MaeLyn's Musings

My mom and dad, who have been living in Nauvoo, IL for the last six months, and my sister Heidi, who just returned home from a mission in the Philippines, stayed the night with us last night. We loved having them here with us! As usual, the boys were watching for their arrival yesterday afternoon, and dashed out as soon as they saw the car pull up. (Two of them anyway. John was involved in a book.) Also as usual when we have company, the energy level was high for the next several hours. Stuffed animals materialized out of nowhere and started flying across the room. There was wrestling and tickling, laughing and screeching. There was music and conversation. After dinner, we all gathered for Family Home Evening. Everyone joined in the singing as John played We Thank Thee O God for a Prophet on the piano. We listened to Joshua's prayer and my scripture. I think my parents watched in a bit of bemusement as, during Hannah's lesson, my children drew, and then acted out portions of...

My parents finally made it here around 2:30 yesterday afternoon, (only about 26 hours after they had originally planned to be here...) and we loved having them here! The kids did their best to keep them entertained. Hannah played her viola for them. John played the piano and let them help him with his puzzle a little. Josh cuddled up in a blanket next to them and enjoyed their company. Peter told them jokes and drew pictures for them. We had scouts and young women that we had to go to last night, so we ended up leaving Peter alone with Grandma and Grandpa for a couple hours. He loved that! They watched a movie and I think Grandma let him play on her ipad for a little while  (a novelty, since no one in our home owns a touch screen device.) This morning mom and dad got up early and left here at 7am on their way to one of my sisters home in Missouri,  the next stop on their trip to Nauvoo. It was a super quick visit, but it was wonderful to catch up with them! Peter like...

I got to see "Wicked" last night with Steven, Lindy and Thom. I had been concerned about having a babysitter, but April received clearance from her doctor and was able to come up. She had a few contractions, but hasn't gone into labor yet. I'm so grateful that she was willing and able to come and watch the kids for me. It was exciting to dress up, drive down town, and walk down the 16th street mall for the very first time. It was fun to see the bicycle - pulled carriages, and a horse drawn carriage along with the shuttle that provides transportation up and down the street. We had dinner at Chili's, and the food was good, and the conversation was fun. For dessert I had a shot glass sized key lime pie, that was really good, but it was frozen, which made it difficult to eat. After dinner we hurried to the theater where Wicked was being performed. Lindy and Thom had seats on the orchestra level, and Steven and I had seats up in the balcony. I didn't know much ...