July 29th~ Remembering "Uncle Todd"

So, two years ago on July 29th, I was coming home from the hospital after having foot surgery. Our home had just been literally lifted and moved to its new location, and we were pulling up in the driveway. There were 3 movers at our house putting Grant's trampoline together. I was attempting to get out of the car when Scott received a phone call from his father.
The news was that Todd and some of his fellow coaches were in a car accident. We were given the impression that it was not serious, but Scott and I decided to make the trip to Ozark and check things out for ourselves. Grant was still buckled up in his car seat, so off we went.
Well, after a long, blurry day that seemed to be in slow motion, one of the most important people in our lives was no longer here. It was a tragic day.
I remember the last time I saw Todd. He came to my hospital room and brought me a plant, which I am sure Alisa purchased:). He was addimate that Grant was not staying with us in that small hospital room. Grant had never spent the night away from us, but he went with his Uncle Todd and was so excited. I am so thankful that Grant got to spend that time with him.
Todd was the best brother-in-law a person could ask for. He always hugged my neck~every time I saw him. You would have thought we lived miles apart, but he always got a hug from us-especially from Grant. Some of my best memories are of how Todd loved my son. He would come and get him and take him for a ride on the four-wheeler, let him play with all of the buttons and gadgets in his truck while he talked to Scott about football in the driveway-and when Grant did not want to get out of the truck when the football discussion was over-Todd would ask if he could take him with him for a little while. He knew I was very protective of Grant and he promised he would not let anything happen to him. Then-off they went. Both with huge grins on their faces.
I look forward to seeing Todd again one day. I sure do miss him for now though. I can still hear his laugh in my head. I miss his voice and all of the small things. Please help us keep his memory alive.

Grant and Reagan

Grant and Reagan,
We love you more than words could ever express. You both are the reason we get up EVERY DAY! We live for the laughs that you give us each and every day. The one thousand questions, the fights between the two of you, The sleepless nights, the nightmare trips out to eat, the messes to clean up after dinner, the way you both interpret the world and how things work. Being your parents is what life is all about. Thank you for making our journey so much fun. We look forward to starting a new chapter in our lives with you both! Thanks for making it so exciting.

Couldn't leave these out!

So, I am about to print this blog into Grant and Reagan's first book. I wanted to make sure Grant's cute halloween costumes were included. First halloween was a cute little octopus. Second year was a cowboy~ I love those chaps! The third year was not so much fun. We have no photos to document his precious purple dragon with yellow spikes on his back. It was extremely hot. Grant just would not wear it. Then, year four is included in prior post. Reagan was the cute little lamb, and Grant was an army man!

Grant's first birthday

These are some poor quality pictures that must be included in our first blog "book". I did not want to leave little "G" out. I don't think Reagan and Grant look alike, but everyone else says they do.

Happy Birthday Reagan!

Well~ Our little girl is ONE! What a blessing she has been. So, we celebrated with friends and family at our house. There was an unexpected sprinkler portion of the party that the kids threw in! No one had swimsuits or anything. They had so much fun though. We managed to find everyone something dry to go home in. Thanks to my mom for all of her help. I could not have done it without her. Scott cleaned the entire house~including toilets~so I could gather all of the things for the party. THANKS TO DADDY!
The cake was so cute. Mr. Billy Rich made it for us. It was delicious. As a "party favor" the kids got a trip to the candy store. We had a candy bar of some of Reagan's favorites~CHOCOLATE! Thanks again to everyone for helping us celebrate Reagan's big day.

Get up and Go Go~ NOOOOOOO!

Okay, So Reagan loves the "Fresh Beat Band" on Nick Jr. They were singing their song Get up and Go Go and all was well. Then, HOW DARE THEM! Can't a girl enjoy a snack and watch her favorite show after a nap? Who has time for a commercial break? MELT~DOWN! Oh my, there is such a big difference between boys and girls!

Taking it all in!

Reagan loves her brother. Grant has had no trouble teaching her everything he knows. In the post below, he has been giving her a gymnastics lesson. Reagan also enjoys pushing her baby stroller that MeMe Honey gave her. Grant demonstrated/taught her how to push it after some very loud screaming trying to take it from Reagan. All of these life lessons obviously wore Grant out. He needed some rest! They are just the sweetest little things.

Sister Has HAD IT ! !

So, Scott knew I was tired and when Reagan woke up at 7:00 this morning, he volunteered to watch her so I could get a little more rest. Note~ he had been kicked out of our room for snoring at about 3:00am. So, when I just could not go back to sleep after about 15 min, I came back up to the den.
Reagan was on her own! I don't know if the last picture of frustration was from his snoring or from him not playing with her. She had carefully stacked several toys for him to choose from. There was a small round flashlight that she thought would be his favorite~among other toys. I think she got the point he was not interested.
She has obviously seen ME make this "pose" several times.

Sweet Brother!!

Grant never missed a beat when Reagan ran across the grass to meet him on his motorcycle. He asked me to put her on, and he took her for a "slow, cautious" ride. He is so sweet to her~Most of the time.

Breaking News!! (Not Really)

After meeting and having a little breakfast, which Reagan is so graciously displaying in the photos, Grant and Reagan have decided to move the date of her birthday party. The new date is on her actual birthday~July 22nd. Now, I know that this means a lot of family will be unable to attend, but Scott must be there and if we don't move the date, he won't be able to make the Saturday party.
You KNOW coaching had something to do with this. We don't mind though. It is just a little change. We will gladly have little miss priss another party for all of our "out of town" guest. So, if you can't come on Thursday~July22nd, have no fear~We will schedule a fun, festive, out to eat meal where the restaurant sings to the birthday guest. I would love to have them sing to ALYSSA and REAGAN.
Thanks for being understanding.
Now you may resume your normal activities. We are sorry we had to interrupt your program for this "breaking news report"!!!!!