I am definitely very grateful for helpers. Maria was great help yesterday with so many things and we went to the park in the morning. I will try to send over more pictures. Dad got home early from work and was very helpful last night. Jessica stayed with Max today while we went to KidSpace. Lily and Ryan were so excited and had so much fun. Kiersten is bringing Charlie down on Thurs and we will most likely go there again. I’m glad because we didn’t have time to do everything today.
Thank you so much for taking time to write all that you did. I am so happy to hear all that you are doing. The food cracks me up :)))) I just love cruises and it sounds like it is the perfect trip for Jeff’s family. Have you been dancing yet? Interior rooms are good for sleeping in late :)
Lily got up in the night and eventually ended up sleeping in my room which wasn’t a problem at all. She slept until after 8 this morning, and Max didn’t get up until 7. They have really been excellent. I was so amazed when they were playing the rhyming game last night and Ryan was right there with Lily saying, “Listen to this,” and then he says something that rhymes and then they both laugh and laugh. So cute.
Last night I went to see "The Abolitionist" and was so glad I was able to do that. Jessica and Maryel came and everything went well. I drove over with Lisa W and Loa. Dad wasn't able to go to the movie because he got home late from Lancaster, but it gave Jessica a chance to talk with him about working in our office as a diabetic counselor (which we have been working on for a while) and Jessie and Maryel were able to leave earlier than if they had to wait for me. The movie was excellent and it was amazing to actually see him and his team in action. They have a total of 13 episodes filmed and the movie included 3 or 4. They are going to do a reality TV show and will shop it soon.
Lily got up once but went right back to bed. Max woke up at 7 and Ryan and Lily about 7:45. Maria was here early and was very helpful all day. She is spending the night the rest of the week so that is wonderful!
I wasn't sure what to do today, and it was actually chilly the last 2 days, but we went to Travel Town and they were so excited to ride on the little train and see and get on the real engine and cars, and it warmed up a bit and we had a great time. Lily went in the hot tub while Ryan was sleeping. She LOVES to be in the water.
Lily and Ryan are so good at entertaining themselves. We haven't had the TV on at all but tonight we did watch the Thomas DVD I have because it was a reward for hurrying through putting toys away and baths. We still read scriptures (they wondered where the book mark was) and they are so happy to do that.
I love Ryan's, "But I'm hungry," when it's time for bed. I love their excitement for whatever we are doing. They are helpful and one mom at the park thought Lily was such a great big sister because her little boy wanted someone to run by him as he went around on his scooter and she offered--and ran around the circumference of the park several times which is a lot of running. She showed me how she can pump. Ryan wanted to push her and was so cute. He likes to go on his stomach on the swing. It is obvious they spend a lot of time at the park and they were comfortable on the climbing wall, the slides--everything.
I asked Lily to find the white out, bring me my purse, watch Max by the organ, help Ryan down the stairs, and probably many other things, and she happily did as I asked. Ryan stayed right with us today and was so excited about everything: "This is SO fun!," with a big smile. I am so grateful for this time with them.
Max LOVES the organ and when I blocked his way to get there (I was worried he might fall because he climbs on the bottom of the bench) he was trying so hard to get through the barrier. I missed the picture of Liy and Ryan on the bench and Max sitting underneath on the pedals. Maria followed Max around before bed while he went up and down the stairs and around upstairs. He ate half of a large sweet potato tonight. He does love to eat.
While I was putting Max down Dad took over making ice cream cones and cookies and milk and enjoyed that.
We hope you are still having a very fun time and look forward to reports. We need pictures, too!
We love you and pray for your safety. happy memories and good health.
Love,
Mom
NOTE: I thought I sent this yesterday but I think I went to sleep in the middle of writing :)
Today: Griffith Park for pony and train rides. I was surprised they weren’t afraid and got right on the ponies. They want to go again—I hope we can make time. They want to go on the fast horses. Traffic was terrible going over with an accident added into the mix. That shortened our time at the park, but the children were very cooperative and understanding. It has been cold all week so I was glad we weren’t staying too long.
We rushed home and I got dressed and left for the funeral of Bardo’s father-in-law at Rose Hills. It is a huge cemetery and the service was at Hillside Church at gate 17. It was rather secluded and quiet as opposed to gate 1 which was bustling with people. The funeral was very nice and many people came. I have to write details about the USC event with Pres Uctdorf. It was outstanding and Doralee, Suzanne, and Dee Dee Madsen were there as they are granddaughter and great granddaughters of John A. Widtsoe. Dad went inside first and I was outside talking when he brought Doralee out. It was so fun to catch up a bit with her.
Today Max woke up at 5 but went back to sleep. I guess he woke up at 7:30 and Maria came and got him because I woke up at 9. How wonderful! I had stayed up until 3 am one morning earlier in the week (I got a nap that day) finishing a bank financial report to renew our line of credit, and we got home late last night and I worked on my lesson a bit. Lily and Ryan didn’t get up until 8:45 and Dad fixed them some pancakes.
Our activity today was going to the store to get balloons for Max and some cupcakes. Lily and Ryan were excellent in the stores. Ryan did cry when his balloon somehow flew up to the ceiling.but they gave us another one. We came home and Dad took them in the hot tub even though it was another chilly day. They got out and took a hot bath in my tub and I noticed it was 4 pm and I had totally forgotten to give Ryan a nap. He stayed up until 7:45but I’m not sure how. They did puzzles, played, and watched some videos. They really haven’t watched much TV — they really entertain themselves very well.
Nathan texted me about coming down this evening to swim, but then it started raining and they decided not to come. I think after a full week and busy Saturday he was tired. We were, too, and they were bathed and fed early so it was probably best.
I pray all will go well as you return—that you will all travel safely and not be too shocked by re-entry.
Dear Max,
We were so happy to be able to celebrate your first birthday with you. Actually I was with you and recall vividly your birth day and am so amazed at what you have learned since that day. Lily and Ryan were so excited to buy balloons and carefully pick out cupcakes they thought you would like for your celebration. Ryan picked out a Cars balloon and somehow on the way to check out it got away from him and went to the ceiling in Ralph’s. He was so sad, but they very quickly provided another one. Lily picked out a balloon featuring Elsa and Anna and several “Happy Birthday” balloons she was sure you would like. We have noticed how determined you are and that you are not intimidated by your older brother and sister. You are easily entertained by them and laugh and enjoy them as they talk to you, make a pile of pillows and blankets and invite you to join them on top (or underneath), or give you toys. While you were visiting we put up some barricades, but you always looked for the escape route and learned very quickly to go up the stairs—and down. You love food and literally tried everything, although you weren’t too excited about cooked carrots or broccoli, but half of a large sweet potatoe was a favorite. You are quick to flash your bright smile, very active, anxious to be going, doing and exploring.
I watched you flirt with sisters behind us in Relief Society, and you strained to look first on one side and then on the other around the sister in front of us so you could see the teacher. You like standing and moving around the furniture, getting ready to walk, but you crawl so fast I rushed to keep up and you may not feel the need to walk right away. You enjoyed going to the ward auction and were very pleasant even though you stayed out late. You won the hearts of those around you by readily letting them hold you. You know how to put away the toys—and scatter them. You took your morning and afternoon naps and slept well at night. You woke up happy. You stayed well. Thank you! And thank you for being happy, being patient, being helpful—and helping us be happy.
We love you very much and wish you a very happy birthday—and many, many more! Come back soon :)
Love,
Granny Dot and Papa
After the cruise I stayed in California for a couple days before heading to Colorado. And we celebrated Max's birthday.
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| Henry is amazing at the violin! |
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