Girls, get your crowns!

Today we spent the day at my Dad's visiting with Grandpa. Uncle Scott was there too. We had a good time talking with Grandpa, walking through Will's new house, and just spending time as a family. Grandpa seemed calmer and more relaxed today. I think the more people around him there is, the better he feels. He didn't seem so lost and scared today. The girls found some crayons (or as their Dad calls them crowns) and decided to color on the floor. Clay decided to join in on the fun. It was fun to see them quietly spending time with their Dad. He had their full attention as he added some color of his own to their picture. They can never say their Dad never did anything with them, I have proof.
A Sunday full of family and great memories being made is a good Sunday indeed!

Fireworks!

This 4th of July there were no fireworks. Many cities around the state of Arizona decided to postpone their fireworks displays until after our severe fire danger was over. Tonight was Bisbee's night for a make-up fireworks display. We ate a quick dinner and headed out with snacks to meet our friends. We met some friends from our ward and had snacks. The kids had a fun time exploring all the bushes around the car. Most of the kids had already had their showers/baths to prepare for Sunday. Rolling an old black dirty tire didn't go over well with the Mom's. Then the sun set and the show began...

Some of my favorite shots of the night. I heard Sierra Vista has opted not to redo their fireworks and save them for next year. I'm so glad Bisbee decided to do their fireworks display. What a great way to spend the labor day weekend. Friends and family, what more could you ask for.

Sydney enjoyed sitting with her friend Madison, watching the fireworks. Alex sat by me. There was a really annoying cricket, (the one thing I'm terrified of and it had to camp out by my chair and chirp!), by me so I was glad Alex was there to protect me.

We had a very busy day. I'm glad everything worked out where we were able to spend time together and watch the fireworks. Clay had to work so it was nice to have other families to hang out with!

Grandpa Stanley

When I left my Dad's today, I left feeling sad. Grandpa is so confused. His Alzheimer's/Dementia is getting pretty bad. The girls were real nice. They answered the same questions over and over again without complaint. I wish there was more I could do for him. I also feel bad for my Dad. He's taking on the responsibility of taking care of Grandpa. It can't be easy to see your parent in that kind of state. Grandpa quit smoking years ago since it was affecting my Grandma's health but since Grandma passed away he's taken it up again. I asked him today how he was feeling and he told me he wasn't doing well. I asked him why not and he said he didn't know. He asked me numerous times what I've been up to, where my husband was working, if he drove his car down(he didn't, my Dad brought him down), and if he turned his air conditioning down. He kept saying he better head home. We explained over and over that Dad had brought him down and his car was at home. He wandered around aimlessly going outside to the porch to smoke or up to his room. He must have changed his seat while watching t.v. 10 or more times. You could just see the confusion and sadness on his face. It was truly heartbreaking. I hope we are strong enough as a family to circle around Grandpa and help him the best we can. I want him to know that he is loved, he may not know it but he'll never be alone. We'll always be there for him. The girls were very confused at first but now that they know that it is a disease and can't be cured with a magic pill they're more accepting and patient. I can only pray for patience and guidance for me and my family. I will always have fond memories of my Grandpa. He was always the strong silent type with a big heart. He was always willing to help my family when we needed it, now it's our turn.

We love you Grandpa.

Snakes Alive!

This morning we got a call from our next door neighbor saying there was a snake skin out by their car. They wanted us to let the girls know to be careful and watch out for snakes when they're outside playing. After the rattlesnake we had out back a few weeks ago, we've been very watchful when we're in the backyard. Now the neighbors find a skin right by our front yard. We'll be on the look out.
Snakes Alive!

Radio Flyer Fun

Last time we were at my Dad's house I noticed his wagon. Once it was a source of fun and joy for my kids when we would go to visit. Now it was dusty and dirty and full of junk out in the garage. Tires were flat, the bottom was rusty and it was very sad looking. The kids asked if we could take it home so they could play with it. I told them they had to ask Papa. He said it was theirs, they could do what they wanted with it. In the truck it goes. We put air in the tires, a towel over the rust and they were off. I showed the girls some pictures of me and my brothers playing in a wagon when we were little. I showed them how one could push and one could steer.

They were the hit of the neighborhood. All the kids spent all day playing with the wagon. I finally called them in at dark. Who knew an old wagon could bring such happiness and fun!