Busy, Busy Weekend

Wow, it's been an action packed weekend!  On Friday the kids and I went to see the Reptile Man at the public library, then Brian and the boys went to the Father and Sons camp out at Teancum Timbers while Alyssa, Rebecca, and I went to see Brave and then headed to Spokane, to help my sister move, and last, we spent the afternoon at Brian's parent's house for after church dinner.

This was our first time seeing the Reptile Man, and it was really fun.  I was surprised that he talked in a calm, almost quiet voice, but the kids all listened to him and were interested in learning about all the different reptiles.  I touched an alligator!  I never thought I would ever do that. 

Brian and the boys had a fabulous time on their camp out.  I prayed the entire time that they would all arrive home safe and sound with all their limbs and appendages, and thankfully Heavenly Father listened to my prayers.

The girls and I had a fun time in Spokane as well.  We brought Sadie along, and she stayed with Kim's new across-the-street neighbor and their dog, Molly.  We were originally going to leave Saturday morning instead of Friday afternoon, because we couldn't leave Sadie at home for so long, so Kim's friend, Jamie, offered to have her stay with them, and it turned out great.  Sadie was so worn out from playing with Molly that she slept the entire drive home.  Alyssa also had a fun time with Jamie's kids. At first they were "Elijah's friends," but they soon became, "my friends."

We all met up back at home yesterday afternoon, cleaned out the cars, and spent the evening relaxing.  After church today the kids and I went to Brian's parent's house for dinner, then he joined us when he was done with his church responsibilities.  Aunt Karen made yummy enchiladas, and I burned one of the pans of corn bread muffins.  The were pretty crispy on the outside, but they were still moist and fluffy on the inside.  Over all, it was a good dinner.

As we were getting the kids in the car, Diane was telling me that Grandpa Jacks is not doing very well at all and that things might get bad enough to affect the family reunion next week.  She was trying to be discreet with her words in front of the kids, but Alyssa caught onto the bit about altering the family reunion, and she asked me about it as we were driving home.

The kids and I talked about how old Grandpa is and how he's been sick for a very long time.  We talked about the Premortal world, coming to Earth to gain bodies, and then leaving our bodies to go to Heaven.  (Imagine me holding up my hand as I'm driving and saying, "Now, pretend there's a glove on my hand...")  We talked about who is waiting in Heaven and must be excited to see Grandpa Jacks again.  Alyssa caught on real quick and said, "Great Grandma Jacks!" but we also talked about his parents and other family members.  Then we talked for a bit about things we remember about Grandpa Jacks from before he started getting Alzheimer's.  Ethan said, "He is so nice to us," and at that moment I could feel the love our Heavenly Father has for us, and how much He must love Grandpa.  I am thankful to my Heavenly Father for helping us to feel His spirit in those teaching moments - I hope my kids felt it, too!  I am also thankful that my kids only have good memories of their great grandpa, and that he's always been happy and optimistic every time we've visited with him.  I don't remember any of my great grandparents, and I'm so glad that my kids have been able to spend so much time with Grandpa Jacks, Grandma Orton, Grandma Yeats, and Grandma Harris.  I really feel that it is a blessing to their lives to have been able to feel loved by their elder relatives.