Halloween in Bemidji

I'm still trying to get caught up with events on the blog. The day after we had a pumpkin carving party at Lauren and Dan's place, Carl and I flew to Minnesota to meet our newest grand baby, Luke, who was born September 25

What a joy it was to hold 4 week old Luke  for the first time. 

It was so good being with Colby and Saige again!

Saige showed me her collection of stuffed animals.

Colby demonstrated his electric car driving skills.

We enjoyed jumping on the 

trampoline.

Just being around these grandchildren and seeing them dress up for Halloween was a treat.

They sure do love their baby brother.

Due to a minor complication, Courtney had to stay in the hospital for one night while we were there. This little nursing baby was a trooper and was so good and content with bottle feeding while his momma was away.

Everyone was happy when Momma got back home.

We headed out to the park to see the national Christmas tree, cut down in a Minnesota forest, and headed for Washington D.C..

It is hard saying "good bye to these little ones, knowing it will be a while before we see them again.

This little Luke is such a very sweet, good baby. What a blessing these new additions to the family are!

September 2014 family visit

Carl's brother Billy, his wife Carol, and Carol's sister Elaine visited family in Houston for a few days. Carl and I had spent a wonderful Christmas at Elaine's home in Bainbridge, New York when we were on our mission. 

Since Billy and Carol live in Pennsylvania, it is a treat when they come to Houston. We just enjoy being together, going over memories, talking and laughing.

We had a group movie date.

We spent a day in Galveston, visiting the Storm Museum to learn more about the devastating hurricane in 1900 ("Isaac's Storm) and going on a free mini cruise on the Bolivar Ferry in Galveston Bay.

I love being with my in-laws and love the ocean! 

I love seeing the Ellis siblings get together.

Sharon, Donna, Billy and Carl -- four of seven surviving siblings (a total of eight).

A new home for Lauren and Dan!

 When Carl and I got back from Utah (August 2014), we were greeted by a strangely silent home. While we were away,

Lauren and Dan and their 6 children moved into their new home. They lived in our home during the 23 months we served a mission in New York. They stayed with us for 7 more months while continuing their house hunting. They were so happy to finally find a good home, after having outgrown the first home they owned.

 Grandpa and I cherish all those moments with the kids while they lived with us. 

Lorelei was just a few months old when she came to live in our home after her mom and dad sold their first home in Pearland.

For baby Ben, our home is the first home he had ever lived in .

  

There were fun times in the kitchen with the older girls. Avery is helping her Mom make homemade donuts.

Lorelei never ceased to amaze me with her constant costume changes.

Lorelei wasn't the only one who enjoyed putting on "fashion shows".

It was fun to see the ways the kids enjoyed their time at home. When not playing the piano, Kyla loves to use her imagination.

It was fun to see the kids play so nicely with baby brother.

Grandpa appreciated having another man around to help him with special projects, like catching a varmint up in the attic. (I also enjoyed having another woman around, Lauren, to have a large share in the cooking, making many wonderful meals. The girls were such a huge help too, taking care of all the dishes, loading and unloading the dishwashing machine, etc.

Elayna, the oldest, is truly a "super" girl. She was such a huge help around the house, and a very hard worker.

I surely do miss those fun everyday moments with these kids.

Our final two days in Utah (Aug. 2014)

Education Week ended Friday evening. Saturday morning, we took a little mountain hike.

We worked up an appetite, and had lunch at a cute little bakery/restaurant. Of course, this little fellow was the cutest thing in the place.

Then it was on to the Sanpete County rodeo, where we joined KayLynn's family for the parade, rodeo, and the best smoked turkey legs we'd ever tasted.  

KayLynn's sister Allyson was in the parade.  She is Miss Mount Pleasant for the Miss Utah beauty pageant, and 2nd attendant for MissSanpete County

 

We were surprised to see the view from the rodeo grounds -- the Manti Temple!

There are lots of cowboys in Sanpete County.  I liked this small open air rodeo better than the big indoor Houston Rodeo.

The next day, Sunday, we went to church.

 After dinner, we took a walk around the neighborhood, and enjoyed our last few hours with Emmett, before flying back to Texas the next morning.

 

On Monday morning, it sure was hard to say "good-bye" to this cute little grandson, who is always smiling, just like his daddy when he was a baby. We love you baby Emmett!

(As I am writing this post, Emmett has just turned a year old, and is such a big boy, walking around all over the place and trying to talk.)