Arizona Barkers

Lights of Provo

2011-12-13T22:04:00.000-07:00

While up in Provo, Tami and I went looking at Christmas lights. So here are just a few that we saw, and tomorrow, I think we are going out to Thanksgiving point. Check back tomorrow for more.

So, This tree is called Eleanors Tree, because she is such a pink girl.

Quad Ride to Grand Wash Cliffs

2011-12-13T22:00:00.001-07:00

And Friday, the day after the big turkey celebration, Brian, Maddie, Melissa, Catherine and Me (Kathy) went on a quad ride to the top of the Grand Wash Cliffs. Unfortunately, we got lost. But.....we did find our way. But.....we only made it to one of the two locations. But.....it was beautiful.

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-12-13T21:57:00.000-07:00

So, for Thanksgiving, we had a nice family dinner at our house. Grandma and Grandpa Peterson, Randy and family, Melissa and family and Brian and Maddie joined us for dinner. We eventually finished dinner and then had a wonderful birthday cheesecake for Melissa.

Work and now Play

2011-12-13T10:53:00.000-07:00

Well, it has been a very busy time for me. I have worked through the summer and into the fall. Usually I work 4-6 days a week and my days begin at 4:30 am and end about 8:00 pm, so my days are long and very busy. It is finally slowing down (like a sudden stop) and now I am getting only 2 days a week, so it's time to have my life back. So, I decided to go visit Tami and her family. I took up their Christmas presents.

This morning I woke up to the sound of the little kids in my room looking for a snuggly grandma. It seems that their mama (Tami) told them if they have nightmares to go snuggle up to Grandma, she gets rid of bad dreams fast. So Riley got all excited and told his mom he hoped he has a nightmare tonight.

Here is a picture of Eleanor and myself showing off our red nails. She is so girly. Poor Tami. It is so nice to have time to blog again.

Oh where oh where did Kathy go?

2011-09-22T20:53:00.000-07:00

So, I have been very busy lately and have not put out any blogs. Trailways Magazine is doing an article about The Grand Canyon West Rim and in paticular the Skywalk. And to be even more specific, a driver who does tours to the Skywalk. And even more specific, they interviewed me and wanted some pictures of me and the skywalk and my bus. So here are a few of them. But, I will let you all know when the article comes out. It was kinda fun. But, long story short, it has been a busy summer. I have not had too much time off, but am getting smarter at scheduling it better. On my days off, I am usually busy with the family, holding all of the little grandkids I can, helping Mom with Dad (who requires constant care now). I will be taking them up to their doctor appointments in Utah this coming week, You know Mom NEEDs her botox. lol lol lol So, this is my attempt to keep up with the blogs. I should get my life back around the end of November or early December.

Family Weekend in Utah

2011-04-17T18:42:00.006-07:00

Well, here are some more photos from this weekend. We also came up for the missionary homecoming of my brother John's son Jason. Unfortunately, I didn't get any pictures of his family, but all of my grandbabies were here and I did get them....with me.

Here is Great Grandma with her Great Grandchildren.

And here are three very very handsome guys, Randy, Gary and Brian.

And last but not least, Catherine the poser. Yep, she did a photo shoot and posed.

Grandpa Barker's Weekend

2011-04-16T18:13:00.004-07:00

So, the entire family got together this weekend to come visit Grandpa Barker. He has been diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor, and well, his memory and ability to form his thoughts are very much compromised. Here we are The Wendell & Dorothy Barker and Number one son Bruce Barker Family, complete with all the living children and grandchildren.

2011-03-19T17:47:00.002-07:00

I am so lucky to have such cute grandbabies. Cambria arrived a few weeks ago and she is such a sweet little girl. I could just hold her all day and give her loving kisses over and over and over and over.....well, you get the point.

2011-02-06T22:39:00.002-07:00

Holli had a cute little boy (Seth Tyler) and this weekend had him blessed in church with the largest crowd I have ever seen. So, Mom and Dad (Little Seth's Great Grandparents), Bruce and Myself all came down to participate in this event. Above are just two pictures, the four generation photo and one of Sandi and I with Dad. It was a busy weekend for us all and we enjoyed being together with family.

Happy New Year Everyone

2011-01-18T10:35:00.002-07:00

Yep, I decided even though nothing is happening, things are happening. Beginning of the new year was busy. I continue to work hard at taking tour groups to the West Rim of The Grand Canyon. A long time friend of our family (Dick Johnson) passed away shortly into the new year. I took Mom & Dad to the funeral in St. George. It was wonderful to see old friends and renew those friendships again. It has literally been years since seeing any of them. We then came home and Dad broke his shoulder in another fall. Now we have to learn new ways to pick him up off the floor. (Big steps Dad.....please). We bought him a step to get him into the car. Dad and I are checking into a sleep clinic to see which one of us have........well........issues. We will keep you all posted. Mom and I continue to visit our favorite restaurant for another helping of wonderful healthy food. Mmmmmm.

Family Foto

2010-11-25T21:29:00.002-07:00

So we had the whole family come for Thanksgiving......a few days early, since I just had a feeling I would be working that day. Here everyone is.
The whole fanamily.
Great Grandma and Great Grandpa with the little darlings.
Bruce and myself with all 7.
Great Grandma and Great Grandpa with the little ones.
Yep, this is me (Kathy) with all 7 of them......soon to have 8. (Riley, Kimmee, Caroline, Reed, Eleanor, Catherine, and Andrew in front)

2010-11-11T20:47:00.001-07:00

Well, I got a hat. It doesn't quite match, but it works for me.

NHRA--Dragster

2010-11-01T11:10:00.002-07:00

Bruce and Brian had a great time together. They went to the NHRA Races to see Bruce's cousin Alan Johnson. Alan is part owner with the Al-Anabi Top Fuel Dragster. Here is a cell phone pic of Brian and Bruce with Alan's car. They had a great day and want to go again.

2010-09-19T13:38:00.004-07:00

Landon David was blessed today. Couldn't help but make the trek for Gary and Sarra. What a little cutie pie. Landon had his Great Grandparents, Grandparents, lots of uncles, aunties, cousins, and in general family.

The Family

2010-08-08T22:03:00.003-07:00

Yep, we went up for Johnny's wedding. We had a very nice time. We traveled together in our mini van with my parents and Melissa and Brian. The wedding was nice, the food was great, the company was fun.

Amazing Helicopter Flight

2010-07-17T15:43:00.006-07:00

So, I took a group of high school graduates from Kentucky to the West Rim. Go figure one of their party got sick that day and they had a left over helicopter flight. They offered me the flight. I loved it. We flew down to the bottom of the canyon 4,000 feet below. Then got on a boat for twenty minutes. Then another flight back up to the top of the canyon. What a wonderful thing that was.
I put this picture in just for Tyler Kim. You like it? It was a 7 passenger with Sundance Helicopter.

This is me on the boat, although you can't tell very well as the water in the background is not blue, kind of a grayish silty color. But hot! I wanna tell ya! Hot! Hot! Hot!

On The Road Again

2010-07-17T15:11:00.007-07:00

So, I have been doing the three day trips with JTB (Japanese Tour Bureau). What a fast and beautiful trip. Starting out with picking them up at the airport, then we head up to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. This is a spectacular view. We usually stay in Tusayan (several very nice hotels) then get up for sun rise in the morning. After that, breakfast, helicopter flights and off to the next destination, Monument Valley. We head out the East end as we leave the park and that is where I always see the deer and the elk. The elk, what a huge and interesting animal.

Day 2 consists of leaving the South rim of the Grand Canyon and heading out to Monument Valley, right on the boarder of Utah and Arizona. I had no idea what was waiting there in Monument Valley. Incredible mountain/cliffs that were just awesome. There are only two places to stay, Gouldings or The View. So far, I have only stayed at Gouldings, but you cant miss. Hotter than hot though, no matter where you stay.

So this is my view of Lake Powell and also of the Colorado River just below Glen Canyon Dam. This area was day 3 of my 3-day trip. We began in Monument Valley and headed out to Page Arizona for the Antelope Canyon Jeep Tour. I believe Brian did this with the Young Adults once as well. But, I love going back to Page. We have had some wonderful vacations here at Lake Powell.

Where did the Barkers go?

2010-07-17T14:51:00.004-07:00

Well, a lot of you are wondering just where has Kathy been? Well, I went camping to the beach for Leo Carrillo and was called back to work because of the heavy amount of tourists. I have not stopped since. In fact, I have worked so much that I have compromised my health and am off to get better. So here are the pictures I have seen from going to the South rim of The Grand Canyon. Every morning when I take the tourists out, this is what I see. Deer and Elk!

I am totally enjoying what I do, and what I get to see every day. There is so much beauty in the world, I think people forget to enjoy the beauty we have in this country.

Reed Lawrence

2010-02-06T09:30:00.006-07:00

Yep, It's a boy, and he arrived February 3, at 2:28 am.....weighing in at a tiny 7lbs 13 oz and is 21 1/2 " long. This is the 7th grandchild for Bruce and I.

First Blog of 2010

2010-01-10T20:27:00.002-07:00

Yep, Happy New Year, and here is my Christmas Collage.

Christmas 2009

2009-12-25T13:38:00.006-07:00

Merry Christmas Everyone, we had a very nice day, 5 of the six grandkids were here and we have a picture of the missing one. I put up a few pictures, everyone enjoy.

Skydiving with Brian

2009-11-19T09:21:00.006-07:00

What a group. Brian and his YSA group decided to go skydiving. I just happened to be in Vegas on my way home from work and thought I would stop by and watch the event. Wow! It was so exciting. I got to watch the whole thing from start to finish. The group had a blast and I would think they might go for that one again. His YSA group is really into doing things.....exciting things.

Pre Jump Wackiness

Can you tell which one is Brian?

And there he is, he lived!

Trip to Santa Maria California

2009-11-08T20:41:00.004-07:00

Sadly we had a death in the family. There was a reception after the funeral (this is becoming too common). So here are some pictures of our trip to Santa Maria, California.
Above are the siblings: Henri, Pete, Joan & John
Below are the cousins: Erick, Debbie, Denise, Tom, Kathy, Lisa & Sherry

Marathon Men

2009-10-01T13:42:00.002-07:00

So, Micah and Brian entered themselves in a 5K marathon over the weekend. It was fun to go cheer them on. Micah waited patiently for the draw of the raffell and won......nothing. Brian wondered why they called his name and then found out he placed second in his age group.....(out of all 2 of them his age). Over all, we all had fun watching and waiting. It was a beautiful day.

The grandkids!

2009-10-01T13:21:00.003-07:00

Yes, I had a blast with all 6 of my little ones. The babies are a year to a year and a half in age. Check out little Eleanor saying Grandma to her Grandma (me).

Park City Utah

2009-10-01T12:13:00.008-07:00

So we went to Park City for some fun in the sun. When we got up there, it was beautiful. Lots of things going on there. We went and road the ski lift up to the top of the mountain and then rode the bobsleds down the hill. Brian also did an additional ride on the zip line. It was fun. I had all the grandkids there. What a joy.

Gary Peterson Family Picture

2009-10-01T11:41:00.003-07:00

So here are some pictures from Garys Wedding. We took a trip and go figure, the parents and the kids....all grown up. Here we are, Joe, John, Sandi, Kathy and in front, Mom & Dad.

Shopping With The Toddlers

2009-09-10T13:35:00.000-07:00

So, this is the last picture of me shopping with the little ones. It was so very much fun. I very much had a wonderful time with the grand babies.

Utah

2009-09-05T21:44:00.014-07:00

So we planned a trip to Utah for business and to see the girls and their families. Bruce did the business and I played with the babies and the girls. Below is me holding Riley and Eleanor.

Grandma and Riley.

Catherine on my shoulders.

Grandma & Catherine.

And here I am holding Eleanor (left) and Catherine (right).

Glassy Lake Water

2009-08-24T16:49:00.002-07:00

Yes, I had to do it! I had to go down to the lake with Brian and take my picture in the lovely, glassy, warm, bath-tub like water. What do you think? I am thinking where the heck is my boat and why aren't I in it? That's what I think.

Crystal Clear Lake Water

2009-07-25T21:22:00.002-07:00

Well, I had a wonderful day today. We got up early, hit the lake with the sea doos and had a wonderful few hours. The air temp was around mid 80's and the water temp was low 80's. The water was crystal clear. You could see all the way to the bottom and that was out quite deep. It is a great way to start your day. Everyone should have the chance to start their day this way.

2009-07-19T16:56:00.001-07:00

Yep, that rainbow is a beautiful one. It was incredibly dark and it had a second one with it almost as dark, but I couldn't get to my camera in time to catch it all. So, along with the rainbows came the loss of our business and the loss of my job as a bus driver. Well, business is slow, thus the plant closed. The contract with the bus company was not renewed, so the route that I drove was dismissed....and so am I. Hmmmm....now what to do! Time will tell.

2009-06-17T08:20:00.002-07:00

Yep, that is the bus I am driving now. I was offered another job doing private tours and am really enjoying it. I had to give notice at my other job and any of you who know me, that was not an easy task. I liked my job. But this is a better opportunity for me to grow and improve. And I am enjoying having time in the middle of my day...home! Wow, now that is something! I have learned a lot at the previous job. I thank them for that! I hope to move forward and learn and enjoy this job just as much.

Hot Summer Days

2009-06-06T21:24:00.006-07:00

Yep, it is summer and I am so excited. I have been taking the boat and sea doos out a bit. Only problem is I need a day off from my days off. Hmmmm!

Me

2009-05-03T20:49:00.002-07:00

Well, I was goofing off with my camera and took a picture. I like it. So, I am sharing it with everyone.

2009-04-14T20:42:00.007-07:00

Well, here it is, we went to Leo Carrillo Beach over spring break. We had a wonderful time. I loved spending time with all my little grandchildren. Every morning I had some little ones on my bed. Caroline spent the night with Grandma a couple of times. Now....here is the down side. Half the family showed up with colds, the other half with the flu. Go figure....it is now making its rounds. I held out for a week before getting sick. I am slowly getting back to normal. But I gotta tell ya, I loved every minute I got to spend with the little ones and my own children (all grown up now) as well. I love my family. I love the beach.

Good Morning Grandma

2009-04-02T09:53:00.002-07:00

Yep, I was snoozing along in my tent trailer when in pops a few grandkids. I love being a grandma. Thanks for waking me up little ones. More to follow. ~~Kathy~~

Ouch!

2009-03-28T18:14:00.002-07:00

That is right, Ouch! !!! Yep, I was up at work last week-end and it snowed. Now that was not the Ouch, although it might have been for many of the visitors. But the point I wanted to make was that it was very cold. Ok, so then I thought I would try popcorn instead of cookies and go figure, my back tooth breaks completely off. Yep, swallowed the whole thing. But the cave-in on the tooth hurt soooooo very bad, and then the cold wind blew in and wowwwie! Pain, pain, pain! So, I call the dentist and they can't take me for 4 days. Oh my. I survived. But man did that wear me out for the week and completely through the weekend. Especially since the novacane did NOTHING, for me, and that is a first. Wow, what a painful week, and that is not even going into the issues at work. Sometimes it's a mixed bag. ~~Kathy~~

I Did It ! ! !

2009-03-02T20:24:00.001-07:00

Yes, I finally did it! I walked on the sky walk at Grand Canyon West. I have been working there since August 2008 and had not yet walked the walk. Well, it was not as scary as I thought it would be. I think I handled it very well as you can see from the picture. That is me sitting on the glass bridge looking down at the canyon. I loved it, but it is a little nauseating looking through the glass straight down. Oh well, that could just be my stupid stomach also.

2009-02-28T07:42:00.006-07:00

Yes, We went to the Bluebird Mine again. Had a wonderful time there. It was great to be out on the quad again.

Band Time

2009-02-12T20:28:00.007-07:00

Ok, so I was at work and got this terrific idea to play in a band, so I found one and go figure, they let me play in their band. Yep, Tumbleweed Junction. This band comes up to the canyon and plays at the ranch, so I always have a little fun with them. They sing great and I enjoy their music and so do a lot of the tourists.

2009-02-09T21:13:00.004-07:00

So, here it is, beautiful downtown Kingman, Arizona, complete with its snow, cows in the snow, signals with snow and blowing wind. Yep! Snowed out of the Canyon, so I took Mom & Dad to the doctor appointment in Kingman. Sure was glad I decided to go with them, cuz it snowed all the way there and was coming down good and fast on the way back as well. Who knew the desert had so much snow, just when we thought it was safe to "think" about going back into the water. Nope, keep those boats winterized. We're gonna need it here.

Hello....where ever did I go?

2009-02-09T21:11:00.003-07:00

Sooooooooooo, yes, that is me in my bus up at the Grand Canyon. I am driving my bus from the terminal to the ranch....x30. That is what I did for all of January and right on into February.

The Babies

2008-12-22T20:12:00.006-07:00

These are the little ones that I love to play with so very very very much!

Four-Wheeling in the Snow

2008-12-18T18:18:00.000-07:00

So check out what we did in the snow. So very refreshing. Yes, very beautiful and thanks to the snow and road closures today, I am not working today. Wow. I actually tried out the hand attachments for the quad and my hands were so very warm. It's a keeper.

Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

2008-12-17T18:39:00.000-07:00

Well, I guess you guys are all wondering what happens when a really big storm moves across the west. Well, Meadview gets a record breaking snowfall. Check this out. We have been out enjoying the snow all day.

Grandkids Are The Best

2008-12-13T10:24:00.001-07:00

Where Have I Been

2008-12-06T21:27:00.000-07:00

Well, here it is, I have been working full time. Now guess what I am doing? Yep, driving a bus and talking ALL day long. I drive a tour bus up at the Grand Canyon West Rim. I tell everyone everything that pops into my head about the grand canyon and then some. So, yea, I will get to the blogs....just trying to figure out how to fit my life back into my days when I am gone 12 hours a day, 5 days a week. Hmmm, I will let you all know. Mean time, here is a picture of me and my bus.

Grand Canyon

2008-09-02T14:04:00.001-07:00

Yes, Bruce, Brian and I all got to go up the Grand Canyon on one of the Jet Boats.

Peterson Family Reunion

2008-08-18T21:10:00.000-07:00

Bruce & Kathy

2008-07-31T10:56:00.002-07:00

Welcome to our blog page. This is Kathy and Bruce over looking the grand canyon at the west rim in Arizona. We moved to Arizona about 3 years ago. We love the values of small town life and the benefits of living in a recreational town. We are close to Lake Mead and spend many hours on the lake with our family and friends. We also spend many hours exploring the terrain on our quads. This is the type of life we have always enjoyed. We have had our trials since we moved here. Losing our daughter was perhaps the hardest trial to go through. Our two sons also live in our small little town. Our daughters live in Utah and enjoy the social atmosphere of college life mixed with the populations explosion of all the young marrieds living in close proximity. My parents have also moved to our little town. They enjoy a very active social life as well. We have two local businesses, a redi-mix plant and a septic tank installation business. Welcome to our vacation home. ~~Kathy~~