UPDATE

I know finally an update. These past months have been so busy and hectic. Now I am part time again in the afternoons, so I should have more time to update more often. Ya, I know I've said that before. Nothing wrong with being optimistic. ; ) So, what has been going on...?

Since Abi's birthday in May, I can't believe it has been that long, she has learned to walk!! It was the middle of June, so about 13 months. She had been standing quite a bit but started actually moving away from objects, It was so exciting to see my baby learn something new. Now I am trying to keep up with her. : )

So later in June, Ethan's dad got sick while he was out on the road. When things really got bad they took him to the hospital in Sidney, NE. He had a torn intestine that was leaking toxins into his body. They tried surgery but it had done too much damage. He died on June 25Th. Everything happened so quick. We were going to drive to Sidney as soon as we heard he was not doing well, but he passed before we left. We drove out anyway, which was good for Ethan and his family. We said our good-byes and then he was sent off to be cremated. We enjoyed some family togetherness, reminiscing about days with Morris. I can't believe he is gone. He was such a great guy. Always there to listen and always supported everyone in life. He will be missed greatly. We love you!! Morris Robert Duffel April 23 1948- June 25 2010

All of us with Julia & Morris's truck in Sidney, NE

After dealing with that we had the Relay to look forward to. It was at the USU track, which was so much better than the quad. We had made a bunch of crafts that we sold "raffle" tickets for to earn money to be donated. While there doing the walk... it was sooooo hot. It was bad. We had a lot of fun. And it was for a good cause. Looking forward to next year.

Abi and Dad hangin out at the Relay, trying to stay cool

Of course throughout the summer we had made several trips to Bear Lake. Abi was so much fun. She loved to play in the sand and she loved the water. When it was really cold she didn't want to be in it so she would play where the wave came up on the beach. Towards the middle to end of summer our weekends were cut short because Ruby had puppies again. We tried so hard to not let this happen, but they were both very determined. We had the puppies delivered by c-section and they also spade Ruby at the same time. So there will be NO more puppies. Just recently we had Roman fixed also. We are still trying to sell these puppies. It is so frustrating. I want them all gone.

Abi playing in the sand and water

Abi's first time on the boat- she loved it

Meanwhile, our house was being built, in Smithfield. There was a lot of headache and the process at times seemed real slow, but all in all they got it done pretty quick. We signed on Sept. 21 and started moving in.

August, like June was not a good month. I experienced an emotional and physical trial. Then later that month our family friends lost their daughter in a car accident. She was 15 years old. It was and is still so hard to believe. I hadn't seen much of Madison lately, but now I think about her everyday. I can't imagine how the Kimballs feel each day. My thoughts and prayers go out to them.

September we closed and moved into our house. It was such a relief. We are still moving things into the house. So in October, we took a trip to California. One to take Ethan's mom's motorhome to her current residence. And two to meet Ethan's grandparents ( Morris' parents) for the first time. It was fun. They were so nice, it was such a pleasure to meet them. We stayed with Seth's house, so it was good to spend time with them also. While we were there we went to Sea World and the beach. It was a lot of fun. I love Sea World. Abi loved the penguins. The rest she could take or leave, but the penguins excited her. I am sure she will love it in a few years. We got to the beach just as the sun was setting, so our stay wasn't long. On this trip I learned that I was a total control freak. In all fairness who wants to travel for 12+ hours to sit around and do nothing the whole time. Anyway, we survived and I was glad to be back.

Us with Ethans grandparents

Us at Sea World

Abi on the beach in San Diego

That brings us to Halloween. Abi was a witch. Her costume was a little big and she hated the hat, but she looked super cute. On Friday, we went to my moms work for a trick or treat thing in the afternoon and then later that night to Qwest for a trick or treat thing. It was lots of fun, by the end Abi knew how to grab for candy. On Saturday, we went up to my grandparents house in Idaho and showed off Abi. Later that day we went to Grandpa Ballards and Grandma Ballards house. Then off to my parents. We had pizza and watch Halloween movies. It was a lot of fun. My mom took Abi around the neighborhood to do some trick or treating. She made a haul over the two days. We are still eating Halloween candy.
Abi in her cute witch costume

Oh ya, earlier in October we got together to have family pictures taken. They turned out really cute. Abi is such a ham when she is the center of attention.

Our cute family picture

That brings us to current. It is just a few days before Thanksgiving. I am so excited. I love getting together as a family. This year both aunts and uncles are coming from out of state. I love this time of year. Everything about it. The family get together's, the shopping, the Christmas music, the decorations. Uhh I love it all. I can't wait to put up the decorations, hopefully there isn't too much snow on the roof. We are planning on cutting down a Christmas tree this year. I think it will be so fun. It will be such a great new tradition.

Well with more holidays and events approaching hopefully I will keep better updated. No guarantees. : ) Happy Thanksgiving! and a Merry Christmas, just in case.