Matt & Erin's Wedding

Sept 9-11, 2016

Brooklyn, NY

Ellis Island, NY

Arthur's brother Matt married his sweetheart Erin on September 10th.  We left the 6 oldest kids with my sister, Melanie, and Nathan flew out with Arthur and I for the wedding.  We got there Friday night and stayed at Matt & Erin's place with Mike and Amber, and Matt's dad, Phil.  Friday night we went out for a pre-wedding dinner at a little restaurant in Brooklyn.  The owner is friends with Matt and Erin and closed the place for the night just for their wedding party.  We met Erin's family and got to visit with Viva who was staying with a friend in the city.  

Saturday morning we had breakfast at Four and Twenty Blackbirds.  Pie for breakfast is always a good idea.  Then we went out to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty with Mike and Amber.  It was really cool to learn about the history of Lady Liberty, Ellis Island and the immigrants who were hoping to start a new life here in America.  We got back just in time for us to all take a quick shower (never visit New York in the summer--we were sweating buckets!!) and clean up for the wedding!  

Matt and Erin were married at a small park on the waterfront and the sky they ordered was stunning.  After the ceremony and pictures we walked to the Atelier Roquette for a beautiful reception with food and dancing.  Nathan was such a trooper on his first big trip and would just fall asleep in our arms whenever he was tired.  What an angel!

Arrow of Light for Sean

9-7-16

Pack Meeting

Haines Building

Sean earned his Webelos badge and Arrow of Light.  Great job gettin' it done, buddy! (And yes, my 11-year-old is taller than me.)

Weekend trip to CO

Sept 2-5, 2016

Labor Day Weekend

CO Springs and Ft Collins

Colorado

We found out that Fort Collins was having an open house for their new temple over Labor Day weekend.  Since it wasn't too bad of a drive, and we wanted to take the kids to show them, we called and made a group reservation for us to go.  We drove up and stayed with the Amsden family in CO Springs which was so much fun!  On Saturday we went to check out the Olympic Training Center.  It was really cool to see where so many of the athletes train on a scholarship basis.  Since the summer olympics just happened, there weren't very many athletes actually there training--most of them were taking a break.  But it was still awesome to see the facilities they use.

Sunday we just went to church, had homemade pizza and watched Seven Brides for Seven Brothers in the Amsden's big movie room.  

Monday we drove up to Fort Collins for the temple open house.  Bennett said, "We are going to the temple and we will see Jesus!"  We didn't see Jesus, but we certainly felt his spirit.  It was beautiful and such a great opportunity to share that experience with our kids.   And very fun to go together with our friends!

Sean's Birthday

September 1, 2016

Sean's 11th Birthday

ABQ, NM

We celebrated Sean's birthday a day early since we were heading out of town on his actual birthday.  At 11 years old, Sean loves Marvel, Rick Riordan books, has read the Harry Potter series several times, and is an avid lego collector/builder.  He plays the cello and piano and is a great student at school.  He is the tallest 11 year old we know, and is a gentle giant.  He is very tender with his baby brother and is great at responding when he cries.  He is beloved by all his brothers (and sisters too) and we are so lucky to have this guy in our family!

Parts of August

1.  Our peach tree produces a crop every other year.  This was an on year, and may I just say, Well done, peach tree!  It's great to have peaches coming out our ears every other year to share with friends.  Peach smoothies, peach jam, fresh peaches with cottage cheese...sooo delicious!

2.  Bennett:  "Hey Mom, this guy is sitting on the potty!"

3.  Nathan

My bookends Dallin & Nathan.  

He's adorable, and we are all smitten.  

Quotes catch-up

January

Hayden: There goes another one.  And another one.  And another.

Me:  Another what?

Hayden:  I've been tooting all day.  There's a bunch downstairs.

Bennett: (coming into the kitchen with two boxes of macaroni) (It's breakfast time--not lunch).  Come on Mom, you LOVE it!

Bennett:  (after I said his night time prayer for him.)  Good job, Mom.  Now sleep with me.

March

Bennett:  Mom!  Mom!  I have syrup on my neck!!

Older Boys:  (laughing)

Bennett:  Stay away, boys!  I need a bath!

May

What NEVER to say to a pregnant lady:

Dallin:  Mom, you look so pregnant!  I can't believe you still have a month left!  Are you sure they didn't mess up on your due date?

Me:  BENNETT!!! Do NOT touch that door while we are driving!!! You could fall out of the car and DIE! (he opened the door while we were on the freeway)

Bennett:  Don't worry, Mom, I not get squished.

June

Bennett:  I like you Mom.  Hey Mom, you are really happy right?  You not mad at me, right Mom?

Sydney:  Well, I'm actually glad you a boy baby.  He actually turned out really cute.

Bennett:  Good job pushing out that baby, Mom!  Now we can go to Disneyland!  Come on, let's go!

Bennett: (watching Syd play a game on the wii).  Don't die, Sydney!  You have to stop dying.

Sydney:  I'm not TRYING to die.  Just stop talking.  You are stressing me out!

Sydney:  Oh thank goodness.  I was feeling really annoying.  (Nathan had finally stopped crying.)

Sydney:  Bennett, don't touch that!  It's gonna taser you!

July

Bennett:  (to my dad)  I need you, Papa.

Papa:  What do you need me for?

Bennett:  I don't know.

Bennett:  Mom, you wanna get chick-fil-a?

Me:  Um, yeah?

Bennett:  Then give me you phone.

August

Hayden:  Why didn't you tell me last night that today was fast Sunday??  Then I could have stuffed my face full of food!

Sydney:  My tooth fairy is famous.  Don't worry, Bennett.  I'm sure your tooth fairy will be just as famous.

Bennett:  Mom?  Can you take me at the tooth fairy?

Bennett:  I wanna hold you me.

Sydney putting her leg on Bennett's feet during a car ride.

Bennett:  Get off!  I don't love your leg.  I hate your leg.

Sydney not stopping

Bennett:  Stop!  Really, really big stop!!

Sydney:  I'm so glad you gave birth to Nathan!