Thursday, April 20, 2023

Spring Break Part 1

The first half of our spring break was spent with all the Pettingill's. Kimball's favorite part was getting to play catch with Grandpa. Grandpa even went down to the DI to buy Kimball a well used mitt and showed him how to oil it and make a deep pocket. By the end of the week Grandpa got out his scrapbook to show the grandkids all of his baseball awards and pictures. Kimball really treasured this bonding time with him. We went swimming at the covered city pool where Cora and Ezra were brave enough to go down the small waterslides for the first time by themselves. They thought they were pretty big stuff after that and it's certainly rewarding to watch them conquer fears and grow in confidence. 

We visited Sally and Garth and Jacob's family to catch up since Jacob's diagnosis with cancer. He's feeling quite good and his spirits are high which is a huge blessing. All the Pettingill cousins had a sleepover at grandma's where Dad gave a short Easter message.














Later in the evening we gathered for a grandchildren picture (all were there except Charity) and broke open all 5 pinata's that Valerie made. The kids sure had a grand time and Valerie did a great job. Besides candy there were gift cards to restaurants, coins, dollar bills, and coupons.

















Christine, LOL!!!
In the morning Charity received her endowment in the Twin Falls temple. I was so excited to go and even more excited to learn of the few changes they made to the endowment session, I can't wait to go back to keep learning. 

I was particularly touched in the celestial room to see family congratulate Charity. As I hugged her and made my way around the room, I saw Brad in the corner bawling and embracing Mom. My heart ached for him. It really hit hard hat his wife has chosen not to be a forever family or participate in the blessings of the temple. He was a sobbing mess, realizing yet again, that he has a broken family and no wife to love him. I walked over and hugged him hard while he sobbed. One by one my siblings joined in for a group hug around Brad. That moment was PRICELESS!!! There was 4 out of the 7 siblings and then Mom and Dad joined in the group hug. I was cyring so hard and felt so much love and support in that circle. Mind you, Pettingill's don't show emotion no less affection so this was a super special moment. It has also been many years since I've gone to the temple with my own family.









After Charity's endowment, we all went to Mom's house for Easter dinner and an egg hunt. ALL OF THE SIBLINGS WERE THERE!!!!! That hasn't happened in so many years! And all of the grandkids were there! It was such a great family day and I wish I had words to describe how I felt - fulfilled, peaceful, supported, super grateful, cared for, loved, gentleness, joy, laughter, etc. Magic. It was magical!




My sweet Easter bunnies Sunday morning!

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