3 Months

Keepin' Busy

Jenna has been napping like a champ, the boys are back in school, and Sophie has Avery to play with. This combo works out great to get some projects done that have been on my list for a while.




I bought this set of chairs from a garage sale months ago. They match my entertainment center and end tables.

Taking off the seats was the easy part.

Then I scrubbed, sanded, dusted, primed, and sprayed two coats of paint on them.

I finished them off with three coats of polycrylic and recoverd seats. 

I have really enjoyed sewing lately (and I'm getting a lot faster). This is a onesie dress for Jenna.

Light corduroy dress for Sophie

A dress for Evelyn and skirt for Kimble. Sophie and Jenna have matching dresses also. All from one sheet bought at the thrift store.

Apothecary jars from the Shanty 2 Chic blog, I bought all the pieces from Hobby Lobby and spray painted them black.

They just need to be filled up with some spooky decorations!

This is one of Aaron's projects: chickens. We're now getting brown, white, and blue/green eggs. The blue egg on the right is a double yolk. It was HUGE!

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My baby-sitting job is more like having friends over to play. I'm so lucky!

Zoo

We have gone to the zoo more times than I can remember. But the kids love it everytime (even if they fight me on going). This trip we visited the petting zoo and even got to watch the zookeepers feed the goats.

The goats knew exactly where to go for food. They nearly ran the zookeeper down to get it.

Darling Dancer

I was so excited when I heard about a princess dance class not far from our house. I signed Sophie up right away and I'm so glad I did. She loves it! There are three other little girls in our ward that go also and we carpool with one of them. Sophie had a hard time leaving Mom at the first class, but since then she goes right in. She even shows off some of her dance moves when we ask. We can't wait for her recital in December. Her teacher has class in her garage so we can't see what they're working on, but I can tell that she does a great job and the girls are going to be so cute!

Sophie's first ballet bun!

2 Months

We love our little chunky monkey!

Jenna's Blessing

Jenna's blessing day was the morning after Dallin's baptism. Aaron performed the blessing and Grandpa Great Radcliff, Grandpa Stewart, and Grandpa Pratt all stood in the circle. Jenna was blessed to be a peacemaker and calming influence in our home. We are sure looking forward to that blessing kicking in! It was a wonderful blessing, as they all have been. Aaron always does such a wonderful job.

Jenna's blessing dress was made by Nana Olinger.

All of the family that made it to the blessing except Grandma and Grandpa Pratt who had to leave for other meetings.

Aunt Dani and Nana Olinger

Grandma and Grandpa Stewart

Dallin's Baptism

We are so proud of Dallin and his decision to be baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The baptism program was very . . .entertaining. The talks were great, given by Grandma Pratt and Nana Olinger. Dallin's favorite part was that he got a flashlight. Parker, Lara, Kimble, and McKay sang a musical number. Luckily, McKay came back to sing after bolting out the back door to find his words. And when Dallin was asked how he felt after being baptized he responded, "Wet!" We had a fabulous taco dinner at the Stewart's house afterwards and were so grateful for all of the friends and family that came to support Dallin on his special day.

Super Swimmer Sophie

Sophie has always loved the water and was swimming great in her floaties this summer. But, I don't want her to rely on floaties forever so off to Miss Shelley she went. While the boys were off at school, Sophie went with her buddy Tagg to her first session of swimming at Miss Shelley's backyard pool. She did so great, she only cried the first few days. By the end of lessons (three weeks) she was doing everything by herself and was much more confident in the water. We'll send her to lessons again next year and hope she enjoys it just as much.

The kids all love diving for rings.

Sophie's favorite part of the lesson: licorice!

Pretty in Purple

Nana Olinger made the girls these adorable matching dresses. I know Sophie loves hers (because it twirls) and I'm sure Jenna does too.

Sophie had foam rollers in her hair to make it curly. We love those cute curls!

Orchestra Here We Come!

In fourth grade the kids can join orchestra. Parker decided he wants to play the cello. This is the day he brought his rented cello home from Milano's. He was so excited to show us his instrument and try it out. We are really hoping he can hold his interest in the cello through the school year. We are excited for his upcoming concerts and know that he will be great if he can stick with it!

Doll Addict

Sophie loves her dolls whether she's awake or asleep! I couldn't resist taking her picture when I saw how she was sleeping. She's such a little mother. I love this little girl!

Dallin's 8!

We had a fun time celebrating Dallin's birthday at the Stewart's house. It is hard to believe he is eight already!

I love this sweet picture of Dallin and Big Black Bear.

We always love a good Lego game!

Grandma and Grandpa Stewart brought this shirt back from Nauvoo.

Blowing out the candles, on a chocolate cupcake of course!