the most wonderful time of the year

We've have been anxiously waiting for this day to arrive. We are so glad it's finally here. (Okay some of us are a little more excited than others).

First Day of School 2009

It was a little hard to see Brendan go to kindergarten, but he was so excited and came home so happy I couldn't help but be happy for him. We looking forward to another great year. Now, we just have to get used to getting out the door in the morning.

Sibling Rivalry??

My kids love this baby. They have been so good with her. I think you always worry how they will adjust, but so far they are just so happy to have her in our home.

Carter has been such a natural with her. If she is fussing, and I can't get to her right away, he picks her up, cuddles her, and is great at comforting her. Kayden is usually right behind him to offer his assistance.

Even Brendan, who was not excited to have another sister, has been quite curious about her. He drags the stool into the bathroom when I give her a bath and asks me all kinds of questions about her. He is still confused about the umbilical cord though and regularly checks to see how her belly button looks.

Hailey always wants to hold her. And totally cracks me up-she will kiss her and then look at me and say, "mmm, Emery smell", as she sniffs and takes it in. She is one of the first to alert me if she is crying, usually before the rest of hears her.

It's been so fun to see how they react around her and I am so glad that they love her so much.

(Really, what's not to love though?!)

Grandpa's girls

My kids love their grandparents and love to have them visit or go to visit them. But Hailey is especially in love with her "Papa". She just can't get enough of him. However, this last trip, Emery was able to get in some good bonding time. My dad would take her every evening so I could get all the other kids bathed and ready for bed. It gave me a break, Emery was happy to be snuggled, and I think my dad kind of enjoyed it too. I think that Hailey might end up with some competition and just might have to share her "Papa".

A Family Affair

We were able to have our family together for Emery's blessing. It is so nice to have family that will travel to come and support us. It was nice to have everybody together to enjoy a good meal, play a little Wii, visit, and just relax.

(Our attempt to try to get a family picture- how does anyone ever do that? We were in too much of a rush before church and everyone was not cooperative after. I guess at least we attempted!)

After the blessing, the kids and I headed to Utah to spend the week at my parents and go to a family reunion for the Lusty's. It was nice to have a change of scenery. We really didn't go anywhere, but the weather was much cooler and the kids could at least go outside and play.

Reunion- Payson, Utah
August 7-8th, 2009

One of my kids favorite things about the reunion is the giveaway. Everyone brings things they made, gathered from around their house, or bought. We draw names and everyone gets to pick things to take home. The first time Hailey's name was drawn, she picked cars. There were girl things on the table, but that was all she wanted and was so excited. Really, cause we don't have enough of those. The day was a lot of fun and it was nice to see everyone.

Just a reminder...

I have had a hard time with the thought of Brendan going to kindergarten this year. I think I go through this everytime I send a kid to school, I think it is normal. But I really do enjoy him being home with me.

Just before his birthday, I asked him if he would just stay 4 because I always told him he was my favorite 4 year old. Of course, he said he would just have to be my favorite 5 year old. I guess I just have to accept that he is growing up.

But when you see them like this...

...you can't help but think that they are still little.

Now my older boys have definitly moved beyond anything that could be classified as a little kid. However, when your 9 year old asks if he can borrow your old purse, fills it with various treasures, and sets up some fortress in the toy kitchen, that provides entertainment for hours, you can't help but think they are still just kids.

Of course, the bubble is quickly burst when you find this on your fridge...

...gone are the days when they just spelled "cat" or "mom" with the magnetic alphabet.