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Update

While we were in UT we were able to go see a doctor for a second opinion in regards to Grant's lump. We were told that it is just an enlarged lymph node and that it is not unusual for a child his age to have one enlarge and not return to normal size. He said he definitely would NOT operate. Yea! The doctor mentioned it could be a sign of other problems but there are no other symptoms so he is very confident in his diagnosis. Thank goodness for Dr. Cramer. Who by the way, Grant called "Hinckey" as he walked out of the room.

Riding Hope

One of the many fun things we were able to do while we were in UT was to go to the Shepherd's annual family home evening. Going to this family gathering is one of my fondest childhood memories. Oh how I miss seeing Grandma and Papa Nipper! They made Christmas magical and Grandma always helped us remember that Christ should be our main focus in all we do. I was wishing that they could have been there this year. Mostly for selfish reasons, I would love for them to see adorable little Grant running around. And of course they would also love seeing all of the other darling kids! Then again, I am sure they are able to see all of that. :-)

Grant liked Santa until he sat on Santa's lap. Then, the screaming began. However, Grant did love the orange he got from Santa. He thinks oranges (and apples, heck all fruit) are balls. "Bounce!"
Grandma Naenae had asked Uncle Clyde if Grant could see the horses. When we got to his house, Kelson took us out to see them. Grant was in heaven!
He didn't stop smiling and was totally enthralled.
I think he was wishing we could take one home with us.

Hope was one of his favorites.
Then after the party, Uncle Clyde put a saddle on Hope and Grant was able to go for a ride.
And let me tell you, he hasn't stopped talking about it!
"I ride a pony! Hope!" Now every pony is named Hope.Thanks Uncle Clyde for making a little boy's wish come true!

Stairs

What is Grant's favorite thing to do at Naenae's house? Go up and down the stairs and then do it all over again!
He fell down a few stairs the first day we were here but since then he has become a pro.

He really loves to throw balls downstairs and then go find them. The only downfall is that he cannot carry them back up. :-)
Naenae is a great playmate.
What will he do when we get home and there are no stairs?!?!

Fun in the Snow

Grant and I are in UT for a short little visit. Yesterday it snowed and it snowed and it snowed. Grant had tons of fun playing. He played with NaeNae and Papa and then went out again to play with Pa B and Dossy.
Pa B made and awesome igloo. What fun!

Uncle Dossy and Pa B were good sports. They even showed Grant the "Pony" (the horse by my parents house) a number of times. Grant and I made a snowman. Grant's favorite part was putting the carrot on the snowman. He kept trying to steal the snowman's arms.
Grant loved the sled. At one point, Papa was even pulling Grant AND NaeNae. Then NaeNae pulled me and Grant. Good times!

He wasn't so sure what to think when I fell backwards to make a snow angel. And he didn't seem to enjoy it very much when I had him make one.
He loved watching Papa run the snow blower. Before we know it, he will be the one doing it for the old man! Needless to say, he was pretty tired when it was time for bed.

Finger Paint

A few weeks ago I bought Grant some finger paint. He wasn't so sure about it for a few minutes but then he started to really enjoy himself.

However, he decided it is more fun to paint mommy than it is to paint on paper! We have a liitle Picasso on our hands!

I Can "Read"

First let me say that getting Grant to just look at the camera and smile these days is like pulling teeth. But that is okay, because the photos capture his personality.

Tonight, I was reading to Grant and when I would pause, he would fill in the blank.
He did it with a few different books, too! This is kind of how our reading session went:

Mommy- I am

Grant- Sam

Mommy- I love my

Grant- car

Mommy- I keep my car

Grant- clean

Then he decided to try a different one:

Mommy- Hen has some

Grant- eggs.

Mommy- Some are

Grant- big

Mommy- Some are

Grant- small

Mommy- Hen loves them

Grant- all!

I wish you all could see him learn and grow. He amazes me and Adam every day. The crazy thing is that most of the time we don't even think he is listening but he hears and picks up on everything. I know that is how most kids are but it still blows me away!