Update on our three (soon to be four)

On March 21, 2009 Austin was baptized! It was such a special day for our family. We had so many of our family come into town for Austin's baptism. We appreciate all that made the trip to help us celebrate this important step in Austin's life. Austin has been preparing for baptism for many months and was really excited when he woke the morning of his baptism. He told me that he was a little nervous, but mostly excited to be baptized by his dad. He is the oldest child AND the oldest grandchild on both sides of the family, so he is a great example to those who are younger than him (as well as those of us who are old too :)). Not only did his grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts and uncles come; but he also had 4 cousins from Las Vegas make the trip. The cousins had so much fun together playing, swimming (the water was still pretty cold), eating and just being together. I love to see my children around their cousins. It's so fun to watch. Ellie and Kaylee were attached at the hip and had fun trying all the hand me down clothes that Ellie brought Kaylee. Wish they lived down the street so we could play everyday! We missed the Florida and Virgina cousins; but we cherish those times when we are all together.



Ryan, Ellie, Austin, Kaylee, Spencer and Luke (trying to escape)

Tyler is M.I.A in this picture

Austin & Brian

Our litte graduate

On Wednesday, May 20th Tyler will graduate from Miss Arnold's kindergarten class. I love this picture of him. Just his smile alone makes me happy! He has LOVED school this year and LOVED Miss Arnold and her aide, Mrs. Adams. Tyler has really matured during the school year. He has soared in handwriting, phonograms and reading. He has made some great friends and memories too. Look for more pictures after graduation actually happens! We love you Tyler James!

What can I say about Kaylee....

well, life is never boring with her around! She is talking up a storm. Loves to copy what everyone else is saying or doing. For example: she now says, "I go potty" but she is a little confused on the proper technique for girls. She likes to stand, not sit. I think she has watched her brothers too much (maybe they need to work on shutting the door :)). She opens the lid, pulls up her shirt, pushes her tummy out and stands there for a couple seconds, then she slams down the lid and says "all done". She is not interested in sitting down at all. I am not even going to attempt potty training until after this new baby comes. For the time being she is content doing it her way!

And she likes to go in the "wa-wa". We went swimming for the first time on Thursday afternoon. She couldn't wait to get her swimsuit on. I told her to pose for a picture and she said "cheese" and then stands still for about 2 seconds and then comes running over to me saying "I see". She wants to see herself in the camera. I was able to get at least one picture without her running towards me. What a cheesy grin! She is such a sweet girl and is always willing to give out hugs and kisses to almost everyone she meets. We love you Kaylee!!

#4 - Baby Girl in uerto

No new pictures of her, but she sure is an active one. She often keeps me awake at night when I am trying to fall asleep with her aerobatics. I am now 29 weeks and feeling more and more uncomfortable, hot and tired. The boys like to feel her kick (especially Austin) and Kaylee likes to kiss my tummy. She even pulls up her shirt and puts her tummy on my tummy. It's pretty funny. Not sure if she thinks she has a baby in her tummy too or what. Of course she has no idea what is coming in the next couple months, but she is in for a surprise! She won't be the baby anymore.

Even though we are utterly exhausted at the end of each day, we feel blessed to have such sweet little children in our home. They constantly amaze us with their unconditional love, boundless energy and desire to learn. Brian and I feel grateful for the memories made and the times when we are all together. It's our own "little piece of heaven".