1st Day of School

The first day of school is always a little traumatic for me. I'm never ready. I think I would be about mid-October, maybe. However, this year was softened with my overwhelming joy at Abbie's independence. She didn't even want me to take her to school the first day. It's wonderful to have her anxiety so under control that she can explore her adventures fully. She has a wonderful teacher, Mr. Jeppesen. She has a lunch buddy, a boy with downs syndrome and she helps with the special needs class during the day as well. She has a great talent with those children and loves spending time with them each day. Go Abbie!
Claire also has a good schedule this year and loves her choir classes...more to come on that!

Playing before the MTC

Jared, Ben, and Spencer singing as the three headed opera singer, oh so funny!

February: Greek word. February. F E B R U A R R I E. February. Maybe you had to be there.

Abe, how many nights is a mission? How many nights do you sleep before I come home? 730, of course. Who's a good boy?!?!

Playing with the Park family

We made a quick trip to visit the Parks. Their hospitality is tops and we had a wonderful time. Unfortunately we didn't get any pictures of the dairy farms. Dr. Park took us on a tour Sunday evening. We all learned a ton and it was certainly a highlight of the trip...I think every thing we experienced was a highlight....

Who's a good boy?!?!?

Spencer spoke in church before leaving on his mission to Connecticut. He talked about the Plan of Salvation and did a great job. I wish we'd pulled the camera out earlier...oh well. We made great memories for sure. Melanie,Spencer's mom, is more like a sister than a new found friend, I simply adore her! She loves motherhood as much as I do :-)

It was so fun to meet many of Spencer's friends and get to know Jared. Ahmed was getting ready to leave so we did a quick photo shoot first...trash bag and all.

Abraham may just be the most adorable, lovable five-year-old on the face of the planet. I could kiss on him all day!

Chock Studios Vocal Recital

Claire singing "A Song For You", by the Carpenters



Jordan and Claire singing "For Good", from Wicked

Get on the swing....

Swing for a while.....

Then pause for a perfect picture.

Lucy and Hannah

Hanging out in the new hammock.
It's a great relax on a summer day, even with a baby crawling on you.

She's always willing to share with a friend. Kisses and Lucy have been together since they were babies, and it shows. She mauls him like no one else can, lifts him from his enclosure, chases him all over the yard, tries to sit on him (gently, of course,) but I think her favorite is feeding him.

Summer fun at our house. Yes, Hannah climbed up the slide by herself!

Lucy discovered filling up low spots in the grass for a mini wade pool.

These girls are delightful!

Hannah, 11 months old. Isn't Claire incredible?!?!

She got the perfect smile, pose, lighting, and beautiful baby!