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!

1st Day 2011

After coming home from Idaho, the boys only had a week and a half to relax before school started. Boy, did the end of summer go by quickly!

Dallin is in Mr. Akers' second grade class.

Parker is in Ms. Smith's fourth grade class.

McKay is in Ms. Ballew's kindergarten class (all day!).

1 Month

We are so in love with this little girl! She is a great baby. She is gaining weight like crazy and already weighs eleven pounds. Jenna usually wakes up once a night and goes back to sleep until the morning. She does get collicky at times, but just squirms around, no screaming luckily. Parker is such a helper with Jenna. Whenever I'm trying to get something done (mostly make dinner), he'll hold her and keep her happy. Sophie loves her too and often has me put Jenna down so they can hold hands. We are blessed to have her in our family!

Stewart Camping Trip 2011

One of our favorite summer traditions is the Stewart Family camping trip. We have some of the best memories from these trips and make new ones each year. This year Aaron took the kids up on Friday and stayed until Sunday. I didn't feel like roughin' it with Jenna, so we just went up for the day on Saturday. (These first several pictures I stole from Heather.)

Proof that I did actually go to the camping spot!

We hang a hammock every year. The kids love it!

This year there were mushrooms everywhere.

Kristi found a loaded bb gun by the lake. The kids took turns shooting it.

I love this sweet pic. Aaron adores his little princess. (Even with messy hair.)

One for each hand!

Looooove this sweet pic of Sophie taken outside the fabulous outhouse.

Dallin has a knack for catching fish.

Sophie even caught a fish this trip.

Aaron found our ward's scouts at the lake and borrowed their canoe.

We can't wait for next year. Jenna will be the perfect age to be a dirt ball all trip long. I'm so looking forward to that! :)

Double Digits

Parker was so excited to turn ten because he would be in the double digits. We also talked about how he is one decade old. My how fast these ten years have flown by! Parker loves reading, playing basketball, riding his bike, and playing with his little sisters. He is a great helper (most of the time) and all his teachers love him. He is in fourth grade this year and has decided to try out the cello. We hope he sticks with it! We are so blessed to have Parker in our family.

Karl and McKay