St. George

I really haven't posted much yet about what our life is like now that Paige and I live with my parents. Since we've been here over a month and half now, it's probably time to do that. Truthfully, it really is the ideal situation considering the circumstances. I'm really grateful to my parents for opening their arms and home to us while Ben is away. We are so lucky to have them, and the support of our other family members which makes our separation much easier to bear.
I can tell Paige misses her "Dada" (she lights up and says "dada, dada!" whenever I play video of him reading her stories), although living with two grandparents is lots of fun. Papa talks to Paige a lot, takes her on long walks in the stroller, rides in the cobra, feeds her Honey's drink (Diet Coke) and chocolate chip cookies, sings to her, CHANGES DIAPERS!, and just genuinely likes having her around (he does numerous other things with her too, but the list is getting too long). Honey also makes life fun with loads of cool stuff to get into in her craft room (which she had to reorganize to make room for Paige's crib and typical 1 year old curiosity), very interesting jewelry, awesome seasonal decorations, and great playtime ideas. Paige also enjoys splashing in the fountain, bathing in the giant tub, and swinging in the backyard.
My life is also more full than it otherwise might be. I have two of my best friends (my parents) that I can hang out with anytime I like, lots of help with Paige, a sister and nieces and a nephew 10 minutes away, and a very friendly new ward. I was also recently called as a den leader for the 9 year old cub scouts, which has turned out to be a lot more fun than I anticipated, especially since I have a very competent co-leader who has already been running things for over a year. And there is even another girl in the ward who moved in with her parents the EXACT same week I did in an almost identical situation. Her husband is in the Special Forces, and she has a 2 year old son.
Although we are away from Ben (and would love to have him back if we could!) I feel that the Lord loves us and is blessing us through our family members and friends! Thank you all for your love, friendship, support, prayers, etc.

Paige playing with Honey's necklaces:

Paige and me at Bryce Canyon:

Paige "reading". She did this all by herself!:

Paige and Andrew playing in the fountain: