Grandpa Nelson

On November 28th my Grandpa Nelson passed away.  It was a blessing, the last few months he really hadn't been doing very well.  I am currently collecting pictures and memories from my family for a book I am making my Grandma for Christmas.  It is a great way to remember what a great man he was.  He would do anything for you, and although he was stern and gruff at times, he had such a special place in his heart for his great-grand kids.  When Allee was 2 I worked one day a week, and Great and Grandpa would babysit her.  Every morning my grandpa would bring her hot cocoa from the coffee shop where he would be having hot chocolate with his friends.  It never failed just as I was saying goodbye in he would come with a mug for her.  Pierce loved Grandpa and was never afraid of his gruff voice and was ever curious about  his oxygen hose.  The first thing he would do when we walked in was go over to Grandpa's chair and give him a hug.
Grandpa was able to meet Layla about two weeks before he passed away.  What a blessing.  He commented on how beautiful she was and was able to hold her for a few moments.  I could tell at that time that he wasn't doing very well because he let her keep her pacifier in her mouth (Grandpa despised pacifiers!)  It was always a joke that you had better take the paci out before you handed the baby to Grandpa or he would pull it out himself.
I will miss my Grandpa so very much.  Hopefully I can share all my memories with my kids, and keep theirs alive so they will always remember what a great man he was.

Family Pics

Our good friend Cindy took these for us (that way I have something to put on our Christmas cards!)  These are the ones I didn't use, but they were too cute not to share.

Visitors

 Papa

 Uncle Dave

 Aunt Christy

 Great

Gra
We were so lucky to have so many people in our family come to visit us when Layla was born.  My sister Christy came out when Layla was one week old.  A week later my Mom and Grandma came out and then in November Dave, Steph, Livie, and Emmett along with my Mom and Dad came.  We are so lucky that our family sacrificed so they could come and see our new little girl.  What a blessing to be surrounded by family!

A Name and A Blessing

On November 6th we blessed our sweet Layla.  We were so excited that both of my parents and my sister Stephanie's family came for the occasion.  My mom helped me make Layla's dress and she looked absolutely beautiful.  Derek gave her a wonderful blessing that included the blessing that she would be a good example and a light to all those around her. 

We had a luncheon afterward with our family and those from Missouri who have become our family. 

What a wonderful day to celebrate the gift of Layla Claire in our lives.

Halloween

 I have always wanted to dress the kids up in coordinating outfits, and this year was the perfect opportunity.  Derek and I even got in on the action at the ward trunk or treat.

 The kids were so proud of their pumpkins this year.  Allee gave hers missing teeth because she has lost so many teeth this year.  Pierce was just excited that we actually let him draw on the pumpkin with a Sharpie!

 Our tough little football player.  Derek has already taught him that we LOVE the Bears and we NEVER cheer for the Packers.  Aahhh. . . Nothing like teaching them while they are young!

 This is the first picture ever of little Layla smiling.  She was so cute all dressed up and it was warm enough we were able to take her to a few of our close friends homes.

 And then there is Allee.  Poor girl was sent home from school around 1 o'clock because she was throwing up.  She came home, slept, threw up once more around three, slept some more, and finally about 5 o'clock perked up.  She was heartbroken that she might have to miss trick or treating and I told her if she honestly felt better and could keep some Sprite down we would let her go around the block.  We waited until the last minute, and let her throw on her costume.  How can you keep a kid from trick or treating, isn't Halloween a kid holiday anyway?!  She was all better and come to find out it was just a 24 hour stomach bug (which I managed to get the next day). 

Our little Bears Fans.  What a crazy Halloween!