This is Great

A Grand Time with Grandma and Grandpa

Last week Darrell's parents came to visit and we loved it!

We took Tyler to the park.

As always, he loved the swing.



Grandma pushing Tyler on the swing...



And Grandpa joining Tyler on the swing.



Tyler's favorite part of the playground equipment: the railing.



One day we headed up to Park City. It was a beautiful day.



Walking along Main Street.

Coming...



Going...



This is such a great picture of Grandma, Grandpa and Tyler



The happy family



Yum...ice cream!



Tyler just wanted to crawl on the cement.





We loved spending time with Darrell's folks and we were sad to see them go home. We can't wait to visit them in July!

Quotes on Faith

Eleven years ago one of my students gave me a small blank journal for Teacher Appreciation week. I decided to use it to write scriptures and quotes that gave me hope and strength. At the time I was wondering when I would EVER get married. As I read the scriptures or church lessons or magazines, I would often find verses or quotes that would speak peace and hope to my spirit and I'd write them in the journal. I've read and re-read the quotes and scriptures in the journal many times and have always felt uplifted.

I recently picked up the journal again and began reading the words contained therein. The words no longer comfort me in my "quest" for a husband because I've found him (Yay!), but they do give me hope and guidance with life's challenges in general.

It was 11 years ago today that I first copied down some quotes in this journal, and I thought I'd share 3 of them. They are all from Brigham Young.

"Our Heavenly Father does not always reveal to his children the secret workings of his providences, nor does he show them the end from the beginning; for they have to learn to trust in him who has promised to fight our battles, and crown us with victory, if we are faithful as was faithful Abraham."

"My faith is, when we have done all we can, then the Lord is under obligation, and will not disappoint the faithful; he will perform the rest."

"If the Latterday Saints will walk up to their privileges, and exercise faith in the name of Jesus Christ, and live in the enjoyment of the fulness of the Holy Ghost constantly day by day, there is nothing on the face of the earth that they could ask for, that would not be given to them. The Lord is waiting to be very gracious unto this people, and to pour out upon them riches, honor, glory and power, even that they may possess all things according to the promises he has made through his Apostles and Prophets."

A Fabulous Time in Las Vegas

The last week of April my parents treated all of us to a family vacation in Las Vegas. It was fun to be together, the weather was fabulous, and we just had an awesome time!

On Sunday we went to Sacrament Meeting in a Las Vegas ward and then had lunch at a park.







Tyler loved walking along the railing on the playground equipment and was sad when we had to leave.



After the picnic we headed to see the Hoover Dam.







We were intrigued by the construction of this bridge that will cross the Colorado River way above the Hoover Dam.



We stayed at Circus Circus, but not in the hotel/casino itself. We avoided the smokey atmosphere and stayed in the part called "Circus Circus Manor."





On Monday we visited the Stratosphere.


We started out the day eating breakfast at McDonald's. Yum. . . pancakes.



Here we are at the top of the Stratosphere.



Tyler and his railing



Greg, Kimberly, Derek, Tansy, Jonathan and Nathaniel were the brave ones who tried some or all of the rides at the top of the Stratosphere.





In the afternoon Kimberly, Tansy, Tyler, my mom and I headed to the outlet stores and had a grand time shopping. Here's the stroller sans Tyler, but loaded with our purchases.



Later that night we went to the Silverton Aquarium. We were able to see the trainer feed the stingrays.









Right next door to the Aquarium was the Bass Pro shop. Here's Tyler by his beloved railings.



Starting the next day with pancakes at Denny's.



On Tuesday we walked along Las Vegas Boulevard, a.k.a. The Strip.

Here are Darrell and Tyler by the fountains in front of the
Paris Hotel and Casino



We HAD to make a stop at M&M World.







New York New York





We loved the indoor gardens at the Bellagio.





I don't have a picture of this, but while we were at the Bellagio we let Tyler crawl around on the huge beautiful rug in the lobby. At one point he laid his head down, put his bum in the air, and stayed there for awhile. People began taking pictures of him. It made us smile and wish we would have gotten a picture too.

Back at the Circus Circus there were toys to be won at the carnival games. My dad won this huge horse and gave it to Tyler.



Tuesday evening we headed to a Chinese restaurant and then to Fremont Street where they project shows on a HUGE covered walkway.











On Wednesday morning we started the day at McDonald's. Tyler wasn't such a fan of his McGriddle Happy Meal.



Darrell and I took advantage of a babysitter (thanks Mom) and attended a session in the Las Vegas Temple.







We met up with the rest of the crew at the Adventuredome inside Circus Circus.

Darrell, my dad and I played a round of miniature golf. Darrell and I were OK, but my Dad was definitely the victor.







Kimberly took Tyler on the carousel and he loved it. Thanks Aunt Kimbo!




My two guys hanging out



Darrell took Tyler for a swim in the pool



Later that night Darrell and I went to see Donny and Marie. The show was great and we had a really good time.



We caught the fountain at the Bellagio afterwards





The next day we headed home. =( But we couldn't leave without a trip to IHOP for Tyler's preferred breakfast. . . pancakes.



We had such a TERRIFIC time. Thanks Mom and Dad!