Hailey's 14th Birthday

Hailey got to celebrate her birthday a day early this year.  She wasn't a bit disappointed and got a whole bunch of fun stuff.  She said she didn't want clothes, but Hayes has really loved having the dress and shoes she got.  :) I was able to go to lunch with her and have some one-on-one time.  We enjoyed that. 

Bo and I had to go to Vegas for work, so on her birthday, she got to have extra cake and ice cream with Grandma Christensen, who was watching over them while we were gone.  

We love this girl so much.  She is growing into a sweet, smart, beautiful girl with many talents.  She's sensitive to how others are feeling and listens to their needs.  She's helpful around the house, and she and Conrad are becoming great friends.  It's so fun to watch.

At 14 Hailey loves:

Reading and begs to go to the library many times a week.  We only go once a week, so she just checks out like 10 books when we go.  She reads a book at least every two days.

Drawing

Singing.  I love that too.  :)

Performing

School

Math

Writing Stories which she's very good at

We are so blessed to have this girl and are so proud of your accomplishments and the things you've overcome in life.  We can't wait to see what 14 brings for you!

Brayden's Baptism

Brayden was baptized on September 29th.  It was a great day, and we got to spend a lot of time with family from out of town.  He was so excited to get a new suit and sure looks handsome in it.

Brayden said, "I felt the Spirit after I was baptized and it felt good."

Thanks to all those who made the effort to come up and spend this special day with him.

Brayden Turned Eight!

Brayden had a fun birthday.  His friend had a birthday party at Gravity Factory, so he spent much of the day with him. We were able to open presents with him later, and on Sunday, we went over to Grandma and Grandpas for cake and ice cream.  They weren't able to come since they have great-grandma at their house and can't both leave.

Here are some pics from his special day

I couldn't help but put all these pictures on showing how happy this kid is.  I love that sweet face!

These kids add so much life a joy to our family!  He watches and observes people closely and sees where he can help others.  He's doing very well in school and is a great student.  He loves spending time with his brothers.  

Brayden Loves:

Nerf Guns

Dressing up as an army guy

playing Minecraft

Reading Captain Underpants and superhero books

Riding his bike and scooter

Being outside

Legos-he loves coming up with his own designs.  He wanted the duplos so he could make guns with them.

Brayden we are so proud of the nice young man you are and can't wait to watch and see what the next year brings!

Labor Day in Jackson

We had a fun time with Bo's family Labor Day Weekend.  We went to a campground a little past Jackson called Coulter Bay.  It was beautiful and had a lake a few minute's walk away with the Tetons as a backdrop.  The boys learned how to haul and chop wood, made them a neat little fort, and had a great time exploring.  Hailey impressed us by getting in the freezing cold lake and swimming around, she is so much more adventurous than me.  She also had a lot of fun with her cousins. We were thrilled we had an RV because it was freezing cold up there and couldn't have been able to sleep.

We drove past the Tetons quite a few times, spent a day in Jackson, and had fun watching the kids enjoy the outdoors.  We did have to hit an Urgent care because Caleb ended up with an ear infection, probably from the pneumonia he had just gotten over.  It was a great Labor Day weekend.

Here are some pics.  Conrad and Bo took the pictures.  I didn't take many.

First Day of School 2018

We loved the summer and had lots of fun.  But, this time of year, we're all ready to get back into a routine.  It seems like every year in the middle of August, the kids get tired of not having structure.  They began arguing more and telling me they were bored.

The excitement was in the air that first morning as they got ready for school.  These kiddos started school on August 29.  They came home really happy and all like their teachers.  This was a huge relief since they all don't totally love school.

I love watching these kids grow.  It's incredible how much a kid can change in a year.  I can't wait to see what the year brings for these kids.  I sure love them!

Caleb started Kindergarten!  Such a fun day for him.

Second Grade

Fifth Grade

7th Grade

8th Grade