Happy Birthday, Aspen!

I started this blog a couple of weeks ago, so that I would be sure and get it posted on time. Now, I have this sinking suspicion that it will be posted back on the April date and I will have to redirect traffic so everyone will be able to find it.
Anyway, I wanted to wish Aspen a very happy birthday today. Yes, she really is 29! The following picture essay is my tribute to her. I had to use the pictures that were already loaded on the computer and they are in a pretty random order; I keep reminding myself that I am the grandmother blogger and I simply can't expect myself to be able to keep up with all you young people who came to earth with the computer gene already programed in you. What you can accomplish in minutes takes me weeks.
P.S. Guess what?! I figured out how to fix the date, I think!
Happy Birthday, Aspen! I love you!


May 6, 2000. The other first-born cousins have also borrowed this date for their weddings, which makes it quite nice for Grandma Park to remember.



What a beautiful family! Three adorable little girls who get their good looks from their beautiful mother. (okay, there's a little bit of Jared's rugged handsomeness in them as well)

I want to pay special tribute to Aspen for traveling to Vernal to attend three wedding receptions last summer, in June, July and August and then giving birth to her third child in September. This, to me, was a huge sacrifice on her part, and she did it so willingly that none of us ever suspected that it might have been enormously difficult for her. I am so greatful to have children who put family first. There is a scripture that hangs on my wall. Seeing this picture reminded me of it. "I have no greater joy than to know that my children walk in truth."

Aspen looks a little annoyed in this picture taken at the ward Halloween party in 1986. Maybe she had a premmonition of what was coming in the future (see picure, 3 or 4 spots down) What a lucky child to have a mother that sews!

This is the year that Aspen was not the oldest sibling. Willie Foster came to live with us, as part of the Indian Placement program sponsored by the Church. I remember him as a sweet little nine-year old boy. Don't you think Annie and Sadie look alike?

The Barker and Merrell cousins. As you can see, Cindy has always enjoyed posing for the camera. Aspen is on her tippy toes, trying to look like she is the oldest.

Aspen, wearing the Merrell (Hunting) family heirloom dress. This original dress has been retired and the next generation of Merrell children now wear a replacement dress.

Aspen and Jake have shared a special closeness through the years.

One of my favorite pictures of my oldest and youngest, taken just before Aspen and Jared were married.

Our first family photo with all six kids. Aspen was only eleven and already a beautiful young woman.

One of the pictures I cherish the most! I had purchased matching outfits for the entire family to wear at Disneyland...they weren't even on sale and each one was a little different than the other. Oh, we looked so grand! The photographer gulped when he saw us coming and quickly announced that the only backdrop that we could all fit in was this one. Not my first choice, but I couldn't not have a picture of this. Years later, the truth started to come out...first from Aspen and confirmed by the others. Apparently, this had been one of the more embarassing moments in their lives! I cherish it all the more, knowing how I made them squirm!

This was such a fun day for us. We were returning from the 2001 Park family reunion in South Dakota and stopped at Flintstone Village (or some or name I can't remember) Vince was on his mission and Jared couldn't come, so it was just Mom, Dad and the five sisters, all of them doing it up good for the camera. The thing I remember best was that this tourist attraction was really pretty lame by today's standards, for teenage girls. But they made it fun! That, too me is what family is all about...ignoring the minor flaws and loving the fact that we are together.

This is the first 4-generation picture we have through my line. Aspen (Mom), Barbara (great-grandmother), Linda (grandmother) and Kylie.

That was fun and it only took about 30 hours to finish! (So far)