Universal Studios

While she was here, James had a chance to take his mom to Universal Studios City Walk. It's a happening place with restraunts, shops and a movie theater. Here they are enjoying the sights.

Visit to Disneyland

Ghana has been called (and we all agree) the happiest place on earth. Well, Lonni thinks Disneyland is a close second and her favorite thing is taking friends and family for their first (or 200th) time. We loved the time we got to spend with Dorothy at Disneyland and it was extra special because we also shared the day with our friends Frank, Lindsey and Mama Owoo. We think the moms loved experiencing Disneyland together. It was also Miles' first visit to the magic kingdom, he did really well (for a 6 week old baby).

Party for James

James works with some really great people. When he returned to work after our trip to Utah he was surprized to find his office all decked out in Red White and Blue. His friends threw a congratulations on becoming a US citizen party for him. Check out the cake, it says: Congratualations Welcome to America! We loved it!

It took a lot of time, money and sometimes stress to finally achieve citizenship and this party was well deserved. Thanks everyone!

Last stop: Vegas!

With Vegas less than 4 hours from our home in CA, we had to stop and show Dorothy the amazing and beautiful things there are to see... if only Vegas had virtue.

Fun in Eden with family

We met up with Lonni's mom, Lynne, Lori and their families at Mom's house.

Here are a few pictures of our time in Eden. Miles with Deanna; Miles with our niece Chelsea; Miles & Sister Lynne, James with Brad; lastly Miles being adored by Lynne & Shawnee. Ooh, Miles is so sweet and he's so cuddly in his soft sleeper his Aunt Nicki bought him.

Visit to Salt Lake City

We were so glad we had the opportunity to take Dorothy to Salt Lake City. Here are some pictures of the sights. Aunt Trilba, Deanna, Dorothy and Lonni were able to attend the Salt Lake Temple together and that was a wonderful experience.

Stop in St. George

Along the way to Utah we stopped in St. George and James and Dorothy toured the grounds and visitors center of the St. George Temple.

James becomes a US Citizen!

Not long after Miles' birth, we received confirmation that James was to be sworn in as an official Citizen of the United States in Salt Lake City on February 21, 2007. We made the trip by car and along the way enjoyed showing Dorothy a few of the sights in St. George, Salt Lake City, Eden, and of course Las Vegas! Here we are after the ceremony outside with everyone that could come to the ceremony (oops, Lynne was hiding behind Marilyn) and a few candids of us inside waiting for the ceremony to begin. Thanks to everyone who took time off work and school to be there. The three lovely ladies are Aunt Trilba, Deanna and Dorothy.

Our good friend Mo, fro Sierra Leone, also received his citizenship at the same ceremony. You see James there with a mission companion, Bakar, and Mo in the middle.

More family come!

The weekend of Miles' baby blessing so exciting! We had James' angel mom all the way from Ghana, Lonni's sweet mom who braved her first flight alone, Lee and Marilyn (although they had just visited a couple weeks before) flew back to town and Lance & Nicki, who traveled the more than 12 hours drive with their little treasures: Haden, Haylee and Hunter. All of them went through a lot to witness Miles receive the special Priesthood blessing administered by James. We also had Blossom and Joe and several friends from James' work join us. Pictures are of Dorothy posing in her beautiful dress on the blrssing day; Family all together outside the church in Littlerock, CA; Nicki, Haylee, and Deanna adoring Miles; and Lance, Haden & Hunter during their tour of James' job site.

Grandma's Meet

Well, it took nearly 6 years and the birth our first child for our moms, Dorothy and Deanna, to finally met in person. After picking Deanna up at the airport we went straight to the Los Angeles Temple. Miles and Mommy rested in the visitors center while Daddy and the grandmas enjoyed a session. Here we are enjoying the peaceful temple grounds.

Surprise Visitors

We were so excited when Lee called to tell us he and his family were coming to meet Miles just 2 weeks after his birth! We had so much fun with Lee, Marilyn, Melanie, Mason and Morgan even though they could only stay for one day, it was AWESOME! Thanks for coming!

Joseph, Blossom & Brianna

Horray for friends! Joseph, Blossom and Kiki made the treck from Los Angeles to visit us. One week after Miles was born. We had so much fun eating, visiting and playing Deal or no Deal!

Lonni & Miles in the truck

Here we are at Costco. We're going to get digital photos printed -- why not take a few more pictures in the parking lot?

Grandma Dorothy

Four days after his birth, Grandma Dorothy arrived. We are so blessed to have had her wisdom and enjoy her presence. She traveled all the way from her home in Accra, Ghana (her first, and hopefully not her last, trip to the US).

Leaving the Hospital

Here he is in the car seat ready for his first car ride.