Time With Grandma's!

Allegiant had a great sale on flight between here and Las Vegas- $20 each way! We flew my mom and Darrell's mom out for a weekend.

My Mom and sister Robyn came Labor Day weekend. I wanted to learn how to make my Mom's bread, so I could also make her rolls and cinnamon rolls. We had a fun day of baking on Friday while the kids were at school. The girl's loved having Grandma and Aunt Robyn to play with. Saturday we drove to meet my brother and sis- in- law half way for lunch so they could see Mom too. We had a quick lunch and on the way home found a great fruit and veggie stand. I love fresh corn on the cob, watermelon, and Darrell loved the peaches. One of the many things I love about Allegiant is that most of the time the flight leaves late Sunday night so visitors can come to church and eat Sunday dinner with us.

Ever since I was little I have always watched to see how people react to my sister Robyn's singing voice. Robyn is the 2nd oldest child in my family, she was born with Cerebral Palsy. Most people will notice her walk and when having a conversation with her that she has a disability. I honestly don't know if her disability affects her singing or not, but unfortunately she is tone deaf. Robyn LOVES LOVES LOVES to sing though. I remember many times growing up and hearing Robyn sing to her Elvis music, she also loves Elvis as much as she loves to sing. Sometimes we would laugh at her singing- but it was not often because when you did it you learned how mean it is and you never did it again. So having Robyn sing in Sacrament meeting with my family always makes me look around. It never bothers me when I see little kids turn and look, but it REALLY bothers me when adults look or snicker. Aren't we above that? I think this is the first ward I've been in where I didn't notice any adults snicker or looking around. I know it shouldn't bother me, but I guess it's just the protective nature we all have for our family members. It never occurred to me how mean people could be about it until Mom told me Robyn had been asked not to sing in the ward choir. I understand the choir director works hard to make the music sound well, but I was shocked he would do that! Two things that bring joy to Robyn are singing and children. Mom said she had a hard time with her not being in the choir too, but eventually time helps everything- this happened when I was in High School.

So thank you to my ward members here who didn't snicker and mock Robyn. Mom always says when Robyn gets to heaven we are all going to be blown away with her beautiful singing voice and I completely agree with her!

I didn't take any picture's of Mom and Robyn with the kids this time and I am so bummed. I could have had some great ones of me learning to make bread, the girls playing hangman with Grandma and Aunt Robyn, and Baylee trying to warm up to both of them. I love how I can see the admiration in my girls eyes as they look at my mom- I know I have the same look many times too!

Darrell's mom came this past weekend and I didn't take any picture's of her with the kids either- I have been really slacking! Friday Sharon and I had a relaxing day and went to lunch with Darrell. When the kids got home they had millions of things they wanted to show and do for Grandma. We went to the Mall and Grandma got to see how much chaos can arise when you have 3 girls in the store Justice... they love that store! Saturday Darrell and his mom went to the Farmer's Market and then met up with us at softball practice. Sharon had a great idea to do a little party for Ashlee- her birthday is this Friday and it's a family party. We ran to the store and got a couple gifts and bought stuff to make her favorite peanut butter brownies. Ashlee was so happy to have more then just her family here, and she was even more happy to have a surprise party! Sunday we went to church and Sharon showed me how to make YUMMY cream cheese brownies... they are very dangerous to have in the house!

If I had taken more picture's I would have gotten great picture's of my girls doing their Grandma's hair- an absolute favorite for them since they were old enough to hold a comb. I also would have gotten adorable pictures of her and Baylee playing and Bays with her deep belly laugh every time Grandma tickled her.

Darrell and I are so blessed to have great Mom's who love us and our daughters. We loved having each of them visit, and (I know this is a little selfish) having them all to ourselves. We both miss our Dad's, and notice their absence when we have moments like this. We talk about their memories and it's good for the girl's to hear about their Grandpa's too and what great men they were. I think they are around and watching us more then we think though, and I am so thankful for that- I hope they know how much they are loved and missed!

Thanks for coming and spending a weekend with us Grandma Taylor, Aunt Robyn, and Grandma Wiser!! We love you bunches and can't wait to see you again!