My Heroes!

We bid a sorrowful farewell last night to my dear, sweet brother-in-law Robert Kenneth Ashworth. He returned to his loving Heavenly Father at 9:20 surrounded by his family, Ashley and our family. We sang the hymns, "Be Still My Soul" and "God Be With You"!

Though he is gone, Robdob will forever be one of my greatest heroes. His memory will forever challenge me to strive to live an exemplary life, as he did. He inspired. He fought. He loved. He loved my sister Ashley. I love him, and I am so grateful to know that through their temple marriage he will always be a part of my family! What comfort this brings, to know that I will see him again, because of my dear Savior, Jesus Christ. I celebrate this Christmas season with more gratitude for His atonement, and in particular His resurrection. My life is so much more for having known Robert!

Ashley, my amazing little sister. She is my hero! I know this is so difficult for her, yet her strength is . . . is beyond my ability to describe. She is beautiful and wise beyond her years. She will continue her whole life to set an example for me to follow. She is stretching, and I want to stretch with her. I want to grow with her, to become better with her. I want to scoop her up and put her in my pocket and carry her around for at least the next two years and take care of her. Since I can't I will ask my Savior to do this for her. He already is. She knows Him. She is strength. She loves. She loves Robert eternally. I love her.

Those two know more about true love, and really loving another than most couples learn in 50+ years of marriage. They inspire me to work for a marriage like theirs. I love them both so much.

For more details go here.

For Steve...

I made this video for Steve, to celebrate our tenth wedding anniversary

October 23, 2009

I thought it would be fun to share here!

Man time flies when you are having fun.

And I can't believe what baby faces we had!

*Many thanks to my 'lil sisters Brittany, for her fabulous technical skills, and Karalee, for her keen scanning skills!

**Music: "You and Me" by Dave Matthews

Workin' It!

Is it October 1st? Because we are getting into the Halloween Spirit. Ya, we're workin' it! Karalee, Tyler and Elijah came over and the four kiddos made the cutest ghosts!

They were super easy, all you need is a couple paper plates, a garbage bag cut into strips, a construction paper or marker face, and some glue! They also glued some jack-o-lanterns!

The picasso on the left belongs to Elijah, lucky pumpkin got two noses! And Taryn's is on the right! Speaking of Taryn, she was workin' the peanut butter at dinner. (We had an easy meal since Steve got home from work too late for dinner!)

Peanut butter paws, then "get in my belly!"

Oh, and Josie, well she is workin' the burger...

See, I told you so!

(Hat and picture courtesy of Byron. He put it on her and then announced, "we have to take a picture of that mom. It is so funny!")

Enough is enough! **Taryn STEALTH Mode**

So I just can't take it anymore!!! I have been waiting and waiting... and WAITING for my mom to share all of my glorious cuteness, and now I'm taking matters into my own hands! What can I say? My public needs me! Don't worry my peeps--I have an excess of 25 photos of yours truly! Enjoy!

Don't worry about my posting making my mom feel eternal guilt for not being on the ball and getting this posting done herself. I engaged my special stealth mode, she won't even know this post is here. So please be discreet and only post comments for me on this post, thank you! ;0)

Lets see... where to start? I'll just go in chronologic order. (I know my use of large words has completely impressed you!) 

Hmmm, well this is an old picture (11/08) but I would like to share one of my new and favorite skills: vacuuming! I just love this little vacuum, it is just my size. My mom will get this vacuum out to clean the floors and I quickly let her know that it is my vacuum. She hands it over and gets the big one, or the broom! As you can see I've had this skill for almost a year, and I'm still rockin' it!

I am also developing my musical talents with Rock Band! I totally rock the guitar, and I'm working on my drum skills too... I can't wait to start singing (I've been working on the vocab for that skill!)

Oooooh, I just love water. No really, it is divine! I love playing at the sink and washing dishes for my mom. She is so lucky, because the day she took this picture she got a 'two for one' because I cleaned my hair too! No bath tonight!

I just need you all to know how adorable I am in animal print! Cheeks for days, my mom says!

My dad said that we have to move away from Vegas?!? I don't understand why. I love dancing on the table...

And taking off my clothes. Sometimes I even swing my shirt/dress around in circles when I get them off! 

Dad said something to mom about 'table dancing' and 'stripping'? Oh, and there was some reference to 'cage dancing' when I climbed on the dugout fence at Byron's t-ball game and started shaking my bootie!?! My dad keeps saying that this city could bring about a demise in my choice of vocation. Ummmm?? I don't get it. (Please leave a comment with explanation if you know what on Earth my dad is talking about!)

And speaking of t-ball, don't I look cute in a batting helmet? Can't wait till I can play! I just ate a lot of fruit snacks and dug in the dirt during Byron's games. That was fun too, I guess!

After my little sister Josie was born, I thought being the baby looked like a lot of fun, so I tried it out and Byron took pictures! (Psst, it's not all it's cracked up to be--been there, done that!)

Okay, okay... this is it! This is definitely the skill that is going to make me all the big bucks! I now know how to put on my own make-up! I love it! I love it! I love it!

I have radar for the stuff too. Found this red-hot lipstick in Nonni's purse, and I just know when mom leaves hers within my reach in her bathroom! Don't I look amazing? You just let me know when you're getting ready for prom, or getting married--I'll run right over and do you up right!

Lucky is our dog. I just love her. She licks me and tickles me and makes me laugh. In turn I have learned how to feed her and take care of her! See, one for Lucky...

one for me!! 

(Mom says I'm gross, and that I smell even worse later! Whatever, its fun!)

Oh blessed sparklers! I have a new found love for the 4th of July! God Bless America... and the man who made these little things!

All the other kids were scared, but I thought sparklers were the bomb! Haha!

Mom couldn't keep 'em coming fast enough for me!

Oh, and homemade peach ice cream is another reason to love the 4th!

I'm totally a 'daddy's girl' right now! He is my favorite guy in the whole wide world! He is also my jungle gym, horse, trampoline, face-maker and more! We are a silly pair!

I love my little sister Josie. She is so cute. I snuggle her, sometimes mom calls it 'mauling'--I'm just so excited!! Aren't we cute?

I teach her all my funny tricks. Mom will sometimes do this thing where she'll say, "who's the cutest Taryn in the whole wide world?" And I'll raise my arm and wave it around and mom will say, "me, me, pick me! I'm the cutest Taryn in the whole wide world!" I think it is hilarious! So I taught Josie...

"Me, me, pick me! I'm the cutest baby in the whole wide world!"

I'm sure you've heard by now that I turned 2! On July 17th! It was the best birthday ever. I blew out candles all weekend!!! What more could a toddler want? Candles in my bagel for breakfast, and I opened all my cards!

Making a wish!

Candles in my Chinese food for dinner!

My dad was at scout camp on my birthday, so we had my party on Sunday! This is the rockin' cake that my Aunt Brittany made me. In case you can't tell, I'm in love with Nemo! I would find him every day if my mom would let me!

Mom, me and dad! I just love my family!

And of course, candles on the cake! More wishes...

I blew them out first try! Oh joy! No really guys... what is with this picture? I had to throw this one in.

I loved opening my presents! I got the goods! Clothes, a bubble machine and a xylophone!

I'm such a big girl now!

Last, but not least! I really heart the bubbles! Love them! I'm getting pretty good at blowing them myself too!

Was I excessive? Who cares! Mom always says, "go for the good things in excess!" And I, my friends, am a good thing. Come on, I'm 2, I have a fabulous self esteem! 

I hope you enjoyed all of the great things I've been up to. Now that I know how to post, I'll steal the blog a little more often, maybe. Cut down on the excess!

P.S. Would someone please teach my mom how to do those multiple pictures in one to post? Then I can watch her and know too! Moms... where we learn all our good tricks!

Cookbook for a Cause

My fabulous sister Kristin is putting together a cookbook as a fundraiser for Robert. For those of you who don't know my family very well we take our food very seriously. We love to cook, bake and eat. We did introduction questionnaires on all of Ashley and Robert's family members on their blog and Robert's sister Alycia answered the question: What is your favorite food? Anything the Squires make! She's got a point! We are really humble about being good cooks and having great recipes too! :) Ha ha!

To order a cookbook, get more information or just donate check out our fundraising blog http://supportforrobdob.blogspot.com Thank you so much for all the support, love, prayers and faith you have shared with my family!

Sweet Sisters

A Talk on Prayer and Faith ~ Re-post

*This post was originally posted on Robert and Ashley's blog. I wanted to re-post it here.

Most of you probably know that we are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also known as Mormons. The children in our church attend primary. They spend part of the time in a big group, and part in smaller classes. When they are all together the children get the opportunity to give talks. Byron was asked to speak on 'How Faith and Prayer Bless my Family.' He was excited to prepare a talk, so we started off with a conversation. 

Mom: How do you think prayer and faith bless our family?

Byron: Well, um prayer is good. (puzzled expression) What exactly is faith?

M: (new approach) What do you pray about when you say family prayers, or your personal prayers?

B: I pray for the food . . . and I pray for Uncle Robert every night.

*Could you ask for a situation that could be more perfect to teach a child about prayer and faith? I think not.*

We had found the subject for his talk. We continued our conversation about praying for Robert and Ashley, what faith is, etc. While I put the words down on paper for him, Byron came up with the content of his talk. As he shared these words tears appeared in a few of the primary teachers and leaders eyes, mine included. I thought it would be fun to share it again here.

Byron showed this picture while sharing the following:

This is my Uncle Robert and Aunt Ashley. Robert is bald because he is sick. He has leukemia, a type of cancer. He is in the hospital a lot and he has a lot of doctors helping him.

He then showed this picture (original coloring by Byron) while sharing:

Prayer and faith have blessed my Uncle Robert. Every night when I pray I ask Heavenly Father to bless Robert to get better, and to bless his doctors to help him.

Children can't visit the cancer wing of the hospital, so I can't see him until he comes home. So, when Robert is in the hospital I pray that he will be able to come home soon, so I can see him and Ashley again!

Then I use my faith.

I have faith and believe that Heavenly Father will help Robert to get better and be healthy and strong again. Then he will grow his hair back too!

He then showed the first picture again and finished with:

There are a lot of people all over the world who are praying with faith for my Uncle Robert and Aunt Ashley. Prayer and faith bless my family by helping my Uncle Robert to get better.

May we all pray with the faith of a child!

Peace & Quiet

Sitting on my bed I just finished breast feeding Josie when I hear a banging. It sounds like it is coming from Byron's bedroom. There is a war going on in there you know. He can't pick up all his toys yet because he doesn't know who is going to win. I holler, "Byron stop banging or you are going to wake up Taryn."

"Mom, I am just playing in my room. 

I am peace and quiet!" 

That was his response from his room. 

I got a big kick out of that! I then realized that Taryn was awake and making all the noise in her room!

Byron and Josie! He is a great big brother!

I also have enjoyed some much needed peace and quiet this week with my little newborn. Breast feeding hasn't been easy for us. After two desperate nights in a row I called Tami, a lactation consultant, to come over for a visit. I got an education on Josie and her early arrival. She is considered premature because she is earlier than 37 weeks. 

--Funny story here. I was a little surprised she was considered premature. When Tami told me that I said, "Really?" 

Tami responded with, "have you seen the hair on this child? You could brush her!" 

Now while you may think that sounds a bit rude, I tell you it is funny and true! She has the hairiest back my midwife has ever seen. That is saying something for delivering around 800 babies! (I think that number is right!) Not only does she have a hairy back, but her arms and thighs are hairy too. She even has a hairy chest and tummy but it is really blond. She was also born with a lot of vernix on her face and head, and she didn't have any foot prints. Babies get their foot prints in the last 3 weeks in utero!--

Here is an up close picture of the hairiness! Check out her arms. The pictures of the hair on her back don't turn out this well, but you can picture this all over her back too! Too cute! It freaks Steve out, he's afraid she got it from him! 

Premature babies are very sleepy babies and don't always register their hungry tummies and wake up to eat when they should. So then they are ravenous when they do wake up--not good for mom's equipment!

We are also having a little mouth vs. large equipment issue--also painful!

Premature babies have a more difficult time learning how to latch on to the breast.

Josie is pretty much always dressed like this these days. I just uncover her when she is sleeping and she wakes up enough when she cools off to realize that she is hungry. I love looking at all of her!

I promise I am going somewhere with all this information! After a visit on Saturday and another from Tami on Monday we are doing much better. Josie is on a feeding schedule. She eats every two hours and can go for three hours 2-3 times in 24 hours. Let me tell you I went from tired to exhausted in the first 24 hours of this schedule. We will keep this up until at least June 10th when she would have been full term.

That is where the peace and quiet comes in. I have been so fortunate to have my blessed mother, Aunt Lara, Karalee, Brittany and my friend Stephanie help out with my children this week so I can get sleep during the day. If I wasn't getting naps during the day our nights would be miserable again! So a big thank you to all of them. This whole experience is helping me to learn how to better take care of myself and ask for help! Asking for help is seriously difficult for me. I'm much better at offering help!

Josie is currently sleeping in my lap! We're due for another feeding, so I'm gonna run! I'll try to post more when I get the chance. Breast feeding, sleeping and eating come first, and in that order!

Loves!

Josephine Claire Gratteau

This is a picture of the beautiful baby girl today!

Bright eyed Josie yesterday!

We are so excited and pleased to announce arrival of the newest member of our family. . .

Josephine Claire Gratteau

Born Saturday May 16th at 8:04pm

7lbs. 12oz.

20 1/2 inches

     Her birth was a very exciting and fast experience. I started labor at Robert's Luau Fundraiser, and Steve had been at the hospital to relieve Ashley for the day. I knew it was the real thing around 6:55. My mom drove me home from the luau, and I called the midwife as soon as we left. Steve was told to go straight home when they got ahold of him. He arrived about a minute before my mom and I did. Josephine arrived so quickly that she beat the midwife by about seven minutes and my mom ended up 'catching' her! It went well all things considered. I think it was nothing short of an 'act of God' that we made it home and Steve was there for his daughter's birth!

     

Belly Catch Up!

So this first picture was taken on February 6th. It is in a draft on my posts somewhere! Figured I might as well share it now!! I was around 20-22 weeks or five months then. I remember thinking I looked so pregnant! Ha ha!

This picture was taken on Mother's Day, two days ago! 

Now that is what I call really pregnant! I should take another picture in jeans, really makes the belly stand out! So this is what I call progress!

They think my little baby girl is at least 7lbs now. I think she is trying to pass up her sister and be 9lbs. 5+oz.!!! That will be fun!

No bare belly picture here! Mostly because of my heparin shots. They leave bruises on my belly! We're considering naming her Renesmee. What do you think??? Ok, ok totally joking on that one, but there has been the family joke that I just might be growing a baby vampire in there. Good thing I don't crave blood . . . gross! Had to share the funny side of my shots!

I feel like Humpty Dumpty! Not so much because of my shape, although I'm sure you see the resemblance. No, I feel like a egg sitting on a wall, about to fall off! Or maybe I'm already all cracked up, and all the kings horses and men are trying to put me back together again! Life is crazy madness and time is flying by! I can't believe I'm so close to giving birth to this little girl in my belly! I'm excited and want her to come right now and I'm feeling like I need more time! Well I'm going to go to bed now! Maybe, just maybe this is the beginning of some new posts! I am having to take it a little easy these days, so that may lend a little more blogging time! Who knows!

Dear Janelle,

I just wanted to start by saying that you are fabulous and funny and I miss you! Ok, now that said I have to get this off my chest. I couldn't help but notice on your dashboard that Ashley and Roberts blog has 67 posts (and I'm pretty sure none of those are drafts) and a start date of February 10, 2009! As for myself I was created on March 24, 2008 and I have 65 posts (at least 8 of which are unpublished drafts). Hmmmm, just some food for thought!

I am not a jealous blog, as you said before I am patient and waiting--and better than a dog! Just wanted to be sure you noticed, and tell you that I've missed you! Hope to see you and some cute pictures soon!

Sincerely,

Your Blog

Dear Blog,

Again I apologize for the lack of sharing. I have been galavanting around the countryside in the past few weeks. First Texas, and now I'm in Utah. We have been visiting Steve's brother Curt and his wife Emma, also his Grandma Aleen and his Aunt and Uncle. We have also been visiting two families of my Aunts and Uncles and cousins! I would just like to share that Byron asked me, "Mom, can we buy a farm like Severin's?" (They have chickens, ducks, a turkey and a horse on an acre of property! I'm sure he would like a couple of slides like Landon's to put on his farm too!)

The exciting news is the Steve is with us this trip! We have been having a good time, eating good food, hanging out with family and eating Neilsen's Custard in Bountiful! Yummy! I really do love to eat, I think that is probably obvious!

I really need to share that Karalee has posted our second auction to benefit our adorable bro-in-law, Robert Ashworth on her blog here! Please go and check it out! There are some really beautiful things on there! Some amazing people have generously shared their amazing talents! The auction will be open until next Wednesday!

Oh, and I am getting an enormous belly and growing very excited for this little girl's arrival! I'm really nesting too and hope she holds off until I get a couple of things done first!!!

I miss you adorable little blog, and hopefully I will actually follow up this post with real news and pics of our trip. I have a post started about Texas, does that help?

Well know that I miss and love you little blog, and I'm just so glad you are a blog, which is even better than a dog when it comes to unconditional love and patience. Thanks for waiting for me!

Love,

Janelle

How to control time!

So I think I may have figured out how to control time! Well at least slow it down a little! Have one of your children get so sick that they need you to sit around and hold them, watch movies, snuggle them, drug them, feed them, let the house fall apart around you, and remember that you have been wanting an excuse to not feel like Jo-jo this past week. 

Then just as your child has been diagnosed, medicated and is starting to feel better, get what she has and need to stay in bed for 2-3 days (at least as much as possible)! It will be the longest, slowest week of your life! Now in staying with my change of perspective I have tried very hard to enjoy motherhood, and not let the overwhelming amount of things I will have to do when I feel much better tomorrow get to me! I do well to remember that about 80% of the time! I have to say when I was feeling well myself it was nice to just snuggle on the couch, watch another Land Before Time and know that the house will get cleaned eventually (always does!) Being sick myself isn't nearly as much fun!

I've tried to appreciate the calm before the storm! And by storm I mean that the nesting need is kicking in! I have a query: why do we nest when we are in our third trimester and our energy is waning? I would really have like to nest in my second trimester when I still had some energy left! Such is life, and according to the little ticker I have 71 days to complete my tasks and projects before our little girl's arrival! So this is how you speed time up again! Working very hard and being very busy!

Then I will slow time again after the birth of this little girl, because that is what happens when caring for a newborn! I will enjoy just sitting and holding her, breast-feeding, napping and all the slower activities that come with a little one! The truth is I just know that time will take off with me again and fly ever faster! (Have you seen Taryn lately? She's huge and thinks she should do everything herself!) Yes time is a weird, strange little beast! I just hope all my little tricks keep working!

P.S. Now on to some posts I've been meaning to get to for awhile! Full of cute picture and funny stories! That is the only way I know to freeze time--take a picture and blog or journal about it! Then you can go back and enjoy that time, anytime!

The Perfect Pair

Do you remember the Bible Story of Mary and Martha? I've often thought about that story and wondered, who should I be? Christ says Mary chose the better part, but someone has to cook and clean at my house (and that is definitely the more time consuming part!)

Well at our Relief Society Birthday Dinner on Tuesday I had the opportunity to see this story through a different lens, a different light! Martha was doing a needful thing, and she was serving Christ. Someone did need to make a meal for Christ and those who were with him. Mary needed to visit with Christ, she needed to be fed with his word. Where Martha went wrong in this story was by judging Mary and assuming that she was doing the better thing and Mary should be doing it with her. When I heard this version I realized that Christ didn't say that Martha was choosing the worse part. She was still being of service to Christ!

Another story was told. There was an older woman who lived alone in a ward back east. She became house bound and was unable to care for herself independently. The ward decided to help her so she could continue to live on her own, with a little assistance. Two women were assigned to help her. They would take turns going into her home every other week to help with cooking and cleaning tasks and attend to this woman's social needs. One woman was a go-getter. Her week the house would be left spotless and 6-8 meals left in the fridge and freezer. The other woman was a social, heart person. Not much cleaning and cooking happened her weeks, but the older woman was filled emotionally and spiritually at the end of their visits. Unfortunately these two sisters didn't see the big picture and understand that they were the perfect pair to provide service to this older woman. They complemented each other beautifully and yet the judgement started that the other woman wasn't doing what I am, and of course I am doing the right thing. They ended up being pulled from the assignment because of their problems and progress halted on the Lord's errand they were on!

In essence isn't the first woman Martha and the second Mary? Doesn't this offer such a beautiful view of the story of Mary and Martha. They were each doing their perfect part! Which are you?

For me I know that a lot of my life I am Martha, I believe most mothers can relate to this. I also know that I have my days and moments when I am Mary. When I am Martha my house gets cleaned, laundry done, bills paid and dinner is on the table for my husband when he gets home. For some beautiful thoughts on how being Martha feeds the Savior read this. When I am Mary I feed my soul, I read, I visit with family and friends (in person and on the phone) and I strengthen my relationships with family, friends and my Savior. So you see I am the perfect pair! Especially when I see myself and my life that way!

So the moral of the story is: don't judge. Not even yourself! See what you're accomplishing for what it really is! Love others, love yourself! And that is how we will find Joy in the the Journey!

Come On Over. . .

Click on picture to enlarge

For a great way to save $$$

Stephanie Davis (from my ward) and I

Are hosting a Coupon Class 

At my house!

Thursday March 19th

6:30pm

It has revolutionized the way that I grocery shop,

and I'm well on my way to having my 3 month food supply!

I took this class just 5 weeks ago!

I love grocery shopping, and better yet saving at least half on my bill!

So come on over and bring a friend, or two, or three!

Email me at jandsgratteau@yahoo.com for my address

or call me at 302-8509 for more info.

Hope to see you there!

Dear Blog,

Oh how I miss you! But I am too busy having fun, catching up with family and being a super hero blogger for RobDob and Ashpants to pay you enough attention! I hope you will keep waiting for me as lovingly and patiently as ever while I eat Texas barbecue and ice cream cake.
Maybe I'll get back to you again tomorrow after the baptism and bbq with homemade potato salad, coleslaw and rootbeer. Or after taking a dip in the heated pool and soaking my tired legs in the hot tub.
I just wanted to thank you for keeping tabs on my pregnancy. I'm sure you noticed the second that little ticker dropped below 100 days!!! I sure did. I planned on dedicating a blog just to that subject, but like I said too busy having too much fun! Did you catch that? I have less than 100 days till I get to meet my beautiful baby girl!!! Ok, it still might be a little more than that, but who cares--the counter says its getting closer and I'm excited.
I love you little blog! Take care and I'll be back soon, I promise!

Love,
Janelle

Auction, Adventures & Airplanes!

First and foremost let me announce an online auction to benefit Robert Ashworth here. If you haven't been there yet, check out RobDob and Ashpant's story here. Karalee Garber, our dear sister is hosting the auction on her blog and I would like to acknowledge all her work putting it together! We are fundraising for Robert's ongoing medical care as he fights leukemia for the second time! Check it out, there are some cute hand made items available! We were planning to close the auction tomorrow night. We may keep it open a little longer to allow for more bids!

About those adventures we've been having in the Gratteau Family! Well this past week we have had the exciting opportunity to hang with these awesome people . . .

Eric, Alison and Lynne Crabb.

Lynne is Steve's sister and they flew out to visit us from Pulaski, Tennessee (which is about 45 min. south of Nashville). We had a lot of fun just hanging out with them and going to the park on Monday and Tuesday!

With the help of Taryn's sunglasses Byron turned Alison into a Rock Star! Both my children loved having Alison around. She was so cute, and so much fun!

Taryn would hug and kiss Alison until she cried or yelled. Then we knew she had been loved enough!

I thought this picture of Byron and Alison was so cute. He had so much fun showing her everything. He wanted to offer her every kind of food we ate too, but pretty soon he would say, "she can't eat this because she only has one tooth!" I can tell already that Byron and Taryn will really loving having a baby around in June.

On Wednesday we hung out at the zoo. The amazing 3 acre Las Vegas Zoo, definitely picking up on a little sarcasm here. There are two lions, a cougar, an alligator a chimpanzee, goats and lots and lots of chickens, pigeons and a few peacocks. I had heard Las Vegas had a zoo, but we had never been. It is not an amazing zoo, but it was a fun, cheap activity and all the kiddos had a blast feeding the birds.

Uncle Eric and Byron feeding the goats in the petting zoo.

Taryn and Byron feeding the peacock, chickens and pigeons!

While Alison eagerly looked on. I'm sure she was wishing she could join in the fun!

Thursday we went to the Shark Reef at the Mandalay Bay! It is a great aquarium. I think Byron enjoyed it the most!

He listened about every species on my wand and would then turn to me and give me the recap. Here I think he is telling me that, "starfish can grow to a trem-trem-tremendous size mom!" He was so excited and enthusiastic about everything.

And when your down on the strip you have to go to see the fountains at the Bellagio!

Our family in front of the Bellagio, waiting of the next water show to start!

Friday we took the Red Rocks loop for a fun drive and stopped to hike the Lost Springs trail. At this time of year they have a great little waterfall. It was really fun! A trip to Luv-It Custard that night rounded out our fun!

As for the airplanes! Well on Tuesday this week Byron, Taryn and I flew out to Houston, TX (where we are now)! We came out to visit the Bakers and celebrate Shayla's 8th birthday and baptism on Saturday. We are loving catching up with all our family!