Sweet Elle

This sweet little girl is Elle. She is already 18 months and beautiful as you can see. She is getting ready to be a big sister later this year. She is such a hoot. The last time we went to visit, we noticed all the bottom shelves were empty. Yep, she loves to play with all the books, cd's, movies, etc. on the shelves. I guess mom and dad got tired of putting them back. It's so much easier this way, now she can't get to them and she has a place to put her stuff.

Beautiful Beaches

Windsurfing in Maui

This is Sam after windsurfing in Hawaii (No that's not me in the background, I'm taking the picture). Maui is known for its great windsurfing and Sam just had to try. He's pretty good since he's been doing it for years. I wish I could say the same for me. After learning to keep my balance and lift the sail, things really got hard. As long as I could sail in one direction I was fine. It was turning around that gave me such fits. Usually I ended up in the water, turning the board around, and climbing back on. I saw Sam very little that day and when I did it was from a far distance. The instructor kept saying "He really should come back this way." I would just answer he's okay. Even though I spent most of my time watching Sam and swimming to my board, it was a great day. We are definitely going back. The only advise I would give . . . Don't forget to put sunscreen on the tops of your little white feet. LOL

When did I become my mom??

Like any mom or grandma, I love to show off my kids. So I decided I wanted to share some of my old photos and reminisce a little. I remember being a kid and my mom pulling out all the really old photos. There were so many and of people I didn't know, well at least of people I couldn't remember. My mom and her sisters would look at them every time they got together. I just couldn't figure out the appeal. Then there was my mother-in-law. She delighted most in driving to see all the old places. At the time I didn't realize how important it was to her. We use to joke about not wanting to go on a drive with her because we knew we'd be looking at an old house or even a cemetery. Now I get it and it must be my turn. These days I drive by my first married apartment and point it out to the kids. They look the same way I must have so many years ago. I have officially turned in to a mix of my mother and mother-in-law. Do you think it happens to us all?

Sam and the girls. . . and the boys.

Katy and Becky are such good moms. They love spending time with their boys and so do we. It was funny the other night, both girls were on the floor changing the babies diapers. Who would have thought just a few years ago that they be at the same place in their lives with boys of their owns and spending so much time with us. Sam just brightens up the moment they walk in (with babes in arms, of course). Both Becky and Katy look good and happy. I can't say the same for Cade and Brayden.

It's been so nice . . .

It has been so nice having Katy and Cade visit. Brayden has done well adjusting to sharing Gpa with others. Mainly because Gpa doesn't hold Cade as much as Gma does. Gpa gets a little nervous with the tiny ones. As soon as Cade starts to fuss, Gpa calls for Gma to come help. Of course Gma doesn't mind a bit, since Brayden won't give Gma the time of day whenever Gpa is around. It's really quite funny how jealous Brayden is of others. The other day Katy gave Sam a hug in front of Brayden. Brayden just stared and then hit Kyle (Kyle was the closest one). This is typical behavior for Brayden whenever anyone else is close to Sam. Sometimes he will throw what ever is in his hands, other times he'll hit who ever is the closest. We shouldn't laugh, but Brayden has claimed Gpa for his very own and I know that Gpa loves every minute of it.

Kyle, the Youngest!!

Here's Kyle, he's the baby of the family. You couldn't tell by looking at him. He's only 12 years old, but is often mistaken for being 15 or 16. We're not ready for that just yet. He's already 5'9 3/4". Can you believe it? He's grown about 6 inches in the last year. He's in 6th grade and enjoys soccer, basketball, lacrosse, skateboarding, and especially snowboarding. He and some friends all have ski passes this year and go as often as they can. He's gotten pretty good at it, the only rule is he's not allowed on black diamond runs without an adult. Although I suspect he has occasionally. He claims not all the runs are marked, I'm not so sure about that. He really loves the bowls, moguls, rails, and half pipes. He really doesn't like skiers that cut him off. I bet they could say the same thing about him. Here are some pictures that Kyle chose to show. This is one of Kyle at the pool at the condo we stayed at in Costa Rica last April.

Pictures from Chad

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  Our 19 year old who is serving a church mission in Ukraine sent a few pictures this week. He is doing well and making progress. He has been gone for 8 months already. We are all looking forward to talking to him this coming Mother's Day. Chad and his companion have been looking for a new apartment, nothing yet. Until they can find one, they are staying with another set of missionaries. That makes 4 elders in one apartment, did I say one small apartment. I hope they find one quick.
  

Introducing Cade Nathan

A new baby is like the beginning of all things-

wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities.

Our Newest Grandbaby, Cade

Katy and Cade came to visit for the first time since Cade was born. He is 3 months old and adorable. He loves to smile and laugh. Grandma instantly fell in love with him. He didn't fuss at all the first time I got to hold him. We look forward to visiting with them both over the 3 weeks they will be here.