Ekins Express

Visit with Hattie and Grandpa Ray

Hattie is my Great Grandma, mother to my Grandpa Ray, and the name Heather gave to her little girl. My mom and I spent some time this last week in Idaho with one of the newest members of our family. (My sister Michele also had a little girl on the VERY SAME DAY as Heather. You can check out her blog at http://www.sixgreatlakes.blogspot.com/). Hattie is only one week old in the picture below. Can you believe I forgot my camera? These pictures are actually from my mom's blog! Hattie is so cute and sweet. We had fun holding her, smelling her, staring at her, watching Grandma give her baths, and even listening to her sweet cry for Mama's milk. Abby loved her, just like I guessed. She was even good to not touch her face, though she wanted to very much.

We even decided to spend a night in Rexburg with Grandpa Ray, Abby's Great Grandpa. Even though Grandpa had a lot on his mind, he and Abby bonded instantly. That alone was worth the trip to Rexburg. So sweet to observe them together. We had fun listening to Grandpa speak about Grandma and the wonderful memories he has of her. And when the music came on the TV, Abby of course started to dance. I was on the phone with Matt and he said that Lola (Grandma) probably taught Abby how to dance in Heaven. (Grandma was known in high school for her dancing ability). Grandpa thought that was pretty neat. On Saturday morning, Denise made everyone an incredible breakfast! Wow, that woman can cook. Mom, Abby, and I then hung out with Denise and Annie for a few hours while Grandpa and Blair took off for the BYU football game. Thanks for making us feel so at home! We did a little picture-hanging and card-playing.

It was fun to just hang out with Mom, or Grandma Joyce for the week. Thanks for driving us everywhere and taking such good care of us, Mom! I'm grateful that Abby can have one-on-one time with her Grandma. I have fond memories of spending time with Grandma Lola while I attended Ricks College. She would pick me up from my dorm and take me grocery shopping and then we would get a bite to eat. Her favorite places were Me-n-Stans and Taco Bell. And her favorite drink was Mountain Dew - probably her only weakness if it is a weakness. :)

I also got to spend some time with friends Lou, Sigrid, and Andrea. Thanks everyone for taking the time to just hang out. Fun week... I'll remember my camera next time. :(