our henry

Henry

 Born June 2017

 Last June 17th a very special young man came into our lives.

Megan & Tony asked me to go to their home & watch Charlie, Joey & Peter while he was being born. It was so fun!

We played 

a lot

and we hung out at McDonald's Play land- with ice cream.

We made Fourth of July T-shirts 

then...

When we got the call-- we speedily made our way to the hospital.

 (Hours old Henry with 6 year old, big brother, Charlie)

 This newest & 6th Grandson is an absolute joy!

We celebrated his first birthday last weekend & frankly-- I can hardly believe it.

I never thought much about being a grandmother when I was young, or when I was a young mother. I didn't know my own grandmothers nearly at all. I am amazed by the new sense of responsibility and overwhelming love I feel for these precious children. I knew being a grandmother would be fun, but I didn't know how much love would be in every aspect.

 It's gigantic! It's all encompassing love. 

It's a more mature love than the love I felt as a young mother. I don't have the worry of being their parent, supporting them financially or being responsible for their every need.

(I realize that because my children are capable adults- and really, really good parents- I am blessed. )
-BUT-

I can see clearly, that it is my choice to be an influence for good in their lives and that's what I want to be. I want them to feel- only love- not the judgement or expectation I unwillingly put on my own children out of inexperience & unrealistic expectations. 

Being a grandparent has taught me already that I have a 3rd chance at childhood. Of course not as involved as my first two opportunities -- my own childhood, and the childhood of my children-- I just know that I don't want to waste it. Even though I typically see them once a week at the most- and not for a full 24 hours, it's important time. It's fleeting- it's going so very fast. 

I feel blessed- I feel lucky

zoo days

It's no secret that if you know me...

You know I LOVE a trip to the zoo.

I have fond memories of walking to the The Woodland Park Zoo with my cousins- no adults- when I was a kid. Can you even believe that? In the winter (if I remember right?) the admission was free. We would wander around & one time we even got to feed the elephants peanuts by hand. It is a sweet memory for me. It's amazing how much the world has changed.

This year for the first time in over a decade- we bought a zoo pass again!

I am so excited about it.

When we first moved to Utah 18 years ago I bought a zoo pass & was so- very- disappointed.

We had a zoo pass when we lived in Washington & Denver-- great zoos.

Utah's Hogle Zoo was in deep need of improvements

GUESS WHAT?

They have done it--- it's so good now!

They have truly done a fantastic job with the remodel.

 It's been a long time coming & it is fantastic.

 I really mean that- and I am a tough zoo critic.

(first up-- a ride on the train of course- these boys were so excited)

Two weeks ago we met up with Megan & the boys & had the best time!

We had so much fun- later in the week after running errands in Salt Lake City- Chloe, Trent & I went again! Just to see some things we missed & go to the bird show. Loved it. It's so nice to have a pass & no pressure about seeing everything etc.

Most of the animals were out - they have improved the habitats so much it was great.

The carousel was an absolute joy.

Just look at this face!

He was beaming the whole time, loved it. 

There are fun little water areas & statues to climb on- 

we had a blast.

As we were getting ready to leave we spied the rhinoceroses eating just outside a little secret underground window. It was awesome.

I'm looking forward to going more this year.

It's a good thing.

It's a good year.

Well hello there Peter!

Last month I finished this quilt just in time!

*It's Peter's Birthday Quilt*

 A little over 2 weeks ago-- I spent the night at Megan & Tony's house.

The boys & I woke up in the morning- their mom & dad had already headed off to the hospital.

It was such a BIG & IMPORTANT day!

We ate breakfast, got dressed in super hero shirts, brushed our teeth, watched Curious George (of course), took Charlie to preschool, played, then headed to Arctic Circle for lunch.

It was a very rainy day-

so we stepped in puddles, looked for worms, and

found spring flowers

THEN IT WAS TIME

and we headed to the hospital to meet their

 new little brother.

Peter

  just hours old.

There really was a baby in there!

A new baby brother.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY 

PETER

It was another really, great, day!

Big Brothers- Charlie & Joey

 here they are about 2 hours past their bed time.

After a really long day- they were too pumped up to sleep.

But finally they fell asleep & so did Nana.