I love going home to see my family for many reasons. First off, my sister Crystal lives 2 blocks from the beach. I walked with the kids down there and we had a really nice time. I love watching them play in the waves. It reminds me of when I was a kid. Dallin still loves to chase the birds and he is teaching Emily. I learned why it is always helpful to have another adult with you when Emily fell down and I was feeding Bryce. IT was a little tricky but we survived and had a wonderful day.
That night we met up with friends and Tony's parents for a fun barbeque. Emily was in princess heaven and didn't want to leave the girls' room. We watched a movie outdoors and had smores.
I went for a beautiful 10 mile run along the beach in the morning. That is one of my favorite things to do at the beach. Crystal was kind enough to watch my kids so I could run.
On Saturday there was a big pool party for Payge and Ashlynn. It was great to see so many family and friends. Crystal put the party together and did an amazing job. I am always impressed to see how many people love and care about Crystal. When you meet her, you are friends with her for life.
After the party we headed up the mountains. I love the mountains. It is so clean and peaceful. I was anxious to see my dad. He is the reason for coming home. I started my blog after he was diagnosed with brain cancer, so I never really wrote about it. The tumor was found on March 15, 2005. I was completely shocked and horrified when I received the phone call from him. Since then he has had 2 surgeries to remove as much of the cancer as possible, radiation, and chemotherapy. For 2 years he was doing really well, still able to function. In April of this year they found another tumor and he had a gamma knife procedure at the beginning of May. Since that time, the left side of his body has really weakened. He needs a lot of help to get around now. I was so grateful that he was able to come visit me when the baby was blessed at the end of May. He definitely couldn't make that trip now. So, I am going to try to get out here as much as possible. His spirits are so high, when you talk to him you wouldn't know anything is wrong. I am continually amazed by his optimism. There is nothing I enjoy more than a conversation with my dad. I have always felt that way. He is so kind hearted and genuine. He is a teaser and very cute with the kids. He has always been my biggest cheerleader, especially when I didn't believe in myself. I am really enjoying this time with him, but trying to let him rest as much as possible. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers. If you haven't met him before, you are missing out. If you have met him, you know exactly what I am talking about. I love him more than words can say and I just hope he knows that.
My good friend Becky and her family came over. Here are our babies!
Becky and I have been friends since we were little and we were roomates at the good old Glenwood where both of us met our hubbies. We were married a month apart and we have had 3 kids all within a few months of each other. It has been great going through these stages of life together.
(I also wanted to thank my great friends taking care of Jeff while we are gone. We are so lucky!)
