Hawaii February 2012

Hawaiian paradise at Kailua, Oahu was enjoyed by Ralph and Sue Severson family first week of February 2012. It was near idyllic weather in mid-70's degree temperature and no rain until sprinkled showers morning of last day before sadly departing for four hour flight home. All five children, spouses, and sixteen grandchildren spent the week mostly relaxing in pool or sunning on sandy beaches. We visited a few historic sights and enjoyed Pearl Harbor, USS Missouri, Polynesian Cultural Center, Hawaii Temple and BYU Hawaii campus. See photos and videos below for full story:

Polynesian Cultural Center

Hanama Bay

Pearl Harbor with USS Missouri & Pearl Harbor Memorial in background

USS Missouri Tour, Pearl Harbor

Happy New Year 2012

     The holiday frenzy inevitably leads to January illness, at least frequently for me. I've had ongoing cold/congestion/sore throat for a couple months that turned into sinus infection. Poor Kellyn has had the worst of it with her cold turning for the worse going into New Years weekend. She ended up with a Painful ear infection. She barely managed through the holiday weekend with Dr. Chris' help but by Tuesday morning obviously needed some specialized care. Fortunately, I knew of an ENT Dr. Carrigg in Orinda who was willing to fit her into his schedule. He confirmed a nasty middle ear infection with burst eardrum. He prescribed stronger antibiotics and pain pills, suctioned out the ear, and reassured us it was okay for her to fly back to Utah. The following week brought more misery as the ear infection seemed to improve but dizziness and nausea kept her in bed. My poor baby with no longer any mom for TLC. Glen stepped up to fill in. She managed to get to BYU health clinic where they supplied some relief with IV, and finally figured out she was allergic to the antibiotic.

Kellyn, Ralph & Glen push load of furniture from Costco

     I'm happy to report all was well last weekend when Ralph and I visited Utah for BYU basketball game, etc. Another objective was to clean out the basement apartment. Matt and Madison Stevens moved out in December. Jackson Bell called me over Christmas reporting his engagement to Carissa Gardner and inquiring if the basement apartment was available after their April wedding. In contrast to prior tenants, they do not have their own furniture. I've been wanting to furnish the apartment so it is usable for family and Women's Conference stays, etc. This was a good timing, so I arranged for painter, carpet cleaner, and new dishwasher. Kellyn and I also had fun picking out new sectional sofa, lamps, queen mattress and kitchen table.
      Kellyn & Glen are excited that everything working out to purchase the Helen Lane house in Lafayette. Escrow closes next week. Kellyn plans to use the old leather sofa from Provo house in her new home. It's been battered over the years and has several tears in the leather, but a nice slipcover will dress it up nicely.

      Latest new crusade is trying to get funding for local road repairs. I'm helping lead grassroots citizens group to educate public about need before professional survey done over next couple weeks to test voter level for potential revenue measure on June ballot.
       Yesterday, I gave genealogy presentation to the Contra Costa chapter of the Daughters of Utah Pioneers. It was nice to see ward members Pam Gardiner and Mary Eggertsen. Other ward news, David Fuhriman and Madison Carver waiting on mission calls.

Kellyn & Dad Christmas Concert 2012, Oakland Temple Visitor Center

Ralph Piano from Sue Severson on Vimeo.

Kellyn & Abbie from Sue Severson on Vimeo.

2011 End of Year Family Fun

Severson Cousin Party plus New Years Celebration 2011

Photo Christmas Card Display

Glen, Ralph, Aimee and Kellyn puzzle challenge.

Larry giving clues for Family Trivia Game.

Christmas and New Year's celebrations have been very fun 2011. Most of the family have gathered at in Orinda for food, games, gifts and family time. Interspersed have been some exciting BYU ball games, puzzles and movies. We attended the BYU mens basketball game at St. Mary's College in Moraga and watched the BYU Football ball game plus two more basketball games.

Kellyn & accompanist dad Ralph at Oakland Temple performance.

Ralph & Sue with Charles Abouo after BYU vs St. Mary basketball game.

Kellyn again performed solo at the Oakland Temple Visitor Center day after Christmas to standing room only crowd. All enjoyed the beautiful lights and manger display.

Aimee and Kellyn set up a puzzle challenge with Kellyn ably defending her first place title from last year. Larry and Cheryl's family who were in town over the holidays joined us for combined Cousin Party and New Year's Day family dinner. All were delighted with Uncle Larry's annual family trivia game, puzzle gifts from Aunt Sue and wonderful pork roast dinner with much visiting throughout the day.

Orinda City Council

Every first meeting in December, the Orinda City Council reorganizes and selects new officers. Steve Glazer is new mayor 2012 and Amy Worth vice mayor. Other council members are Dean Orr, Victoria Smith and myself.

Orinda City Council 2012 - Amy Worth, Dean Orr, Victoria Smith, Steve Glazer, Sue Severson

Amy Worth and Sue Severson at Sacramento CA State Capitol

Sue Clark Severson, Orinda City Council

An area of focus for the new year is to hopefully have support of citizens to pass road measure on the June ballot. I've been coordinating with graphic designer to create logo and yard sign. Orinda has dubious distinction as having the worst roads in the Bay Area. There are so many potholes and rough roads that your dad refuses to take his new car on back streets, going the long way around on Glorietta Blvd and Moraga Way that have been repaired.

Family Holiday Gatherings 2011

Charlotte, Chris, Eric, Aimee, Talyn play games

Ainsley, Shelley, Lindsay, Delaney, Greg, Brittany, Grandpa

After traveling nonstop all fall, it is great to be home for the holidays. The trips were all good fun, but after realizing in November I had only been home one weekend since mid-August, the phrase "There's no place like home" is better appreciated.

We had a fairly large group for Thanksgiving, including Oregonians Grandma and Grandpa Severson, Aimee family, Charlotte family and Shelley family. Give thanks for bounteous food, healthy family, and good fun.

Looking forward to even larger family gathering for Christmas.

Moraga Ward Progressive Dinner

Michael Severson entertains us

Olive wood Nativity from Jerusalem

Meg, Abby, Blake, Kate, Josh

Ralph accompanies grandkids in Christmas carol

Bradley Baptism and Liam Blessing

Bradley Sutton Baptism Day

Last weekend was spent in Redmond with Melissa and John David's family. Bradley was baptized on Saturday and Liam blessed on Sunday. All the Suttons were in attendance. Grandma Frances and Grandpa Floyd drove up from Portland. Aimee and Allen's family joined us after stopping along the way for water park adventure. The big shopping trip was for new piano for Melissa. Jack is particularly excelling in his musical skills.

Best Buddies Joshua Severson and Bradley Sutton

Liam Sutton Blessing Day. Quilt made by Grandma Sutton.

Liam Sutton 1st Halloween

Garden Adventures

Here's a tour of the Orinda backyard garden statues and lovely front walkway flowers.

Christopher Baseball Statue

Aimee Bookworm Statue

Sue admiring Ralph's hard work and beautiful flowers.

Ralph and Sue relaxing among the beautiful landscape.

Melissa Flower Girls Statue

Laura Reading Girl

Kellyn Flower Girl

Kellyn and Glen Engagement

Glen and Kellyn

The gorgeous engagement ring.

Glen Gagon formally proposed to Kellyn Severson on Saturday, October 8. All are very excited and wish them well for the planned May 12 wedding at Oakland Temple.

Louisiana in Utah Gathering

The Clark Siblings:  Kathy, Gay, Ruben, Sue and Elaine

Gonzales Stomp from Sue Severson on Vimeo.

We spent last week in Utah joining all my siblings, Ruben, Gay, Elaine and Kathy for the Louisiana in Utah dinner gathering. Bert Blalock also joined us helping greatly prepare the jambalaya. Kathy and Elaine made a big gumbo. Gay provided desserts banana pudding and pecan pies. Ruben planned the program including dedication to Aunt Jessie Mae Clark. Bert got everyone in the mood with Cajun joke; Kellyn sang Bert's request Louisiana Woman, Mississippi Man, with finale of Ruben and Gay dancing the Gonzales Stomp. It was well attended with about 90 people. A few non-Louisiana friends join us, Thatcher family recently moved from Orinda to Alpine; Emerson and Autumn Powell.

Aimee, Ralph, Sue, Gay, Bert and Ruben

Saturday, Bert, Gay, Ruben, Aimee with your dad and I attended the BYU football game. The cougars have some new fans. We filled in the time shopping, Costco being a favorite destination for gelato ice cream. All in all a great time was had by all.