The end of March we had a fabulous trip to California, to visit family there. We generally like to make a spring trip to visit Gordon’s parents and we were also able to attend our nephew Kimball’s baptism. Some of the highlights of the trip were playing with Grammy & Papa, going to the zoo, playing golf (a card game – not the sport), seeing our children play with their cousins, and participating in the baptism. Gordon had a wonderful time helping his parent’s pick out their new plasma TV and setting it up; it really looks wonderful. We also went to the largest playground structure in America
which was really fun. The kids had a wonderful time playing with their cousins and Grammy & Papa there. Gordon and I thought it would be fun to go for a bike ride, but we didn’t last that long because their were way too many hills – we like our flat neighborhood. All in all it was a wonderful trip full of highlights and many relaxing moments.This month we had an unwelcome visitor come to our house; it was the Rhoda Virus. For those who don’t know what that is, it is diarrhea and vomiting for about ten days. We all came down with it one Friday night, and I thought “this can’t be that bad, it’s probably a 24 hr bug.” Well, it was for me and Gordon but not for the kids. Just when I thought our 24hrs were up, it all came back again and kept going. I cried that night, as I was cleaning more messes up because you might remember 6 months back when we had the parasite (which it was like all over again); I felt that I shouldn’t have to go through this again. I know that was a poor attitude to have, but I was sleep deprived and cleaning up unpleasant messes. Well, we got through it after 9 days, and hopefully we won’t have to repeat the unpleasantness in the future.
Audrey is officially 18 months old and in nursery; Gordon excited to attend Sunday school and priesthood again! She did well her first time. At first she just stood by Gordon, then she ventured out and got a toy and brought it back to him, and then when she started playing he left. Their were some tears shed when she realized Gordon was gone, but they were minimal. At her 18th month doctor’s apt. we found out that she weighs 21 lbs. 15 oz – 16%, is 31.2 inches tall – 35%, and her head is 45cm – 13%. So, we are still on the small side. She probably actually weighs more, but she was weighed in the middle of having the Rhoda Virus.
Audrey is in love with her Daddy right now, and is constantly asking him for a ride. She says, “I wan a ride”
to him all the time; it is very cute. She has also come up with her own way to say Talmage; she says “Almie.” It is the easiest letters to pronounce with the ie sound on the end because that is what she says for mom and dad. It is so cute to hear her call for him. Her newest animal sound is an elephant. She is also saying “one, two,” because she is hearing Talmage count. The way she pronounces apple is “elpple” sometimes it even sounds like “elmo.” Learning to talk is so much fun. One of my favorite things that she does is when you ask her if something is yummy instead of saying “uh ha” like she does with everything else, she smacks her lips together several time.Talmage has decided that he likes to whistle. However, his whistle is not
a whistle it is him making high pitched sounds with his voice while having his lips look like he is whistling. He also likes to talk about when he gets older; here are some of the things he has told me. “Mom, when I get older I’m going to be a Daddy and have family night just like my dad.”, and “Mom, when I get older I’m going to have four kids” The things he tells me are so cute, and hopefully he’ll be able to find a wife that wants four children as well.When we were in California we went to church and Talmage went to Primary. Well, they were going to sing “Called to Serve” and Talmage raised his hand and when called upon he stated, “My Daddy went to the Toronto Canada Mission.” Then the chorister had Talmage turn around and he told the whole Primary where Gordon went on his mission. He didn’t know anyone in the primary, but he wanted to share how proud he was of his dad – so cute.
For Easter Talmage received a Lightning McQueen helmet with knee and elbow pads. He was so excited about them and for many days after he would wear all of the pieces wherever we would go. Audrey got a Jessie doll (from Toy Story 2), and played with it for a minute before she through it down; it was quiet funny. However, she really likes it and says “yee haw” when she plays with her.
Easter was wonderful for me. I had Sharing Time in Primary and I asked different people to come and represent people who saw Christ after he was resurrected, and share the joy they felt when they saw him. So, I had a Mary Magdalen, Peter & John, a disciple, Thomas, and a Nephite. I dressed all of the people up and it was really spiritual sharing time, and a neat way to look at the Resurrection of Christ.
Gordon and I have signed up for some community classes, which we are excited about. Gordon is taking a fencing class and I’m taking a yoga class. So, we each have a night to get some exercise and have some personal time.
Well, that’s it for the month.
Love, The Thomas’
