Front Runner

I've never been on the front runner, the train that goes from Ogden down to Provo. So my visiting teacher came with me. We had a blast! We stopped at Farmington Station and ate lunch and went shopping (and by shopping I mean I knew H&M had some shirts I wanted so we were in and out in about 15 minutes). We had to cross the bridge to get back to the train station and as we were getting off the elevator the train was whizzing by us, leaving the station. So we hung out for an hour to wait for the next one. We enjoyed the beautiful weather and our adorable kids. Ace is probably the sweetest kid I know.

 Ace is 4. His little brother Zac (who would have been 3 this year) passed away less than a month ago from a rare disease Gangliosidosis (GM1). We were on the train headed back up to Ogden and Ace told me matter-of-factly that his brother had died. I asked him a few questions about his brother and told him that we miss him alot. Then Ace told us how much fun he and Zac had at the trampoline park. (which they went to the weekend after Zac's funeral.) Melissa told Ace that Zac had already died when they went to the trampoline park, but Ace was adamant that Zac was there with him. Which both Melissa and I whole heartedly believe. The veil is so thin. Our loved ones are not far away. The faith of the Horspool family has been such a strength to me. Melissa is doing so well and I'm sure much of that strength comes from knowing that families can be together forever and she will once again see Zac.

Love, Aubrey

Sam the Weed

Sam is growing like a weed. Probably faster. And cuter.

She has started this thing where she will drum on her leg. My little drummer girl. :)

In the 3rd video she was reaching for my phone to eat it.

Love, Aubrey

Family Photo

While we were in Idaho last month Taylin took some photos for us. I was looking through all the photos of the recent past and there aren't many that have all 3 of us. Though they are not professionally photographed, I love them.

It's always nice to see Taylin while we are in Idaho. Funny story: We drove up to Idaho to Josh's parent's house on Saturday night. Taylin was at Nana's on Saturday and just came straight to Kathy and Rulan's from there. So she had church clothes because she takes her laundry to Nana's to wash for the week. But she didn't pack any church shoes, and she was wearing tennis shoes. All I brought were my church sandals since it was a quick trip. But I wore that long skirt so I went to church in my socks and let Taylin wear my sandals. No one even noticed, except Josh, who didn't even notice until at least half way through church. He just laughed. :)

Love, Aubrey 

Georgia: Just Kidding, Idaho's Turn

For the last 4 months (which has felt like an eternity all in itself) Josh has done little else but work and come home, eat dinner, go to bed, and get up early the next morning and start all over. Burnout is a real thing, and he's endured it with a positivity that is unbeatable. We decided that we'd take a weekend trip to Idaho. Tee Contravo came back from her 18 month mission to California and after spending a few months in New Jersey she flew to SLC and we drove her up to Rexburg to start the spring semester.

After beating Tee at a game of memory and once Josh got home we loaded up the car and headed north. Though it was a short trip (we left Saturday evening and came home Sunday evening) it was a very much needed trip. Josh is an Idaho boy through and through, so to breathe the Idaho air and drink the Idaho water and see the Idaho mountains was like fresh blood through his veins. A pick-me-up to get through the last month of nonstop work.

Love, Aubrey

Georgia: Random Leftover Pictures

Enjoy!

Thanks y'all, for everything! Sam and I had a really good time.

Love, Aubrey

Georgia: Saying Goodbye

It was a long 17 days in the sense of being away from my better half. I missed him alot. ALOT. Even though we were able to talk on the phone and text back and forth it seemed like an eternity that I was away from him. Good thing for Facetime.

It was a VERY short 17 days in the sense of spending time with my family. I don't like goodbyes, and they surely don't ever get any easier. I will treasure the memories I've made these last 17 days for the rest of my life. People often ask me if I think we'll ever move to Georgia. I don't think we will. I've always seen myself living out west. BUT, that does not diminish my love for the south. I have a special place in my heart for Georgia, the place of my childhood. My oh so sweet childhood. When I think back on my growing up years living at WL Williams Road they are happy thoughts. Sometimes so happy they bring me to tears, for I was very fortunate to have a simple, easy going, richly blessed childhood. With parents who loved us with an exceptionally large (and often undeserved) amount of love. And a house full of sisters that I have become close friends with.

So every time I leave that driveway- the Ford Ranger infested driveway, the driveway I use to ride my bike up and down, the driveway we played basketball and around-the-world in, the driveway I'd park in after a long day of seminary, school, and soccer, the driveway we use to leave all our toys strewn upon, the driveway that leads up to the place I will always call home- every time I leave that driveway I send a prayer heaven ward full of thanks for all the good times I've had in my little southern childhood home.

 
Love, Aubrey

Georgia: Larisa

I was able to hang out with Larisa the first week I was there. We were going through old books and found a packet with Family Home Evening outlines in it from when we were in primary. That was fun to go through and remember our growing up days, when life was simple. :) She treated me to lunch and Sam to some cute clothes from The Children's Place.

She also invited the family over for dinner at the Hunts. It was quite delicious. And fun. We all enjoyed ourselves with good food and good company.

I didn't get any pictures with her, but these were taken at her house.

Love, Aubrey

Georgia: Soccer Game

I got to go to Anneka's soccer game. It feels like yesterday I was in high school playing soccer with my #14 jersey. So that was fun and reminiscent to go see. Shelby and Brynna's soccer game was cancelled due to the rain...bummer.

 Sam's first ever soccer game. Hopefully of many. :)

Love, Aubrey

Georgia: Grandma Alice

We visited with our great Grandmother Alice. She has one of the most giving hearts of all people I know. Her kindness has richly blessed my life in more ways then she will ever know. I count it a tender mercy from God that we are family.

She is in her 90's and doing well for that age. She doesn't remember people as well, and doesn't carry conversations like she once could, but it was nonetheless a joyful visit. Aging is something no one will escape, and she has embraced it gracefully.

She commented on how angelic Sam was and how warm her hands were. :)

Love, Aubrey