Loved for 8 years...

There's something truly special about the bond we share with our grandson Grahm and all of our grandsons for that matter. It's the love we feel for each other-it's laughter, connection, and the countless special moments that mean the world. We love your silly jokes, your energy, and when you tell all us about a animal you like, or a video game you played, then those quiet hugs, time spent with you is a gift.

Lately you have been telling me about things you have learned, like about slavery and Thomas Jefferson. You asked me the other day how old he was when he died. You also tell me about times when you listened to the Spirit and it helped you make a good decision. In Primary the teacher asked why we have hard things happen in our lives and you replied, because it helps us learn things. You also told me that sometimes your friends say mean things and you are the nicest boy in the group. Grahm was telling his friends something, (I can't remember what is was about), but they said "so what." You said it doesn't matter if they didn't think it was interesting. 

Watching you grow these past eight years has been one of our greatest joys! You really are one of our favorite people on the planet. You are deeply loved and we are very proud of you. How did you get so big so fast?

I treasure our birthday dates and look forward to many more.

Grahm wanted sushi for his birthday date lunch. He likes the Dragon Roll with the tiny fish eggs on top. It is delicious. He also always wants to check on the fish at the restaurant.

I'm the shoe Grandma and we had fun shopping for just the right pair. Grahm chose these and I think they are so him.

We stopped by Harmon's for a birthday donut. 

Grahm still loves dinosaurs. He saw the latest installment of Jurassic Park. We went shopping and he chose a dinosaur that was in the movie. It's a Mosasaurus and he named it Mac.

Roar!

Chomper is small but mighty! Ha Ha.

Grahm wanted pizza and ravioli for dinner. He made pizza bites. They were a bit rustic but tasted good.

Grahm loved this small birthday cake. I sure hope his wish comes true.

After dinner and cake we played outside and few games, then watched a movie. 

Grahm always signs his name Mario. Too cute.

We always read books before bedtime. I love this sweet picture of Grahm.

Grahm wanted waffles for breakfast. He couldn't get enough of the peaches Chris brought home.

We played croquet, Bocce Ball, and threw hatchets. It was nice to be outside before it got too hot. It's been 90 degrees or more for days now.

We also played a few other games before it was time to go home. The time seems to go by way too fast. 

Happy 8th Birthday darling Grahm.

Grahm will be baptized soon and I couldn't resist this cute jacket that he could wear on his special day. He was excited it had a pocket inside, he said he always wanted one.

Loved for 8 years and counting!

My people...

There are people who smile every time they think of you.
There are people who look forward to seeing you.

There are people who find their days a little easier because you are in them. 

There are people who love you so much. 

The world is a better place because you exist.

Grown and Flown...

Christopher has been grown and flown for awhile now. I do miss him but I'm grateful he's home for a month or so. He's had many incredible adventures. He has embraced new opportunities and navigated many different countries and cultures. Chris has also met some interesting people.

Chris was impressed with Colby's card trick!

We have had many delicious meals and appreciate his amazing culinary skills and generosity!

I'm grateful for technology that allows us to maintain a close connection. I pray Chris will be protected and blessed with continued success and happiness.

ThrowBack Thursday ~ Faith in every footstep...

1997

Faith in every footstep for 30 miles with my niece Holley.

Honoring the pioneers... 

Divine markers...

"Our changing bodies are not flaws to erase, but divine markers of a journey toward eternity."

President Nelson has written of a “gift” that we’ve been given: “It is the blessing of aging, with visible reminders that we are mortal beings destined one day to leave this ‘frail existence.’” Our bodies change every day. As we grow older, our broad chests and narrow waists have a tendency to trade places. We get wrinkles, lose color in our hair—even the hair itself —to remind us that we are mortal children of God, with a “manufacturer’s guarantee” that we shall not be stranded upon the earth forever.”

Now, obviously, there’s nothing at all wrong with trying to remain healthy and fit as long as we can. (President Nelson himself provides a striking illustration of the benefits of healthy, active living.) But there can be no illusion: All physicians will die. Every athlete will eventually die. Death will come for the undertaker and the fitness trainer, too.

In a culture that sometimes seems to pretend that we will never die, that we will go on forever, it may be helpful to be reminded that our time on earth is limited and brief. In the words of a song that was popular in my youth, “We are but a moment’s sunlight, fading in the grass.”

Facing the Silence: Why is it So Difficult to Talk about Death?
Daniel C. Peterson · July 2025

ThrowBack Thursday ~ Cash and Colbs...

I love our walks around the temple grounds. I hope these two brothers and their Dad have a wonderful adventure in Alaska! 

It's the climb...

This park down the street from Mark and Tiff's home holds many happy memories for us. So many soccer games and walks to play at Fish Park with the Grands. We have brought the doggies here so they can run and play too. 

I've mentioned before that I park my car at Fish Park several times a year and go for a walk on the canyon road. The view of the mountains are always inspiring. 

Sometimes that climb back up seems challenging but other times I feel like nothing can stop me. Life has its up and downs also. "Problems form an important part of our lives. They are placed in our path for us to overcome them, not to be overcome by them. We must master them, not let them master us. Every time we overcome a challenge, we grow in experience, in self-assuredness, and in faith. When we push ourselves beyond our perceived capacity—that we discover within ourselves the courage, fortitude, and faith to continue the journey." As the Australian mountaineer Greg Child put it, “Somewhere between the bottom of the climb and the summit is the answer to the mystery of why we climb.”

Why Mountains? | Michael A. Dunn

October 2019 

It's not about the mountain, it's the climb.

Keep Climbing...

Fridays are my favorite... still!

Colby hadn't been to Nickelmania with us so we headed there for some Friday fun. He often is playing with friends so I was happy he could join us. I saw a couple of girls about Colby's age looking at him. They smiled and started talking. They couldn't see me but I saw them give Colby a double take. Here we go! And who couldn't resist that handsome face and dimples.

Look at all those prizes!

We had such a nice lunch at Kneaders. I love having time to just sit and talk with Colby, Grey, and Grahm.

Colby knows a few card tricks and always wants to learn more. He looked up some new tricks on the iPad and practiced. He showed us the new trick and did it perfectly!

Grahm and Grandpa often sit on the porch and talk. 

I always ask Colby to play some songs for me. He's still learning new songs and he's amazing.

I love Fridays and my grandsons so much!