(July 2015)

 The Casper Family LOVES the Utah Shakespeare Festival! William was a House Management supervisor and Christine worked in the box office...both of them put in lots of hours...

 They both got free tickets to shows too, so Grant and I went to a show with Christine and William worked:)

 Such a beautiful girl...we are proud of both she and William and their dedication to their work.

(July 2015)

When we visit Southern Utah, we almost always stay at Papa's house. It's great spending time with him...making memories is what we do. He's a great host and seems to enjoy having us there.

Bill and I love to be in the temple as often as possible...at least once a month, sometimes more than that.  I was raised by a single mother, who wasn't endowed until I was about 15.  Being able to live near a temple and attend whenever I like, with my spouse, who loves the temple as much as I do, is a tremendous blessing.  We have always had current temple recommends and have enjoyed many sweet moments in various temples with lots of family and friends.  I love being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints...SO very many blessings are mine.

Bill turned 50 in March 2015....and because I am such an awesome wife, I surprised him by planning a trip to NYC to see Billy Joel in Madison Square Garden...a "Bucket List" item for him.  So, in March he opened a card which contained concert tickets, airline tickets and hotel arrangements. He was so excited...a bit surprised too.  We had never before been so extravagant for birthdays...perhaps I was setting a new precedent...:) 

(May 2015)

Our arrival "selfie" in Times Square...we were THRILLED to be in the Big Apple.  It really is one of our favorite cities ever.  We love everything about it...the energy, the crazy/interesting people, the food, the entertainment, the buildings, the toasted coconut, the smells...just everything!

A fun and entertaining lunch at Ellen's Stardust Diner.

 The reason for the trip! We were getting the hang of "selfies"...not near as good as our kids.

 One excited guy right here! He even has the t-shirt to prove it!

 We arrived early and loved every minute of being in the Garden.  It's just the coolest thing being in NYC, in the Garden...for a Knicks game, but especially for a Billy Joel concert! And let me just say, he did not disappoint! The place was rocking from the warm up act, Gavin DeGraw, all the way to the end...Billy sang song after song after song...and you better believe Bill knew them all.  It was a night to remember for EVER and ALWAYS.  Yep, I sure know how to plan a birthday surprise:)

 We visited the 911 Memorial at Ground Zero...Bill had already been there since it was completed...we visited a few times during construction, but this was the first time for me since it opened. A somber reminder of the awful attacks on America.  Such a dark spot for the nation, but what a beautiful tribute to those who died. Clearly hallowed ground.

 During intermission at Finding Neverland, we met Gayle King (Oprah's best friend).  It was a treat for me to visit with her...she was very nice and didn't seem too bothered by a weirdo lady who wanted a picture with her...It was actually her son, Will, who suggested taking the picture with the stage in the background...such nice, famous people.

Lunch at Serendipity...yummo food and ice cream and some awesome drama at the table next to ours...we love New York City!!!

 And a Sunday Selfie! See how good we got! We love visiting the Manhattan 1st Ward whenever we are in the city on Sunday.  Again, interesting people and the talks never disappoint...the people who live in New York City are a different breed...in the best possible way!

It's always a little sad to leave the hustle and bustle of the city, but we do start missing our home and children.  And the big, wide, open spaces of Texas are always a welcome sight.  

Grant all ready for Band Banquet...looking mighty cool in his thrift store jacket and bow tie. 

(May 2015)

This was such a fun night! My Mother's Day gift was an outing to see Newsies! Such an awesome show and even better company! Thanks guys!

(May2015)

Almost a year ago, Bill's Grandma Casper passed away in St George, Utah.  This was our last visit with her about a month before she died.  Grandma had been suffering the affects of vascular dementia for many years and was living near Bill's dad in a memory care facility. What a blessing it was to see her before she passed. We are grateful she is free from the limitations she lived with for so long.

(April 2015) 

 Papa and his kids at Grandma's graveside service in Idaho Falls.

Back row: Jeni-Jared-Bill

Front row: Marnie-Papa-Ronnie

(May 2015)