Grammy & Grampy Visit!

A couple weeks ago Jon and I got called into the Stake President's office where he extended a calling for Jon to serve in our ward's bishopric. While a little overwhelmed by the calling, we were super excited that it would necessitate a trip up to Seattle for Jon's mom and dad, so Grampy could ordain Jon a high priest.

Grampy had a business trip planned so he was only able to stay a couple days, but Grammy stayed the entire week. Even though Grampy wasn't here for long we were able to squeeze in some fun outings; a tee ball game, a trip to the zoo (sadly the only trip pictured), several trips to the park, and of course, Jon's ordination.

After Grampy left on Sunday, life was a little less exciting. Grammy got to experience a pretty normal week at our house. But Seth really enjoyed having an Grammy all to himself while Matthew was at school.



Seeing Jon's dad ordain him was a very tender experience. It really made me grateful to be married to such a wonderful man and especially grateful to his parents for raising him so well. I'm grateful that my boys have such a rich spiritual heritage and that they have special relationships with all their grandparents. They are very lucky and blessed.

Family Birthday

Several years ago Jon's aunt Sharon told us about celebrating her and her husband's anniversary with their kids as a the "birthday of their family." I thought the idea was so cute and novel, but we had never really copied it with our boys. But, with our anniversary falling on the Monday of a pretty busy week and with Jon potentially having to go on a camp out on the upcoming weekend, we decided that if we were going to celebrate we'd probably have to do it with the kids.

So after Matthew's school on Monday, the boys and I picked up some cupcakes, headed downtown to pick up Jon, and then we all headed to the temple. Thankfully, the predicted rain didn't come and we were able to pleasantly walk around the temple, talk to the boys about the day that we were married, and teach them a little bit about what it means to be an eternal family. We then enjoyed a nice dinner out and our cupcakes at home.

Though it may not have been the typical or ideal anniversary celebration, I'm glad that we took the time to share our special day with the boys. I think it helped me see more clearly the blessings that have come into Jon and my life together as a result of our decision to be married. Blessings that we did not and probably even could not have fathomed eight years ago.

Then:
Now (minus me . . . someone had to take the picture!):