Hiding places and gratitude

I'm hiding in a hotel bathroom in the middle of small town, Illinois, USA. (We have to hide for about an hour every night because little Will won't fall asleep otherwise.) Grant ran to the store because we forgot the diapers at GG's house and we have a hunch that Will may need a clean one tomorrow.

But despite the whole "being holed up in a small, lonely bathroom" thing, I find myself reflecting on this wonderful week we have had, and how very blessed we are.

We arrived in Illinois on Wednesday to spend the holiday with GG and Great Papa.  We have seen lots of family (cousins, aunts, uncles, etc.), and have spent most of our time eating and reminiscing. We've scanned pictures of old memories, learned about our ancestors, (especially William G. Tarrant, Baby Will's namesake), and made a few good memories to reminisce about during future holidays, (including Will's first experience with Santa Claus).

And more than ever I am grateful for the most important things in my life: family and faith: The brave souls who went before me, who did their best to be kind, and smart, and compassionate; Those who sacrificed their happiness and well being for that of their family's; for my own little family, built on the shoulders of those who showed us the way; who taught us to be kind, and smart, and compassionate just as they tried to be in their own lives; and for my Savior, who sacrificed all and continues to light our path each day.

There is so much to be grateful for.