Grandpa Welsh

(his smile brightens my life)

(love all these candids)

(always love me some Sophie)

This is my Grandpa Welsh. He is one of my most favorite people in the world. And has been since I was a very little girl. I love everything about him. When I was a little girl we lived with him and my grandma for a while and I'm pretty sure that's where my love affair started. In my entire life I have never even seen him irritated, and my mom is pretty sure she's never seen him mad in her lifetime. That's amazing. He's the kindest, most loving man. Every time I see him he lets me know how wonderful he thinks I am, how wonderful my children and husband are. He tells me over and over how much he loves me. He lives in Washington State with his wife Carole. My grandmother passed away when I was 9. And whenever they come down to California (about every 3 months) he always comes to see me for a afternoon. It means the world to me. I love to sit and visit with him. He tells me stories of my grandmother, whom I miss tremendously. He offers grandfatherly advice. And we just relish in our time together.

When I was a little girl I loved to feel his hair. He has had the same haircut for my entire life. His buzz cut is so soft and whenever us grandkids would feel it, he would nuzzle his head against our face and give us a kiss. He is so cool too. He still wears dickies pants and vans. He has accomplished so much in his life. I can remember him taking care of my grandmother when she was sick with cancer, I knew as a young child he was a wonderful husband. I am so glad my children have had the chance to get to know him, and to love him like I do. My life is infinitely better having him as my grandfather. I love him oh, so much.

My sister Charlotte just happened to by here from BYU for Thanksgiving when he visited and I was so happy to share my visit with her. And I hope Charlotte and my grandpa love these pics I snapped during his visit.

My Soccer Phenom

I have not been blessed with athletic talents. Heavenly Father didn't bless me in that regard. BUT... Sydney has been given that gift. She is amazingly athletic. Even more so in the sport of soccer. Her skill is amazing. She truly has a gift. Nick and I have tried to give her every advantage when it comes to harnessing and developing her talent. She plays for a club team that continually gives her expert and professional coaching. I am so proud of her dedication. I envy her passion for the game. She is talented, beautiful, kind, considerate, and mine. I am literally on the edge of my seat to see what is in store for her. I love her very much.

Return to Disneyland

We got our Disneyland passes renewed and have been making up for the lost time. I stopped going in the Spring when I was preggers with Camden because the walking was becoming too much. So it was so nice to return after a long absence. Yes, I promise we have taken the older ones, however we find it so easy to just pick up and go with the younger 2 while the older 2 are at school. We head over for a few hours and both girls just love it. We went today and took Sophie on some new rides at California Adventure that she had never been on before and after each ride she came running off screaming that it was the best ride she had EVER been on. I love this age. How the best thing to do is to go to Disneyland and go on the best rides ever and then I hear how I'm the best mom ever because we came to Disneyland and got McDonalds for lunch. If only Sydney and Nico could be so easily satisfied. I am grateful for these mothering days. I leave behind the mess at home and make believe in Magical Lands for a few hours. It's refreshing and lovely.