Halloween 2013

Thompson and Thomson along with Mr. Wiggles (self appointed name) wish you a Happy Halloween!

Ms. Audrey Hepburn is much more refined than the above mentioned.  Thank goodness:)

Boston's Baptism

Of all our kids, Boston was the one who seemed most aware of his baptism.  He wanted to take a picture and send out invites.  He asked questions about what it meant to be baptized.  He wanted to have a party afterwards.  And he was persistent with all of the above.  As a result, we had a big celebration to welcome him into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints.

First item of business, pictures.  He is a great model as long as he gets to call the shots.

Love this setting - fall in Utah with Boston in the forefront.

I was a bit worried about his hair falling to the middle of his back when it got wet so a hair cut was in order.  Boston got in the seat very hesitantly, asking for nothing to be cut off.  I mouthed 2" to the hairdresser and off it went.  Boston pretty much cried when she was finished and didn't stop until after school the next day when he decided it would grow back.  A few friends made fun of him but I told my kids and Eric to only talk positive of it, or else... He's a cute boy no matter what.  I quite like the new do.

Baptism day.  I've worn that necklace to all of my children's baptisms and was excited to wear it this day.  Eric and Boston decided they didn't want to change into their whites until the actual baptism so I wasn't able to get a picture of that.  You can use your imagination with what Eric looked like in a jump suit (it wasn't something he wanted to go parading around in).  Everyone kept asking me if they were going to change and I just said, "we don't do anything normal."  At any rate, it all turned out fine.  Eric said a perfect baptism prayer and Boston only had to be dipped once.  Eric gave a beautiful confirmation and Boston was surrounded by a big group of priesthood holders.  I, of course, shed some tears.  Eric did too.

Grandma and Grandpa Bateman drove from Washington just to be with Boston.  That's pretty special.  They gave Boston the tie he is wearing and a red one as well.  He was looking sharp.  Grandma gave a beautiful closing prayer at the baptism and Grandpa was a witness to make sure Boston's hair went under:) This note was included with the ties.   So blessed.

Many friends and family came for the baptism.  Brad & Sabrina and their children (Makayla, Bridger & Elliot) live close by.  Eric and Brad served in the Cleveland, OH, mission together.  Brad attended our wedding in California and we were able to attend Brad & Sabrina's in the Timpanogos temple years ago.  What a treat to be living close to them now.

Shannon and Dave and their kids (Noah, Luke, Ella and Sara) came to support Boston as well.  Probably my favorite thing about living here is being close to Shannon.  Family is everything.

They gave Boston this note and an awesome sword to go with it.  Always very thoughtful.

Laci, Isabel and Camryn were also able to attend.  The minute I sent the invite out Laci responded with "yes" and "what can I bring?"  Another major plus to living here.  Being closer to her and her family.  Camryn is the same age as Boston and quite the cutie... you just never know what the future holds:) And while I'm at it, Isabel (another cutie - the McCune's only make cuties) was born the same year as the twins...:)

Oh the Wallis family.  They have been our saving grace with this move.  They turned their home into a hotel and went on the emotional roaster coaster ride with us.  I've said this before, but I'll say it again (and again) - I cherish friendship and thank God every day for beautiful friends.  These are beautiful friends. A clean white towel was dropped off with this note.  (On a side note, Boston also brought his CTR towel he got from the Shadow Canyon Ward, sharing it with his dad.)

Leighton got up in sacrament meeting Sunday to express his testimony and approval with Boston's baptism, stating "I am glad he got baptized so he can go to heaven."  Tears, again.  Then Eric proceeded to bear his testimony.  More tears.  Happy tears.  One of these days I'll get up there and express my deep, abiding testimony but for now, this will do:)

Cousins that are going to college in the area came to show Boston how special he was to them.  Daniel (on the end) is going to BYU planning to go to Physical Therapy school.  Emily (blond) is getting her masters at BYU in some sort of Music (sorry I don't know the technical term) but she has an amazing voice and gives voice lessons.  Christian (with Boston on his shoulder) returned from a mission in Africa in July and is also going to BYU.  Emily and Christian are brother and sister and both teach at the MTC.  Hunter (next to Kennedy) is at BYU-I for her first semester and is planning to go into nursing.  They are all SINGLE:) Hunter is still a little young but the rest of them are true catches!

This is my neighbor Melissa.  She was one of the first neighbors to give me the lay of the land, invite me to run with her, go to the temple, help us unload our boxes, tutors the twins, how to prune my trees, that a light bulb is out, etc.  She tells it like it is and I am thrilled to live across the street from her.  She came to support Boston as well and joined in the fun afterwards.  She was freezing in the garage so she ate out back all by herself.

This special note below was attached to a bag of candy.  Boston is a rare child in that he really appreciates personal notes.  He read every word and wanted to be sure to keep all these reminders of his baptism.

The little guy in the green shirt is Gavin.  He lives across the street.  He was one of the neighbor kids that made themselves as home the minute we arrived, crawling into our air mattress bed.  His mom Kristen and brother Eli also came to the baptism but dodged me getting a picture of them.

Grandpa and Grandma Bateman gave him his first set of scriptures.  He has been looking forward to them for years.  He is in the "can I read" mode while we read family scriptures and shows such desire to be make good choices.

Leighton and Rosa have full schedules on Saturday but made time for Boston's big day.  They gave him a beautiful card with a little $ but at the moment I can't find it.  They have always taken an interest in our children and are another bonus to living here.  Leighton plans to train all the boys for their future careers:)

Grandma and Grandpa Bateman also drove quite the distance to be at the baptism.  They are busy bodies at their age.  We are so grateful they could come be a part.  Grandma gave a talk on baptism and wrote a poem for Boston (I need to get a copy and post here) and Grandpa was also a witness, making sure Boston's hair went under.  The plaque they are holding was made by Bryon and Grandpa.  Boston's eyes lit up when he saw it.  This is the language he speaks.  So kind of Byron and Amy to send and show their love for Boston.

Once again, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the love we feel from family and friends.  We did miss all our friends from Henderson and family that couldn't make it but appreciated their sweet notes and congrats to Boston.  I know Boston felt it and knew that his day was more special because of them.  Baptism is the first step to eternal life and I am relieved and happy knowing Boston took that leap of faith.

A month (or so) in the life...

Time.  It's a peculiar thing.  When the kids were little it didn't go fast enough.  Now, I just don't have enough of it.  My blog has suffered because of it (and Instagram).  At least I am still doing it, right?:)

When Eric put this get up on I told him it deserved an Instagram post all on its own.  He had rap music blaring from the garage to go along with the do rag and tank top.  He's in his own world.

Jodi and Matt stopped in for a quick visit and Boston jumped at the chance to play catch with Matt.  They also went to his flag football game but I spaced a picture.  They are great to have around and wish they lived closer.

The very next day, Dan, Sadie, Angelo and Olive came to stay for the weekend.  Sadie's 90 something year old grandpa was getting an award at the University of Utah so we got to spend lots of quality time together.

We took them to our favorite pizza place - The Slab.  Angelo chose bacon and Spinach.  What a mature boy he is.

Claire (Sadie's niece) joined us for a couple nights too.  They came to the twins game to cheer them on. Dan even brought his bag:)

Leighton (Eric's trainer from college and Leighton's name sake), also came to support the twins.  Him and his wife Rosa are dear friends.

We wanted Dan and Sadie to get a good taste of Utah so we took them to Bridal Veil Falls and Sundance.  I think we almost have them convinced to move here.

A beautiful Sunday afternoon after church.  I am so grateful for my children and the individuals they are turning out to be.

Eric's friend, Tim Hanshaw, found this picture and Eric was beyond excited.  He has been looking for a copy since he left the team.  He is #75.  See if you notice any other familiar faces?

Kennedy's new beginnings theme was the 80s.  I LET her borrow my Chic jeans I received for my 40th birthday and she rocked them.  Nice side pony, 2 pairs of sock and obnoxious make up.  She evened modeled the jeans for everyone.

We woke up to a light snow one morning and the kids thought we'd hit the jack pot.  They went to school all bundled up and were a big sweaty mess by the time I picked them up.  Of course the snow had melted by noon and the weather was back to normal.  They were disappointed at school when no one even wanted to talk about the snow.  Old news to the locals.

Grandpa and Grandma Jenks came to Utah for their mission reunion conference weekend.  Living here has major benefits.  Like seeing more of family!  We love when they come to visit.

Shannon and Dave and family came over for dinner.  Ella was insistent her and grandma make apple crisp together.  It was delicious!

We hung out and watched conference together.

The McCune family came to Sunday dinner this past month and we had a great time!  They are a lively bunch, full of laughter and energy.  We hope to enjoy many more meals together.  It's funny because when Laci lived in Henderson I was the one going crazy with toddlers.  Now she's got a 3 year old boy and a 1 year old boy along with her 4 older girls that are all involved in soccer and they are crazy busy. Seasons of life.

Boston's fall baseball season ended.  He played kid pitch for the first time.  It was a learning year to say the least.  Glad we have that one under our belt.  He missed Coach Dan and his teammates from Henderson (especially Angelo) but adapted well and played wherever the coaches needed him to.

The twins spend a lot of time doing homework.  Eric made them some thinking caps from one of his old shirts.  He cut the arms off and whoa la!  They look very studious.

Over fall break Laci and I got the kids together for a day of bowling and lunch at Brick Oven.  Kennedy and Haylee knew each other from Henderson.  It's been great to have Haylee go to the same school as Kennedy.  They have seminary together and eat lunch on B days together.

Boston would love a little brother like Cole.  Too bad so sad.  This shop is closed.

Laci and I have been friends since the day we met (years ago in Henderson while her hubby was doing residency).  She's a kindred spirit.  She knew Eric before I did so the history goes way back.

While Leighton doesn't want another little brother, he sure liked trying to entertain Cole.

The crew at Brick Oven.  It's a good thing this place is already loud.  We fit right in.

Grandpa Tom made these scout boxes for the twins.  They are a work of art. Each boy told him what they'd like on theirs and he delivered.  So blessed with an artistic grandpa.

During fall break we took a quick trip to Henderson for 4 orthodontist appoints, 2 biometric screenings and a chiropractic visit.  We left Saturday afternoon and came home Monday afternoon.  We know how to get things done when we need to.  Good news is - the twins braces come off in December and my invisalign will be almost done as well.

Kennedy tried out grandpa's motorized scooter.  It's all fun and games until someone gets hurt:)

While on a bathroom break in Beaver, we came across this jewel.  The cleanest bathroom I have set foot in.  Had to take a picture to show it off.

A couple weekends ago, the Wallis' and the Bateman's, ventured to Salt Lake to find the best pizza place. We tried out The Pie up by the University of Utah, Vinto, and Flatbread in Sugar House.  We highly recommend Flatbread.  It had the best ambiance and food.  And it was even the last place so that tells you even on a full stomach, it was yummy.  When we informed the waitress what we were doing it seemed to make them step up their game.  I wouldn't recommend eating at 3 places in one evening.  Just take our critique and head straight to Flatbread.

'Tis the season for carving pumpkins!  For family home evening, the Wallis' joined us for carving and treats.

Eric filled our bellies with hot cocoa, apple cider and aebleskivers.  He likes his place in the kitchen.

Most of the kids were grossed out with the guts of the pumpkin.  Leighton is just very dramatic.

Kennedy picked the most intricate design and was still carving when the party was over.

Such an overachiever:)

Boston sticks to a theme - the New York Yankees.

Leighton and Boston entertained us by doing the Dougie dance.

Jackson carved out an amazing Ferrari logo.

Leighton is "radio active."

Boston finished his flag football season with class.  They barely lost to the 1st place team, coming in 2nd.  He had a fun, laid back time with this team.  Which meant no stress for parents.  Just good ole fashioned competition.

Eric finally has a proper office in this house.  He told his friends he's ready to conduct "PPI's" (personal priesthood interviews) whenever they're ready.  Ha ha.  The kids were excited to spend some one-on-one time in their with him, planning out their life.  I don't know if you remember but Eric's previous office consisted of the powder bathroom so I'd say he's come a long way.

We have been enjoying the parting gift the Crompton's gave us.  Who knew a popcorn popper could be so much fun?

That 's about it for now.  I am sure I missed some things but if I didn't take a picture of it, it is gone from my memory.  Looks like time is flying by and my memory is fading.  Scary!  Life is good.