Half a year old

 Has half a year already gone by?! Our sweet little Brielle turned 6 months old on June 10th! She continues to be such a sweet baby and always happy. Except when we feed her green beans of course!

 She was NOT a fan!

 She continues to be the most popular one in the house and the kids just can't get enough of her. Our morning routine consists of everyone climbing into my bed to see Bri in the morning and they stay there until I have to kick them out!

 Some fun new things for Brielle are her bumbo seat and starting solid food. She loves every food she has tried and even gave green beans a second chance. She can roll all over the place and is almost sitting up on her own.  She is so ticklish and laughs out loud whenever someone tickles her.

 She LOVES food. I can't feed her quick enough and she always wants whatever everyone else is having. She loves to chew on cold veggies and eat bread. Her rolls on her little body are seriously impressive. They cover her whole body. And she is weighing about 19 pounds currently.

She wakes up once during the night long enough for me to swaddle her and give her her binkee.   Which makes everyone happy! She sucks on her fingers and toes constantly and anything else she can manage to get to her mouth. She is so fun and is a perfect fit into our family.  Love you "baby Elle!"

Death is hard

 Giacimo kelly...one of the cutest kids ever with the biggest smile. We were just getting to know this little man who was on Carter's baseball team who was tragically killed a week before his 6th birthday.

 He was riding near a garbage truck, something he often did, and when the truck turned he didn't stop. He ran into the truck and was pulled under the back wheels and mangled in the axle and tires.

 Although it was heartbreaking, I jumped at the chance to teach Carter about the plan of salvation. He was sad but he said, "mom is ok, he's with heavenly father." Sometimes I think kids know more than we do. Here he is with his Giants team mate at the funeral.

That evening we got to honor him at the game by wearing his number, #10, on the back of his shirt and sending him some "birthday balloons." Today is his birthday. Happy birthday little buddy. You will be so missed.

I'm grateful for a loving heavenly father who gives us a plan to be together as family for eternity.  This experience has strengthened my testimony and has reminded me how short and precious life is and to cherish our time with loved ones here on earth.

SUMMER!

  Suuuummmmerrrr!!!! We have been trying to make the most of every day in summer so far. Last summer we couldn't do much with Carter's broken arm so we are making up for it this We have already been swimming several times and Brielle loved it! She just kicked her little legs the whole time!

 We've built forts and gumdrop models and played lots of games and had lots of play days and park dates and picnics!

We made our first ever summer bucket list and it's been fun trying out new things.
Here's to one big fat fantastic summer!

Angels among us

 Recently Ive been reading a book called Visions of Glory (its incredible! read it if you can) but it talks about how we literally have angels among us. Every day. Every night. And when we say in our mind "please help me' (something I do quite often) that there are hosts of angels helping us in what we need.

I never got to meet these Hymas angels, but I have heard countless stories of how great they were.  Over memorial day we got to visit Chads grandparents grave with several cousins. It was somber, joyful,  and emotional all at once. Here is Chad with his kids, father and grandparents. 4 generations.

 Although I didn't want the kids climbing all over the headstones, I'm sure that G&G Hymas were thrilled.

I felt their presence so strong and felt loved even though they never knew me. I know they are our Hymas angels and are watching over us every day. And I can't wait to meet them when I get to the other side.

Preschool graduation

 From first day to last day, this boy has grown so much! In more ways than one!



I love this picture. I'm sure there wont be many years left of getting to hold his tiny hand and walk him into his graduation ceremony.

 They put on a super cute program complete with songs, poems, and a movie. Each kid had a part in getting to say what they learned for the year.

 "We learned our colors!"

 Doing A-tootie tah song.

 When they called Carter up to get his packet they announced his name and then said "AKA SMILES!" We love that little smile of his!

 Here's the fam hanging out at graduation. G&G Reed also were there but i got no pictures of them!!

 Carter and Mayzie with his candy lei

 This was the movie they showed and Carter got right up front to watch it!

 Carter with his good little buddie Jaxon...and me and his mom wearing matching outfits!

 

To celebrate afterwards the grandparents took us to lunch at Applebees and then went to a new bounce house place here in Tooele. It was a fun day and we were glad my parents could be with us!

Last day of preschool

 This day was so bitter sweet for me. I'd be lying if I said it didn't make me tear up at all. It has been incredible watching Carter learn! He can read several books, knows his letters and their sounds, shapes and can count to 100!

 Watching him develop socially has been fun too. He's not shy at all and made lots of new friends!

 His 2 teachers, Mrs. Christensen and Mrs. Molgard, were so awesome. They are patient and kind and very invested in teaching their kids. I grew to love them over the year as well as Carter.

Here's another little friend we got to watch once a week. Carter and mayzie grew to be pretty good buds. On their last day of school I asked them if they were sad (because I sure was!) And all they both could talk about is how excited for kindergarten they were. I'm so glad Carter has learned to love school and learning. He is so smart and excels in everything he does. Sure love you little guy and so proud of your accomplishments!