Brandi and Cade

Brandi had to wait until she had a break in school to come visit (by the way - isn't she amazing for finishing her degree?!). It cost her a pretty penny to come but I am so happy she did. We had so much fun and the time went by way too fast. It involved way too many late nights, junk food, long talks and movies.

Cade's first time in a pool (as opposed to hot tub) - he seems to have mixed feelings :)

"um, I'm totally innocent. I would never raid the pantry and help myself to sugary cereal"

At the sprayground




Poor little Cade was totally not himself on this trip and I felt so bad for the little guy! But I was able to get a few smiles out of him.

Brian and Sandy

Can you tell someone loves his Grandma?

We were so happy Grandma and Grandpa could come visit! The kids sure love having them here. Sandy came several times to help during my pregnancy and while Spencer was in the hospital - we are so very grateful for all she's done to help us.

Spencer's blessing

Spencer's blessing was such a special day. It meant a lot to me to finally get to the point where we were comfortable bringing him to Church (worried about exposure to sickness) and also just to look back at how far he had come. The accumulation of all those feelings, plus having family here to share it with us, made for an incredible day. We are so grateful that my Dad, Bailey, Brian and Sandy were able to be here - we know they made special accommodations to make it happen and it really meant a lot to us! His blessing was beautiful and there was such a strong Spirit in the room. Several people from Church commented to me about it afterward and I know it has a lot to do with the love that everyone has for Spencer and the faith they exercised on his behalf. I am so grateful for our "ward family" and all they do for us - seriously good people.

How amazing that these three men could be part of the blessing - it makes me tear up just thinking about how much I love these men. I am so grateful that they exercise the Priesthood worthily and for the example they will be to Spencer as he grows up.

visitors, cont.

I {heart} my sister

Thanks for letting Kate play "hair salon"

Next we had Bailey and my Dad here. It was seriously so much fun. Although having a shopping partner was a bad influence on my wallet - luckily I still had Christmas money I needed to spend. Thanks for playing with the kiddos - we sure miss you!

yikes

I'm going to try and catch up - or at least hit the highlights - where should I start?

How about all the amazing people that came to visit this summer? Ok I just realized this is going to take a couple posts.

First - my mom. My mom was here pretty much every month from when I went on bed-rest last October until Spencer came home from the hospital. And then seeing that I was a basket case she came back again during that intense newborn time after Spencer had been home a few weeks. I was so grateful she did because I was able to go do some things with the girls that I otherwise would have missed out on and she also was there to hold it together when I got mastitis :) I can't believe I haven't seen her since then - I was so spoiled. Thank you mom! And thank you Dad and Bailey for sharing her!

Around the 4th of July my Aunt Wendy and her fam were in Dallas and came to hang with us for a couple days. It was so much fun! Tom and Ginger were so sweet to the girls and totally entertained them. I loved being able to chat with Wendy - she is the greatest. Plus she spoiled us and cleaned my house. Please come anytime!

Sadie's Jig

The girls love to pull out my old classical cds and dance. Sadie started doing this dance - we think it's hilarious - and for some reason the girls call it her jig. This video shows all her personality - sweet and sassy. Especially the fact that she doesn't like having her picture taken :)

laugh

Spencer has been laughing in his sleep for quite a while now but yesterday he did a first real laugh. I knew I better catch it on video, because who knows when he'll do it again. So, excuse the messy bed, but I wasn't about to clean things up and risk missing that sweet giggle! And sure enough, he hasn't done it since :)