Family is Everything

Autumn is officially here! This time, it actually feels like autumn. The weather got cold really fast here in the Boston area. We have been gearing up our sweaters, scarves, boots, and heavy jackets for the cool weather ahead. I'll be honest, I've never been more excited! Texas is just too hot for too long so it's nice to have a break from the heat. Plus, New England has brilliant fall colors. You don't see much of that in Texas.

The last time I blogged, it was August. We knew we had to squeeze in summer plans before it got too cold. This includes lots of beach trips since we live so close to the ocean. Fast forward to September, we had family come visit us in Massachusetts.

During the first week of September, my sister Kelsey and niece Abbey paid us a visit from California. They stayed for almost a week. Kelsey is very pregnant with her third child so I was very happy she made a huge effort to fly out to stay with us. I looked forward to showing Kelsey our new home. We did a lot of exploring in Boston and took a beach trip up near Plymouth Rock. I loved learning more about the history of Plymouth Rock.

Seeing my sister in town meant the world to me. It was just so nice to be able to spend more time with her. Growing up, it was always just her and I. Life changed quickly, but we were there for each other. I miss our silly moments when we were younger. We had our disagreements, but we look back and laugh at those times. Absence really does make the heart grow fonder. Even though we live so far apart, it's a happy reunion when we see each other. The next time I see her, she will be a mom of three! I look forward to one day meeting my baby niece/nephew in the future.

Not long after, we had another mini family reunion. We went up to Cape Cod to meet up with Collin's family. His parents and his brother's family all came from Maryland to see us for the weekend. Being new to the area, this was our first time at Cape Cod. We spent most of the time on a few of the beaches, such as Old Silver Beach and Town Neck Beach. It was the perfect weather with plenty of sun, so we picked a great weekend to come to the Cape.

Autumn and her cousin Hudson loved playing together. They are so close and only one month apart. It amazes me that she can remember his name as well as the other names in our families. It shows that she loves her family even though she doesn't see them very often. I'm so glad that we live a few states closer to Collin's family. We will be able to do way more visits in the future. It's about an 8-hour drive to Maryland which isn't too bad. We plan to make a trip down there soon.

A few days after the beach trip, I got an unexpected phone call from my dad. He told me that my grandma had passed away. I was not prepared for the news so it took a while to really sink in. She passed away peacefully in her sleep at the age of 89.

There were so many things to love about my grandma. She was just heaven-sent. I always remember how sweet she was. Her smile and laugh could light up any room. We always had so much fun going to her house for Thanksgiving every year. I enjoyed reading her letters when she lived miles away. She was nature-lover and loved animals and children. Anyone who has ever met my grandma loved her. Towards the end of her life, she suffered with Alzheimer's. But her sweet spirit still lived on. Now she is not suffering anymore.

I know heaven gained an angel. My grandma is now reunited with my grandpa and all her loved ones. During October's General Conference, Elder Ballard's talk really struck a cord with me. I felt like it really spoke to me about my grandma. It gives me comfort to know that I will see her again as well as those who have gone before me. She lived life righteously and was an incredible example to me. It's my hope that I can be more like her and show kindness to everyone I meet. I want to set a good example to my children and future grandchildren. I am so grateful that families can be together forever.