Catch up!

I've had this post in my "drafts" for at least a week now... waiting to post it with pictures, but I'll just have to add pictures to the next couple of posts because I need to catch up! We were in Vermont for two weeks to do a job (preview this at Judy's site and I'll post my own later... HOORAY for another family member to get on the web!). We were only home for 6 days before leaving for the reunion in Louisiana. But I wanted to catch up on a few events that have occurred.

First of all, Georgia and John's wedding! Emmaline asked me at the reception, "Is John now officially a part of our family?" We're so glad to welcome him.

It was so fun to share in this with Georgia . One of the temple workers is a neighbor of Georgia's and was talking to me as we walked to get my shoes. She said, "Do you know Georgia's favorite hymn? It's "Lead Kindly Light." She once told me she loved this hymn because it says:
Keep thou my feet; I do not ask to see
The distant scene- one step enough for me."

I was so inspired by that. I know that marriage has been a long time goal for Georgia and I am so excited for her to have found John (hope you know how lucky you are also, John!). I heard that Rachel took fabulous pictures of the occasion and can't wait to see them.

Next.... Oliver turned 3!
After telling people for months, "My birthday's coming up. It's June twelphth," it finally "camed up." We rode on an airplane the day before and played that up as his birthday gift. He was thrilled. He has been such an adorable addition to our family. He is so easy to get along with and comes up with the funniest things to say.

Father's Day
This definitely won't do justice for the occasion, but I just have to say what a wonderful dad Tyler is. He is the kind of dad that is always up for a game of tag or hide-and-seek. He takes the time to explain answers to the kids questions, regardless of how complicated, in a way they can understand to help them figure out the world better. When I was growing up, and thought of the person I wanted to marry, it was someone "good looking" (wow, did I do good with that one or what?) and someone who enjoyed spending time with the kids. Luckily I got a whole lot more than that (that's a pretty slim list), but I am truly appreciative for the kind of man he is and the effort he continues to put forth to become even better.

Emmaline turned 9!
We celebrated Emmaline's birthday while we were in Vermont as well. Unfortunately, Judy also broke her leg on that day... Emmalinie says Judy will always have a bad memory of her birthday now! But Emmaline thoroughly enjoyed our time in Vermont. She loved catching salamanders, frogs, kayaking in the lake, and catching baby things (mice, chipmunks?). Emmaline definitely adds spice to our family. She is incredibly creative and looks at the world in a completely different way. We don't know what we would do without her.

Our Daddy is Back!

Tyler is FINALLY home from another 2 week trip to NY/Vermont. We are all so happy to have him back. Here is a little email Savannah wrote him the other day...

Dad I wish you never have to leave state. then I would never have to miss you. Then I could talk to you about my day a lot easier. I could tell you that I got on the firebird's B team, and you could come to Ikea with us. You could play soccer with us, you could help us learn more tricks, most of all we could all have family home evening all together. I love and miss you. LOVE,
Savannah

Today when I was putting Ollie down for a nap, I explained that he needed a nap so we could go do something fun this afternoon. When I asked what he would like to do that would be fun, he replied, "Just be with my Daddy."

We love our Daddy. =)

Overheard in the car...

Emmaline: "Do you see that 'No Parking' sign, Savannah? If I had a car, I would park there on Christmas Eve so they could give me a Christmas present of letting me park there on Christmas Day."

Huh?