Cousins

Grandpa and his grandsons.

Saturday we went to see our two oldest sons and their families. It was fun to see Jayden and his little brother.

 

He's such a big boy, and so much hair! He came home to sleep in his own bed the evening before we came to visit.

Enjoying his new toys!

Daddy and his little boy.

M was able to go to work later, so he brought his girls over to J&K so that the whole family could be together and all the cousins could meet each other. Even though these two are 6 months apart (technically) in age, they are about the same size! E looks like she is "sizing up" her new cousin!

These two played together remarkably well.

 Fun times with Uncle M!

This little lady loves to wear her dresses!

So many babies to see!

Em still doesn't like her glasses, but she is so very cute in them!

M&B enjoying some time together.

We had a beautiful day so we enjoyed being outside and watching the kids play.

We love boys and their families! We are so thankful for the times we can be together. Thanks J&K for arranging this little family reunion!

A New Look

After meeting our newest grandson, we had to drop by and spend a few minutes with K&E (and of course their parents!)
Grandpa got to read some books, and Gramma got to cuddle little sister.

Brushing teeth with daddy!

A new look for a sweet little face!

Em's little glasses arrived this afternoon. Even though they are the smallest size, they are so big on her tiny head. So far, she is not pleased with the specs, but hopefully as the days go by, her eyes will start to adjust to them and she will be happy to be able to see. Her little face is just so very cute with those pink glasses! 

Surprised by Joy!

The very proud grandfathers admiring Brady Randall, weighing in at 9# 2oz!

In Africa, there is a saying, "Man makes the plans, but God decides what will happen." The plans that we had for today did not include a trip to the hospital to meet this newest grandbaby, but we certainly were excitedly willing to change all our plans and welcome Brady into the world today (instead of next week, as planned!).

The proud grandparents!

 The proud father!

In spite of his great Apgar scores and his size, Brady had to spend a few of the first hours of his life in the NICU to be monitored more closely. We are thankful that everything seems to be fine.

Big brother Jayden was happy to see his mom again, and didn't quite know what to make of this whole situation. He was very concerned about all the "doctor's machines" surrounding his mother's bed, but he was very careful not to touch them and was also very gentle with mommy. It will be so fun to see his reaction to his new baby brother.

A Tribute to Mom

I am blessed to have the most wonderful mother in the world. All her life she has led by her example of loving committment and devotion to her family and friends. Her love for the Lord radiates from her life. The Bible is her source of strength and comfort, her guide for all of life.

Her attitude of gracious service and hospitality has always been an example to me. When asked recently what I remember most about my mom, I responded "her hands." Those hands have been working hands: kneeding bread, rolling lefse, cooking meals, gardening, canning produce, washing and hanging out clothes, gently guiding the cloth as she sewed clothing for us, holding the books as she read to us, washing the dishes, holding us tight as she hugged us. Wiping away the tears from her eyes, and our eyes...

treasuring her great grandchildren

Mom, we love you! Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day

This has been one of those great weekends when we have been able to talk to all of our children and also see the ones that live closest to us..and to love on those precious little grandkids! On Friday, as soon as Marilyn finished work, we headed east, trying to beat the rush-hour traffic. We were very successful and reached our destination just after this little girl woke up from her nap. Soon she was outside enjoying the pool on that nice warm afternoon.

Even her mommy got into the pool for a little dance

Just keep on dancing, girl!

Soon it was time to come out of the water and play with Grampa!

Meanwhile, Gramma was enjoying some special time with little sister!

She has the longest eyelashes, and such a sweet little face. We keep praying that God will perform a miracle on these precious little eyes.

I know this one is not in focus, but it is just so cute to watch how K loves her baby sister!

So much work for the parents of these little girls and we honor their mother on this Mother's Day. She is an incredible woman to have gone thru all that she has endured this past year. We thank God for you, B!

This afternoon, our oldest son and his family came to visit. We are having so much fun with this little boy, listening to him talk and watching him process everything that is going on around him. He is now in the stage of "I do it" and that is often quite interesting for all of us!

Time for a juice break...

and some cookies...

and some fun with grampa!

What a fun Mother's Day we had!

Thanks so much J&K (and boys!) for the lovely afternoon visit. Happy Mother's Day to the great little mother that gave us our first grandchild (and will soon deliver another!) We love you all so much!