A favor

You may or may not know that I was on my high school's dance/drill team for four years. We had some great times, and I've got lots of fun stories! Our coaches were 2 sisters, who I've remained friends with since (I won't tell you how long ago it was because it makes me sound OLD...wait, I guess I AM!) Anyway, Tracy (one of the coaches) emailed me today and said her husband has been diagnosed with bile duct cancer, which is a very "rare and deadly cancer" (her words).

Would you please keep their family in your prayers? I'd really appreciate it! And a treat for you in return.....these come from my yearbooks as the real pictures are still packed in boxes at my parents! :)

This was at the Oregon state dance/drill championships...I think my sophomore year?! We were pirates if you couldn't tell!

Again, at the state dance/drill championships...this was my senior year. We were "newsies" and danced to the music from that Disney movie. The four of us all won all-state awards...mine was 5th overall in the drill down competition.

I love you Bob, Tracy, Danielle and Diana and will keep you in my thoughts and prayers!

Draper temple

Yesterday we took the kids to the Draper temple open house. We figured Bosten wouldn't know one way or the other, but thought it was important for Kaden to go. He was completely thrilled to find out that we got to ride a big bus up to the temple (in fact, that was one of the first things he'll tell you when you ask him about going!)

We picked a great time to go...not very crowded and it was a really nice experience for our family. This was our favorite thing to see (for obvious reasons):

photo courtsey of the internet!

Kaden thought it was really fun to go to the temple and wants to go back "lots of times". He was all ready to "get married to Bosten" and go swimming in the baptismal font! Its a good thing they had someone standing there or else we might have had a wet little boy!

We're grateful for another temple here in Utah and especially for what temples mean for our little family.

Yummy

We started Bosten on cereal and food this week...he wasn't too sure about it at first. So far, we've tried rice cereal, bananas, pears, and peas. I think he likes it now though because once we start feeding him, he keeps smacking his lips!

The best part (for Mom and Dad anyway) is that after eating something good and having a bottle, this is what we have:

Nice!

Look what else this smart little boy can do all by himself:

He's getting so big!

Love this

Kyle's brother sent this to us this morning. It was taken from an office window near the temple on January 30th during the inversion:

Isn't this cool?! It was a perfect reminder for me today that in the midst of the fog (& trials) there is still beauty and hope. Thanks, Ryan.

So, an update about Bosten's adoption....haven't really talked about it much because there hasn't been a lot to tell. Even though we're still in the middle of a legal mess, we don't have many details. We do know that Bosten's birth father has been convicted and sentenced to jail (it wasn't anywhere near long enough in our opinion!).

However, he's still pursuing action. Everyone tells us that no judge will rule in his favor...but until its done its still a huge concern and worry (and risk).

Just a quick reminder

Girls night out is tomorrow at Cafe Rio in Layton. See ya there at 6:30pm!

Birthday fun

We had such a fun day yesterday! Kaden chose to go to "Old MacDonalds" for lunch with some of his cousins. After taking a rest, we went to Jumpin' Jacks and had a great time (even Kyle jumped!). We went back to Mimi and Papa's house for pizza, presents, a pinata, and cake. Kaden said it was "the best birthday in the whole world", so I guess he had a good day!

Little hoopster

Kaden was so excited to see that Bosten has a basketball jersey just like the big boys (Kyle and Kaden). He informed me that it was a real one since it has numbers on the back. The only problem? He's too little to play with us....

I ADORE this boy who's turning FOUR

I cannot believe that we have a birthday boy tomorrow. Although, since we've been talking about it enough I should believe it! :) How is it possible that he's four?!

We waited for this little boy for a very long time! I guess he was done waiting because he decided to make his appearance a month early! Kyle was in Seattle for work meetings the night that we got the phone call. My brain totally started working in warp speed....how is Kyle going to get home? we've got nothing packed or washed or ready? where's the carseat? who do I need to call? Kyle ended up driving home that night (poor guy, he'd worked all day and then had driven to Seattle to be in meetings all the next day), which gave me time to get stuff washed and ready and loaded in the car.

My mom came over and helped and made a million phone calls as I rushed out the door. We drove all night to come to Utah, and we went straight to the hospital to meet him.

Its been so fun having him in our family! (well, the last few days haven't been that fun...He's been sick and we've been having power struggles at night...ugh.)

Happy Birthday (tomorrow) Kaden! We're so grateful to be your family and we love you.

1st birthday.

Turning 2 with a Curious George party (with family) and took him to his first hockey game...which he LOVED.

We spent his 3rd birthday in Disneyland....not necessarily for his birthday, that's just how it worked out. He got to be King Triton (notice the gold crown?) on the Little Mermaid carousel.

Make a Smilebox greeting

Hey everybody, its family night (again)!

Several years ago (way before Kaden joined our family), my sister in law and I made FHE folders. Kaden LOVES the trash can one (game within the Word of Wisdom folder) and just recently figured out there's a WHOLE BOX of folders with new games/activities. Last night we did the Thankfulness folder and he had a great time. Tonight when Kyle got home, Kaden was ready to pick another folder. We tried to tell him that family night was last night, but he wouldn't have it. He was ready. We usually let him pick what song we sing. His favorite right now is this:

Notice how it was hard for him to decide if he should sing to me or to Dad, who was off to the side?!

Tonight's choice was Testimony...but really it was all about the orange folder (his favorite color). It DID have a fun game and we're so glad Kaden wants to have FHE....every night. :)

I LOVE THESE BOYS

Here's some pictures of the boys from this week:

Is that Santa Clause back already?

LOVE this picture of Bosten.

Caught Kaden reading to Bosten today....LOVE that too. Notice Kaden's chocolate face? We made cookies and just had to make sure they turned out.

I LOVE THESE BOYS.

Here's the proof

Bosten's little giggles are so stinkin' cute! We've tried and tried to get pictures and/or a video of it and he never seems to want to cooperate. Today was the day that I finally had success! You can tell its almost nap time, but isn't he so fun!?!

the next Ray Charles?

Today we got down Kaden's piano that has been put away for awhile. I came into my room and found this:

You should probably know that Kyle really likes Ray Charles and has been singing his songs to Kaden since he was a baby. Anytime we go anywhere in Kyle's car, guess what we listen too?! Yep, good ol' Ray. I don't think Kaden knows that Ray sang AND played the piano...just that he sang. The head movements and piano playing (while actually quite like Ray) are all Kaden!