he was posin' before I took this picture. He was laying back in his carseat... chillin'. Then I went to take his pic and he went shy and dug his face into the carseat and then once I took his pic, he of course had to look at it! He pointed at it and said "oh!" in amazement! Man, I love this kid! He is my heart! ;)

Pictures of the Kids

Pictures of Devon

Christmas Decorations...

We decorated the Christmas tree over a week ago. Here is Devon trying to put ornaments on the tree. He put it on and then took it off. Devon was wearing his "Who needs Santa when you have Grandpa?" shirt. Below is a picture of Olivia in front of the tree.

Devon's Birthday!

Here are a few pictures from Devon's birthday. His birthday was on Thanksgiving. We did cake that evening and he opened his presents the night before.

Devon & Olivia

Yesterday, Jamie was able to bring his daughter to our house so Devon and I could meet her. She is so cute and funny. In the beginning, she hid behind Jamie and Devon behind me. Then Devon starting jumping... well more like hopping in place and Olivia started hopping and following him while they hopped together. Then I brought out the camera and she posed. Then she popped up and sat next to Jamie to have their picture taken... see below. The they started playing with the toys. Whatever Olivia had, Devon wanted and vice versa. The Devon got tackled a few times and only cried when he didn't get his way. Then we took more pictures and I asked if she could put her arms around Devon and well, the pictures below speak for themselves! :D She had so much fun and didn't want to leave when Jamie went to take her home. She wanted to watch tv at our home. When they drove off, Devon screamed more than normal, he didn't want his new friend to leave. There will be many more times for Devon to play with his big sister. Oh and while we were eating dinner, she said to me "I don't remember meeting you for a long time." Kids say the darnest things!