Reed's 4th Birthday

Reed's birthday was on a Sunday this year, so we were all dressed up to celebrate him! At his request, we started the day with a sugary breakfast in bed. He opened a Wreck it Ralph video game guy and a Ninja Turtle toy before church. And that afternoon we had cake and ice cream and kickball in the park with friends. Reedy is such a treasured member of our family. His smarts and his sense of humor mixed with his energy stir up lots of trouble and lots of fun! We love our happy, funny, busy boy! Happy birthday Reed!

Family Vacation

Since gearing up for a baby occupied most of our summer, we saved our family vacation for Labor Day Weekend, and it may have been just a few days but it packed a big punch! We stayed at Great Wolf Lodge, and the room alone would have been enough to get the kids excited, but we also spent the large part of our Saturday at the indoor water park. That evening we cleaned up and went to a Royal's game! We had caramel popcorn and cotton candy, we did the wave and sang the songs and danced for the jumbo-tron, and boy did we pick the right team to cheer for...our Royals went on to win the World Series this year! The next day we found ourselves a sacrament meeting in Kansas City to attend, before going off to tour the Liberty Jail and the Independence Missouri visitors center. Happy memories...check!

1st Day of School

First day of school...Fall 2015. Reed's in Pre-K, Liam's in 1st Grade, Hanna's in 3rd Grade, Colby's moving up to middle school and 5th Grade, Nolan's in 7th. Aren't they gorgeous?!

We Have a Teenager!

For Nolan's 13th birthday, we set a whole day aside to do two of his all-time favorite things, go fishing and eat out at Red Lobster. At the end of the day we took him shopping for a birthday present and I already can't remember what it was, but I know it was some kind of a toy because I thought to myself sadly, "that's probably the last time he'll ask for a toy for his birthday." He really is becoming such a grown-up guy, and we couldn't have been blessed with a more responsible boy to be the leader of six siblings, which is a good thing because we rely on him to help out - A LOT. He is also a wonderful example to his friends on how to live the gospel and bear the priesthood. Nolan is the Deacon's Quorum President and we are very proud of how he lives his life and carries out his calling. Plus he's still a sweet and cuddly and caring boy...in spite of his ever-growing adolescent attitude! Happy birthday, Nolan. You are so loved!