VIP

Annie has really found her stride in the fourth grade. We have been so impressed with her so far this year. Her teacher shares our sentiments and awarded her with the VIP this past week. The awards are given at lunch. Travis, Grandma, Jake, and I went to the school to have lunch with her and to see the presentation.

Way to go Annie! We are really proud of you!

The award says:

Always follows directions and is ready to learn

Notorious for being a model student!

Never needs reminders to stay on task

Involves herself in classroom discussions

Excels in all subjects because she works hard

Two Two Year Olds!

It doesn't seem possible that we welcomed Megan and Justin to our family two years ago today.










We celebrated the special day by enjoying pizza, presents, and cake at the park.

Both Megan and Justin love Diego and Dora. There are mornings Megan refuses to allow me to dress her because she is wearing her Dora "jammas" and she wants Dora to be on her clothes all day. So, it was Dora and Diego cakes to celebrate. I will never tell how long it took me to put these tiny little cakes together. Annie and Emma were very sweet to cheer me on as I put my limited decorating skills to use.

Opening presents:

Megan needed clothes and now has some adorable things to wear. She also needed baby dolls, and is currently loving tending to their every need.

Justin was in need of trucks and trailers. They are his greatest love--after his blanket of course.

When Meg sees this pictures she still says, "No Justin!" He loved to blow out the candles and took it upon himself to blow on the candles whether they were lit or whether they were on his cake or Megan's cake.

After the park we went to a play center called Bounce. It took Justin a minute to warm up, but once he realized all the fun to be had, he was the picture of pure joy. The rest of the kids had fun too--each of them were sweaty and tired by the time we left.

So, HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Megan and Justin! It is hard to find the words to describe how blessed we are to have you as a part of our family. We are so glad you decided to come to this earth together and that we get to have twice the chatter, twice the giggles, twice the squeezes, twice the joy that comes with watching you grow and develop into little people.

Meg, you are truly the big sister. Justin follows your lead and looks at you with such admiration. You have so much to say and your curiosity keeps you learning. You know you're cute, and oh boy are you cute! You love to sing and we all love to hear your songs. You are so sweet to share so many hugs and kisses, and to crawl on our laps to snuggle in. You are all girl, love to get your hair done, nails painted, shoes on, and anything that sparkles. We love to hear you pray and everyone looks forward to your turn. There is never a question what you want or where you stand, and I hope that is your gift for life.

Justin, you are so busy! When we can catch you, there is nothing better than your squishy hugs and soft skin. Your blanket is the love of your life and you want nothing more than to have it near. You love to be outside and to push anything with wheels--strollers and trucks with trailers are your favorite. You can't help but grit your teeth when you see Max and giggle when Max returns your attention. Your giggle is so contagious. You love water, the washing machine, and the oven. You yell at the television if their is the slightest hint of sports. You are one tough little boy and those big dark blue eyes combined with a insanely handsome face make it very hard to discipline you even when you have flooded the kitchen or nearly singed your eyelashes.

We can't wait to see what this year brings!

Back to Preschool

Jake started preschool today. He goes Wednesday through Friday. That means it is just me, Justin, and Megan at home alone for three mornings each week. It will help prepare us for kindergarten next year, but it is awfully quiet.

Jake was very excited to be back to school. He adores Teacher Erica and it is so good for him to sit and follow directions.

Big Bird

Today a sweet-hearted horse by the name of Big Bird joined our family. He has an amazing disposition, and I wish my kids were as obedient as this giant of a horse. Emma is beside herself with joy. We all have a lot to learn, and dad is doing his best to teach us. I got the "We Don't Wear Flip Flops on Horses" lecture this evening.

Big Bird is a 16 hand horse (that means he is tall)

As we expected Annie is cautious, but we think it won't be long before she has a new favorite hobby.

A Fond Farewell

Today we said goodbye to the cribs. Now that Justin and Megan are almost two, they are too big for their cribs. They are ready for real beds, but if it were up to me they would stay babies for a while longer. Obvious though it may be, when there are two babies everything gets done twice-- Two baths, two car seats to buckle, two diapers to change, two babies to place in their cribs each night. I am really going to miss two jumping beans bouncing in their cribs each morning.


Justin has moved in with Jake. Meg has her own room upstairs. She and Justin love to chatter and she sings to him. This is going to be the first time they have ever been apart. I am sure they are ready, just not so sure about myself.

p.s. Max got a haircut today, that is him moping on the bed

The Proposal

Jake: "Hey Kinlee when we get big lets hop in my GMC and go to the temple and get married."
Kinlee: "Kambell wants to marry you."