Utah here we come!

What children need most are the essentials that grandparents provide in abundance.

They give unconditional love, kindness, patience, humor, comfort, lessons in life. And, most importantly, cookies.

~Rudolph Giuliani

a wonderful day

Grandma loved playing in the waves.


She and Grandpa were the best shell collectors!







Then we had a great double date with a few photos at the pier.

and in Naples!

Tessa and Grandpa got some quality time in.


Tessa met Grandpa for the first time and
she got reaquainted with Grandma after their first visit seven months ago.



Thanks Dad for making the trip happen! and thanks for making some great memories!

Grandma and Grandpa in Orlando!!

Grandma and Grandpa Harston were in Florida for nearly a week!
At the beginning of the year, my dad signed up for a medical continuing education conference in Orlando. He finds opportunities through his work that will get him close enough to visit family.
Mom came with him this time also!
We sure looked forward to their visit and enjoyed every minute.
The parting wasn't even too bad since we know now that we'll be in Utah soon for the summer.

I took the kids to Orlando to be with Grandma while dad finished his two days of meetings.
Grandma was the magnet as usual!
I loved to hear Jordan say "I'm so happy..." -about the fun times. He sure loves his family.


We played at the pool of Grandma's fancy resort, and took the boat/ferry ride, and walked around Disney's boardwalk, and tried the paddleboat....


and Grandpa visited on his breaks and brought treats,
"because I'm the Grandpa."


Michael tried the water slide and went back about 15 times. The grin on his face every time he came out the bottom says it all!


Here we are waiting in the lobby for Grandpa to finish the last meetings. Then they drove back to Naples with us to stay for the rest of the weekend.
It was fun to see new things and let the kids catch up with grandparents. and I was really grateful too that Mom juggled the kids while I went to the temple! What a great trip!


p.s. Now Michael says, "Mom, we have to go back to the Dolphin and to Disney World next time. -not the Swan, the Dolphin." hmmm.. we'll see. Anyway who needs Disney when you have such a fun resort!

I love Tye!

Tye, standing next to me, is a law school friend from last year in Michigan. I love so many things about her -but maybe generally just her perspective on life. She is so down to earth and she fits everyone into her heart.
Tye brought her family and came to stay a few weekends ago. Some other law school friends (and our J. Reuben Clark Law Society closing social) met for dinner at the park. I am so grateful to meet amazing ladies during our three year stint at school.


We really enjoyed a day at the beach with Tye's family!




and the Hepworths too!!




I met Savannah, Tye's 9 month old baby. (We prepared for child-birth together before we parted ways last summer.)


The kids had Florida version playtime.


The John Tillotson's family was at the beach too and we had to get the blond beauties together for a picture.


Tessa even had a friend to sunbath with (under the umbrella).


She had her first experience with the ocean water and couldn't keep her eyes off it....

Naples Stars

The boys learned about the Parable of the Talents in their last primary activity. Then they shared some of their talents: Jordan-building and Michael drawing and coloring. It was a fun audience of their friends and they were more-or-less comfortable to perform! Next time American Idol?

new photos of the kids

Jordan loves to fit in fun outings once in a while when Michael's at school. Here is a cute friend Matthew with him at the park.
Jordan seems to make friends easily. A few weeks ago when we arrived at a new park as a family, there were three or four other kids playing. Jordan called out, "Hey Everyone!" Then he made the introductions, "Michael's name is Michael..." Another funny phrase I hear him use lately when he is playing is "Ladies and Gentlemen!"


Tessa is so fun and good-natured. She is seven months old now. She is plenty active and avoids sleep whenever possible. She is a mover --in her jumper or on the floor rolling in any direction. Most of the photos I take of Tessa are blurry lately, but here's one that Jared caught on the beach.


I snuck up on Michael one morning and took a few photos while he was reading. It didn't even break his focus. Reading anything and everything is his new favorite past time. I am grateful for anything to fill his insatiable appetite for doings and goings-on.
Thank goodness for Michael at our house. He is a good help and he still usually has enough conscience to make up for Jordan's carelessness.
Overall these three make a pretty fun bunch!!!