Kendall 10 Month Update

Double digits now! I am SO CLOSE to crawling. I just figured out how to get on my hands and knees. I want to crawl so bad, but haven’t quite figured it out yet. My brothers started school this month so I am getting used to being in and out of the car. So far drop off/pick up times don’t interrupt my sleep too much.

I love to giggle. I think my brothers are so funny and Mom knows all my best tickle spots. I love when she tickles me. It’s not as fun when Carson does though. He can get a bit carried away. 

I am still a great eater. I love trying new things. Mom keeps giving me a sippy cup, but I still think it’s just a toy. I go to sleep around 9:30am and then again at 3:00pm. My naps are anywhere between 1 ½-2 ½ hours. I usually go to bed when my brothers do, around 8:00pm and sleep until 7:30am. I am a great sleeper and Mom hopes it stays that way. 

I started copying things I hear, Like kissy noises and “ahhh” (what Mom says after she has a big drink of water.) I am very proud of myself. My hair is starting to grow. There isn’t much of it, but it is at the point where it is growing rather than falling out. The bald spot on the back of my head is all filled in. Mom can’t wait until she can do it. 

I love to go outside into the wind. I find it very exciting. We got a boat and I am a pretty good girl on it. I don’t like my life jacket, but no baby does. I like to swim in the lake and like when the boat is going fast. I refuse to fall asleep on the boat or on the ride to and from the lake. So after a long boating trip I am VERY tired. Life is good. I can’t wait to see what is in store for next month! =)

Grandpa Kelley's Farewell

My Grandpa Hoyt Frank Kelley passed away this month at the age of 91. Grandpa was a wonderful man. A hard working, loving, soft spoken, humble individual who was willing to do anything for anyone. He had worked a full day at Poco Loco (my aunt's swim shop), had just eaten dinner out and was walking a few blocks to see a play with my aunt when his heart stopped. Talk about a great way to go. Not sick or frail, working until the end!  

My Grandfather was a humble hero. I've always been proud of his service to our county and the people of France as a paratrooper in WWII. It has been such a blessing to our family, that in recent years he was willing to start sharing those experiences. He served for three years in the United States Army’s First Battalion of the 517th Parachute Regimental Combat Team. As staff sergeant under Captain Bill Boyle he had the task of gathering military intelligence. After also serving in Italy, he was one of 2,000 men to jump into France and one of only 41 who was still alive in 2013. Grandpa and his unit were in France for 94 days, which he said was longer than any other Army unit during WWII. That was quickly followed by another 90 days of battle in the Battle of the Bulge in Belgium and northern France.

Last year he was invited to France by the French government to be presented with the Chevalier Legion of Honor, the most prestigious military decoration in France. Such an award is generally restricted to French nationals, but the French government can make an exception for U.S. veterans who risked their lives during World War II to fight on French territory. My parents and my Aunt were able to go with him and had a wonderful and special experience visiting the places he fought and participating in parades and ceremonies. Here are some pictures from that trip.

It was a wonderful weekend in Logan Utah with family. 6 out of the 7 siblings were there along with a few in-laws. I left the boys home with Steve and it was just Kendall and I. It was nice to spend time with extended family too.

Laura and Kendall

Kendall and her Grandpa

Grandpa arriving in style

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Military burials are so beautiful. There is a sacredness to the rituals preformed by the servicemen. Seeing the flag folded and hearing the shots fired is a powerful and humbling experience.

It was so neat seeing Grandpa's things he saved from the war.

A few of the treasures he held onto from the war

Chevalier Legion of Honor

Grandpa received 3 Purple Hearts

Emergency rations (If you've read Unbroken you know all about these)

Silk maps Grandpa jumped with to help navigate the French countryside as a pathfinder

The nursing babies. Sweet 3 week old Adelyn and Kendall

 
Grandpa will be missed, but I am firm in the knowledge that he is now with family and friends who have already passed.

Splash Pad Fun