Great Plains Adventures!

My sister is busy this week coaching and preparing for Regionals Gymnastics, so that freed up the chance to take her kids for the day yesterday. Thanks to my mom for bringing them out. We had a picnic, played, and got some sun. Here are a few pictures from the day.

Marina has missed the monkey bars from not being at school.

Leilani can't wait to own a little dog of her own, that she can dress up, put in a fancy bag, and carry all around. I guess Ouray will have to do for now.

Lilli spunky and sassy as ever! Spent most of her time playing baseball, (well if that's what you call it when the kids are using a flip-flop as the bat) and trying to break the rules in order to steal a base while grandma was pitching.

Below: This is Isaac and Lafai's game. My mom suggested they bring small balls to the waterpark for the water. Quickly they started trying to get the ball into the top of the fountain. Many of the other boys at the park couldn't resist the challenge and fun.

Thanks for a great day kiddos! And thanks to Grandma Layne for the special ice cream treat that summed it all up!

Big Changes in Grand Junction!

There are 2 major events that I must write about today.

1) Davis Dean Martin born June 2009
My brother Eric and his wife Lindsay who live in Grand Junction had their first baby about 3 weeks ago. We got to visit them this weekend, and I am so impressed and proud of the new parents. They look great and are taking to parenthood like naturals. I love Eric so much and I am so proud of how far he has come. And I am so thankful that he has taken the leap of parenthood. There is no greater blessing in this life. I am so excited for him and Lindsay. Thanks Lindsay for helping Eric get there. There isn't anyone else that could have done all you've done for Eric. We love you both, and congratulations!!! Thanks for letting us come and hold that beautiful new baby!!!

My 6'4" brother with his tiny boy, Davis.

2) Grandma & Grandpa Martin
I don't know how much I can write about all of this as it makes me very sad. I am hoping that this will be a good outlet for me to express some of these feelings I am having. As I have not been able to express them aloud.
10 years ago when my paternal grandparents decided to make Grand Junction, CO their new home they started something that would change Danny's and my life. I will explain by backing up a little further... After my parents divorced when I was young and many turmoil events that happen to so many divorced families... I had not had a particularly strong relationship with my grandparents for several years. Danny had already lost his grandparents prior to getting married, and reminded me how lucky I was to have living grandparents. I have been truly blessed to have known many of my grandparents, and great-grandparents.
So, when Isaac was born in 2000 Danny and I made a decision that it was important for Isaac (and any future children) to have a relationship with their great-grandparents. With Isaac just a few weeks old we ventured out on a road trip to Grand Junction to visit my Grandma and Grandpa Martin. As they proudly showed off their new home and town (A place I only considered a stopping point for gas and a bathroom break on your way to Utah.) we fell in love with it too. We can only describe our feelings for GJ as peaceful, happy, and serenely beautiful. The view from G&G's backyard of the Grand Mesa, the summer drive through the Monument, and the desert scene of the Bookcliffs opened up new possibilities for a young couple just starting their family. By the next summer we would have a brand new home their too. We lived in the same neighborhood, and attended the same ward as my grandparents. And the relationship was not only rekindled, but grew to a new place of love, appreciation, and respect. To make a long story short, our time their was a very special time for Danny and I. We had many family strengthening and building experiences, and our Marina was born there too.
We decided to move back to Denver, when I couldn't find a permanent job and Danny was ready to pursue his Master's. Ever since we have left we have continued to visit them often. And each time we drive into town we feel as though we are home. Grandma and Grandpa's house has often been a place of refuge. So this brings me to the reason I write, this past weekend will be the last time that we drive into GJ to see my grandparents. They are moving to Georgia to be closer to my dad and hopefully a place that better suits their health needs.
I can't begin to express the sadness that wants to overcome me. I fought it back all weekend. I just hope that my grandparents know how much they mean to me personally, as well as how much they mean to Danny and the kids. I am so thankful for the last 10 years that I have had with them. Marina made the comment to me before traveling this weekend. "Grandpa gets up earlier than Grandma, reads his paper, and eats a banana." I am so grateful that my kids have been close enough to them, to know and appreciate the simple things that make my grandparents who they are. May the Lord bless them in all their endeavors, and thanks to Him for allowing me this to have this time with them.

Future Garage Sale Queen with the Reigning Garage Sale Queen!

Fishing Buddies!