She gets it all from her DAD!

Coco showing a little attitude after a long Thanksgiving day!

We had a very nice Thanksgiving. It was the first time we had an actual Thanksgiving dinner at our house and I was so grateful that both my mom and Grandma were there to help out in the kitchen! We had a really fun day together it was so nice to have everyone there. Coco kept her 3 grandmothers (Hirschi, Buehner, Schwendiman) occupied by taking turns holding her. We ate dinner and then played some fun games. Coco puts her hands on her head when she gets tired or frustrated, it is so funny, we were talking about her doing that when we looked over and she was giving us a finger gesture. I guess she didn't like us talking about her. It was hilarious! She takes after her dad for sure!

Mark Schwendiman 1921-2008

Mark Schwendiman, 87, died Nov. 18, 2008, surrounded by his loving family. Mark was born Sept. 8, 1921, in Newdale the son of John and Emma Lanz Schwendiman. He grew up in the Newdale area, graduating from Sugar-Salem High School. He also attended Ag. School in Logan, Utah. Mark served his first LDS mission to the Western States Mission from 1941 to 1943. During WWII he served on the front lines in Germany. He was a prisoner of war for a short time and received the Silver and Bronze Stars. Mark married Ellen Louise Clark on Sept. 25, 1946, in the Salt Lake Temple. They made their home in Newdale where they raised their children. He was active in the LDS Church serving in many positions over the years. He and his wife served two missions, one in Nauvoo and one in Salt Lake City. He also did genealogy name extractions for 20 years until his eye sight failed. He enjoyed farming and served on the Madison Co-op board for 18 years. He was a devoted husband and father and enjoyed playing games with his family and watching sports. He is revered and loved as an example of faith, patriotism and service. He is survived by his wife, Louise; children Loretta (Brent) Peterson of Hurricane, Utah, Kathryn (Neil) Hirschi of Newdale, Ilene (David) Lewis of Murray, Utah, Larry (Suzanne) Schwendiman of Clovis, Calif. and Wendy (Trent) Twiggs of Phoenix, Ariz.; 22 grandchildren and 27 great grandchildren. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by three brothers, Alvin, Glenn and John L. Schwendiman; one sister, Milda Smith; one son, Mark Lynn; a daughter, Ellen Huskinson, and two grandchildren. Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, Nov. 22, 2008, at 10 a.m. in the Newdale LDS Ward chapel with Bishop Larid Robinson officiating. Friends may call at the Newdale LDS church Friday evening from 7 to 8:30 p.m. and again Saturday from 9 a.m. until the time of services. Burial will be in the Teton-Newdale Cemetery where Military rites will be performed by the Madison Co. Burial Team. Condolences may be sent to the family at http://www.bidwellfuneralhome.com/. The family wishes to thank Homestead Assisted Living and Hospice Alliance for their help and good care.

We are all going to miss Grandpa Schwendiman so much. It was such a privilage to get to grow up next door to my Grandparents. My grandpa was the ultimate teach by example kind of person. He was such a hard worker and loved and provided for his family. I learned so much from him. A few weeks before he passed away I was able to take Coco up to Newdale to see him and my family. We were celebrating my Grandma Schwendiman's 80th birthday. I am so glad that he was able to meet Coco and that we were able to get a few pictures.