Let the Spoiling begin!!!

April 26th 2008, just a few days after his dad graduated from BYU, Jacob Rulon Hurst was born and we officially became grand parents for the first time. Most of you already know this, especially if you looked at Facebook (which we did update right away) and our kids' blogs. Sorry, it's taken us sooo long to catch up with our blog. I was hoping Ralph would take on the task in his "spare time", but it became apparent that wasn't gonna happen in the next few years, so here I am, doing the best I can. :o)

The picture above was one of the first shots of Jake taken by our daughter Sydney, who was the photographer shortly after his delivery. Even though we didn't get to see our grandson until a week later, we were super happy that all three of our daughters got to share this awesome event. Jessica, as most of you know, was the labor and delivery nurse. Even though she has helped with so many deliveries already, since she graduated from BYU Dec 2006, to bring her nephew Jake into the world, was definitely a highlight for her.

We couldn't wait to fly out to Utah and see everyone in person, congratulate the brand new parents and hold our little Jacob for the first time. Let the spoiling begin!!

Coincidentally this was also the week for us to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary. We couldn't think of a better gift.


Kristie and Wes are doing a terrific job being first-time parents. They have adjusted well to all the accompanying hurdles (i.e., sleep deprivation) while Wes started a new job and then, to make sure things didn't get boring, they packed up and moved from their small apartment into a brand-new home in Salem UT, which they'll take care of for Wes' parents who are away in Thailand for the next two years or so. What a blessing it is for the young family to live there! In fact, the only drawback is that they're now about 25 min away from Jessica and Nathan, whereas before they were literally three doors away from a professional nurse/sister and all the help that she could give the new mom.

Of course, that was all going to change sooner or later anyway since Nathan and Jessica are preparing to move to Arizona when Nathan begins Dental School in the Fall. Before that move happens, we'll get to see Jessica and Nathan again when we go together for a short trip to Germany.

As for little Jake, we're looking forward to seeing him again when he comes for a visit this August. We think his mom his coming too, but we're mostly just interested in seeing Jake (jk)...
(NOTE: The preceding sarcasm was inserted by G-Pa). In the meantime, we're seeing and talking to our family in Utah nearly every day (sometimes several times a day) thanks to the wonders of iChat.