Happy Easter With The Kids.

HAPPY EASTER! Our Easter Sunday was such a fun day! I got the boys new Easter Sunday outfits and haircuts to wear and the easter bunny brought a boat load of candy and eggs. We spent Saturday coloring eggs and getting ready to celebrate a day of candy and fun. Of course Easter Sunday is not really about a giant bunny that brings us candy, but for little kids it is fun. The kids talked about our Savior (the real reason) in Primary and his resurrection that happened on that TRUE Easter Sunday. I loved hearing Jacob tell me what he learned when we got home and found our Sunday services to be so touching and spirit filled. A wonderful evening with friends as we ate an Easter feast was the perfect way to end a wonderful day of celebration and grattitude. The Wilsons graciously hosted us, the Olsens, the Kimbers and the Craigs for a turkey feast. Everyone brought sides, Kate did the turkey and our game of Charrades was the entertainment. We just loved laughing and chatting as tons of kids played and had a ball. As with every get together, we stayed until a cranky kid (or a few) made it no fun to stay. We always love to linger and play and sure are glad we have our wonderful friends. Being away from family is made so much easier when you have friends like ours:)

In Memory of Grandmother Nelda Shumway

Nelda Shumway passed at 4am Tuesday April 18th. Here funeral was held April 23rd. Rick was able to fly back (thanks to generous family providing means to do so) for the services, but the kids and I could not make that trip on such short notice. I was truly sad to miss her service and pay my respects. I have thought so much about Nelda and all that she has been to Rick and me. For Rick she was a pillar of strength. He respected and revered Grandfather and Grandmother and found Nelda to be so loving and such a wonderful example. For me she was a Grandmother when I had none. My grandma Bratton died about 10 years ago. I loved her very much but did not get to spend a lot of time with her (She lived in CA). My grandma Hutchins was around until about 2005 but we did not have a positive relationship. Grandmother Shumway was my first Grandmother that I got to live near and enjoy up close. I loved going to see her during the week and tell her all about our lives and successes. She was so truly excited about all that we were up to and so encouraging when Rick and I needed advice. Watching her with Grandfather was so inspiring to me. There is nothing like seeing a woman that has her husbands full respect and adoration. She was all that I hope to be when I reach her age. Never have I ever heard a word about Nelda that was anything less than glowing. What a wonderful example and friend she was for me. I miss her so much. I miss her face, her phrases, her hugs and her friendship. I know she is thrilled to be back with Grandfather and loving her work on the other side, but she will be so missed by Rick and I and everyone that has ever known her. We love you Grandmother Shumway. XOXOXO