Letters for My Girls: Goodbye Grandpa and the Big Move(s)

Mary and Esther,

So many things have happened in our little family since I last wrote. For starters, you two have changed a ton! You can both sit up by yourselves, and you enjoy sitting on the floor surrounded by as many toys as possible. You both want whatever your sister is playing with and often find away to sneak toys (Mary's favorite) or binkys (Esther's favorite) away from each other. Mary has started crawling and can get pretty much anywhere in the house, especially if there is something to get that you shouldn't have (like iphones or switchers or shoes). Mary has also discovered how to bounce in the jumperoo and considers jumping to be a very serious business. You will just jump and jump and jump til your hearts content--often with a very serious look on your face. Esther, on your seven month birthday, decided that you will no longer use mommy's favorite baby food bottles (which are a total lifesaver by the way). You will only eat baby food if you can eat it with a spoon, sitting up by yourself on the floor, and, of course, with a toy to get baby food all over. I don't know why you decided that this is what you want, but trust me there is no convincing you that the bottles are quicker, cleaner, and more convenient. :) Funny girl! For now Mary is energetic and adventurous (you explore everything you can and you especially enjoy anything electronic), and Esther is ever curious and very studious (you will sit and look at a toy or a necklace for a very long time taking in every detail).

At the end of March we left our home of nearly three years (yes, mommy the sentimentalist cried when I left our first family home for the last time) and moved to a new apartment. This was an exciting adventure and we had lots of help from wonderful friends and family. Unfortunately, Mommy made some seriously rookie mistakes, and we are now living in an apartment that reeks of pet accidents. Honestly, I think petco smells better than this place. So, we will be moving once again this week, but I am super excited about it because we will be living in a beautiful (much, much nicer) apartment. I will post pictures in my next letter. Hopefully, the second move will have a happier outcome than the first. I don't think it could be much worse.

Something especially sad and hard happened over this last month as well. Mommy's Grandpa, your Great-Grandpa Hansen, passed away just a few days after we moved into our new apartment. This was a great loss for our family. I so wish I could've taken you two down to meet him in person. You would have brought such a smile to his face. He loved to look at pictures of you, and he always loved to hear stories about what you were up to. I know you were in his thoughts and prayers often. He loved you very much. He was a very special person in my life. I learned many things from my Grandpa, and I hope that I will be able to share some of his life and goodness with you. He was truly one of my greatest heroes. I will miss him dearly. Be sure I tell you all about wallapaloozas, wingy dingys, the red Nissan truck, Willow Park, and Old Chief Kick-in-the-pants if I haven't yet. I know he and Grandma will be watching over us. I want you to know that I know that we can be with Grandpa and Grandma and all of our family again someday. We have the blessing of an eternal family. We will always be together. Although we are apart for a brief time in this life, we will be together again and will never be separated from one another. I am so grateful to know that because our Savior lived and died for us that all of this is possible. Please know how much Grandpa Hansen loved and treasured you both.

We made our first trip as a family of four to go to Grandpa's funeral in St. George. We survived the drive (although Mommy just about ran out of songs to sing and entertaining things to do), and you were the hit of the gas station in Beaver. Everyone fussed and fussed over you. You slept well in your pack n' play cribs after some convincing. You got to see Uncle Johnny and Auntie Sara again, and best of all you got to meet Uncle Andy for the first time! We didn't get to spend a lot of time together, but it was great to see them anyway. You also got to meet lots of Mommy's cousins and family. They all thought you were just adorable. It was great to get to be with everyone.

We've started going to a new ward. We are in a traditional family ward now, which is kind of strange for Mommy and Daddy because we have been in a married student ward for the whole time we've been married. We miss our old Bishop and his wife and all of our wonderful friends in the 24th ward. I think they should all move with us, but this new ward (the Timpview 10th ward) will be great too. Lots of new friends to make. Speaking of church, it's just about time to get you up, fed, dressed, and ready for church! I love you very much! You are such beautiful blessings in my life and have taught me so much. Thanks for all the giggles, hugs, and kisses!

All my love,

Mommy

P.S. Here are a few cute pictures of you two since my last letter.