grandma and grandpa came and I went to time out

Joan and LaMar came out to visit. We were all so excited and loved their time with us. I went down to Denver for a couple of days to attend Time Out for Women with some friends, so I missed most of their trip, but I know the boys had a such a great time. They love attention that their grandparents give, puzzles, movies, McDonalds, pizza, etc. There was a snowstorm during their time here so they went out and built a snowman. Each trip is a cherished memory!

Time Out for Women was pretty amazing!  Matthias' mission president, Daniel Kelly Ogden, was one of the speakers, speaking on becoming happy like Christ. I went down with a bunch of friends from my ward. We all shared a hotel, laughed laughed and laughed, hit the shops and went out to yummy places to eat. I saw a group of gals from Sheridan I knew and ran into my cousin Sarah. My favorite speaker was a lady who spoke about our prophet President Monson. It was a very uplifting and fun time. I loved it! Thanks to Joan and LaMar for watching the boys while I was away and Matthias was at work.

I took this picture for Matthias... and had Pdte Ogden sign his book for Matthias. 

grandparents are the greatest!

Sweet Joan and LaMar drove out here for a weekend visit. The boys were so excited to see them and it came at such a perfect time. The weather had been wearing on us, and though it didn't let up while they were here, it seemed as if Joan and LaMar brought their own sort of sunshine. They really spoiled us and we loved every minute of it. Joan got some little crafts and trinkets for the boys to enjoy.  They took us to a movie and out to Mc D's to get the kids happy meals. They painted bird houses with the boys while Matthias and I went to a church thing. It was the biggest treat ever to be with them. One night we stayed up late reading Oma's life story. It was fun to get LaMar's view on growing up, and we have a greater appreciation for what our families have gone through to make them who they are today.

The boys are  faithfully filling their bird houses with seed, and now we have birds on our porch every morning. What a fun reminder of their Grandma and Grandpa and how much they are loved. We love you so much Joan and LaMar, thanks for brightening our lives!

filling in the gap

Between Indiana and Sheridan, Ty, Bex and I lived with my parents in Utah while Matthias was working and seeking employment in DC. Although it was a very challenging time, actually, probably the hardest experience we as a family have ever gone through, being with family in Utah made it a little more bearable. My parents and Matthias' parents were our greatest supporters and really helped us get through those months of being apart. Spending time with cousins lifted the boys spirits. 

One day the boys begged to take a bubble in Nana's jet tub. After she filled the tub with the right bubble/water ratio, she turned the jets on and the bubbles grew, grew, and grew!  The boys loved it! She had to turn the jets off to keep the bubbles from overflowing.

We were in Utah for Ty's 6th birthday. Luckily, Matthias came to town for his birthday. We had a family party at classic skating where all the cousins came and both grandparents had little parties with a cake and candles. He loved celebrating his birthday with cousins! 

We went to a climbing gym while we were there, and Ty went to a climbing class. We weren't there long enough to get into it, but Ty was hooked. We went another time with a friend of mine who competed internationally in climbing and she showed us a great time. Ty really is a great climber. He got all the way to the top - I couldn't even do that! 

We love our families for so many reasons - thank you for taking care of us those 3 months in Utah!

Christmas 2008

We were able to go to Utah for Christmas, and we loved being with family over the holidays!

Mom and I. It's so comforting being in my parents home around the holidays. I love seeing the decorations she still displays from when I was little: the miniature village homes, the windmill that reminds me of Grandma Jones, the smokers, the water globe, the nutcrackers, the red and white tree. Love it all. 

Me and Grandpa Jones on Christmas Day.  Such a sweet and wonderful man!

The boys during the holidays - so happy to be with family!

Matthias - a kid at heart

I love this picture - Bex and Ty at the Gateway water fountain.