ARIA, OUR 18TH GRANDCHILD, JOINS OUR FAMILY THIS MONTH

After months of anticipation, Aria ReAnn Millar was welcomed into our family. She was born January 9, 2016.  This darling little girl of Todd and Kailee's is our 18th grandchild (115 of my Dad's posterity) and has brought so much joy into our hearts. We got a text Saturday morning stating that Kailee's water had broken at 6 am and that she and Todd were at the hospital. We were kept posted through out the day but things progressed very slowly so, in the evening, we went ahead and attended a BYU basketball game, keeping our phones real close in case Aria was born during that time. The game ended at 9:00 pm and Aria still had not arrived. We decided to go to the hospital to check in on everyone. Thinking they were at the new hospital in Lehi, that is where we went first only to realize they were at the American Fork hospital instead. Our arrival at the hospital was delayed by another 15 minutes but we were still in time for Aria's birth. Finally at 11:57, after 18 hours, Aria decided to make her appearance into this world. We were so grateful that we were welcome to stay in the room throughout the birth process.  It was quite an amazing thing to watch, although Paul (and Todd) had his head buried in the pillow the whole time. This is the first birth of a grandchild of which we have been a part. Kailee's sister and mom and dad were also in the room with us. 

Of course, we were back at the hospital as soon as we could get there the next day after church. We were dying to hold little Aria and check in on the new parents. Todd and Kailee seemed like taking care of a newborn was a natural thing to them. They will make such good parents

The bread sticks were for Kailee
as she was also craving carbs.

Kailee and baby were released from the hospital on Monday and on Tuesday, Paul and I took dinner into them. Kailee was craving lime chicken burritos so that is what I made. Todd made salsa for chips and guacamole for vegetables so, together, we put on a great meal. I held Aria every spare minute I could. Jon and Mindy and their whole family dropped by to see baby Aria and shared dessert with us. We hated to leave as we knew it would be all the way until Sunday til we could hold Aria again.  

A professional photo taken at just a week old

This is not a picture taken the night of our dinner
together but pulled from Facebook of
 four special missionaries
Sister Taylor, Elder Folkman, Sister Shepherd
and Elder Hoffman

Another fun thing that happened this month was seeing two of our favorite sister missionaries, Sisters Shepherd (Gaelyn) and Taylor (RaeAnn). I noticed a post on facebook of Sister Shepherd who has just recently come to live in Utah with Sister Taylor. I commented on the post and asked when we were going to be able to see them. When I suggested we meet them at Pizza Pie Cafe on Thursday of that week, they jumped at the chance. We loved being with them. They both served together in our district for several month and Sister Shepherd was still in our district when we left Moscow. She is here working and waiting to find out why she felt so strongly that she needed to be in Utah at this time. Sister Taylor is working and waiting to see if she gets into a graduate study program at BYU this coming fall. We had such a delightful visit and all too soon it was time to say good bye so Paul and I wouldn't be late for a BYU basketball game.  

The new coach showing his
excitement for this upcoming
football season

Speaking of basketball, we attended two games in the last week of the month.  All the others games in the month were away games. Thankfully, the team won both their games this week which makes late games worth the trip down to Provo. Saturday's half time featured the new football coach and his new staff.  The reception from the students was exhilarating as they cheered each new coach who entered the arena. Most of the coaches, as well as the head coach, are former players for BYU and BYU alum including Ty Deitmer, a former quarterback and Heiselman trophy winner. We are pretty excited for this upcoming football season.

We finally went to an Empty Nester's dinner this month.  We had been unable to attend the last few of last year so it was good to be together again. It was held at the Heiner's home and was fun to visit with other couples from our ward. Mitch and Michelle Davis, our neighbors, were there so most of the conversation was about his film making career and a new film he and Parker are working on.  It will be a true story about a family dog which saved a marriage, a family, and a life.  We learned then that Michelle would be out of town for a couple of weeks so we had Mitch to our home for dinner on Thursday and Sunday of that week. We love our neighbors.  

And then it was on to anther month......