After a bath.

Dad

My Dad has been working for Zions Bank for 40 years! I don't know anyone with more reliability and consistency.

Me Being Amazing

 She made some trees and was so proud.

Oregon Trail

We had a great time playing Oregon Trail, a board game i got for my birthday. It is a co-op game. We lost and it ended in the classic way. I bet you can guess that Clara, being the last one standing, died of dysentery! 

More Marie!

New Schools!

 It feels like we have big changes in schools every year! This year too. Clara is in middle school and John and Margaret in a brand new school.

The Most Wonderful Gift to Our Family

 Eliza was watching Daniel Tigers Neighborhood and we came upon the episodes where Daniel gets a new baby sister. It is far from Shakespeare but I really loved it. The tune makes a difference so here is the link if you are curious. 

Our family's getting bigger and our love is too
Which means more love for you, and you, and you, and me too!

A new baby is coming to our family
It's mommy, daddy, the baby, and me
I can't wait to meet the baby
We can't wait to meet the baby

Goodnight, sleep tight
Dream dreams as sweet as you

The moment I first held you, you seemed to me
The most wonderful gift to our family
I want to be the best big brother that I can be
So I'll be a great big help to my family

Goodnight, sleep tight
Dream dreams as sweet as you
Goodnight, sleep tight
Margaret

I really love, I really love
I really love our baby

Meet Marie!

Boy how we all love little baby Marie! She was born in the morning just like all our other children. She weighed the same as Clara when she was born. 6 pounds and 14 ounces. She has dark hair like Margaret and looked very similar on her first day but not really now. Marie likes the binkie. Eliza calls it a pinkie! I loved when all the kids came in and started calling her her name. "Hi cute Marie, cute Marie."  over and over. So endearing.   Eliza brought this flower to my room. So cute. We couldn't wait to me her and we are all so glad she is here! Yay Marie! You are a darling.

Washing Dishes

I feel like Kelly and I are succeeding when we have the kids do or help with the dishes.
I am pretty sure one of the kids took this photo. I know I didn't, but I like it!

Little Girls

The top photo reminds me of this photo. Check it out! I love it when I see visual patterns.  These girls are good little friends. Margaret teaches and is often such a good example to Eliza.

Nine!!

  John and I had a great time searching Pintrest to find a cake. We settled on the volcano cake that is secretly made of Coco Crispes. It really turned out fantastic!
 Later we had a friends birthday for him at the park. We had a pop theme. Popcorn, soda-pop, popcorn, ring-pops, and pop rocks. I was going to have the kids do an obstacle course but they had such a good time playing and having treats that the only thing we did was have John complement everyone that was there every time they came back for a treat. It turned out so great.
I really can't believe John is nine years old. There is so much to love love about John. He has a kind heart and is really a good worker. A great piano and cello player. A fast runner and a good brother. We are a lucky family to have him.

Putting the Girls to Bed

This time bedtime started with dancing and ended with songs.With headstands, prayers, and books in between. It is always a nice time. We end with "Where is Heaven" every time.

From the Garden

 Carrots, beets, hollyhocks, peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, and zinnias!