Going back in the year...our visit to Grampa's house in January!

While Spence was in Cambodia,

Emmie, Thane and I went to NY to visit Dad. We had a great time with Grampa even in the cold weather( less than 10 degrees). Emmie went on daily walks with Grampa and Ace. We also got to read stories, scriptures, dance and sing songs with Grampa. He was a really fun Grampa for Emmie and Thane--this was an extraordinary trip.

We played outside when we could and we made up games to play inside. Grampa even played SORRY and Memory with us. One of the best parts was also getting to see the Giles. Karyn, Andre, Nan, Andy, Logan and Jacob taught Emmie how to ride down the driveway on a bike in the snow...Daredevils??!..and how to take a hard hit and then shake it off. We love being with family and loved being together in NY while Daddy Spence was gone. It made missing him on the other side of the world a little easier.

The times when we were outside sledding it warmed up to a balmy 13-15 degrees, hence all the pictures are of totally covered children. We loved working on wood, playing in the snow & getting warm afterwards making yummy varieties of lemon treats. I also enjoying going to the temple with Dad and Karyn in a session, and doing family sealings for Great Aunt Ruth and others. We ate well, worked hard and played late every night.

We hope to plan another trip to Grampa's house soon. I think I am feeling brave enough to fare the long journey again but it is a long way. I love my Dad and love that my kids love him and know him. Emmie asked me yesterday if we could have him come over for family night. I told her we could invite him but he probably wouldn't make it since it takes at least two planes to get to our house. Wouldn't that be great if we could just staple the states together and visit across the country that fast?