Kindergarten Girl!

I cannot believe it, but my baby started Kindergarten! She was so excited, she could hardly wait. She told me that she didn't need me to walk into school with her, she already knew how to get to her class, etc., but I told her that all the moms walk in with their kids on the first day and I really wanted to walk her in today. She reluctantly agreed and in we went. Maggie was so excited, too and wanted to walk in with us. So we all went in and waited outside Hallie's classroom. Hallie was bopping around, talking about school and getting so excited and then all of a sudden, she buried her head into my legs and said that she didn't want to go. She wanted to go home with me and Maggie. She started to cry and I felt so bad. I didn't want her to be scared, or to be sad, but she was. I wasn't prepared for it b/c she had been so happy all along. I held strong for her and sent her in drying her tears. When I walked out of the building, I lost it. I was sad for her. I was sad that she was growing up and that she had to be somewhere where she was nervous and scared and I couldn't be there to reassure her. Luckily when I picked her up, she was all smiles and couldn't wait to tell me all about her day. She even wanted to go back the next day. Today, on her third day, is the day that I have been sad. She is gone for such a long time and I really miss her. Today I wish she was three and we had all of the time in the word together. But, I, too will put on my brave face and be happy that she has such great opportunities. To my sweet Hallie . . . . I love you!



A reporter from the newspaper was there and caught this picture of Hallie. This was right about the moment that she was getting sad. It turned out to be in the paper yesterday! Hallie was so excited about it and couldn't wait to show it to everyone. What a great thing to have to remember the emotions of that first day!

Hallie's Hair

I can't believe we did it, but we cut Hallie's hair. We love it and think it makes her look so much older! It is her big girl, kindergarten hair cut and she can't stop playing with it. Anyway, just wanted to share!

Nauvoo

We decided last minute to take a little trip to Nauvoo a few weeks ago. It was really fun and the girls had a great time. Aaron and I made it to the temple and we all watched the Joseph Smith pageant. We love being so close and having the chance to visit such a historic and sacred place every so often!

Thank You

Thank you to our moms for all of their help and to all of my friends that have pitched in and done so much. Just wanted to thank you all. The update is that the situation is improving and the babies are well! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

The Word on the Street . . .

. . . is true! I think that the news has spread across the U.S. faster than lightning, but just in case you haven't heard, our family is expecting . . .
TWINS! Yes, you heard it right! We are shocked and excited and scared and feel very blessed all at the same time. This means lots of crazy things for us, but we are so thankful that they are healthy and that they look good so far. I don't know the first thing about being pregnant with twins, or about raising them, so any advice would be greatly appreciated. I am in my 14th week and feeling good. The last few days I have felt the tug of this a little and have been extremely tired, but if that is the worst I have experienced so far, I am not complaining. Lets all hope and pray that things go well, since it is still early. The girls are so excited. In their prayers every night, they are thankful for the "babies, the twin babies". It is sweet. So there you have it confirmed and for the record, we are thrilled to death!Here are their debut pictures. . .

Lainey Shae is officially one! I can't believe it! It has been a crazy year, but it feels like Lainey has always been a part of our family. She has such a fun personality, and seems to be a natural comedian. She definately knows what she wants and is not one bit afraid to go after it. She holds her own around here with her two big sisters! She is also the most cuddly and affectionate baby that we have had. She loves to hug and kiss and snuggle. She loves to rock and pat my back while I pat hers. She is such a sweetie!

4th of July

We love holidays! The 4th of July is always a favorite of ours. We have been in Iowa for the past several years on the fourth, so we have come up with some fun traditions and the kids love it. The weather was a little crazy, but we still made it to the parade and the fireworks. Thanks to all who defend our freedom!