Time spent with the future in laws

Three months ago when Tony and I booked our flights for Arizona we thought JoAnna would be preparing to go on a mission, but didn't know it would be the mission for marriage. As it worked out since Tony was busy with Brent, I was able to help get some things done in preparation for the wedding in April. It is coming quickly, and with her so far away it is a bit of a challenge for me to help out much.
Saturday morning JoAnna and I prepared to go into Tucson for wedding shopping. Randi decided to stay home with Brenna so it wouldn't mess up her sleeping schedule. I felt bad leaving them, but understand how difficult it is when you have a tired baby to keep her content.

We both ended up matching our shirts and JoAnna mentioned that Cindy, (JoAnna's future mother in law) will feel bad to see us matching and her not, however when we arrived to pick her up she walked out with the same color shirt on. We all had a good laugh over that and proceeded with our shopping. At one point another shopper came up to us and stated the obvious. "Did you know you are all matching?" I just said it was the color of the day, and she must not have gotten the memo.
In our shopping excursion we were able to buy the dad's ties, boys shirts, info for printing the invitations, which later got completed. Toward the end however JoAnna was getting a bit overwhelmed and ready for a melt down, so we called it a day. Sometimes its hard to focus on one step at a time, rather than the whole journey, which usually is very discouraging.
















We all had a great day as well as the time spent one with another.
Its amazing how we can set out in life with one set of plans, then so quickly every thing changes. I know that JoAnna is excited to be part of the Cindy & Russ Donkin's family, and we are excited for her also.

Joy in parenting

There is no doubt in my mind of the love that Brent & Randi share as parents of there sweet Brenna. It is evident in everything they do for her, and with her.

Whether it be feeding time, changing time, cuddle time, play time, scripture time, or family prayer time, it is always treasured time, which I really appreciate seeing.

Too often in this world we live in, children are a burden to their parents, and never have the chance to feel total comfort or love. Therefore they grow up not knowing how to love or nurture, so its hard for them to understand the great love that our Savior has for each of us, or to truly realize that this life is to experience JOY.

Grampa's Girl

This trip proved to be quite a bonding time for Tony and Brenna.

I'm not sure if it was grampa's beard with mustache, his animated facial expressions, or just the total comfort and love that was felt that drew them both so close to one another, but it was truly tender to watch.
And I know it really made Tony feel great to have such a reaction from her.

Auntie JoJo

JoAnna has been in Arizona now for 6 months caring for Brennalyn while Randi is at work and as you can see enjoys the time they spend together.
with kisses, laughter, tickle time, and lots of playtime.
I enjoyed watching the interaction they shared with one another. You can really tell how much Brenna loves her auntie Jo.


In all the excitement with JoAnna preparing for her upcoming wedding, I think that having Brenna to care for will help her to enjoy the journey even more.
But then comes the time of separation in April that I know will be very difficult for her to be so far away. The sad part is Brenna is so young she won't remember the special times they have shared with one another, and will need to rely on pictures to bring back memories.

The golf excursion

Last fall Brent invited Tony to come to Arizona for a golf excursion with him over this past holiday weekend. Tony has never been to Arizona to visit, so since we had some free sky miles that would expire we both decided to make the trip. I was told that I could come if I wanted, but this trip was so he could be with his dad.
I got the point loud and clear.
We arrived in Arizona Friday afternoon, so they had time to hit a bucket of balls before going out for dinner, and as a warm up before the game the next day.
It was a beautiful day, with some amazing shots. Two times in a row Tony managed to hit a beautiful long drive, but the high voltage power line which crossed the fairway got in the way both times to cause his ball to deflect downward and implant itself into the ground below. The first time they thought it was amazing, the second time was unbelievable, and they laughed about the odds.
Brent had quite a slice on his fairway shots, however his short game was his saving grace. It seemed the longer the putt the more accurate he would be. (they were talking 75 foot putts.)All in all they had a wonderful time together, and as you can see they took the game very seriously.

Precious moments, sweet expressions

I'm not sure why children learn to high five at such an early age, but even Brenna had fun playing it with grandpa.











Ethan's first experience with the miracle of snow. As we drove to and from the beach there was snow along side the road. I wanted so badly to stop and watch him experience being able to touch it, or play a little, however time didn't permit. Tuesday however while I was enjoying some one on one time with JoAnna it started to snow, and didn't stop for quite awhile, which made it extra special for a first time experience to not only play in it, but to actually be able to watch the beautiful white falling from the sky. Chelsea was able to capture this picture so we could all enjoy with Ethan.

One of these days we will have all of our sweet grandchildren in one place to experience life together. This was Ethan and Brennalyn first time meeting, and though he wasn't as excited to see her as he was Savannah in September, he was so gentle and cute knowing she was little. She was at least older than when he met Alexandra. at 1 1/2 months old. There was very little interest with her other than an occational wanting to hold her. I think one of the cutest times was when he wanted to swaddle Brenna in a large blanket, or as we saw it was to roll her like a burrito. He would roll her up, then pull on the blanket to unroll her, and she would laugh out loud, which made us all laugh. It was the simple, precious moments that I will treasure forever.