House

We're buying a new one. It's in our same ward, which makes me super happy. It was a very sudden turn of events, because we hadn't really been looking. Scott has been wanting a new house ever since I got pregnant with Thomas. I told Scott I really didn't feel like moving at the time and wasn't interesting in leaving the ward and was very resistant to the idea. So, he finally scoped out the ward to see what houses were available that we could actually buy should they ever come on the market. One actually did and we jumped on the opportunity so it didn't pass us by. I was shocked and it took me a few days to not feel extremely stressed. Big decisions take me some time to process.

We'll rent out our old one. Hopefully that goes well.

Boyhood Dreams

Scott has always wanted to learn to fly. And so he is. He's so excited he actually gets up early in the morning so he can go! He loves it. Ask him about it. He'll tell you all you want to know.

Richard's baptism

Richard was baptized! I'm so proud of him for having the desire to be baptized. He was part of a service with 5 other kids from our ward, so it was a big day! I was a little disappointed that we had so many kids, because I felt it made the service less personal and rushed. However, the important part is that he's baptized and has made those covenants. What a great day!

Everyone that was able to be there from our families. 

Remember what I said about Marie and curly hair and jewelry?

What a handsome kid!

Marie's and Peter's birthday!

Marie and Peter are now 4! They are both so excited to be in preschool. I'm teaching them how to read and they're both catching on very well. Marie still reads a little more fluently but Peter can write his letters better. They both loves to color and ride bikes. Peter still likes to play with trains but his interest seems to be waning. Marie is even more obsessed with princesses than she used to be. She's girlie girlie. She loves to have her hair curled, to wear jewelry, and to have her nails painted. What a bundle of energy they bring to our house. They've added so much to our house over the last 4 years. I'm just glad they're much easier now than they were at birth. 

 We had cake at the cabin because we were there for General Conference.

Peter wanted a "brown cake in a black pan" (bundt pan). 

Marie heard that Audrey wanted the cake from Sleeping Beauty. So, she racked her brain to think of another princess movie that has a cake. She came up with The Little Mermaid. The wedding cake from the Little Mermaid. She even wanted it topped off with Ariel and Eric kissing. I just could not bring myself to make a wedding cake for her birthday. So, she settled for a dress cake. However. She still wanted Ariel. We don't have a Barbie sized Ariel, and so the little plastic version had to do. i realize it looks like Ariel is stuck in a mountain, but at least Flounder is by her side! I didn't want to bother with dying frosting different colors. So, I tried to make it decorative but then just put sprinkles on for color. Marie seemed pleased.

 This year, Peter and Marie decided to receive their presents separately. They both were excited about their gifts.

The way my kids sleep

She looks like she's swimming....

soccer

Audrey started playing soccer this year. She had a great time! Her coaches actually tried to teach the girls how to play the game and what the difference is between offense and defense (instead of Richard's first coach that was just an adult on the field). Her team only lost one game. 

Audrey had one game that was against a team with one very talented girl. Audrey was the goalie and the girl kept coming at her with the ball. Audrey jumped on it so often that one parent said, "Who is the goalie's parents?" After I raised my hand he said, "She's not afraid of being kicked is she?!" The girl did eventually get past Audrey, but I was so impressed at Audrey's determination.

She finally scored a goal on her last game.

Richard also played soccer again this year and I took some pictures on my phone. I don't know how to get them off though... So, until then, just imagine it. He played really well and also had a great coach. I liked his team better this year, because there was a much better team feel. Last year, there were a couple of boys who were great and knew it. They never passed the ball and were always scoring goals. Richard just had a much better opportunity to actually get the ball and be actively involved instead of just running along the team asking someone to pass it.

Audrey's Birthday!

Audrey is now 6! She's really been such a joy to have in our family. She's my little helper. I can count on her as much as you could ever expect to count on a 6-year-old. She helps gather things in the morning as we get ready for church. She'll set the table. She likes to help with Thomas (ie she'll get him up while I'm exercising, get him dressed, and change his diaper). In fact, she'd do more for Thomas if I didn't remind her that I am the mother and am going to do some things. She reads really well and is so smart. We love you Audrey!

Audrey wanted a "Sleeping Beauty" cake for her birthday. I at first was panicking that I'd have to somehow recreate the cake the Fauna/magic wand makes in the movie. Then, she let me know that she just wanted the layers but wanted pink frosting with blue on the edges. I can do that. It's not the prettiest cake, but it tasted good!