Four years ago was one of the happiest days of my life when a fat little dark haired beauty came into my life. I've always loved babies and I'm never happier then when one is in my arms. We were lucky when Braelyn was born that they only lived 10 minutes away so we got to see her alot.
She has been a busy baby from day one and always has to be going or doing something. She was blessed with fat cheeks just perfect for kissing and she got plenty of those. When she was about six months old Heather returned to work so I got to babysit a few days a week.
I even had her for a week while they went to Mexico. I know why you have your children when you are young and have energy. She can wear you out.
When she was younger instead of calling me grandma she called me Munga. We don't know where this came from, but I've never been grandma. I'm just Munga and that is fine with me. One day during a rain storm we went out and played in the rain. She thought that was great and laughed and laughed.
This summer I took her out to the cabin alone with me. We got these big bean bags that when you take them out of the cover they turn into a queen size mattress. Up at the cabin that is Braelyn's bed. That night she fell asleep with me in my bed and I just let her stay but that morning she woke up and realized she wasn't on her bed. She is a early riser so I thought our day was going to start, but she climbed off my bed and unto hers and went back asleep. I had to take a picture of her sleeping. It is a rare thing. She has been my shadow since she was born and when I found out they were moving to Georgia I thought my heart would break. But luckily I have been able to see them twice since they moved and the camera phone on the computer is a blessing.
Next week they fly in to stay for three weeks, and I can't wait for a messy haired little girl to come down in the morning and climb up on the bar stool and ask me how I slept. Being the first she will always hold a special place in my heart. I love her energy and her ability to make friends wherever we go. She is so friendly and outgoing. Love you Braelyn and Happy Birthday.
Tuesday morning I woke up feeling like I did when I was younger and it was Christmas morning, but it was even better. After two long years (at least for me, it went by much faster for everyone else) Greg was coming home from Brazil. 
We flew Heather and the girls in from Georgia on Sunday. We didn't tell Greg that they would be there. Taryn had booked a cruise for the end of January thinking Greg would be coming home the first week of February. Because of the strict visa laws in Brazil they send the missionaries home a week early. She will get back in Utah on Monday morning. Braelyn remembered Greg and went right to him. It is taking Berkley alot longer to get used to him. 
When I have gone to the airport I've loved watching the families as their missionaries come home. Last month I talked to a few Elders in Atlanta who were flying home from their mission in Las Vegas. It got me so exciting knowing that our turn was coming.
Greg was a little surprised that his younger brother has grown taller then him. I was expecting Greg to have gained some weight. When he had been out a couple of months he sent home some pictures and he had gained weight, but with all the walking they do in Brazil and the fact that it was summer there and they had no air conditioning in their apartment he came back with no extra weight. Maybe I need to go on a mission. 
I've loved having him back home, he has only struggled with his english when he is saying a prayer. What a great experience for him and his testimony of his Savior is priceless. It was worth the two years to have him learn the things he learned and to become the young man that he is. I will need to remember this next month when I send Taylor out. It will be fun to see the next chapter of his life unfold. I'm sure he has great things in store. 
