For your blogging amusement, here are some AI generated photos of our family. Of course since we made these photos, I learned that generating an AI photo uses about the same amount of energy as running your fridge for half an hour. Crazy! So enjoy--I don't know that we will be creating many more.
Here's our scientist Brooklyn. We miss this girl!
Eli, looking adorable as can be as a newsie.
Woodsie Talia.
This guy's so handsome that I should marry him!
Don't know why I don't have a photo of Annika downloaded, but this one of Uncle Justin is pretty great.
And me, looking far more youthful than in reality.
Other moments in the Wheeler household: Pi day! I made a couple of pies on March 14th. Just as we were about to serve this chocolate meringue to company, I discovered that Zion had licked the meringue right off the edge of the pie. Naughty pup!
Jason made green pancakes for St. Patty's day.
I can't remember what he said while speaking in church as a High Councilor, but apparently it was strange enough to cause this reaction.
That evening Talia performed with the Young Artist Chamber Players. It was a very moving, emotional performance because their beloved conductor, Jack Ashton, had passed away just a few days earlier while these musicians were on tour in Southern Utah.
Here's his daughter Sugar (Alice) conducting in her father's place. When it became clear that Jack wouldn't be out of the hospital in time to accompany his orchestra, Sugar filled in and took the orchestra on tour. It was a touching moment that we will all remember with gratitude.
The next day, we woke up to snow--lots of snow! I sure love me a spring snow storm. Here's Annika playing with a neighbor in our backyard. Zion liked it too.
Speaking of keeping, I suppose this rascal gets to stay as well. There have been moments (many moments?) when I have questioned my impulsive decision to get a dog, but all in all, I'm enjoying Zion's company as he settles into our home.
Zion may be on probationary status, but this rascal is permanent. Here's Annika playing on a tractor while I attend a luncheon hosted by Intermountain Healing Hearts. I was nervous about attending, but enjoyed getting to connect with other heart moms. They get it. It helps to feel less alone.
Did I mention she's a rascal? While not really her fault, one of her recent shenanigans included getting her hair completely twisted in a spinning rope swing.
In general, Annika's transplanted heart lets her explore farther than she could before. But sometimes hiking is still hard. Her back really hurt during this short hike up Rattlesnake Gulch. Only three months out from surgery, I suspect this is still part of her recovery.
While Annie may not have loved hiking, she positively adored meeting Violet and Ruby's new bunny, Marshmallow.
Another fun moment: Annika got to help fundraise for Make-a-Wish by participating in Wish Cab with iHeart Media. Meredith and AJ are so fun! And generous. You can see the cute video here.
Later that day she got to hang out at Jersey Mike's as well as part of their Make-a-Wish drive with 100% of that day's proceeds going to support wishes. We are so grateful!
It's strange the way that we find ourselves bending the "rules" for Annika post-transplant. We took her skiing. We traveled to St. George. I let her hold worms. Now, I'm pretty sure that her transplant team never specifically told us that she couldn't hold a giant fistful of worms, but knowing Annika, they probably should have. It just made her so happy! Not to worry--we washed hands the moment we got home.
Annika also loves spiders and wants to become an entomologist. I bet the rest of you shared your home with a pet spider named Webeca as well. Webeca is enormous and scary. I've watched her viciously chase down a giant fly and win. I suppose I'm glad Webeca is in this new habitat because when I asked Annika where she came from, she said, "Talia's bathroom."
Check out the new scooter from NomiAnn! Annika loves it. Razor scooters aren't specifically on the contraband list, but perhaps they should be. Personally, I think Annika is just as likely to crash on these sassy wheels as on her skis.
At the end of March Annika was able to attend her Girl Scout meeting for the first time in months. The girls all had a great time hammering nails to make string art.
From left to right starting in the back we have Ellie, Annika, Lua, Violet, Mae, Cedar, Ferron?(hidden behind Nora) Front: Lily, Edith, and Maggie, and Nora. We are grateful for this kind group of Girl Scout sisters.
As the day grew closer where Annika could back to school, we got to head up to Wasatch to meet with the school nurse. While there, Annika saw the trophy that her RadGeekery film crew won for their film, Locker Problems. They received the top prize for a short film created by filmmakers under the age of 18 at the Utah International Film Festival. Way to go!
March 25th--Happy Birthday Jason! Every day sparkles with Jason gracing our world, but his birthday is extra special.
Naturally we celebrated with cheesecake made by the master himself.
Plus, here's a delicious lemon pie that Brianna brought. I'm drooling just thinking about it.
The best part about birthdays is that they are the perfect excuse to gather.
It makes us oh-so-happy that our families like spending time together!
I don't know what's happening, but it sure has everyone captivated!
The birthday boy himself. He looks more handsome every year. Sure love you, Peanut Butter!
A few days later we celebrated again with Justin, Brianna, Ruby, Violet, Grandma Susie and Grandpa Charles. So tasty!
Happy birthday once more to the most kind-hearted man I've ever met. Especially as I compose this on our 22nd anniversary, thank you for marrying me, amor!
Moving on to April Fools! Oatmeal served in doggy bowls while Zion gets his kibble in IKEA plasticware. He seemed quite confused as to why he was being invited to the table.
No explanation necessary possible.
April 2nd. Talia gets her wisdom teeth removed. Oral surgery is so cruel! There are definitely more enjoyable ways to spend spring break.
"I Don't. Like. Dogs." Or at least so says Pinocchio.
April 7th, 2025. Another LANDMARK moment. After 138 days of absence, Annika finally got clearance to return to school. We thought we would have to wait until the 14th, so getting to return right after spring break was delightful. Our little girl looks so grown up and tall!
Backtracking just a smidge, Jason and the younger kids went up to Hyde Park while Talia was recovering from wisdom teeth surgery so that they could watch listen to General Conference.
Literally from home. Now that I take a closer look, I'm pretty positive that this one of Jason's cheesecakes, made to celebrate Susie's birthday. Happy birthday, Grandma Susie!
Back to Salt Lake, it's always fun to greet the owls in the City Cemetery , especially with their fledglings in the sping.
The cemetery is currently undergoing some major renovations. I'm just hoping that the graves are left undisturbed.
Talia and I went for this hike with Zion up Millcreek Canyon around the same time. What a completely different landscape! Also, less concern about aerial fire.
Wrapping up by thinking of Brooklyn on her mission via the Assembly Hall on Temple Square. It always makes me smile to drive down North or South Temple and see the missionaries.
We were in the vicinity because we had tickets to the Utah Symphony with our friends, the Blackhams. That was super fun.
But even more fun was meeting Hermana Turner, fresh home from her mission in Madrid. This sweet gal brought a lovely package from our Brooklyn! It made me so happy to hug someone who had recently hugged our missionary.
Brooklyn, we love you; Jason, happy anniversary; and everyone else, keep smiling. :)
