Home requires UPKEEP

THE BEST part of moving back home is enjoying our local grandchildren and their wonderful parents. Can't believe how much they have grown. Also we recently set up SKYPE so we not only talk to our distant family but also SEE them. This past weekend little Steven had to run to the frig and bring me all his pictures from preschool to show us, and his fun flag shirt he was wearing. And Sam...how he has grown! We could hear Mikal playing the guitar in the back ground...and my oh my how our Becki has grown up. Anyway, this is a picture of our local grandkids.

We can even talk with Holland and enjoy their singing and Ashley's talk she had given in Primary. We were able to watch our little Ava in WA stand as she is getting ready to start walking, Annika dance and jump rope, and Gavin kept saying "my train is broke". Then their is the Utah gang....if Daniel gets any taller he will go through the roof. And with Skype we were even able to see and talk to Megan who is in the Ukraine teaching English to children there. Isn't technology great...when used in the right manner?

Now if we can just convince our Matt to get SKYPE...would love to see those little twins run around...and see how big Heather is getting...hahahah Matt was just recently made Bishop of his ward... with five and one on the way, Heather is kept busy. We did enjoy a nice visit from Matt a few weeks ago while here on business.

Garage Door and new car were our recent purchases. Our van was over 13 years old and we just kept band-aiding it, but now we feel safe to travel. Today we are cleaning and reorganizing the garage....wew...so much upkeep when you have your own home.

We replaced a few windows and will continue the project as $ and time permits.

Marv's been doing lots of projects around the house, sanding, painting, replacing. He does enjoy his projects as long as I don't rush him...hahaha Sorry this one is sideways....

Chomp and Stomp

Marv and I spent the morning at the temple and excited to see one of our very dear friends, Mary Jane Carlisle. She later joined us at our annual ward activity "Chomp and Stomp". We had John and Marrianne's children with us at the ward activity. They have games set up for the children, great food, and entertainment.

HOLLAND AND WASHINGTON family visit....

We had a wonderful visit with Ruth's family from Holland; Duane, Ilene, GG and Dale from Maryland; and later Marylyn's family from WA. My favorite part of the whole thing was watching the cousins, aunties, uncles, grandparents all play together. As you can probably tell from the pictures,WATER seems to be our favorite pass time.

Adventures with Lisa and Dan's family

Since Lisa started her own preschool, grandparents get to do some of the care for grandchildren. This past week we took Mel to the dentist for some serious dental work. Our little Mel was amazing!!!! Never let out a peep, helped the dentist with whatever she asked Mel to do, and enjoy "Chicken Run" DVD. I still can't get over how good Mel was...and I asked the dentist if I could come to her....hahahaha No, too old! After we took Mel out for a smoothie at McDonalds where we use to take our children after a major dental appointment.

Lisa has started her own pre-school, so found this set on 'free cycle'. You would not recognize it today as Dan & Lisa replaced, sanded, and stained the wood. It is beautiful!

It's fun to spend Holiday's with the Locals. This is a new park near Lisa and Dan's new home. Very fun...call it the elephant park.

Ben arranged for Lisa to visit Ruth in Holland. The children had so much fun with their "aunt Lisa". One of the favorites was the monkey zoo. While she was in Holland we enjoyed her three children while Dan was at work.

We did get a slip and slide for the locals and visitors to enjoy during summer months. Also helped to water the grass.

Busy with local family too

John & Marrianne's family are involved with many activities...piano, track, baseball, soccor, pets, school projects, Primary, and just having fun.

They seems to do lots together, even the need for matching green casts. Madison broke her 'pinky' one day wrestling with her brother, Christian. Just a few days later as the family was hiking nearby, Brooke fell off a log and dislocated her shoulder.

Thanks Maddy for trusting your grandma and grandpa with your favorite friend, Cole. We have enjoyed watching him several times this summer. Such a good dog, well mannered, and follows us wherever we go. This way we can enjoy having a dog, but not the every day responsibility....works out great! This is Ashlyn taking Cole for a walk. When on all four's, Cole is about the size of Ashlyn and when on just two legs, about the size of Maddy.