Ryan is a Blessing

Ryan's blessing day came one day after Derek's baptism on Sunday, September 5, 2010. Sadly I really couldn't hear most of the blessing. Two little girls were talking so loud behind me and then the microphone wasn't up close enough to Dave's mouth. I'm sure it was a great blessing though. :( I did hear that Ryan is blessed with a great sense of humor, that he would be a missionary, and that he is blessed with health and strength. The sense of humor I can already see!

Ryan and Grandpa David and Grandma Judy. (Sadly, I forgot to take a picture of him with my parents.)

My mom crocheted this blanket for our family when Derek was a baby.

Eight weeks old

Candid. Not posed..we aren't THAT sappy around here. :)

McKenna and her cousin, M'li.

The audience. Watching what? You might ask...

....the Kubb game that lasted almost 3 hours!

I love the men in their Sunday get-up.

Derek and his cousin, Cameron.

Dave's dad and brother, Jason, doing what they always do. Nice sippy cup, Jason.

McKenna and cousins, Campbell, M'li, , Emery, and Kari.

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

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!

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.