christmas day 2013

Christmas morning we spent with Brian, Laura & the twins.

Christmas day in the afternoon we drove down south - about an hour away- to Megan & Tony's house.

We had loads of delicious finger foods for dinner- YUM.

We opened presents & watched Disney's Mulon- 

The boys got it for Christmas.

We were lucky & got to be there to see the nightly wrestle mania & pillow fight.

Loved it-

Papa helped the boys set up the bucket of pvc pipes he brought them.

They make the best forts & weapons.

He put together this fort making kit for them  and

I bought them this magnet board (car drip pan) and magnets.

I found the idea on Pinterest!

I am a huge fan-

Megan sent me this picture of the boys playing with it the next day.

There is nothing-- nothing-- like being with kids at Christmas time.

It's pure magic.

We are so happy to have our Grandchildren close enough to visit and We Are Super Happy that

next month we are expecting another grandson! 

It's been a while since I've talked about it- 

but he will be here soon.

LIKE NEXT MONTH PEOPLE

Grandson #5

We are absolutely elated & so happy to have all these wonderful boys in our lives!

Bring on 2014!

the week before last- just some summer journal writing

The week before last

Brett's parents came for a couple days to visit.

I was a little nervous....

My sweet mother in law has Alzheimer's.

It's a cruel, cruel disease.

It's starting to run it's course & she is now forgetting people who she loves & it is heartbreaking.

But- she remembered us all- for now & it was a great visit.

 (like father, like son)

Sunday we went down to Utah Valley to attend church with Chloe & then headed out to Megan's new home to see them. It was so fun & so nice to be together. 

Super Jack & Super Charlie- like to show their muscles.

Trent & the boys played this game - 

Trent threw a ball up the stairs & Joey would throw it back down & Nana was worried Joey would fall down the stairs I she was a wreck.

Jack visits Chloe twice a week & they like to play cards.

They showed us the game they play- it is fast moving & fun to watch! 

Megan made cinnamon rolls & they were SO GOOD!

Joey had one just his size. 

He is so cute I just want to scoop him up.

Brian, Laura & the twins went with Laura's family to a reunion & sent home these pictures.

They crack me up!

Summer is going too fast at our house!

all moved out & all moved in

As you know,

Megan & Tony & the boys have been staying with us 

but not anymore- they are all moved out

and

all moved in to their new home!

A couple of weeks ago they successfully moved 

closer to Tony's awesome new job.

We are sad they are gone, yet happy they are settled in a beautiful home in a beautiful new neighborhood. It's just so far away... okay, okay--- I know it's not all the way in Arkansas.

But-- it is an hour from our house. 

Frankly we are just so happy to have them close - truly I am not complaining even though it sounds like it. You know? There's this mix of feelings- I want them to have their own lives, be independent, not live too close yet still live---- next door.
 It doesn't really work.
 Still it's what I want & don't want at the same time. 

It's a really nice house & loads of neighbors came to help & have already stopped by to introduce themselves. It's close to work & two parks! It's a good life for them & I love that.

I helped unpack the kitchen & got all the boxes, packing paper & bubble wrap organized.

Then Joey came along.

How could you get mad at that face?!

He & Charlie were so excited to see their toys & beds unpacked.

It was just like Christmas day.

-I feel lucky-

lots of changes

I didn't mean to stop blogging.

I really didn't.

Life just got a little crazy. 

So...

Tonight I am posting a little update.

Sometime after my last post (Easter) Megan & Tony called to announce:

that Tony was offered an amazing job here in Utah!

I KNOW- best news ever.

Within 4 weeks they were here!

They had it all planned out- and that plan worked!

(My plans don't always work)

Their home in Arkansas sold in the first 24 hours of being on the market and they moved into our basement to settle in, start working, and then find a new home.

These next pictures are from the first couple of days they were here.

at the park with Nana

learning about chickens & gathering eggs

singing songs & eating cookies out of the bucket on the kitchen floor

getting really comfortable with chickens & deciding they are really fun to tease

and that their whole oats taste pretty darn good

Charlie even came to my very last cooking class.

Yes, I quit teaching the kids cooking class.

Hey- I've got a house full of fun for a bit & I don't want to miss it.

Soon - July 11th they will move into their new home and we won't wake up to their sweet voices everyday.

But- they are close. One hour away. Not too bad- I am thrilled.

So- now I am trying to do some blog catch-up

I hope if anyone is out there you will let me know and....

here we go again!