mckellfam

Memorial Day

2010-06-01T08:23:00.000-07:00

We were able to go to the Brigham City Cemetary to bring a special find to Papa's grave. I found this boot that you can pot flowers in and it reminded me of Papa SO much!!! The kids had a fun time throwing pine cones in the canal and seeing who's won, we read about President Snow's life in Brigham City {his grave is by Papa's} and just remembered our Papa. The Brigham City Cemetary is really beautiful!

*On one of the Peter's Headstones, I found an interesting name: Ophelia Delight!
That just sounds like a happy name!!

Spring Break 2010

2010-04-20T12:18:00.000-07:00

Mom & Dad,
thank you so much for a wonderful Spring Break Vacation! Being in the awesome condo in St. George, having a fun time as a family, playing fun games, swimming in the freezing pool, watching General Conference and seeing what the easter bunny brought were all SO much fun! We love the tradition of being together over Spring break and especially the annual spring games! Thanks for the memories!

Jump

2010-04-20T12:12:00.000-07:00

Jumping

2010-04-20T12:09:00.000-07:00

The red sand was SO soft and so much fun to jump into!!!

Let the Games Begin...

2010-04-20T12:04:00.000-07:00

The tradition of playing fun games over Spring break has been going on for about 4 years now, and Mom had everything so well prepared again this year! She never disappoints! We played games inside the St. George condo, outside the condo, and at the Snow Canyon Sand Dunes! We were so lucky to have wonderful weather at the sand dunes this year to play the majority of our games! Being in the red sand with the gorgeous red all around us is amazing!!!

I have to say that the competition was a little more heated this year! We had some competition on our hands with all of the contestants! We were very happy to welcome a new contestant to the annual games...Cassie! She was so much fun to have in St. George!

SMILE

2010-04-20T11:54:00.000-07:00

Smile for the camera!!!

Fun Times

2010-04-20T09:55:00.000-07:00

I could NOT stop laughing when Robby wore this shirt to the pizza factory! It is pretty much the ugliest shirt I have ever seen, but he wore it with pride!!

Sunny wants to do everything Grammy does, so that is why she is wearing Grammy's Glasses!

Ashley's outfit for tennis playing was pretty funny!!

Fun TIMES

Happy Birthday Grandpa Anderson

2010-04-12T14:51:00.000-07:00

Today Grandpa Anderson would have been 92 years old! I sure miss him!! I have so many amazing memories of him in my life. I think the best memory was when I was in middle school and I went early in the morning with the young women to do baptisms for the dead. As I walked into the baptism room, the first person I saw was my Grandpa all dressed in white. He was working in the temple, in that particular area that morning. To tell my friends that this wonderful man was my Grandpa was the best feeling. To have him watch me get baptized for the dead was even better.

Grandpa also gave me my patriarchal blessing and that experience stands out in my mind. What an amazing experience to have your own Grandpa give you something that will be with you for the rest of your life? He truly was the best example anyone could ever have. I miss him, and I wish my children were able to have met him and know him. We will always try to follow in Grandpa's footsteps.

Even though he is not with us anymore, his namesake lives on through Riley; named Riley Reed Fackrell after him. His memory will never leave us as well. I looked up his obituary, and this part struck me so hard:
"Nothing gave Reed more satisfaction than spending time with his family. He loved music and especially enjoyed listening to his children and grandchildren perform. Though a sacrifice at the time, he made sure that all of his children had every opportunity available for education and music in their lives. As a role model for his wife and children, he was unsurpassed. His humble, quiet demeanor and unmiligated love was felt through all throughout his life. He was truly a man without guile.

Happy Birthday Grandpa, We love you.
Love, Andrea

And the winner is...

2010-02-22T13:26:00.000-08:00

RILEY! When everyone was marking where they thought Robby would go on the map, Riley was determined to have his guess be MEXICO! After we found out that Robby was indeed going to Mexico, I asked Riley why he had guess Mexico. He told me because he wants to go to Mexico on his mission because they speak spanish and that is the language he really wants to learn! How cool is that, that a 5 year old guessed the mission call?
Congratulations Robby! We are so proud of you for making the decision to go on a mission!!! You are a great example to all of us, and especially to Riley, Sunny & Elle to see their Uncle serve a mission!

I think I am personally excited for Robby to go to Mexico because it will require him to take 5 minute showers instead of 35 minute showers!!!

The Reading of the Call

2010-02-22T13:24:00.000-08:00

So it finally came...time for Robby to finally read where he was going in his mission! It took Mom every ounce of will power to not open his mission call up for 2 days! A ton of Robby's friends came, and our family all listend for Robby to read his call. The picture of all of the little boys on the couch are the future missionaries excited to see where Robby was going!!!

Before the Call

2010-02-22T13:20:00.000-08:00

Before Robby opened his Mission Call, we took the kids to McDonalds for some Dinner. Next thing you know, Elle grabs Riley's hamburger and starts eating it like she had never eaten anything in her life! So I sent Robby to buy Riley another burger while Elle devoured his! When we came home, we saw that Mom had put together a very nice spread of desserts and appetizers on a beautiful table for the people who came to see Robby open his call.

Notice the map of where everyone put their guesses?

Papa, we miss you

2009-12-10T11:31:00.000-08:00

Papa, it's been a year since you have been gone and I want you to know how much we miss you! You are one of those people who people will remember forever. Your example, character and influence will always be with me even though you are not with us. We all love you so much and remember your smile and charm. You were never afraid to talk to someone you didn't know. You never hesitated to give someone a smile. It has been a long year without you, but fortunatly for us, we will always have your example to guide us through life. We have been to your headstone in Brigham City a lot this year and love to talk about all of the fun stories we have of you! December 10th will be a hard day, but December 24th will be a good day to remember your birth! Without my Papa, I would not be the person I am today. You have been such a great example to me, and I will never forget! I love you Papa, and miss you dearly!
Love, Andrea

2009-10-01T19:50:00.000-07:00

Violin Concert

2009-06-02T14:21:00.000-07:00

We are excited for Angie & Chrissy's final violin concert with Ramona! Put on your calendars: Sunday, June 28th
{All 4 girls will be performing a Vivaldi Concerto for 4 violins!}

Memorial Day

2009-05-28T08:07:00.000-07:00

We were able to go to Brigham City the Friday before Memorial Day to see Papa's Grave. It was so great to stand around the grave and just remember what an amazing man he was. His grave looked so good, and we found a little surprise. His Grave is 2 rows away from Lorenzo Snow's grave! Knowbody would have known that since we were in a snow storm when he was buried!

We went to Maddox afterwards and enjoyed a delicious dinner! That is by far my favorite place to eat! It will be a great tradition to go see Papa in Brigham City from now on!

We Love Grammy!

2009-05-28T08:00:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to do a blog post dedicated to Grammy aka Mom! She has been so busy the last few weeks and I just want her to know how much we love her! She makes it to all of the kids important programs, recitals, activities-she is a huge support system to Riley, Sunny & Ellie, as well as to all of us and I don't think she thinks how important that is. She came to Riley's Preschool Graduation, and looking around, there weren't too many Grammy's in the audience!

She does so much for others, and sometimes forgets about herself-like her knee and lack of sleep! She is so selfless, and truly lives for her family! She does so much for all of us, she worries about all of us, and is such an example to all of us. Regan's mom asked me how I was able to have 2 parties at my house in 1 day on Mothers Day-she said that she would get so stressed out and not be able to do it. I thought about it, and the reason is because Mom has taught me how to be organized, and how to make the best of something. She has helped me to be a better mom, friend and person!

We love you so much Mom!

Happy Easter!

2009-04-15T08:55:00.000-07:00

We had a fun time in St. George for Easter Weekend! Here are a few pictures from the fun weekend! Thanks Mom & Dad for yet another memorable trip! You are so awesome!

Full Circle

2008-07-01T20:40:00.000-07:00

We have officially gone through a full circle with Riley attending Suzuki Institute this year! It was amazing to see him on the stage with all of the other violinists playing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star! Mom took us to Violin camp for as long as I can remember and now I am taking my little violinist! Thanks mom for sticking with us and the violin and making us practice and improving! Thanks Dad for supporting us in the violin and always paying for institute and lessons! Now I can see all of those hours of practicing really paying off!

Violin Concert

2008-06-04T14:22:00.000-07:00

Thanks for coming to see my Summer Violin Recital and bringing Chairs Mom, Dad and Angie! Now that I think back to it and am not so stressed about it raining, Riley did do a great job and was so cute since he was so excited to play his piece in front of all of those people! He sure doesn't have any stage fright does he! I think he gets his no fear attitude from Regan! He is now on a 1/16 size violin and is already sounding a lot better! Not so squeeky anyway! Wish us luck for Suzuki Institute! We will need it!

Lake Mead

2008-06-04T14:20:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of Regan and I in Lake Mead! Thanks to everyone who

watched Riley and Sunny! It helps so much to know that they are where people love them, and where they don't even want to come home because they are having so much fun! Thanks for bringing them to Thanksgiving Point Mom! You are an awesome GRAMMY!

Moab Time

2008-05-29T13:55:00.001-07:00

So Brett and I went to Moab with a bunch of friends last weekend. We had a blast repelling off of 100+ foot cliffs, pretty crazy! Mom said she was glad she didn't know what we were doing :) Enjoy

2008-05-22T20:16:00.000-07:00

sunny is my favorite niece in the whole world (so far) and i love her so much but i also love riley too but they are both the best niece and nephew ever!!! I LOVE U!!!!! LOVE : ANGIE MCKELL the best aunt ever!!

2008-05-07T18:48:00.001-07:00

omg!!! Wicked is coming to Utah (kingsberry hall) in 2009!!! we should all get tickets!!!!!

Alumni Traditions Ball

2008-05-05T10:45:00.001-07:00

I should have done this a long time ago! It was a blast and Brett is such a good dancer. It is something BYU will do every year-I think we should make it a tradition.

Spring Pictures!

2008-04-16T14:23:00.000-07:00

Here are the kids spring pictures-we got them done at JC Penny's a couple of weeks ago! They turned out SO cute! By the way, Why I am the ONLY one who blogs in the family? Does everyone even like the blog or not? Let me know!!

American Family Awards Banquet

2008-04-12T08:25:00.000-07:00

Here is Regan and I at the Awards Ceremony last night at the Marriot Downtown! He got a plaque for being in the 1,000's club (agents who get more than 1,000 policies in 1 year) Regan got 1,145! Then he got an award for making AFLIC, a bunch of requirements with policies. He got an American Family Ring and so did I! They are really cool! Anyway, way to go Regan!

Congratulations To Scotty!

2008-04-09T08:41:00.000-07:00

Congratulations Scotty on landing the job at Omniture! We are so proud and happy for you! Watch out world, here Scotty McKell comes!

My Awesome Family

2008-04-09T08:33:00.000-07:00

A Huge Thankyou goes to Grammy & Grampy (aka Mom & Dad). Yesterday was a very hectic day for me and they stepped up to the plate, dropped everything they had to do just to help me out! Mom went with me to the hospital so I could get an ultrasound to see if the baby was okay, and dad stayed home with Riley and Sunny until we got out of the hospital! I honestly don't know any of my friends parents who would do that! Mom & Dad, you are awesome and amazing! Thank you so much for helping me out yesterday and comforting me in a scary time. I love you both so much and appreciate ALL that you do for our family!

By the way, after getting the ultrasound, mom and I saw the heart beat, the baby kicking me, and moving all around inside of me! It was SO cool to see all of that and to know that the baby was just fine! The new due date is September 26th! As of now, I still don't know if the baby is a boy or girl! We will see how long that lasts for!!!

Ashley & Brett

2008-03-30T19:20:00.000-07:00

more easter pics

2008-03-30T18:23:00.001-07:00

Scotty in rexburg

2008-03-30T18:00:00.000-07:00

Scotty-hope you have a fun time in Rexburg!
Congrats on your new job at Omniture! We are
so proud of you!!!
Love, everyone!

Happy Easter in St. George!

2008-03-25T11:08:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Mom & Dad for such a fun trip to St. George, Hurricane, Zions National Park and Snow Canyon: Sand Dunes! We had such a fun time and a great Easter with everyone! We will have to play Brett's Shocking game with everyone one of these days since we couldn't play it with Ashley and Brett! Here are some pictures from the trip-sorry there aren't too many; my camera wasn't working that well, so we will have to get the rest from Ashley's camera!

The Good News and the Bad News

2008-03-19T10:45:00.000-07:00

So, I know I probably post more than the rest of you but oh well! I wanted to share some good news and bad with you. My "good news minute" you might say is that the story I was working on for about a month has been put up as the top story on the website! It will be first for the next few days at: www.newsroom.lds.org

Now, the bad news...I was all excited and nervous to give blood for my first time yesterday. Everyone in the office had been sharing advice as well as horror stories with me all week long. After taking the long elevator ride to the 26 floor of the Church Office Building and waiting in line reading the instruction sheet, I was turned away. It turns out you need an iron level of 38 to donate-I had a 37. The lady proceeded to tell me I was of no use to them and to eat more hamburgers.

When I arrived back at the office, everyone told me my intentions were honorable and they were equally as proud. Moral of the day, work hard and have enough iron.

Have a good one everyone, we are almost on our way south!

Idea

2008-03-14T11:21:00.000-07:00

So, Didi and I had an idea to have a St. Patrick's day celebration on Monday evening. We can eat lucky charms and other green treats, have a leaping contest and have a drawing for the pot'o'gold! Tell us what your thoughts for this plan/idea are...

Funny Pictures

2008-03-11T13:50:00.000-07:00

Here are some funny pictures of the kids yesterday!

Andrea's New Hair!

2008-03-11T13:48:00.000-07:00

Here is my new hair cut--short, I know!

I am so excited for ST. GEORGE next weekend!!!

Thanks Mom and Dad!

1st Blog entry!

2008-03-05T23:07:00.000-08:00

My first blog entry ever!!! WOW!! Robby loves lemons!!

Happy Birthday Riley!

2008-03-05T07:33:00.000-08:00

Thanks to everyone who came to Riley's Birthday Party! Riley had a great time with everyone and loved all of his presents! I think that Brett's wrapping job was the most origanal and creative though! Thanks for coming Brett! I still can't believe how many tickets Scotty got from that coin game-thanks for pulling all of your tickets together to help Riley get that sweet chair! It took us forever last night to pump it up, but he pretty much wanted to sleep in it! Riley is wearing his camo outfit from Grammy & Grampy and will not put anything else on!

Angie's Birthday

2008-03-03T18:43:00.001-08:00

Angie had a great birthday! All of her friends at school wished her happy b-day! We love ya Angie! We loved Sweet Tomatoes!

Happy Birthday Angie!

2008-03-03T13:33:00.001-08:00

Angie, hope you have a great day today and we love you so much!!!

Happy Birthday!

Love, Didi

2008-02-24T18:28:00.000-08:00

All i have to say is ITS ALMOST MY BIRTHDAY!!(Angie) its on the 3 of March! i will be 14! can you even think of it? Because i cant! It will also be Riley"s 4th a day after mine!! We are all very excited for the Birthdays coming up!!

The Big Day!

2008-02-13T08:48:00.001-08:00

This is my tribute to you, Angie! When you come to mind, so do some of these things :) Good luck today, I love you!

Good Luck Angie!

2008-02-12T13:56:00.000-08:00

Angie, hope you have a good day even though you will be at the Hospital tomorrow! We will be thinking about you and Riley really wants to bring you another pineapple so that you feel better! Good Luck and we love you!!
Love, didi

We have a blog!

2008-01-30T11:55:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the McKell Family Blog! This will be a great way to share pictures and fun things together. I know that none of you know how to blog, so I will be holding a blogging 101 class on Sunday after dinner so that you will know how easy it is to post pictures, comments, survey's, music, funny quotes and whatever you want the family to see! Ashley & Scotty, have your camera's ready with your computers also so I can show you how to blog! Mom, I know you are intimidated by this kind of stuff, but I will sit down with you as many times as it takes to show you how to do this-then you will think it is a lot of fun!

So without further adiu, welcome to the McKell Family Blog!
mckellfam.blogspot.com
Love, Andrea

mckellfam

Memorial Day

Spring Break 2010

Jump

Jumping

Let the Games Begin...

S*M*I*L*E

Fun Times

Happy Birthday Grandpa Anderson

And the winner is...

The Reading of the Call

Before the Call

Papa, we miss you

Violin Concert

Memorial Day

We Love Grammy!

Happy Easter!

Full Circle

Violin Concert

Lake Mead

Moab Time

Alumni Traditions Ball

Spring Pictures!

American Family Awards Banquet

Congratulations To Scotty!

My Awesome Family

Ashley & Brett

more easter pics

Scotty in rexburg

Happy Easter in St. George!

The Good News and the Bad News

Idea

Funny Pictures

Andrea's New Hair!

1st Blog entry!

Happy Birthday Riley!

Angie's Birthday

Happy Birthday Angie!

The Big Day!

Good Luck Angie!

We have a blog!

SMILE