Grandma's Final Disneyland Update

The kids loved playing with the Faries- Taylor and Tink had quite the conversation- He sent her to her room and she went.... then proceeded to knock on the door and ask if she could come out. It was pretty cute and Taylor is still talking about sending Tink to her room!


This is Taylor dancing around before the parade started. He was doing his "cool dance moves!"

The kids sailing the Columbia

The fam with Mickey

And of course Taylor just adored him- Mickey even signed the book special for him with his name and everything. Taylor was soooo amazed that Mickey knew his name and he said "Mom, he must 'member me from before!"

We had a great time on our trip! We are sad to leave Disneyland but glad to be home to our own beds.

Grandma's Disneyland updates- part 4

Riding the Tea Cups



Love this pic of Tay and Pluto- This is why we go to Disneyland!!



Jessica with Rapunzel and Flynn Rider


Taylor and Peter after their sword fight

Here the two Peters are arguing over who won the sword fight-- it was pretty cute!

The infamous sword fight!!

For Father's Day breakfast we took Ryan to Storyteller's Cafe and met all the characters

Then it was off to Build-A-Bear


Sorry the pics got all mixed up again....
The kids dancing with all the characters

Grandma's Disneyland updates- part 3

OK so I didn't load the pics on all that great- just turn your head when needed and realize they're out of order!! Above is the girls jumping waves at the beach. I thought is was toooo cold for swimsuits- the girls disagreed and got completely soaked in their clothes!! Oh well they had fun!

The fireworks from our room- and the music came across on our TV and was timed perfectly!
The view from our room- you can see Space Mountain and the Matterhorn from the balcony.

Our room- Tay is hiding on the top bunk...
Tay played in the sand- he got knocked over by a wave and that was enough water for him- he wouldn't even put his feet in after that!

Turn your head--- we rented a bike that had enough room for everybody. The kids laughed and laughed and thought it was great! (They only lasted for 1/2 hour peddling though!!)

We're going back to the park in the morning so stay tuned... Luvs and kisses for Grandma and Papa- we really wish you were with us!!

Grandma's Disneyland updates- part 2

Here are some pics from the 1st day at Disneyland. I always knew kids should come in a box- now if only I could find the instructions!


Riding the Mickey Wheel- Jessica wasn't too sure about the height!

For the complaints I heard in the line, the girls were sure excited to see Pooh!




Riding the new Little Mermaid ride....
By Grizzly River Rapids

Grandma's Disneyland updates- part 1

We took the kiddos to Mandalay Bay's Shark Reef- Tay thought it was "very cool" but didn't want the sharks to eat him!!

The Shark Reef has a sting ray petting area. Taylor didn't want to touch them because "they might be slimy!"

After arriving, the kids wanted to swim- thankfully the pool was very heated and we had fun playing in the water.

In Loving Memory of Grandma Dot

As per my brother's request, I am posting pictures and thoughts from my Grandma Dot's funeral today. Above is the digital copy of the program. It was a beautiful program. My favorite part was when my Dad gave a life sketch- he said that he couldn't really do a life sketch for Grandma because her life was more of a mural that each of us have added to. He went on to describe different "brush strokes" that had occurred in Grandma's life. Elder Hafen talked about Grandma's conviction to the gospel. He talked about special talks they had in the last few days of her life. His comment was that he has never known someone more ready and more excited to meet our Heavenly Father. My Grandma's life was full of service to others. It was mentioned numerous times how she was able to make everyone around her feel welcome and loved. The spirit was strong and there is no doubt that Grandma is now with Grandpa Garn.


The Girls before the funeral- looking very grown up...




I know she looks pale and her hair isn't all done up- but Grandma requested that she look natural and didn't want it any differently.






The roses off to the side were placed by all of the grandchildren present. I think it was a very fitting way to say good-bye. In all the day went well. I am so sad to know that Grandma Dot is gone- I will miss her so very much- but I know that she's happy where she is and she deserves to be there with Grandpa Garn.

Life is so short and we never know at what point we will no longer be here on Earth. Today has further emphasized to me that we need to live each day to the fullest and we need to love those around us just a little bit more and hug them just a little bit longer.

With that in mind, we are off to play with our kids- just like Grandma would want us to....