"If you are still in the process of raising children, be aware that the tiny fingerprints that show up on almost every newly cleaned surface, the toys scattered about the house, the piles and piles of laundry to be tackled will disappear all too soon and that you will—to your surprise—miss them profoundly." - Pres. Thomas Monson

Friday, September 10, 2010

Derek's Baptism Day

Derek was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Saturday, September 4, 2010. It was such an amazing day. He's been waiting years to be baptized and the day finally came. It was so special to watch his excitement and true desire to follow after Christ.
This was Dave's first time baptizing someone in English and not Portuguese. :) Derek's foot and knee almost came out of the water. Derek really didn't want to plug his nose. Dave had to convince him to do it. Funny kid.
Derek said the water was colder than he thought it would be. He also said that he left his eyes open under water and said it was cool to watch the water go over him. After the baptism Derek was confirmed and given the gift of the Holy Ghost. The rush of the spirit was so strong that it brought me to tears. So amazing. Derek told me afterward that he felt the spirit too. I hope he always remembers that experience. The confirmation circle had 16 priesthood holders participating! We are so lucky to have so many family and friends to support our family. Derek told me that he peeked during the blessing and it "was so dark in there". I would have been curious and peeked too! :) On the drive home Derek was sad that "the fun part was over". I remember feeling that way after my baptism. You look forward to it for so long and it's over in an hour.
Derek, pure and clean.
The Brock Family
After the baptism we had all our family over for lunch. My neighbor referred to them as our "Big Fat Mormon Family". Everyone from both sides of the family were there. We were missing just one of Dave's brothers. Family came from Utah (of course), Texas, California, Colorado, and Oregon. Thanks for coming! We love you!!

The Eddington Family

Thursday, September 9, 2010

A Walk in the Park

Our city just completed a new park and held a Grand Opening party. It was all free and a lot of fun. There were free hot dogs, chips, drinks, brownies, ice cream, snow cones, and balloons. There was a cookie walk, bounce house, pony rides, merry-go-round, bucket train ride, "princesses", and oh yeah, the new playground. :)


The boys were in heaven...climbing through and on a real tank.




Each of the kids won a frisbee by throwing it through a hula hoop. In fact, Dave won one as well...so basically, I am a gimp at throwing frisbees and brought shame upon our family when I missed...twice. :(


McKenna is clearly not ready for the princesses at Disneyland. She was terrified of "Cinderella".

WARNING: Mild Nudity

I just love bath time shots. He's so cute!! Ryan loves his baths. He can be crying one minute and will immediately stop when he hears the water running. Ryan at 1 1/2 months old.
This baby was born smiling.

Back to School

Sheesh, I just made the "Last Day of School" post. Well, it's back to school again. The first day of school just happened to be Derek's 8th birthday as well. He was actually excited to share his birthday with school. 1st Day of Second Grade

1st Day of First Grade
I was nervous for Taylor since it's now a full day of school. But they both had a great first day and are excited for more. Let's see how long it will last.



Derek's 8th Birthday

After school our family went to an arcade called Nickel City. The boys all played lazer tag and we went through a lot of nickels playing games.




We returned home and Derek opened presents and we ate cake!



Happy Birthday, Derek!

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

One Last Day of Summer

The second half of summer has been pretty lame for the kids. Having a new baby has really slowed things down. So I thought I'd give the kids one last day of fun before school started on Tuesday.

I couldn't help myself and had to get in. I have way too many great childhood memories in wading pools. We made an awesome whirlpool. :)



Goodbye, Summer...sniff, sniff.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Ryan David Brock

Ryan was born July 10th at 3:39 am. He was 8 lbs 3 oz and 21 inches long. It was another hard but relatively quick labor and we are all just happy he made it here safely. He had his umbilical cord in a true knot (we have pictures upon request) and our doctor told us that it only happens 1 in every 300 births and can be life-threatening. So now Taylor and Ryan are both our little "future Eagle Scouts" as our OB put it. He's a sweet little guy and he is rarely put down. We all love holding him...Derek is addicted to it. Well, just wanted to share the news and some pictures.

Ryan at 3 days old.
Ryan at 4 days old