Our Fish

Last summer we bought this swimming vest for Lincoln. He did really well with it last summer, and was able to swim all by himself with it on. I wasn't sure how long it would take him this year to pick the swimming thing back up. Well, he both surprised me and made me proud. The second we walked up to the big pool, he jumped right in and started swimming--without any help from me! I couldn't believe it. It was so awesome. He's a natural born fish. I love seeing him do so well in something. These are the types of moments that make parenting so special. I love being able to witness him accomplish great things.

Way to go, Link!

Grandma T!

T is for Terrie. T is for Trains!



Terrie always takes the most beautiful pictures while holding her grandkids. There must be some kind of connection...

Lincoln absolutely adores the train set you brought him. We are indebted to you so much for letting us borrow this treasure. It is so much fun! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Terrie, thank you so much for taking time off of work to come out and help me adjust to life with two kids. You did so much for me, without me even needing to ask (I guess I should have guessed that a mother of 6 wasn't capable of anything less!). Not only did you help me with Lincoln, but you loved to hold Christian all day long. So much so, that you could hardly bear leaving him when you had to catch your flight. That was such a sweet moment that I'll cherish forever. Please know how much it meant to me to have you come out here. The most important reason wasn't for all the help you gave me, but for the precious time that my kids got to spend with their grandma. I believe that there is a very special bond in the relationship between kids and their grandparents. You are so awesome. Thank you for spending time with all of us. I really enjoyed reconnecting with you. Oh! And of course, thank you so much for bringing us some See's chocolate. Nothing better. Mmm, yum.

Me & Rachelle!

I love the crazy way she sits. It cracks me up. It reminds me of back in the day when we did yoga together.

I would have never imagined, back a couple of months ago, when I was crying out for help before Chrisitan was born, asking if anyone could come and help me with the boys, that I would be so tremendously blessed by the wonderful women in my life. Not only did my mother-in-law come out, but so did two of my best friends! Rachelle even took a whole week off of work to come out. Oh, it was so great to spend that much time with her. Just the girls again. Along with all of the emotional support she gave me, and despite the fact that she's not a mom yet, she totally thought of so many helpful things for me with Christian, that I feel so grateful to her for. It sure is convenient having a best friend who also is a nurse that takes care of infants. Always very helpful. Her kids are going to have such a great mom. She is so amazing!

Rachelle, thank you so much for letting me sleep in so many mornings when the nights were oh so tough, and for always being to emaculate with Lincoln's schedule. You are so on top of it. Even Ms. Super Organized is super impressed with how well you juggle everything. I can't thank you enough for coming out here, and for helping me out each time I've had one of my babies. I'm so glad we found each other. I love you like a sister. Speaking of which, it brought a huge smile to my face when people at church asked if we were sisters. I always love that. I can't wait to meet your little one in September!

Bugs!

Lincoln's newest phase is that of loving to find bugs. Personally, I get kinda freaked out by them. But all the more power to Lincoln. It's the easiest and cheapest form of entertainment out there. God sure is a smartie; so glad he made these little critters! It's a lot of fun seeing him explore and love life so much. Children can have such a great perspective on finding so much joy in the littlest things.

"I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for Ice Cream!"

What a handsome husband!

he, he

The Swaddle



(Totally random thought: the word swaddle reminds me of the word swagger. I love that word! For some reason it is so much fun to use. Ooo, swagger would be a great word for charades :0)

Nanee & Christian

(5 wks old)

My mom has been the most awesome mother lately. She has been helping me out so much with the boys. It has truly been such a precious blessing. For example, I am so lucky and grateful that my mom is totally willing to take Christian when he is being fussy and crying, instead of handing him back to me. She loves the challenge of trying to soothe him and of getting him to be happy again. That has got to be one of the nicest things someone can do for a mother. Not only does she totally spoil me with soothing Christian, but she comes over every Sunday to help me get everyone ready for church, since Jon always has early church meetings to attend. Being the anxious person that I am, that is such a wonderful gift of service for me because it helps me still feel the peace of the Sabbath even when there's so much to juggle.

Mom, thank you for being here for me. You are a wonderful mother and the best Nanee ever! I think it is so special that my kids get to be around their grandma. I love seeing them love you, and I love seeing you love them. It brings so much joy to my heart. I'm so glad that you chose to move out here.

Slip N Slide!

Our neighbors (who are so totally awesome) got a Slip n Slide. The second Lincoln saw it, he wanted to change and go and play on it. However, once he saw that you had to run and slide, he got a little intimidated, and decided to just play in the water instead. It was still a blast to see the kids playing and sliding and falling all over the place. I love watching and listening to children play. It brings back so many good memories.



Lincoln

Jenny, Emmanuel, and Jon

Look at those locks! Our kids are destined to have curly hair. Definitely easier to manage for boys than it is for girls. It took me forever to figure out how to work with my curly hair. Amen for flat irons when you just want straight, easy-to-manage hair! I love having the option of both worlds now.

Just a Bunch of Gorgeous Girls!

(here are some more photos from my baby shower that I've been meaning to post)




Mandy, I miss you already! I will always cherish the talks we had in the car on our way to visiting teaching. You were the best VT companion ever! Can't wait to connect with you again next time we're in Utah.

I love this picture of Vickie and Lindsey. It always makes me want to smile. You can just see how happy they are. I can't believe Vickie has already left, too. She was such a light to have around, so smart and talented. I'm so excited for her and Travis' new beginnings in Boise, especially all the fun they'll have living in their new house. Best wishes to you guys! We miss you. Our pew just doesn't feel the same without your sweet family :0)

And, congrats to Aleece and Scott who just had their baby girl!

(BTW-- Jess, your hair looked gorgeous that day. I am always so impressed by how you style your hair. Kudos! I wish I could figure out your magic :0)

Here's a group photo of some of us:
L-R: Vero, Ezzie, Carmen, Jenny, Rachel, Jessica, me, Liz, Claire, Nichole, Aubriella, Aleece, Candice, Vickie.