Grady takes Washington (and us) by storm!!

We were so happy that it worked out as it did. Eli and Brittany wanted to go to Hawaii. (who wouldn't?) Knowing, as I did, that you cannot fly from SLC to Hawaii direct, I asked, quite nicely, if they would fly thru Seattle and we would meet them when they flew in and take Grady for them (or was it really for us?--you decide) for a week. What a week we had. He was a joy to have. We find that when we have the little ones around we all smile all day long and look forward to getting together all the more to be amused, entertained and smiled at. He didn't disappoint. We got to read all the favorite old books (Spooky Old Tree, Little Critter) that Tait won't let us read to him anymore. :( We got to be greeted every morning and after every nap with excitement and a smile! We missed him even before we had to give him back.
Advice: Don't kill your kids before you get your reward :) they are the means of getting that reward. Being Grandparents is the greatest reward. WE LOVE THESE LITTLE CRITTERS and can't WAIT for MORE!! to come our way. (Take that as no small hint)




A boy and a dog. A bit tentative at first, but they grew on each other.



Always a smile.



Always a smile and a ball! Yes, he is hamming it up for the camera here.



The Takedown----I love how he is all in!
Might there be a future in wrestling? For Grady, I mean, Avery wasn't so thrilled.



Learning the skills.



Outdoor time with Avery.



The Classic Pose.
Basketball is his #1 passion right now.

We love you Grady and miss you.
See you soon.
Amma, Papa, Tait and Emily

California

California here we came!




Uncle Tait and Heath hanging out.



Avery and Heath got reaquainted on Heath's turf.
They generally got on pretty well.
Best pics are on Katy and Natasha's blogs.



Don't you just love that smile?



I like the hand action in this picture. He looks like a real pro.
Banging on noisy metal things is right up his alley.



Heath and G-Pa just can't get enough of each other.
Billy has always sung the Primary 'Hello' song to Heath since
birth and Heath always responds with a big smile.





I say it every time....'those eyes...those
dark chocolate eyes.....'



M-I-C-K-E-Y M-O-U-S-E,
our newest Mousketeer



Heath loves his daddy!



Isn't this picture great?



G-Pa and Heath had to be surgically separated when we left.
They are such buds!
We also got to spend time with Katy, Paul and Avery.
It was a great time to have a couple of the grandkids together.

Next blog.....Grady takes Washington by Storm!!

Ahhhh....Spring Break.

In Utah.....


...with our favorite Utahns...
(do we bore?)




While in Utah, we....


...started walking


....took baths.....



....ate lemons....

.....got to know each other.








...and had a good time!
Thanks, Eli and Brittany, for your hospitality, your time, for sharing Grady and providing the pictures. (Bad Amma for forgetting her camera)

What did your elf bring you today?

I pulled in my driveway and found that I was the proud new owner of one of dad's latest creations. What a thrill! Now I will have Billy and Tait drag it endlessly around 5 acres til I find 'just the right spot'.
Thanks Dad! I love it!

Heath comes a-visitin'

(and mommy and daddy to) :)

He loves...Papa





....Eating......



....piano lessons......



.....and Avery



.......oh, and Amma too (not pictured)

Indulge me

Cousins

Grady and Avery getting to know one another









Avery and her new toy.


Billy and Emily at Christmas Adam



Eli and Brittany


Aunt Emily

Grady and Amma

Creative Kids

I wanted to share the fun Christmas gifts that Billy and I got from our ever amazing kids.
We admire the creativity behind these gifts.


Natasha and Josh sent us this cute NOEL that Natasha painted.
I love nativity scenes and this is a fun way to display it.


Katy and Paul were the brains behind this sign. It will hang at the entrance of the garden or on the greenhouse, I think.




Eli and Brittany put this magnetic board together and made a scrapbooked page with the grandkids on it for each month of the year. It hangs over the desk where we will see it daily.