Poppy's Place

2010-02-15T20:22:00.009-05:00

This is beautiful Sarah with the family dog -- no hair (the dog, that is).

This is Lauren, the gorgeous princess.

Sweet Caroline!

Wendy, the free spirit.

Jack, the creative one.

Super Bowl Champ -- Is there any doubt?

2009-01-28T18:39:00.002-05:00

Jack Taylor knows who will win the Super Bowl. Can you guess who he believes is the Champ?

Poppy Sportin' High Class Duds

2009-01-25T16:14:00.003-05:00

The Poppy rolled out the new look following Kate-the-Great picking out this stupendous Christmas gift tie. The occasion was a talk where all the women in the audience were nearly overcome with the beauty of the elegantly striped blue tie.

It just does not get any better for this for an old man that needs some props to get to struttin'. One google-eyed wench drooled over the way the dark blue stripes made the Poppy's blue eyes literally "pop" with intensity.

I mean, does life get any better than this?

A New York Treat with the Grandbabies

2008-12-05T10:56:00.005-05:00

Sarah and Wendy are scheduled to be whisked off to South Africa (by their abscounding parents) again after the first of the year in 2009, so the SugaMom and Poppy snuck in a sweet visit while the Pratt's were in New York City.

Alice Haddow loves her grandbabies (all 4 of them) and Sarah and Wendy got what they wanted in a breakfast at McDonald's.

After leaving McDonald's, we took what turned out to be a long walk to the Natural History Museum. Along the way, Sarah and Wendy encountered dogs they had to pet.

Outside of the Museum, Sarah and Wendy saw some birds they had to feed.

Once in the Museum, the DINOSAURS!

And that was just the beginning of the journey. More to follow.

Back on Bloggin'

2008-11-30T12:39:00.006-05:00

OK, I have been AWOL for a while. I will try to keep more current. Everyone has heard that story before, but the proof will be in the pudding.

Thanksgiving was a "lean" family holiday this year -- in terms of family members being in town -- but Ashley, Alice and I joined Uncle John & Aunt Kathy for a terrific Thanksgiving Buffet at Fairfax County Club (which was a better food layout that we have seen at International CC).

The most exciting topic of discussion was how great Ash-Kash's "straight hair" looks, as opposed to the curly do.

We topped off the day by seeing "Four Christmases" which was good for a few laughs but little else.

Leaving Paradise

2007-09-05T14:15:00.001-04:00

Okay, you can see how happy the unmarried Haddow kids are about the great vacation in Maui, but the flight is leaving and reality awaits in Provo. It is Monday night and life is good.

You can see the sadness written all over Poppy & SugarMom's faces at having to bid the kids a sad farewell -- we have to stay on Maui until Wednesday night. The Poppy is taking Mom to that favorite romantic spot in Maui -- directly from the airport -- WalMart.

The Hot Spots in Maui

2007-08-31T01:41:00.000-04:00

SugarMom & Ashley just hanging out on the beach and petting the beach turtle.

The proper way to test if a pineapple is ripe is to . . . well, just smell the dang thing -- or is she kissing it?

The Safeway is better than the beach for people watching. Mac brought Alice to the Safeway as a birthday trip, knowing she would really enjoy it. When we're done at Safeway, Mac is going to let Alice do some laundry.

Hot-Tubbin in Maui

2007-08-30T13:35:00.001-04:00

Ashley doin what she does best -- arranging her social calendar when she gets back to Provo.

Kate the Great and Jess just hanging out and enjoying life.

Poppy & SugarMom forced to get in the Hot Tub to keep the kids company.

Birthday Celebration at Hula Grill

2007-08-28T22:20:00.001-04:00

Talking with Jami & Lauren on the speakerphone from Maui. Kate the Great is checking out a cool looking dude on the beach.

Jess and Ashley hamming it up and chilling while we wait for lunch. And it was a long wait.

Poppy & SugarMom enjoy the wonderful birthday gift certificates ordered by Jon, Jami, Jack & Lauren at the Hula Grill in Whaler's Village.

Hitting the Links in Kaanapali

2007-08-28T22:13:00.000-04:00

The Poppy, Ashley & Jess had a great day on the South Course at Kaanapali

Check out the ball mark on the 142 yard Par 3 3rd Hole where Ashley hit the pin on the fly, had the ball slam to the green (leaving a huge ball mark), and then skidding about 9 feet away. Ashley lipped out the birdie, and settled for a gimmee par.

2007-08-28T01:15:00.000-04:00

Ready to attend Church at the Lahaina 1st Ward, it feels just like home.

Poppy & SugarMom heading for Church.

Ashley, Kates & SugarMom groovin at Gump's Shrimp House (I'm not sure of the exact name of the restaurant. Katy had a great hamburger, Jess had some really terrible fish.

Jess and SugarMom chatting it up at Forrest Gump's hangout on Maui.

Off to Maui

2007-08-25T16:39:00.000-04:00

Hanging out in the Delta Crown Room on a 4 hour layover in LAX.

Poppy & SugarMom are ready to climb aboard for the grueling 5 hour and 25 minute flight from LAX to Maui.

Jess, Katy & Ash hamming it up at LAX. They don't look like they will mind the flight at all.

Finally, arriving at Maui Airport -- Waiting for luggage for 40 minutes, waiting for rental car for 45 minutes, driving to Kaanapalli for 50 minutes -- the wait: Worth It.

More to come.

Lauren Alexis Taylor Busts on the Scene

2007-08-02T14:03:00.000-04:00

Jack is pleased with the new stroller, and the cookie.
Lauren's first kiss, and only just days old.

Lauren is checking out the Poppy, who is taking the picture.

Jami, Jon & Jack welcomed Lauren on Sunday, July 31. Lauren and Mom are healthy and happy.

Katy's Graduation

2007-06-01T15:51:00.000-04:00

Most of the family gathered in Bluffton, SC to celebrate the High School graduation of Kate-the-Great. Katy was among the top 10 percent of the 2007 graduating class. The consensus among the family was that SugarMom should walk the diploma line with Katy. It really was a team effort.

Jess wanted to claim some credit for the high math grades, but he was voted down.

The Poppy disavowed any credit of any kind for any math acumen.

Sarah & Wendy Pratt, joined by Jack Taylor, loved being a part of this big event, and they have already started planning their own high school graduation bashes.

Jess, Ashley & Katy immediately left town to head out to Provo. Jess was pressing to make it back to Provo by Saturday afternoon to make a soccer team game (not likely since they left on Friday morning). Ashley wanted to get back to Provo in time for a Ward Council Meeting on Sunday morning (more likely), and Katy just wanted to get on with this new chapter in her life.

The weather was perfect, the company was superb, and the event was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

SugarMom & Poppy can now settle in to being empty nesters.