Dear Grandma,

Words cannot express what you have meant to me throughout my life. You have always been there for me, my biggest cheerleader. From my high school dance recital to the birth of my first child, you were there no matter what. You have set an example for me by being so selfless, kind, sweet, and funny; you are truly the epitome of not only a great grandmother, but a genuinely wonderful person. Chelsea and I would get so excited when we got to stay the night at your house with you and Grandpa, we would have so much fun. You would let us eat popcorn for dinner and stay up late (but not too late) watching movies :) You let us dress up in your old clothes and put on your jewelery and shoes, and klunk down the hallway for a fashion show (where you told us we looked fabulous). I remember taking such fun trips with you, like to Newport to see "Kinko" at the aquarium, or camping at Seaside where you guys taught me to ride a bike. I could go on and on, we had so many good times. All of these are memories I will never forget, because you made them so special. I'm still having a hard time believing you're gone, but I will always cherish you and your memory, and will tell Payton Marie one day when we're looking at pictures what a special grandma I had, and how her GiGi loved her so much. I wish Payton had gotten to know you like I was blessed to know you, but I will make sure she knows you through my pictures and my stories. I love you so much Grandma. Death does not seem so scary now, because I know you will be up there waiting for me, with a sweet smile and a warm hug, ready to tell me what has been going on and what I missed while I was down here :) Thank you for making my first 24 years on Earth filled with your love and laughter. I will always miss you and think of you, but I am grateful knowing that we will be together again some day. Rest in peace GiGi.

I love you with all my heart,
Jen

Congrats graduate!

Last weekend was a big weekend! I flew to Spokane to attend Chelsea's graduation festivities. I drove up to my friend Kali's house on Friday night so that she could take me to the airport early Saturday morning, which I really appreciated :) It was so nice to catch up with her, I hadn't seen her since December. We turned in early though because 5am came around really quick. I've never flown by myself, so I was a little nervous throughout the checkin process and going through security. I got even more nervous when I realized that I was getting on a tiny lime green plane that I had to walk out onto the tarmac to get to, and then walk up the stairs and climb in! I was in the very back row all by myself, and I tried to just read the magazine I bought about the royal wedding and not worry about all the bumps I was feeling and noises I was hearing. Turns out I didn't need to worry, because I got there just fine! :)

When I left the airport my mom and sister drove up, and off we went! We first went into downtown Spokane for some breakfast, and then of course some shopping. The boys (my dad and Richard, Chelsea's boyfriend) were off golfing for my dad's birthday. We shopped until we almost dropped! We met up with the boys later though for my dad's birthday dinner at Outback Steakhouse.

The gang (minus Kyle and Payton)

After dinner we checked into our respective rooms at the always classy Comfort Inn :) Chelsea and I got to have a room together, and it was fun to stay up and talk girl talk like the old times. We had to get some sleep though, Sunday was a big day!

In the morning our lovely parents brought us some complimentary hotel breakfast while we were getting ready, and then we loaded up into the car and attended baccalaureate together. Then there was lots of picture taking of course, so I'll let them tell the story!

Some of you may remember Joey, he likes to travel to all of our family events :) Of coures he came to Spokane for graduation!



















Chelsea had all of her students sign her cap, it was really neat!





The big moment!

Congratulations Chels, we are all very proud of you! :)

My sweet little Payton is getting so BIG. When did that happen?! She's added a couple new words to her vocabulary, but her favorite one she's figured out is "up", which she pronounces "up-ple". Very cute :) She will be sitting on the floor and put her arms up and say it, and it's just so adorable that no one can resist picking her up. She will also point to her toes if you ask her where they are, and when we are sitting together eating breakfast, she will pick up one of her cheerios off her plate and hold it out for me to eat. She thinks it's hilarious to feed us instead of us feeding her!

It seems like everything these days is a phase. She is moving through so many stages, it's amazing. For example, in case you haven't noticed, Payton is a very good eater :) I'm glad she takes more after her dad in that department! She will eat almost anything you put in front of her, and she eats like we haven't fed her for days. I'm not even sure if she chews sometimes, she seems to almost inhale her food. So when she would be sitting in her highchair and I was feeding her breakfast, if she wanted more she would YELL at me, and start crying. I kept telling myself "it's just a phase, it's just a phase" because it was so frustrating and difficult to be patient, and as soon as I would put more food on her plate, it was gone. I couldn't get it to her fast enough, and she wasn't happy about it! Then magically one day when she ran out of food, she started pointing to it and talking to me, much more patient. It was wonderful! I thanked her over and over again for using an inside voice, and told her what a big girl she was for asking so nicely. Whew, I was very glad that phase was over! Ah, but these phases have just begun I'm sure :)

Not too much new to report on the walking front, she is still pretty cautious about it. She would rather walk while holding onto a wall, a piece of furniture, or even better, someones hand. She is getting much better at standing by herself, and does that quite often. She just has yet to really take off, although I know it's coming.

This morning I dropped Payton off at daycare, and she walked away from me into her caregiver's arms. It is nice that she's so comfortable there now, but it was also kind of bittersweet. Kyle said that when he goes to pick her up she doesn't rush towards him, instead she points and talks at different things, like she's telling him what she did that day. It's been going really well, which I'm very thankful for. She loves looking at the big kids, she just stares at them like she's mesmerized!

Sorry no pictures this post, Kyle is using the laptop (that has the pictures on it) for homework tonight. He is so close to school being done, he can really see the light at the end of the tunnel! I will try and post some in the next day or two for you guys.

This weekend is a very big weekend, I am headed to Spokane for Chelsea's college graduation! I'm driving to Portland Friday night to stay with my friend Kali, then I'm flying out early Saturday morning, and flying home late Sunday evening. It will be a whirlwind of a weekend! We decided not to take Payton and have her stay home with Kyle this weekend. It was a hard decision because I hate being away from her (that's two whole nights!), but that's also a lot of travelling for her for just one day. Plus, I really don't think my loud, boisterous and active (but very sweet) little girl would sit there for several hours during a graduation ceremony without a peep, and I really want to be able to enjoy Chelsea's graduation without worrying about Payton. Plus my dad and Chelsea's birthday area also this weekend, which will be fun to celebrate together. My next blog should be a big one!

So happy graduation to my baby sister, and happy birthday to Chelsea and my dad! :)

Happy Mother's Day!

With the beautiful weather outside, Kyle and I took the opportunity to take some pictures of Payton out in the yard. They turned out pretty cute if I say so myself!

Playing with Daddy. I really like to touch all of the rocks.

Fun!

Hi Mommy!

Would you like this rock?

OK, I'll try to eat it!

Yum!

I surprised my parents by climbing up here ALL by myself (under close supervision of course)

Hmmm, dirt...

Yes. I tried to eat it. I am THAT kid :)

Hope everyone has a fantastic Mother's Day! A special thank you to all of the mothers and grandmothers that we celebrate this Sunday. And, of course, my own mom and grandmothers, who shaped me into becoming the mom that I am today :)