Congrats Grandpa!

     This Easter was bitter sweet for my family and I.  Last year on April 24 (which was Easter last year) my sweet grandma passed away.  So now when Easter rolls around, even though it is not always on the same day, I remember my grandma.  It was a very hard loss for everyone, especially my grandpa.   I could never imagine what it would feel like to lose your best friend for almost 60 years!!! I don't think people really understand how dramatic your life would change. Going out to eat by yourself, beings alone in the house, going to movies by yourself, and cooking for only one person.  Some may be okay with being by themselves but I think it would be so depressing. I don't think that any one will or could replace my grandma, but I was so happy to hear that my grandpa was dating!  He is the most healthy 79 year old ever!!!  He found an amazing lady who lost her husband 8 years ago. She is super active and a beautiful lady. They set a date to be sealed on April 28.  I didn't think I would be able to make it with a test the Friday before and a Monday test following, but I told myself that family comes first. Thanks to amazing parents who flew me home for a quick trip it was a much needed family time.

     I took my microbiology test early Friday morning and then went straight to the airport. Ryan wasnt able to go home so we said our good byes for the weekend.  Pretty much I bummed around with my sister Jami and her sweet family the whole trip, it was like they had another kid!  They picked me up in Salt Lake and we made the long trek to Rexburg, Idaho.  It just wouldn't be Idaho if we didn't experience a little bit of snow storm at the end of April.

     Of course I was suppose to be studying for my immunology test on Monday, but how can you with this cute little girl, Harper Jo?

     So needless to say the trip up to Idaho was a fail at studying......oh well. All of the Hess clan met up at the Olive Garden for a yummy dinner.

     My Grandpa and Marilynn were getting married in the Rexburg temple. We all stayed in Rexburg that night so the kiddos had a swimming pool.  I of course had to go on a run to the temple. This temple is beautiful at night when lit up. It was a SUPER cold run!!! I could see my breath the whole time!  Remember, I have been experiencing 100 degree weather so I only packed shorts and t-shirt, but for some reason I brought a jacket.  I guess this is where I thought I would need it.  My ears, fingers, and legs froze but it was probably the best run in a long time!! The end result was totally worth it!!

     Pretty much the only time I could study was while everyone was sleeping, so I studied all night til about 4 am and then slept til 7 am and hit the books again til I had to get ready for the wedding.  It was a beautiful ceremony.  I am very happy for my Grandpa, here is the lovely couple.

    Of course we had to get a few family photos since it seems like a rare occasion now a days to have us all together.

     So we headed home from Rexburg after a luncheon and I got to hang out with these 2 kiddos for a little bit longer (I was suppose to be studying again).  This is how the favorite aunt babysits while pretending to study.

     It was time for another long night of studying, so a couple of hours of sleep was all I got, then it was time for church.  Harper Jo got to be my date, so we had to get her looking cute.  Funny story, Jami is always trying to do Harpers hair but she hates it.  She won't sit still and it is crying time when it happens, but not with Aunt Jo Jo!  No tears and No bribing even though she doesn't look happy.

     After church, it was time to go and catch my flight home to Arizona and go take an Immunology test the next day (AAAHHHH).  Don't worry, I didn't do my best but I did okay with an 89%, still above average.  I will take that score any day if I get to hang out with my family!  It was so nice to be with family, but it was a crazy weekend with a total of 6 hours of sleep.  I was pretty sleep deprived the rest of the week.  Luckily I have a week in between before another week of no sleep comes with finals!!!  Ryan is almost done with his 2nd year of Med school (Rock On!) and I have almost finished a WHOLE year of Pharmacy school with only 2 more to go!