Conference 09...Day Four...Rain, Cousins and Puppies

We woke up to pouring rain on Sunday morning. The skies looked pretty dreadful. Just the same, we pressed forward.

Stalwarts, braving the elements for their faith!

The session was fabulous! What a treat. Can't wait to read some of those messages again in the Ensign. Another General Conference came and went too quickly. What a blessing it is to have the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the wonderful leaders of His Church.


The rain had let up a bit as we walked back to the hotel...which brought out these troublemakers. I tell ya...those protesters get worse every year. Anyway, we rushed so that we could get up to Grandpa's house and Sunday dinner...and the most important attraction...



Baylee!

(We sent her this Super Girl scarf while she was undergoing her chemo.)

We were so excited that Jimmy and Shellie and family could join us at Grandpa's. Last year at this time, Baylee had just started aggressive, daily chemo and radiation for brain cancer. By Christmas time, we nearly lost her. But Baylee is a fighter, albeit a kind, happy, sweetheart of a fighter! It was SO good to see her like this. Her hair is growing back, her scans are stable...and the family is headed to Disney World courtesy of Make A Wish! The best part about that is...it means she's healthy enough to make the trip...they had to get the Dr's permission for her to travel. She is still having problems with nerve damage, so she's either in her wheel chair or crawling, but she is making more progress all the time.


The second best thing about Grandpa's house? PUPPIES!!


Cassidy, Grandpa's soft-coated wheaten terrier, had SIX beautiful puppies just 3 weeks before our arrival. Five boys and one girl. Goatee (pictured with Coree above) is Coree's favorite. She was in dog heaven!



Is there anything cuter than puppy dreams? I didn't think so.



We brought lots of Japanese presents for everyone, including these super hero masks. The character names are priceless. I believe Baylee is being Glamorous Pink and Alden is Gentle Green. Our kids always argue over who gets to be Narcissistic Blue.


LOVE my brother Jimmy and his family.


Cassidy just checkin' on her pups. She's such a good mommy.


Is there anything more serene in the world than a pile of sleeping puppies? Cliff doesn't think so.



Grandma Garrie and Aunt Erin cheesin' for the camera


Jake and Alden had a great time with Jake's new RC vehicle


"Hop in...where are you headed, Sumo buddy?"



Coree (the dog whisperer) with her favorite Goatee


Beautiful cousins!

We had a lovely visit and the time went too quickly. Cliff and I had to leave at a reasonable hour so that we could get up for Chaplains' Conference in the morning. Unfortunately, our Church doesn't believe in "Boondoggles" so things were kicking off bright and early. The kids were excited to be staying, though. Grandparents, cousins and puppies...who needs parents?!