Saying Goodbye

I really am a lucky woman. I was raised by two incredible people, I have siblings and in-laws that I call my best friends, I have a very supportive and loyal husband, and I have three great kids. And I am surrounded by all these great people who bless and enrich my life on a daily and weekly basis. Unfortunately, I had two say goodbye to two of my best friends last night. It was the hardest thing I have had to do in a long, long time.

I have been dreading Aaron and Monica's moving day for months. I knew it would rock my world, and it did. No more stopping by their house on a whim, unannounced. No more yummy monthly cupcakes from Monica. No more weekly Sunday dinners with the whole family. No more play dates with Ben and Maggie. No more long talks with Aaron at his kitchen table.

But I am so proud of them. This move involves a lot of sacrifice and ambition for both of them, and don't think I could have done it. I have long-admired Aaron's love of learning. He is going to make a fine doctor. And I am going to hold Monica to her promise of returning to Utah one day. That will be a very, very happy day for me.

Charmer

When I found out I was pregnant with our third child, I wondered if three children would prove to be a crowd or a charm. Here is my answer: the third time is definitely a charm! Luke is such a sweet, good baby.

My favorite thing about this boy right now is that he is a cuddler. I just love to hold him. He conforms his tiny body next to mine, cuddles right up to me, and is as content as can be.

And even though they say it doesn't happen this early, I swear I have gotten some genuine smiles from him.

(I have to document how much hair he has now before it all falls out.)

One month has already passed since Luke entered this world. I am really trying to cherish this time while he is so small. Too soon he will be sitting up, crawling, walking, running, and getting into all sorts of mischief with his big brother.

And his big sister.

It is crazy how fast time goes by. It seems like just yesterday that it was Ashlyn who was cradled in my arms, and it was Ashlyn's tiny hand that was wrapped around my finger. Now Ashlyn cradles Luke in her arms and Luke wraps his tiny hand around Ashlyn's finger.

The only thing I can to to stop time is to document it as best I can, and to hold him as much as possible.

Water Fun

What is summer without water? Pretty dry. So, we have spent many hours getting soaked by hoses, pools, and other things that spray and squirt.

Brian was in the backyard water the plants one night and the kids just happened to get in the way, so the clothes came off...more came off for some than others.

It was actually a little chilly that night and the kids may have suffered from a little hypothermia, but they didn't seem to mind too much.

We have made several trips to the splash park, which is just a few minutes from our home. I have taken my camera each time, but never got it out until our last trip on Saturday. We went with the Lifferths and I just had to snap a few shots since it would be our last time going with them for awhile. I am sure going to miss seeing these cute faces on a regular basis.

Isn't she beautiful? -

And nothing beats a day in the water, then a nice cold popsicle and some cousins to share them with.

With more hot days ahead, I am sure that these activities will be repeated multiple times, so feel free to join us!

Fourth Weekend

The main event of the fourth of July was the blessing of Luke, but plenty of other festivities filled our time during the three-day weekend. It was a fun-filled holiday. We started out Saturday morning by going to a birthday party for Addi Andersen, and I got to spend some time with two of my long-time friends - Jamie & Julie.

I don't usually notice how short I am until I see pictures of myself and realize that I am always the shortest one of the bunch! Oh well. Sunday night we had a hot dog roast in my parents back yard, followed by fireworks in the front yard.

Ashlyn loved the fireworks, but they scared Trent to the point of tears and he went inside after just a few minutes. We had a family camp out that night and the kids thought it was the neatest thing to sleep in Grandpa's backyard. I thought it was just as neat to sleep inside!

We had a yummy breakfast outside the next morning - egg casserole, muffins, hash browns, grapes, and chocolate milk. The weather was perfect.

Monday afternoon we headed up to Ann & Joe's cabin for a potluck lunch. The scenery was beautiful, the food delicious, and the company delightful. Trent had a grand time swinging in the tire swing, exploring, and throwing pine cones in the stream.

Ashlyn loved it too.

After the cabin we drove a little further up Provo canyon to Wasatch State Park with the Eyres to do a little fishing...

Funny little story about that. Ashlyn was thrilled with her new pet fish that uncle Marty caught for her and she giggled and petted that fish and almost had it named until Marty wacked it over the head to kill it, which then sent her into hysterics and confusion. Why did uncle Marty kill it? Why can't we keep it in our bathtub? Not long after, another fish was caught, which Marty let Ashlyn reel in. To our shock and amusement, as soon as it came out of the water, Ashlyn shouted, "Kill it! Kill it!" The tables turned quickly. Brian grilled up two of the caught fish the next night and Ashlyn gobbled 'em up.

I had not been to Wasatch State Park since I was a kid and have no recollection of the place. It was beautiful and the kids had a blast. They didn't just get to fish, they threw rocks in the pond, played on the play ground, did summersaults,

did some war painting with mud,

took their pet fish on a walk,

and pushed their little brother into the pond.

Ashlyn was pretty pleased with herself, and luckily Trent didn't seem to mind either. It was such a fun weekend with family and friends and I was sad to see it end.

A Blessing

I am realizing more and more what a blessing it is to be a mother. There is nothing that I would rather be doing with my life right now. I have three beautiful children and I get to stay at home and raise them. I am one lucky and very blessed woman.

Speaking of blessings, we blessed our third born on the fourth of July. He was not yet three weeks old, but I wanted to bless him before Aaron and Monica moved to Missouri so Aaron could stand in the circle. Brian's sister Stacey was also in town that weekend, so everything worked out perfectly and we were able to have all of both our families there. I am just now realizing that I don't know when that will happen again. Why do people have to move away?

Brian gave Luke a beautiful blessing and everyone came to our home afterward for a luncheon. It is nice to now be in a home that can accommodate such a crowd. We had all-American food - BBQ pork sandwiches, potato salad, chips, watermelon, chocolate-chip cookies, and apple pie.

Luke was adorable, even though his blessing outfit was...weird? It's totally my fault. I procrastinated buying his outfit until the day before. The first two stores I went to had closed early for the holiday. The third store only had christening outfits with embroidered crosses. And so I hurried over to the distribution center fifteen minutes before closing and was forced to buy the only one available.

Do you see how big that collar is on his vest? It looks like he could fly away! Plus, the collar on the romper underneath made him look like a little priest. And even though I bought a 2XS, I had to fold under the sleeves because it was huge!

Brian didn't understand why he couldn't have just worn Trent's blessing outfit, but I really want each child to have their own special outfit for their special day. I really do love baby blessings. There is nothing like a fresh from heaven little baby all dressed in white. It is just precious.

It was a great afternoon and we very much appreciated the support and love of our families.