Easter activities...

We had planned to visit the Preston Temple for Easter this year. It has become a family tradition over the last few years to visit the temple, during the Easter season and we all love it. Last year's trip is a special memory for me, it was the last time I would be with my mummy in the temple. The whole trip last year was so incredible with a crazy egg hunt for the boys and even sledging as it had snowed. However this years trip didn't quite go according to plans, despite the best of intentions and we ended up in the next best place - Bournemouth, visiting with Grandpa!

It was so wonderful to see him, I haven't been able to visit for so long, and it was nice for him to see little Nathaniel. He was so taken with him, and was even able to have a little cuddle. Nathaniel was perfect all day and even when we got home I put him down for bed at night, he just smiled and closed his little eyes and went off to sleep!

Grandpa is now 94 years old, and still a real wonder. He lives in his own home still, with a little care, but does so well to maintain some independence. He gets very lonely these days, both his wife Grandma Elizabeth and sweet companion and friend Vera have passed away, and most of his friends are no longer alive. He once mentioned to me how even the little things no longer hold much interest for him, once you've written over 90 years worth of Christmas cards it can get just a little tiring. He really is amazing, and although he can become a little confused and his mind doesn't always work as well, he does remember things with amazing clarity. We talked a little of the great world wars, he was born during the first and fought in the second. It is such a blessing to have him as a link to the past. He really is the living embodiment of our family history, and reminds us of how important it is to make records and search for the members of our family so that we can all be sealed eternally in the temple.