Vance's in Vancouver

Two weeks ago (Aug. 22) Ondalynn and her 4 children arrived from Maryland to make the big move to Vancouver, Washington. Julia spent 3 weeks with them, helping them pack and move. What a blessing to the Vance's to have her help. We loved having them stay with us until they belongings arrived. Sydney and Julia were all smiles to finally arrive after a long day of travel.

Bryson loved playing baseball with Grandpa. He is natural athlete!

Isaac, nine months adored his Grandpa Lewis. He would get so excited when he walked in the room and he would reach out for him while even in his Mommy's arms. So cute!

My visiting teacher, Sue Roake, invited the children to come to her place to lead the ponies out to pasture, feed the chickens, gather eggs, and harvest vegetables from her yard. Sydney especially loved the horses.

They had a terrific time! It was a beautiful sunny day in Oregon. Julia had the more gentle pony.

Ondalynn helped Bryson with the baby pony who was full of energy!

Bryson, who loves playing like a fireman, really enjoyed filling the containers of water for the chickens.

Ondalynn shared with her children how she remembered gathering eggs from our chickens in the backyard in Phoenix.

After shopping at the Farmer's Market in Gresham with the Caudle's, the children had lots of fun on the slip 'n slid that they brought for everyone to enjoy.

So much fun being with cousins, Sydney, Julia, Clark, Bryson and Daisy all line up to take their turn.

Gary arrived Friday evening, a day earlier than planned, so he could get out before the Hurricane was expected to hit the east coast. It was a good thing he did, as the airport was soon shut down. His brother, Richard, and wife Julienne and darling children stopped by for a visit and Sunday dinner before returning back to Roseburg. What a treat for the Vance's to have both sides of the family close by.

Bryson and Grandma built houses, read stories, and played together while Mommy Ondalynn was busy. I love being Grandma! We also had a fun afternoon feeding the ducks, along with Julia and playing in the park. The Caudle's and Vance's got together for an afternoon at a play area with water fountains. Another fun time was picking blackberries on the trail. Aunt Julia made a delicious cobbler!

Sydney nervously started school on Wed., Aug. 29th, but by Friday when Julia started her first day of Kindergarten, she was over the first day jitters, and making new friends. These two sisters love being "sisters!" It's fun to see them looking out for each other. They will enjoy riding the bus together.

Gary was able to get off work early for the Labor Day weekend. We all went to meet the bus for Julia's first day at school. The crates with all their belongings arrived that day. Dad, Julia and Brett arrived by late afternoon to help unload, some men from the ward and two workers that were hired had everything unloaded in record time. They went to work assembling the beds, put up shelving in the garage and we helped get the kitchen items all put away. With everyone working together, it was amazing to see organization take place so quickly. They have a beautiful home! The neighborhood is filled with young children, and many came over to introduce themselves and offer to help. We are so happy for the set up they have. I won't include a picture yet, as I'll let Ondalynn do her update first. 

We love the fact they the Vance's are just 30 minutes away and the Caudle's just 20 mins. away! This was our first gathering for the BYU game against Ole Mississippi with BYU winning it in the end 14-13! What a game! Brett brought over his large computer screen and he connected it to the computer. It was great reception. So fun!

I appreciate Dad for working hard and keeping our business going while I was helping Ondalynn with the children, meals, shopping, etc.

We were very grateful we had a good month in August and earned an I Pad 2 for doing what's called a Dr. Ted Award (over $16,000 in sales for the month). They were having a special promotion and we were thankful that things came together for us this past month.