For Laurel and Traci...

...And anyone else still checking this blog.
Here you go sisters....you asked and here are some updated pictures of Ryan.

Ryan 5 Months Old

Derek the Bobcat

Derek received his Bobcat award in Cub Scouts. He's been very excited to get his patch. We are very proud of the work he put into it. The tradition stands that when the scout pins his mother he is to give her a kiss and hug afterward. He was too embarrassed to do that in front of the crowd, so I grabbed him, dipped him, and gave him a big wet one on his cheek. Dave then grabbed him and did the same. Now he truly understands the meaning of embarrassed. Just doin' our job. :)

Surprisingly...

...We didn't run out of frosting.

Halloween Cuties

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".