Bellagio

Fridays are still "Fun with Daddy" days. We have several things we rotate doing including going to visit the Bellagio Gardens.

We decided to take our time and enjoy the slower pace. Mallory loved looking at the water. 

 I tried to get a shot that looked like Ocean's 11, but they all moved. This is the staged shot.

 Mallory was not sure about the Ent. I thought it looked pretty neat.

 A nice woman took our picture. I love the water mill they have been using this year.

 She returned the camera and I lost my grip on it. This is what the pictures look like that it takes now. The colors and textures vary, but this is it.

I think it is still under warranty so we will send it in and get it fixed. (Fingers crossed.) In the mean time we are grateful for the loan of Mom and Dad's camera.

90th birthday and family

Andy's grandfather turned 90 on October 4th. Andy's cute, sweet cousins planned a surprise party for him. We made a special trip up for it. I am so glad we did. This time last year they were planning a funeral. It is a great blessing to be a part of this family

We hid in the garaged and when they pulled up we opened the door and yelled surprise. Here is the whole Bahlmann bunch except Zack (he came later) and David.

 The birthday boy (with Marcus and Connor in the background).

 That night we were able to stay with the Dittmar's. It was so fun! I miss being by my family. (It has been fun having Heather around, but she is getting a life now and is busy.) They thought Mallory was hilarious. I think that pears will be apples from now on at their house.

Everyone wanted to hold Molly. She is so sweet and tiny.

 Dallin even got out his Star Wars toys for Luke and Marcus.

 This is a bad picture, but Mallory loved Sara. She played with her, talked with her and even made a bed for her. 

 Aunt Marianne made a cute little bow for Mallory, but she wouldn't keep it on.

 Anneke tried to fill up Grandma's cuddle quotient, Mal was too busy.

 Even Andy needed to hold Miss Molly.

I can't even figure out how to describe how amazing it was. Knowing that families are eternal is a blessing and joy. We were able to see Christina before she went on her mission. We were there for Sara's birthday cake. We were able to see Mom and Dad again before they go on their mission. We were able to see many of Andy's family members that we haven't seen in years. It is never awkward. The love and friendship is constant even if it has been years.

(Happy birthday tomorrow, my sister Carianne!)

Catch Up

I have found that if I am actually writing in my journal I do not blog as much (and visa versa). My journal is getting full and my blog is being neglected. Sorry about that. I miss hearing about my loved ones, so maybe by blogging I can motivate them somehow.

Luke lost his other middle bottom tooth the end of September. The tooth fairy did not come that night. Our tooth fairy is not very reliable lately. She did come, though.

 The beginning of October the little girl I watch was sick. Luke, Mo and I made a mud castle and mud pies. It is very hard for me to get messy, but I managed and we had a good time. I also was nice and did not tell them they were chocolate. (Ahem, Heather and Carianne.)

Let's see. Marcus and Anneke are in the school choir. Anneke is not a morning person and since the rehearsals are before school they have not made it on time yet. (Marcus is not pleased about that.) Anneke and her cousin Bella are understudies for the school Christmas play. Marcus tried out and was sad he didn't make it until he read the script, "There are so many grammatical errors and it is badly written." Um, okay... 

Luke has turned the reading corner. He now chooses books and reads to himself. Yay! Mallory has decided to give up naps, but she still needs them so we are trying to strike a balance. I have 2 callings now, along with teaching youth Sunday School I am the assistant YW camp director. Andy has many pans in the fire including working on his book, writing a book review for a magazine, and applying for jobs. What have you been up to?