Weekend with Grandma and Grandpa

Less than a week after returning from Idaho, my parents came to Chicago! They had already planned their trip before we knew we'd be home for the funeral. (My dad had a medical conference) But even though we'd just seen them, it was a totally different story having them on OUR TURF! We loved it! My boys couldn't get enough of them. Some of the best times were just playing games, doing puzzles, reading books and playing outside.

We introduced them to Chicago style pizza the first night they were here. We ventured down to the city and did a quick driving tour of some of the city, and then we parked so we could walk through Navy Pier. We got Chicago style hot dogs and popcorn while we were there too!

Grumpy Chandler boys for pictures---but my mom was really excited that the person that took this picture was from London and had a great accent!

The boys always love the Thomas train at Navy Pier.

I tried to get Oprah tickets while my mom was here and was unsuccessful, but I at least drove her by to see the studio.

Grandpa was the best babysitter. He rode bikes, went on walks, gave baths, drove Dillon to school, put boys in bed, etc. My mom is the best book reader, train player, back scratcher and kitchen cleaner. So the two of them together are a great team. I keep hoping I'll get them back here when I have the baby.

We went to a local farm to get a feel for the season.

Of course the boys loved the train

and the animals

and the blow up toys

and the hayride.

My mom loved all the signs you can put your faces in Thanks so much for coming Mom and Dad. We loved having you and are hoping you'll come back soon. End of April? First of May?? Hint! Hint!

The tradition continues

While we were home for the funeral, Aaron read the following to our families (we were lucky to get them all in one place!):

At times like these, our feelings are tender But that is why we’re all here. To laugh, cry, and fondly remember The life of our Grandfather dear. Saying goodbye is a hard thing to do. But one way to soften the blow Is to never forget the beautiful truth That there’s always another hello. For birth’s not the start of human existence And death is not the end. By virtue of Our Father’s plan We know we’ll see Grandpa again. ’Til that sweet day comes, however, Grandpa won’t just be “pushing up daisies.” There is work to do; he’ll be busy as ever, Heaven’s no place to be lazy. I don’t know if it’s doctrine, but I’d sure like to think There are spirits who’ve yet come to earth Whom Grandpa will meet, love, and adore – His great grandkids well before birth. One of those spirits will soon come to Texas Where Jason and Di work and study. But around the same time, maybe April or May, Their baby might get a buddy. Another great grandchild for dear Grandpa Petty (Who named every critter by species and genus). In words he might use, we proudly announce: Nan is gestating a fetus!

You have to know my grandpa to really appreciate that last line, but yes, I am pregnant with #3! Aaron has written a poem to announce each one of our children---a fun little tradition if you ask me. I am 14 weeks along now and really hoping to starting feeling better than I have the last couple of months. We are excited we'll have an addition to our family sometime around April 28th! p.s. If you want to see the other two poems they are on a post in Dec '07 titled tradition of poems. Try this link http://byuva.blogspot.com/2007/12/tradition-of-poems.html

Funeral Trip Home

My grandfather's passing was bittersweet. We were all so sad to say goodbye to him, but excited we had the chance to all be together. It's been over 2 years since my whole family has been in one place at the same time. So it was a treat to just be together, especially on General Conference weekend when we get to sit and listen to the inspired leaders of the church. It was an added perk to be in my parents' brand new home -- it's pretty awesome!

It was fun to get to know little Bradley better. Heather is a great mommy. Aunt Shellie always comes up with fun games -- i.e., putting all the toys in your pants! Aunt Brittany always takes time with the boys one-on-one.

Dillon loves his Grandmas!

And I LOVE singing with my sisters. There is nothing like it and we don't get to do it nearly enough.

Dillon was so excited when he met his 2nd cousin, Ginger, who is five and goes to kindergarten just like he does!

Aaron is the best with kids. All the cousins love climbing all over him like a jungle gym. How'd I get that awesome guy?! We were sad he had to leave the party to go back to Chicago a few days before the rest of us.

Yeah, Avery is 9 months old, AND WALKING! Such a cute girl!

Wesley likes her too.

We loved playing with the Berkey cousins. Boys have a way of staying entertained outdoors for a long time -- even when you have to stay off Grandma and Grandpa's new grass!

We also ventured out to the Chandler house. Wesley was crazy on the trampoline!

Cousins Carson and Cade came for the day from Boise so we could see them too!

Aunt Lauren is always so fun with all the kids.

I was so glad Amy Jo drove down to see us. The trip wouldn't have been complete without a visit with the Tuckers.

Back at the Hobbs house, Grandpa started up "Ferris Wheel." Man, that brought back memories.

Yeah, Wesley's kind of in pajamas in all these pics, huh -- hey, we were on VACATION!

Grandma Lori and Lauren took the boys for a couple hours and stopped to see some horses. Wesley has really been into the movie "Spirit" lately and this horse looks just like Rain on the movie. Cousin Anna came along for the fun.

Aunt Richelle and Grandma Hobbs finally got to see the real Wesley late in the evening. He is exploding with personality these days.

We made a stop at Grandma Petty's house before leaving town. Her big swing is always a hit. The boys also loved picking fresh raspberries and apples.

Our last stop was to see cousin Chandler -- Lindsay and Wynn too!

Our visit was quick, but we were so grateful for their hospitality in their beautiful new home.

I had to wake the boys up at 5:00AM to travel back home. Somehow they were still pretty good travelers, but we were all pretty exhausted when we got home.

It was a great trip, full of good old family time. And a chance to honor an incredible man, my Grandpa, who probably loved seeing us all together.

My Dear Grandfather

My Grandpa Petty passed away a couple weeks ago. This was the first grandparent I've lost. I've been lucky to have all 4 grandparents alive and very much a part of my life. He was such a wonderful man who did so much. One of the most unique things about him was that he was so busy professionally, as a doctor, but still found time for family and plenty of hobbies. He was an excellent painter (notice in the picture), fisherman, pianist, gardener, cook (his specialty was pancakes!) and bird watcher. I was lucky enough to do each of those things with him at some point---living a mile away from him growing up. He will definitely be missed. I love you Grandpa.

Stay tuned for a recap of the funeral trip home.