So these pictures are coming in backward from order, but this is Amelia freezing after she got out of the pool, and still wanting to go back in. She's in both a towel and a blanket to keep warm.
Zander and his silly faces, never looking at the camera directly, unless you really focus him. But, he's having a blast!
I had to show off this braided piggytail I did on Amelia, it turned out quite well. She wasn't too thrilled to sit for that long and especially didn't like the side ones being put in, but she loves the pretties in her hair.
Amelia hanging with Daddy.
She wasn't very sure at going in at first. She would just test the water with her feet, and squalor if it got too far up for the first 15minutes or so.
On June 4th Free Saturday Family activities started for Weber and Davis counties. On this particular Saturday we decided to take the opportunity to go to the Roy Aquatic Center, since it was the only free day that was allowed. We knew that it would be crowded, which usually isn't my cup of tea, but I can't always allow that to hold me and my family back from having a great time. Especially when we're on such a tight budget, and this was free.
I only got a couple of dollar floating donuts for the kids. I figured for the most part Faith and Zander were too big for them, so mostly Carter and Amelia used them. As usual in most pictures taken, Zander is almost never looking at the camera, and doing something goofy.
I love Faith's face in the picture, she's got this porcelain skin, with cute freckles on the top of her cheecks and her nose. I just love them. I actually was able to get her hair in like this braided ponytail thing, which, believe it or not, is harder to do on her than on Amelia, because she doesn't hold as still.
My little Carter boy, was probably the most excited. Ever since I mentioned that we'd go, he was non-stop talking about it, and then both him and Zander would always count down the day. They made sure they were very good the last couple of days, keeping their rooms clean.
Little Miss Millie was so excited, she was also very possessive with her floating donut.

My uncle passed away at the age of 35. He was 7 years older then I. I remember being fascinated with him as a child and following both him and my aunt Trudi all around. I'm sure at times it was annoying. I remember my uncle playing football in the front yard with his neighbors, Chuck and Pete Salazar, and wanting to join him all the time, probably the best. He'd eventually get annoyed and throw me and my brothers in the bushes as his way of getting us to go away. I never really rough housed with him much after those days. When we did see each other it was more of the casual conversation, "what you been doing? How are things going? Are you staying out of trouble?" and of course the occasional teasing, the big bear hugs, but other than that, there just wasn't much of a connection. To be honest I really had not felt much of a connection with my mother's family for years. Probably since around the time my parents divorced. It was almost like they had looked at me and my brothers differently, like we were more guests then family. Though I guess it never helped that we just weren't into the same things as they were. It seemed like most of the conversations had to do with hunting, camping, guns, fishing, and diesel trucks for the most part, and though I love camping, there just wasn't a lot to the conversations that I could contribute to.

Anyway, I knew that my uncle would see an early end. He had struggled with Type I diabetes since he was a kid. I know after studying the subject a few times between physiology classes and Nursing that not many did live long lives without many complications. At times I know that he also didn't take very good care of himself. Though I can't say that I always take good care of myself either. A few years ago it had finally taken hold of his kidneys and he was placed on a kidney and pancreas transplant list.The first time he had a transplant I went with my mom down to IMC to visit and be with my family during his surgery, though I never got to see him. I then heard the next day or so that he had rejected that transplant. He was then placed back on the list, and I guessed he had another one, though not sure when. But then when he went into back surgery a few months later, had caused problems with that transplant. Not too long later was doing dialysis for a few months. I guess around the time he was suppose to go back on the transplant list was the time he met his end.
Though I knew he was dying, I didn't think it would come this soon. I guess I was hoping to make a connection again before that had happened. I knew though I hadn't been close to him, that I would still feel a loss. I mean, I'll miss his teasing and hugs, but I think I feel more a loss for his children, and for my aunts and uncles, grandparents, and his friends that were closer to him. My tears came from the memories I had once shared with him as a younger child, that were finalized with his death. I know we weren't close, but I will miss you Uncle Jeffy.

Memorial Obituaries Rawson, Jeffery

Memorial Obituaries Rawson, Jeffery

Riverdale – Jeffery Allen Rawson passed away Monday, May 16, 2011 unexpectedly at McKay-Dee Hospital. He was born August 9, 1975 in Ogden, Utah, the son of Darold and Florence Rawson.

Jeff struggled with diabetes and its complications for over 20 years. Jeff loved his family and always wanted to be with them.

Through his struggles his goal was to live long enough to see his children grown and to protect them from life's challenges.

He loved his pets, John Wayne movies and his favorite pastime was camping and fishing.

He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and he loved his Bishop and ward family.

Jeff is survived by his wife, Tasha Marie Rawson, daughter of Sherry and Richard Jensen; his children, Jessika, Zack, Jefferson, Cheli, Afton, Ethon, Dakota, Mya and Alec; his parents, Darold and Florence Rawson; brothers Darold (Marie) Rawson, Mike (Grace) Rawson; sisters, Tammy (Paul) Byrd, and Trudie Robinette; 20 nieces and nephews and his Grandmother, Etta M. Dawson.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Ray and Rhea Rawson and George A. Dawson.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that well-wishers make a donation to Myers Mortuary for the funeral expenses.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 20, 2011 at Myers Ogden Mortuary, 845 Washington Blvd. with Bishop John Sandberg officiating. Friends and family may call at Myers Mortuary on Thursday, from 6 to 8 p.m. and Friday, from 9:40 to 10:40 a.m. Interment, Ogden City Cemetery