Labor Day

For Labor Day this year we went up to Evanston so the kids could ride in my dad's truck in the parade. They had so much fun throwing candy out to all the parade watchers. Nathan had fun because he got to drive the truck in the parade while Spence, Samuel and I rode inside with him.

This is my cute mom and dad. I love them so much. :-)

Claire suddenly has an obsession with horses and wishes we had some.

After the parade we went and visited my Grandma Davis. She is 92 years old and still living by herself. For some reason she just keeps hanging on. She has slowed down quite a bit due to some falls that created some hip and back problems for her. She loves to crochet and has made countless afghans and dolls.

Samuel got to meet his great-grandma for the first time. I am so glad my kids have the opportunity to get to know their great grandparents. I wish my Grandpa Davis was still alive for them to meet as well. He was so special, and I know grandma misses him dearly. He has been gone for nearly 12 years now.

I can't believe we are already half way through September and the holidays are quickly approaching. Where did the summer go? Where did the year go? I am definitely not ready for snow....

Baptism and Blessing Day

Logan turned 8 years old on June 4th. Since I had Samuel just a few days before that, we have had to wait a few months to have Logan's baptism. He has been patiently waiting for this day to come and was so excited that it was finally here!

I went out in the garage to get out boxes of old photos in them the night before his baptism.I was trying to find photos of Logan's baby blessing. I felt like Chevy Chase in Christmas Vacation when he's in the attic and gets caught up in old photos and home videos. :-) I ended up sitting in the garage for over an hour looking through old photos. I couldn't believe how quickly time passes. Seems like just yesterday that Logan was running around in a diaper and carrying his toy toolbox around.

It was a fun day for Logan as well as a special day for his dad. It was extra special that Spence got to be the one to perform this sacred ordinance for Logan. I am proud of you Logan and your decision to be baptized! You are such a loving boy, and like your dad said in your blessing- you have a special sweet spirit. We are so glad you are part of our family.

We decided to bless Samuel on the same day since family and friends would already be here. It made the day extra special. We needed to get Sam blessed before he got any bigger! Spence was worried that he'd have to sit him in the chair for his blessing!

Grandma Sue

Grandma and Grandpa Davis

Samuel was a very good baby today and didn't cry in his blessing. We are so blessed to have him in our family also. He is becoming so fun- smiling and even trying to laugh. He has discovered his voice more and likes to suck on his hands. Sure wish he would take a pacifier at times- but he doesn't care too much for it. He has rolled over from his belly to his back a few times and is starting to like the Baby Einstein videos more. (good for mom....) He still likes to sleep in mom's arms at night, but is sleeping for longer periods of time. (yay!)

I can't believe how fast he is growing. I am enjoying my time with him during the day while kids are at school. I find myself just sitting on the couch and cuddling (and napping) with him. Samuel likes bathtime at nights and also likes to sit outside. He likes stroller rides. Claire is good to load him up and walk him down the street. Most times she has Simon sitting in the basket below the stroller as well. :-)

Thank you to all our friends and family who came and shared in our special day! We are so lucky to have such caring people in our lives.

First Day of School 2010-11

Nathan is a Freshman this year! Man- I can't believe how fast time goes. Nathan has grown a lot this summer. He is almost in a size 12 shoe and is much taller than me. He is taking honors classes, along with ballroom dancing (was shocked when I saw his schedule for that one...), seminary, computer tech...etc. He is loving his biology class and hating his computer tech class. He already knows all the computer stuff- but it is a required class so he can't get out of it. Nathan worked hard last year and got straight A's every report card. I hope he will be able to do the same this year!

Logan started 3rd grade. He likes his teacher so far, but not all of the rules. Seems there's a new rule every day- you can only use the bathroom at recess or lunchtime, only fill up your water bottle at lunch.... (really tough rules like that...) He is enjoying being a big brother to Claire and takes pride in picking her up after school and walking with her.

Claire started 1st grade. She actually just met in small groups with her teacher on the first day- so her first day was really the 2nd day of school. There is a girl in her class that is new to the school. She was with Claire when they met with Mrs. DeHaan in the small group. She instantly clung on to Claire, and happened to have her desk next to Claire's. The next day at school, this girl's mom told me she was going to ask Claire if she'd be her friend. Well, after school, Claire told me how Kennedee (the girl) was a copy cat and wouldn't leave her alone all day. She had to color everything the same as Claire and say the same things. Claire must've complained to Logan about it because the next day he said he told that girl to stop copying Claire. So nice of him to take care of his sister. :-)

I asked Claire what her favorite part of the day is. She said it is lunchtime. I asked her why. "Because I get to see Logan and we have recess together." Aahh....wish they could be loving all the time.

Have a good year kids! The house sure is quiet while you're away....