Grandpa Jones

(Grandpa with Noah & Mars last September; Noah was 2 mos. old)

(4 generations of Jones men, in April)

Dave's grandpa, Robert Clayton Jones, passed away on November 10. He was an honest man, a proud father, grandfather & great-grandfather, and a hard worker - at 80 years old, he was out discing a field less than 2 weeks before he died.

He loved many things, including David, Marley & Noah Jones! And he loved to smile. I only wish I would have known him more - he had a great sense of humor (& he was very mischievous!)

Dave did his memorial service, using family memories & stories, and it was a simple, wonderful celebration of a simple, wonderful man.

We will miss you, Grandpa.

Oh Happy Day

No question about it: Noah was VERY excited about the outcome of Election Day! He loves Obama. Loves him, loves him, LOVES him. Turn on the TV, and if Obama is talking, he races into the room, starts clapping, and usually ends up hugging the screen.

We didn't prompt this - it actually started during his speech the night of the Democratic National Convention, when Noah went bonkers. And the other day, when Santa Claus came on the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade, even he didn't get as good of a response from Noah. I think it's hilarious!

So I've tried to think of clever or insightful ways to comment on the historic day that was November 4, but I've run out of ideas and energy (and time!) So instead, I'll just leave you with the text of an amazing email that a good friend of mine sent me that day:

What a wonderful day in the neighborhood. Your generation has succeeded in bringing the dreams of many disenfranchised Americans to reality. You should be very proud - your children and grandchildren (and their many friends) will never see limitation. No limits - what a wonderful day - enjoy.

(Thanks, M.)

FINALLY!

Here's something to give thanks for: Halloween pictures of Noah Jones!

Eeyore & I drove to Twin Falls, surprised my Mom, & went to the harvest festival at my parent's church. He had a great time watching the other kids, eating saltines (no candy this year!) and playing a few games. His favorite: the Bible story walk, complete with a burning bush & adults dressed as Moses, sheep & shepherds (kudos to the Bybees & Gentrys)!
And then we returned home & had fun handing out candy. He was absolutely enchanted by a beautiful, 4 year-old princess who came to the door (he reached out & touched her hand!) We had a great Halloween!

Computer Whizkid

(October 30) Noah loves working on the computer. With just a few clicks & presses of a button, he shows us new features we didn't even know existed!

Weekend at Grandpa's

(October 25) To celebrate Dave's Dad's birthday, we spent a weekend on the farm in Castleford. It was beautiful weather! Noah had a great time down watching the cows down at the corrals, playing in the cattle trailer, working on the lights & 'driving' the truck, and having a morning cup of coffee with the boys at Grandpa Jones' house. It was a really nice weekend!

Crashed

(October 24) Noah is so funny when he falls asleep - he goes & goes, and then finally just crashes. I went into his room the other day to find him sprawled out with his legs up over the crib bumper, sticking clear out of the crib!

Fun with Auntie Heather!

(October 21) My sister Heather came to watch Noah while Dave was out of town for a few days, and Noah loved it - they played, and played, and played! She captured a few pictures of their silly times together. Thanks, Heather!

Fall Farm!

(October 18) Taking advantage of a wonderfully sunny & warm fall day, Dave & I decided to take Noah to a pumpkin patch/farm near our house.

Noah loved it - we took a hayride, went to a petting zoo, walked through the pumpkin patch & studied the tractor pulling the flatbed full of people. It was fun!

Backing up...

I know, I know - it's been awhile (my sincere apologies to the Aunties, who are dying to see Halloween pictures!)

I'll get there in a minute...but first, I need to back up a bit & share some other highlights from our fall. (Since this serves as my baby book/family scrapbook, I need to be sure to get everything in!)