Berkeley's Blessing Day

Berkeley had a very special day on March 8, 2009; he was given his first blessing by his father at our church here in Cambridge. He looked adorable in the outfit that Grandma & Grandpa Sorrels bought him for his special day. Isn't it handsome?

Berkeley was so good during the blessing and didn't cry at all. He was his happy normal little self amongst all the attention.

Berkeley in his outfit ready to go to church

How can you not love a face like this?

Duff is finally warming up to the little guy, he was bummed he couldn't make it for the big day.

Proud Daddy, what more can I say?

The Bostonian Gentry Family

The is Berkeley on the way home, he appears pretty pleased with how things went. There were lots of people there to support the little guy and share his special day with him. Thanks to everyone who attended the blessing! It was a wonderful warm 60 degree day, the spirit was strong and everything about the day was perfect, just like my baby.

Jersey Boys

So Jersey Boys is coming to Boston and I really want to see it. Does anyone want to go with me?

Sleep

During our adventures out West, Berkeley learned how to sleep through the night. He slept 6-7 hours straight every night. Last night we returned home and the little man was so tuckered out that he slept for 8 hours straight. I love this guy!

Berkeley meets the family

After our Arizona trip, Berkeley and I took an unexpected trip to Utah and got to meet the rest of the the family that has been dying to meet the little guy.
Here is Berke with his cousin, Tristen, who is 2 weeks older than him. It is crazy how much Tristen looks like my brother Steven.

Berkeley and Grandpa Sorrels

It is not often families can get pictures like this; here is a FIVE generation picture on the Taft side. Berkeley got to meet his great great grandma Utella, great grandpa Mike and Grandpa Billy.

Grandpa Billy was excited to meet Berke, here they are taking a snooze while Uncle Boris lets the little man know he isn't the only baby in the house.

Here is Berkeley with his drooliest uncle, Hoss. Can you see the family resemblance?

We were glad we got to see everyone and show off B-Dub, even though the circumstances were not the best. Love and miss everyone!

Rest in Peace Pop

My great grandfather, "Pop" passed away last week. I was able to fly from Arizona to Utah to attend his funeral. Many don't get a chance to know their great grandfathers and I was lucky enough to know mine for 28 years. Pop had a very contagious laugh and was always happy. I learned how to swim when I was very young at Pop's condo pool. He would always come down to the pool to visit with the family and sit at the table and chat with everyone. He loved to watch golf and tennis on the television. We had many wonderful family dinners as Pop loved grandmas cooking. I will miss you Pop!
God be with you till we meet again.

William "Bill" Thiese
William "Bill" Thiese 5/14/1921 ~ 2/22/2009 "Pop" Bill, loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family February 22, 2009. Bill was born May 14, 1921 in Butte, Montana to Hobart and Pricilla Carveth Thiese and moved to Salt Lake City as a young boy. He graduated from South High School where he enjoyed and participated in all sports. He especially enjoyed golf outings with family and friends. He married Dorothy Elaine Wallis on September 25, 1941. Bill worked in automobile and truck sales for many years. He is survived by daughters, Dianne (Mike) Taft, Jodie (Ken) Godfrey, Suzi (Rick) Smith, six grand children, nine great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandsons, brother Tink Thiese and five nephews. Preceded in death by parents, wife Dorothy and sister Mary Davis. The family wishes to extend their thanks to the staff at Canyon Creek Assisted Living for their thoughtful and loving care. A viewing will be held at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary Chapel, 3401 Highland Drive from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, February 26 and from 12 to 1 p.m. Friday, February 27 prior to graveside services.

Olivia's Blessing Day

Meet our newest niece, Olivia. Jeremy and Marcha's first little girl, she was born just a few days after little Berkeley. We were so lucky to get to meet her while we were in Arizona.

Olivia was blessed while we were in town and we were happy we could be there. Here is a picture of the two little cousins being held by their proud grandpa.

What fine looking Gentry boys
Jeremy, Christian, Berkeley, Scott, and David

Five of the seven Gentry children were able to make it to the blessing, so it was great to have a little time to spend with everyone.

ZONA

It has been 4 1/2 years since we have been to Arizona to visit Christian's parents; February Break seemed like the perfect time for some warmer weather. Berkeley took his first flight and slept the entire time, he was a trooper for his parents.

Our first stop was in sunny Mesa, Arizona to visit with both of Christian's brothers. Their housing complex looks surprisingly like "The Island" on Lost where the "Others" live.

It was so fun to visit with Christian's brothers and their wives. We got to meet Berkeley's newest cousin, Oliva who was born just a few days after him, and his newest dog cousin, Captain. The weather was amazing in Mesa hitting 85 degrees one day! We ate at my FAVORITE place Cafe Rio, visited the mall, celebrated Kasey's 21st birthday at IHOP, and just hung out.

We then made our way to Christian's home town, Show Low, named after the turn of a card. When we arrived at mom and dad's house we were surprised by how much the house had changed. They had redone most of the house and it looked GREAT! While in Show Low we did all of our favorite things:

Visit the Show Low Chamber of Commerce

Eat lots and lot of yummy food, including but not limited to: crepes, Spanish food, waffles, guava ice cream and chicken Parmesan.

Christian and Dad love playing the piano together. We were all blessed to listen to them play piano duets for four hours straight one day. Berkeley enjoys to listen to the piano; it surprisingly lulls him to sleep or calms him down when it is being played.

While Berkeley enjoyed wrapping up in this cool Spider Man towel after his bath...
his dad is enjoying playing Spider Man on the Mogollon Rim.

We did have a fun "hike" around the Mogollon Rim. Here is Christian with his cute mom and sister. Grandma loves holding her cute grandson.

The night before we flew out of town, we got together with some of Christian's High School Peeps and some friends from U of L @ Chilis. (Go Go, Really Go, Really Go Show Low Go!) It was fun to get to meet some of the people that Christian talks about. A fun time was had by all reminiscing about the good old days and catching up on what everyone has been doing for the last 10 years.

We had a wonderful trip visiting with family and friends.