More Pics from Chad

As you can see Chad is doing just fine. He only has 4 1/2 months to go before he comes home. He still looks like Chad, but don't you think he looks a little older. He'll be 21 this July. Where did the time go??

Go Kyle!!!!

Kyle had his first track meet today. He ran the 1600m and the 800m. He didn't place on the 1600m, but he came in 2nd for the 800m. Yeah, Kyle!!! We are so proud of you.

Chad in Sevastopol

I'll find out exactly where they are and what this is.

Other news from Chad: We have three new investigators and two of them are husband and wife. The third is a muslim and well we need to ask a few questions before we really start working with him, but I hope all goes well. Oh, the first time we went to Lena and Valari (married couple), they were way drunk!!! They invited us in and started talking, well he heard we were mormons and left to the other room, hitting the door!!! When he came out he had a photo album. He told us that he was in the war and talked about how he killed people with his hands and guns. It was a very weird first meeting, but we got out of there in good standing.

Cade's 1st Haircut!!!

What more can I say, Cade got his first haircut today and he was so good. He only fussed one time, but then she got the little shaver out and he got real still. He was such a good baby.

Okay, so at this point your asking where the final, all done picture is, right?? My battery died right after this last picture. Doesn't it always happen just like that?? We went home and I took a few pictures then. I'll post them as soon as I get them uploaded.

Boys on Wheels

It was such a beautiful day here that Katy and I got an early start planting a few bulbs. Cade, Brayden and Kyle also got an early start playing around. These little trikes were a Christmas gift to Corey and to Becky. I think the boys have other ideas.

Cade kept dragging his feet when he had his shoes on. We tried to cross his legs across the top, but he'd put them down every time.

Brayden had no trouble at all. Even though he could make it go with his feet up, he was much faster with his feet down.

Kyle and his long legs gave Cade a ride. Cade was not real sure about the whole thing.

Cade all by himself was a lot happier even if he didn't go real fast. Take note of his curls, he has a haircut appointment later this afternnoon.

Brayden being Brayden.

Grandpa had to get into the act too, he tied a tow strap on and pulled Brayden around. All was going good until Grandpa turned, but Brayden didn't.

Kyle could only ride with Cade. Brayden wouldn't share with Kyle. lol

Now you tell me, which one is having more fun???

Of course, Katy had to get in on the action. She couldn't stand letting the boys have all the fun. No matter what, she's still the baby too.

Look out Brayden, Katy's behind the wheel!!!

Brayden having fun. What a good morning we had.

Photos from Chad

I love getting the pictures from Chad. I can see for myself that he is doing fine and eating. However, I do wish he would give me just a little more information. I do know that these pictures are from his last area. He was transferred a few weeks ago, but he is still on the Black Sea. His time is really starting to get close. He only has 5 months left.

From Chad: The top one is at a family home evening in order it goes Elder Anderson, me, Marina, and Asya. Asya isthe investigator. It went well. The bottom one is us eating a little before service. The things we are wearing are the "Mormon Helping Hands" also with the church name, but not these are written in Ukrainian. I know what it says and can read it, but for the most part I don't know Ukrainian. and yes there is a difference between that and Russian.

It is really helpful when Chad clarifies what is going on in the pictures.

This is the Life!!

Okay, so Sam had a conference in Vegas and I thought it would be fun to go for the weekend. I wasn't thrilled about the location, but hey, a couple days away, sure why not? Oh My Stars . . . This place is beautiful and it's not in Vegas, but in Henderson (just south of Vegas).

This afternoon we went to Hoover Dam. It was great. All these years and I've never gone before. I couldn't believe how close it was to the resort we're staying at. We parked on the Nevada side and walked across to Arizona and back. What a beautiful, warm, sunny afternoon for a stroll to the neighboring state.

Here is the Nevada - Arizona line.

Bedtime

It's bedtime and our house and the 2 little ones are cute as can  be in their jammies. Brayden and Cade have become good friends. Brayden is becoming protective of Cade and Cade loves to follow Brayden around and do what he's doing.

Look at these eyes . . .

And these too!!

Grandpa and the boys.

A New Toy Canister

I made this for Cade this afternoon. We were about to throw out an instant potato canister and thought there must be a use for it. Ta Da . . . A toy canister for Cade. Now we have to eat a lot of instant potatoes so we can have another can for Brayden.

A Day at the Park with Grandpa

Our Full House

Gma and Gpa's house is definitely full these nights. Aaron is taking a CNA class Mon. - Wed. That means we get to babysit Ellie and Abbey on these nights. Becky is also taking classes Mon. - Wed. nights so that means Brayden is also here. Fortunately, Katy is home with us and yes that means Cade is here too. Count them, four beautiful grandbabies, at Gma and Gpa's house. Each one is so different with his/her own little personality. Don't let that word "little" fool you though, they may be small, but they make their likes and dislikes known. Sometimes they are letting us know all at the same time, whew!!! Regardless of the commotion, we both love having them close and getting to spend time with them. We really are blessed!!

Chad Got Transferred

Chad received that phone call last Thursday letting him know he was being transferred and so was his companion. He didn't know or didn't say to which city. Transfers are next Wednesday. For now they are training Elder Christensen, sound famaliar?? Otherwise, Chad is doing great. You can see I have his countdown at the very top now for everyone to see. I'm starting to get really excited. Time has really flown by fast.

My Friend

Okay, so I have this one friend, who by the way I do count as a friend, who checks my blog. I know she does because when we talk she mentions things that have been posted. However, she will not comment. I thought about teasing her just a little, but then I realized that doesn't sound like a friend. So, instead, I thought I'd let her know how much I have appreciated her friendship over the past few years. If you don't want to comment, then that's okay. You may have to stop by a little more often and tell me your comments in person, but that would be fine with me. Anyway, my friend (and you do know who you are) thanks for being you.

Where's Waldo

 A cousin on Allen's side invited us to her youngest boy's baptism Saturday morning. Alene, Allen, Allison, Livvy, Kyle and me made it just in time. There were about 8 getting baptized that day. Nic looked so happy the entire day. Following the confirmation, we went back to thier home for lunch. (Ramona, the food was great!!)

Kyle wore his new red plaid shirt and a matching red beanie. When he put on his 3D glasses he got when we saw Coraline, it made the picture complete. He's such a ham anyway . . . and he does love the attention. Sometimes I when I look at him I forget he is only 13, but then he starts to talk and play and it comes back pretty quick. LOL

High School Reunion

It only took a few days on Facebook to find my best friend from high school. I was so excited to touch base with her and hear about her wonderful family. I knew Marty from high school also. Then I was really excited when I found out Marty came often to my state for business. A few weeks ago Sam and I had dinner with Marty and it was great. We got to catch up on everyone. Now here's the icing on the cake. I got a message from Candy saying she was coming here too!!! I couldn't believe it. It's been 20 years since I last saw them.

So, Saturday night they came over. We sat and visited like it was 20 years ago. There was not a moment of awkwardness at all. It was absolutely wonderful. However, Sam thought he'd take the opportunity to find out any dirt they may be on my high school days. Much to his disappointment, there was none to find out. Candy and I were the good ones (that's our story, and we're sticking to it!).

Candy, Marty, and Jonathan, I had a wonderful visit and look forward to the next.