Prestclan

Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family...

2009-01-10T18:20:00.002-07:00

Drew, Amber, Russ, Gloria, Rhett and Melissa

We had to get one last photograph, even in the snow, before Amber left to go back to New Jersey. We miss you, sweetie, and will see you over spring break when the snow thaws (hopefully!).

Families are like fudge - mostly sweet with a few nuts

2009-01-06T15:02:00.002-07:00

"It's my turn to hold baby Jaxon!" -- Melissa and Gloria

Crystal, Kylee Bug and Travis (enjoying his time off from work...)

Zach loves his daddy

Rhett with his new keyboard

Amber and guy from Abercrombie and Finch (shhhhhhh...)

2009-01-06T14:55:00.001-07:00

Jeff, Zach and Brenda

Amber and Grandma

Zach and Kylee

Jacob

Grandma and Emma

2009-01-06T14:41:00.004-07:00

Russ and sweet baby Jaxon

Katty and John and the infamous game of Settlers of Catan (it just wouldn't be Christmas vacation without it)

Russ and adorable Emma

Squirrel Girl -- Glo

Jaxon mesmerized by Melanie and her guitar

Christmas 2008

2009-01-06T14:15:00.003-07:00

Russ and Melissa with their "just woke up" Christmas morning faces...We wanted to sleep in, and with teenagers you'd think that was possible, but, no, Rhett and Gloria joined us in our bed by 6 AM, and there we all slept for another hour before Drew jumped aboard (he wiggles too much, so we were up shortly thereafter). Amber had to be woken up - - it seems she was the only one who got the memo to sleep in.

Grandpa F. came by earlier in the week for a gift exchange...Here he and Amber pose in front of our tree.

Amber, Grandpa P. and Rhett

Drew, Grandma P. and Gloria

Amber and mom hugging

Christmas Eve: Luke II Reenactment

2009-01-06T13:39:00.004-07:00

Several years ago, a cousin from Arkansas sent us a Christmas card on which was scribed the following words:

"He came to pay a debt He didn't owe

because we owed a debt we couldn't pay."

Those words struck me so deeply that I have kept them pinned on a wall picture board ever since. I am so grateful for the greatest gift our Father in Heaven has given us, His Son, our redeemer and Lord Jesus Christ, and I am forever in debt for the sacrifice Christ made in giving His life for our eternal salvation.

In celebrating the joyous event of Christ's birth, my family came over Christmas Eve for dinner and reenacting Luke II (it wasn't exactly a still, silent night in our home, but there was a sweet spirit of love and happiness).

THE CAST & CREW

Grandma, narrator

Crystal and Travis, Mary and Joseph

Jaxon, Baby Jesus

Gloria, the star

Amber, the angel

Russell and Drew, shepherds

Rhett and Zach, sheep

Jeff, wiseman

Melissa, photograher and sound technician

Grandpa Seely and Brenda, audience members

Melissa's 40th Birthday

2008-12-24T15:36:00.004-07:00

Rhett, Amber, Melissa, Glo and Drew

Wow! I am officially "old" now! Thanks to my family and friends, 4 fun teenagers and 1 incredibly creative husband for making my day of gloom a happy one (I only got 1 black balloon but lots and lots of bright yellow ones, my favorite color)...

Our Wonderful, Crazy Kids

2008-12-24T15:10:00.007-07:00

Our Ambs=beautiful, fun, giggly, contagious energy, adventurous

Our Rhett=trustworthy, loyal, , friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent (and doesn't own a shirt)

Our Drew=independent, big laughter, non-comforming, bear hugs, lots of energy, reptile man

Our Glo=sweet, fun-loving, helpful, squirrelly girly

Ward Christmas Party 2008

2008-12-17T16:28:00.002-07:00

2008 Thanksgiving

2008-12-03T15:54:00.010-07:00

We had Thanksgiving at our place with Russ' family this year. Everyone pitched in with the cooking, and it was yummy. Amber totally surprised us and flew home! I don't know if I've ever been so surprised in my life - - it was wonderful spending a couple of days with her before she had to go back to New Jersey. Here are Tasha, Amber, Curt and Curtis.

Steph and DJ

Rhett

The Thanksgiving feast...

Grandma carrying little Peyton, who wasn't feeling very well with a stuffy nose and a cough. It was so hard for Gloria to not take a turn holding her, so she wouldn't get sick too.

Tanner and James...Tanner is such a smart little guy. He and his daddy spent the night at our house downstairs on the cozy LoveSac.

Mom and Dad

Amber

Richard and Jodi

Tasha and Tanner

Amber, Peyton and Arla (proud new grandma)

Tradition: Hot Wheel Races

Curt was the grand champion, but he forgot to take home the trophy (probably on purpose).

What gets better than watching football and racing Hot Wheels after Thanksgiving dinner?

Gloria and Haley

The kids love it when Curt and Arla bring Haley with them from their home in Pioche, Nevada.

Amber and Rhett taking dad's motorcycle for a little ride.

The end - - time to sleep off the feast!

Fall Break Trip to St. George

2008-10-25T20:19:00.003-06:00

Mom is the pro at putting together puzzles.

Gloria and Dad eating.

Melissa still studying.

Arla, Dad and Drew start a new puzzle.

Gloria with Peyton.

Relaxing.

Stephanie and Peyton.

Curt, Mom and Peyton.

Curt and Peyton.

More puzzling.

Gloria's Dance Recital

2008-10-25T20:14:00.007-06:00

Gloria (on the right) with her good friend Channel

Gloria with her teacher Megan.

Gloria dancing (far left)...

Still dancing...

Rhett and William playing the piano and singing "It's Too Late to Apologize" while the dancers change costumes.

Grandma and Grandpa are always so supportive of the kids' events.

Arianne, Rhett and Melanie watching.

Trip to Logan to Visit Travis, Crystal, Kylee, and Jaxon

2008-10-05T19:18:00.009-06:00

Gloria usually monopolized the holding of Jaxon, but here is Melanie enjoying a minute with that sweet little baby boy!

Kylee and Drew were inseparable - - both had lots of crazy energy! They kept the decibel level pretty high all weekend long.

Mel accommodating Rhett's incessant need to have the knot in his back rubbed out. Russ, Melissa, Travis and Mel all did their share of rubbing his back. Yeah, sure, Rhett, it's not a swimming injury, it's just a ploy to get freebie back rubs!

Melissa with a mouthful of yummy onion rings and Mom.

The awesome hosts - - thanks, Crystal and little brother Trav! We had a great time with all the yummy food, visiting, late night games, more food, playing with the babies, sliding down the stairs (look below), watching general conference, chasing cows (you'll have to ask Rhett about that one), etc.

Whose idea was this in the first place? Brave little Kylee going down the stairs...

Wheeeeeee!!!

Glo's turn

Rhett's turn

Travis' turn (don't hurt yourself, buddy - - you're not as young and agile as you use to be!)

Travis barbecuing us up some dinner

Rhett giving cousin Kylee some "upside down" raspberries

Melissa loving baby Jaxon

Unfortunately, Melissa had to spend some time studying (it's hard to get back into the discipline of doing homework after 20 years since last being in college!).

Gloria (in Heaven) with her baby cousin Jaxon

Grandma was so sweet to play game after game with Drew...

Grandma, Crystal, Melanie and Drew playing cards

A sweet moment: Baby Jaxon, Glory Girl and Miss Kylee Bug

Provo High Homecoming 2008

2008-09-27T22:19:00.007-06:00

The dudes: Michael, Kolton, William, Michael & Rhett

Don't they look cute with their matching black attires? You'll notice their ties match their dates' dresses. So sharp and clever, boys!

The beautiful girls

This group photo was taken in our backyard just before the amazing filet mignon and shrimp dinner prepared by Russ. It was magnificent! Kolton's parents created a yummy margarita (virgin, of course). And, Michael's crispy, chocolate-caramel dessert topped off the meal perfectly.

Janessa & William

Kelsey & Michael

Kolton & Lacey

Banessa & Michael

Lizzie & Rhett

Diving Catches into the Love Sacs

2008-09-09T20:50:00.010-06:00

One of the boys' favorite past times is diving into the LoveSacs downstairs while catching a pass from their dad -- we call this "Spectacular Catches." It also works well in swimming pools.

Here is Rhett

And here is Drew

Fish Lake

2008-08-31T12:00:00.005-06:00

We recently went to Fish Lake (Utah) for a reunion with Russ' family. From biking and boating to visiting cousins and feasting on the yummy food, we had a great time before the storm rolled in -- now I realize we were at almost 9,000-feet in elevation, but, still, isn't it suppose to be summer?

Group Photo

Mom and Dad

Trip to Zions with Judkins 2008

2008-04-30T19:00:00.003-06:00

Glo and Chanel were so cute and so sweet as usual! They explored, giggled and were game for anything anybody wanted to do.

Melissa (Mom) wanted a photo with Rhett, but he was being an ornery teenager -- was that due to the lack of cell phone service in the mountains? (I think so). Look at that obnoxious face and what we have to live with! Now I have to admit that Rhett isn't the worst I've seen, but what happen to our easygoing, engaging, delightful little boy?

Okay, I (Melissa) don't look too great, but, remember, this is after days of full-fledged camping (tent and all)...I'm sure Russ included the photo because of the scenic backdrop.

We went on some great hikes. We love going with the Judkins not just because they're our close friends, but because they enjoy "active" vacations like we do. Here are Chanel, Gloria, Rhett, Arianne, Gabe and Randy taking a breather...

The great outdoors brought on some great appetites --

Russ, Gabe, Chanel and Gloria are fixing their sandwiches

with Marsha and Randy in the background.

Gloria Receives "Great Kid" Award

2008-03-01T18:50:00.002-07:00

Each year one girl and one boy are chosen from the grade schools in the Provo School District to be "The Great Kid" representatives for their schools. We weren't surprised to learn that Gloria was chosen for her school Westridge Elementary. Gloria has many hurdles she must face in her life, but she works hard, is a light and friend to all, and always has such a great attitude. No doubt, her positive energy will help her not only get through the day-to-day challenges she must face but will also bless the lives of those around her.

Gloria amidst the dignitaries for the evening (the Mayor, the Chamber of Commerce President, Ryan Denny from the Buffalo Bills, and other local representatives) -- Gloria got a "Great Kid" shirt, an autographed football and a backpack full of other goodies.

Glory Girl with her Grandmas (both of whom are always so sweet and supportive)

Gloria loves her fun (or should I say, "funny") Grandpa!

How lucky I am to have such wonderful kids!

(Gloria and Mom)

Thanksgiving Gingerbread Party with Melissa's Family

2007-12-01T18:45:00.004-07:00

Amber and Kylee kicking back before the big feast...

Our neighborhood Turkey Bowl that Russ put together last minute:

Can Rhett keep Russ from getting the pass?

Go, Drew, go!

Great smiles from my baby bro and baby sis:

Travis and Melanie

Oh, I am so glad Mom is making the gravy...I don't think mine from a package would have been quite the same as this made from the flavorful turkey drippings!

Great-grandpa overseeing Russ' turkey carving job...

Amber and Melanie striking a pose...Is this the "Blue Steel"?!

Crystal, Melissa and Travis

Melissa working on her gingerbread house --

This is a fun tradition Mom/Grandma started with us several years ago. She even painstakingly bakes all of the gingerbread house pieces and whips up the frosting which hardens into a cement-like substance to keep the houses solid through the Christmas Season (well, at least until we start picking at and eating them!). Everyone brings a treat-decoration to share, and then we go to work...

Now how fair is it that Crystal is a professional cake decorator?!

Her and Travis' house was incredible.

The crew with their completed gingerbread houses (this doesn't show the floor-to-ceiling mess we left in the process of creating such magnificent artwork!).

Sledding at Jodi's house in Manti

2007-11-15T05:48:00.003-07:00

Melissa and Glory Girl sharing a tube

James getting some air...

Melissa

Drew

Rhett

Gloria

Halloween 2007

2007-10-31T05:38:00.003-06:00

Is it one of our favorite singers, Michael Jackson (pre-1990's),

or is it Gloria?

Drewcilla

Batman Zach

Gloria and Zach off to trick-or-treat in the neighborhood...

Capital Reef October 07

2007-10-22T20:41:00.006-06:00

This was our first time to Capital Reef. We had wanted to go there for quite some time, so we made last minute plans and got a hotel from Russ' GoUtah Card (buy one night, get one night free -- it worked well). Here we have Rhett without a shirt and dad with a shirt -- come on, Russ, take it off!

"Contemplation" -- Rhett and Drew

Where is Waldo? Oops! I mean where is Gloria?

The kids and mom made it to the top to see this spectacular bridge (Russ made it too -- he's, of course, the behind-the-scenes cameraman)

Drew and Gloria find a little cave to hide from us in.

Gotcha with a snapshot!

I can't remember what Russ and Gloria were pointing out for Drew (a lizard, his garbage to pick up, ???)

Trip to Las Vegas

2007-08-15T18:22:00.004-06:00

2nd cousins: Blake, Rhett, Kyle and Amber

Who's the craziest -- Kyle or Amber?

It was so fun seeing my (Melissa's) cousin (Stephen) and his sweet little family --

Russ, Melissa, Darlene and Stephen

Fisher Reunion at Grandpa Tim's Cabin by Strawberry Reservoir

2007-07-31T06:42:00.010-06:00

Now that we (Melissa and siblings) are grown-up (well, kinda!) and that most of us have families of our own, my smart brother and sweet sister-in-law (Travis and Crystal) got us going on our own family reunions. This was our 4th annual (Right? 2004-Bear Lake, 2005-Melissa's place, and 2006-Oak City Canyon). We had a great time hiking, outdoor cooking (and, of course, eating), exploring dad's acreage, playing games late into the night (I think Russ is king of Catan), visiting, joking, cooling off in the stream, and shooting each other with Travis' paintball gun ("We'll give you a 10-second head start, Rhett!"). Oh, and I must mention the death-defying act required for getting to the potty (Just kidding! Dad/Grandpa did a great job securing the ladder across the mini-canyon.).

Melissa and Dad/Grandpa

Drew

Melissa and her dad standing in front of his rustic little cabin that he has fixed up so nicely

Miss Kylee bug enjoying a few bites of watermelon...yum...

Jeff and Zach meandering down the road from dad's cabin...

Zach loved the swing Grandpa put up on the tree. He spent a lot of time there...

Crystal and Kylee getting their feet wet (literally!)...

Rhett plops right in -- he must be on the swim team (not that we could tell by his well-defined upper body or anything!).

Jeff and Gloria try to get Zach's attention. He is resting on the rocks with Aunt Melissa because he is a little timid about the water (and it's just a little cold too!).

Katty and John play with Jacob in the water...He's giggling the whole time!

Kylee is being passed to Gloria. Gloria can't get enough of her baby cousins! She is so good with them too. Maybe that's why she is in such high-demand for babysitting.

Jacob loves the water!

Grandpa helps Zach get use to the water. I like your walking stick, dad!

Zach, Drew and Gloria rest on and by the island in the stream.

Don't drop him, John Boy! What trust Jacob has in his daddy. Wheeeee.....

Kylee is not sure what to think of Uncle Russ in his safari hat. It makes a cute picture though!

Iron Chef at the Prestwich House

2007-07-23T06:04:00.003-06:00

Rhett and his Lemon Chicken Shish kabobs over rice

Tawny working the grill

Jeannie working the grill

Jeannie presents her surf and turf plate

Randy presenting their shish kabobs

Neil with beer-battered onion rings and burger

Russ displays his roasted garlic infused chipolte barbeque cheeseburger with pineapple

Judge Marilyn marks her scores

Steve, Marilyn and Scott debate over which Iron Chef should win

And the winner is: Rhett. Rhett shocked the world winning his first ever Iron Chef competition with no culinary school background and very little cooking background at all. Rhett entered the competition with a resume of quesadillas and toast. But his fist time cooking a real meal in front of tens of people proved to be the charm. His lemon chicken shish kabobs over rice served with a fruit smoothie won over the judges. Other contestants, mainly his dad, were demanding a recount, a closer look at the replay. Some say, mainly his dad, that there may have been ingredient tampering, or a possible bribing conspiracy. Oh well, dad (I) lost, but watch out next year.

Fourth of July 2007

2007-07-04T05:52:00.002-06:00

Beautiful girls: Melanie and Amber

Family with Fourth of July shirts (yes, mom made us do this!)

Grandma holding Jacob; Drew doing the entertaining (along with the fireworks, of course)

"Look!" Melanie and Jacob

Grandma and Zach with a "super-size me" sparkler...Oooooooo...

Melanie, Jeff, Zach and Grandma at our place for the firework display...When we run out, we just watch the neighbors' shows. From countless firework explosions (large and small) to the smoke-filled air and buzz of celebration, what a great time we had lined up on our street amongst family, neighbors and friends.

Trip to Moab with Judkins 2007

2007-05-30T18:26:00.001-06:00

Marsha and Melissa with their sweet baby girls: Chanel and Gloria

Chanel and Gloria replenishing their fluids in the hot weather at Moab's Slick Rock

Elephant Rock at dusk

Melissa, Arianne and Marsha

Too cool: Drew, Rhett and Isaac

Arianne and Rhett

The crazy ones: Drew and Isaac

We made it to the top! The view was incredible. Here is Russ testing his throwing capacities. The kids (Gabe, Chanel, Gloria, Arianne, Rhett, Isaac and Drew) meandering in the background.

Oh, no! Hang on, Rhett. He's a great stuntman, isn't he (or should we say "illusionist")?

Halloween 2006

2006-10-31T19:30:00.004-07:00

Gloria as Napoleon Dynamite

Dad as Mohawk dude

Rhett with friends Jason and Scott

Amber with friend Whitney

Witch Mom

Rhett's Make-A-Wish Star Raising

2006-09-25T20:30:00.003-06:00

After Rhett's wish was fulfilled, we were invited back up to the Utah Chapter Make-a-Wish Foundation home in Salt Lake City. We left poignant messages for Rhett in one of the scrapbooks on display there.

Rhett is an inspiration to so many. He doesn't let his Cystic Fibrosis keep him from achieving his goals and pursuing his dreams. We are grateful for the opportunity his "wish" gave us to celebrate him and his outstanding attitude and life.

Rhett carved a message onto his own star, which now hangs from the ceiling with the many others that have been raised in hope, healing and celebration.

Gloria, Grandma P., Rhett, Mom and Drew

exploring the beautiful, serene grounds of the Make-a-Wish home

Rhett's wish first came about through his wonderful social worker up at Primary Children's Hospital who submitted his name to the Make-a-Wish Foundation in response to some difficulties Rhett was facing. Two awesome wish granters, Mary and Jessica, came to our house and worked with Rhett on selecting just the right wish. Next, we were invited to the foundation's home to see if the wish would be granted. It was! After securing passports and letting the wish granters take care of ALL of the rest of the details, we were off to spend an amazing week in the Bahamas. The photo above is of us reconvening at the foundation after the wish was fulfilled.

-Mary, Melissa, Gloria, Rhett, Grandpa, Grandma, Amber & Drew

Where Rhett's star hangs today...

Rhett's Make-A-Wish Trip to the Bahamas

2006-09-15T20:16:00.003-06:00

Overly prepared, as usual, mom had us to the airport with plenty of time to catch a few zzzz's before our plane left (the sleep wasn't sound, but it felt pretty good after waking up at 4 AM!)

Glory Girl, Mom and Drew in what we called the sun pool, which we could look down at from our hotel rooms at the Atlantis Resort (2 gigantic suns were painted on the bottom of the pool, thus the name).

Drew making a splash...

Amber and Rhett enjoying the warm ocean water....It looks so peaceful, BUT watch out for those jelly fish! Unfortunately, Amber got stung and had some nasty welts on her forearm. I (mom) sent her to the lifeguard, who, in turn, told her to buck up, and then he showed her his own chest and stomach riddled with jelly fish scars! She asked him if there wasn't anything to take the pain away. He offered to pee on her arm. Needless to say, she declined. The lifeguard chuckled and then gave her some cream, which really did relieve the intense stinging. Gloria and Mom were the only ones who didn't end up with a souvenir of jelly fish stings.

The girls: Amber, Gloria and Mom

Rhett paragliding -- he said it was fun but not as daring/thrilling as he had hoped. He thoroughly enjoyed the jetskiis, though, as he was able to create his own dares and thrills!

Dad tackling Drew -- where's the football, boys?!

Goggle girl (Gloria) floating in on a wave...

Rhett, do you hear me...ipod and Bahamas...it doesn't get any better than this!

I love how cute Amber looked in her bug-eye sunglasses. She was the first to discover the yummy Pina Coladas. Mom, Rhett, Drew and Glo soon followed suite. Mom even got a taste of the "real" deal -- she had to politely tell the bartender she had ordered a "virgin" daiquiri.

The view from one of the terraces at the Atlantis Resort

-Rhett, Mom, Glo, Drew, Amber and Dad

Mom and Rhett looking into one of the many large aquariums at Atlantis -- the magnitude and variety of sea life in the lakes, pond and aquariums on the Atlantis property were incredible!

Gloria and Drew with their "virgin" drinks that were so refreshing on those warm, sunny Bahamian days...

Grouper kiss (Rhett)

Fish-a-plenty...

Gloria and Mom

Drew being buried by Gloria and Dad -- we've noticed in our family photos that Drew gets buried a lot (in piles of bark, fall leaves, sand, etc.). You're a good sport, Drew!