Another Little Miracle

Here SHE is, our sweet little one.  Twenty one weeks along and growing/developing right on schedule.  We feel so blessed to have this precious baby coming to our family.  It was quite a shock to find out that she was a girl.  We were convinced that we were having a boy.  Emily is happy to have a little sister to play with.  She softly rubs my tummy as she says, "baby dister."  Hyrum and William are warming up to the idea of another girl.  They both were hoping for a brother.  Thomas was delighted to find out that his prediction was right.  A while back, in a very matter-of-fact voice, Thomas said, "It's a girl.  I know it.  Jesus sees and he sees that we have more boys than girls, so it's a girl.  That's why!"  What simple faith.  Now we just  anxiously await her arrival in December. 

Kids in Saturday Sports

Our kids have begged and begged us to put them into sports but we have never wanted to give up our saturday family outings.  We finally gave in this past spring and put them in a program that practiced only on Saturdays from 4-5 (all three kids at the same time, same park, in their various sports).  Thomas did soccer and Hyrum and William did flag football.  There were no real games, just skill practices and scrimmages.  The kids loved it and it allowed us to still have most of our Saturdays to spend doing other activities as a family.

  

"Let it Go"

Our sweet little Emily has picked up on the latest craze (thanks to her brothers singing this song all the time).  I love her shoulder shrugs and hand movements as she sings.  What a cutie!

Talent Extravaganza

This is the first year our school has done a talent show and both boys were excited to participate.  William's kindergarten class performed a dance and Hyrum played a violin/piano duet with his good friend Jay.  Though not perfect, we were so proud of how hard they had practiced and all the effort they put into getting ready for the big night.  The show was in a big auditorium with a stage and lights.  When I asked the kids if they were nervous at all they just said, "No it was fun!"  Here are a couple of videos of their performances.

School Jog-a-Thon

Hryum and William both participated in their school jog-a-thon.  I was so proud of how they pushed themselves and did their best even though it was hard.  Will completed 6 laps which is equivalent to about a mile and a half.  Hyrum set a goal to do 12 laps and was determined to not stop until he reached his goal.  The teachers told the kids time was up as Hyrum was finishing his 11th lap.  Instead of giving up on his goal he asked if he could just do one more, which they let him do.  He ended up running over 3 miles.  It's amazing what these kids can do, especially without any training.

Two Front Teeth

William finally lost his first tooth and a couple of weeks later his second one came out as well.  He was a brave boy and pulled them both out all by himself.  He waited until they got really loose and then excitedly called us into the bathroom to watch as he pulled them out.  He was thrilled to receive a visit from the tooth fairy.  Now he's missing his two bottom front teeth and talks really cute.  It's rewarding as parents to watch our kids delight in the simple stages of growing up!

Hyrum's Baptism

Hyrum was baptized on Saturday April 19th.  It was such a special experience to witness the baptism of our first child.  I don't know if I can really describe the feelings that were present that day.  Hyrum was proud to have his Daddy perform the baptism and confirmation.  What a bonding experience for them.  I couldn't help but smile as Hyrum came up out of the water, so clean and happy.  He is a special boy.

This is what Hyrum wrote in his journal about his special day:

"Today Daddy baptized me a member of the church of Jesus Christ of latter day saints.  The water was really warm but when I got out it was cold.  When we went to change in the bathroom I realized I had forgotten to take extra underwear but daddy dried off my wet ones.  After, we went into the chapel  and I got the gift of the holy ghost.  When he gave me the holy ghost I felt the holy ghost.  After I got the holy ghost my dad's friend gave me 20 dollars." 

It's fun to see what things left an impression on him.

We love Hyrum and are so proud of him!