Conference Weekend

Please excuse the quality of some of the next photos. . . I think the kids were taking some of the pictures. ..

We were lucky to have some company over conference weekend. My parents were here, as well as my nephews, Brian and Kyle. It was the first time we got to see Brian since returning from him mission to Brazil. And how lucky we were to have them here! What fun to have them around. . .

Not sure what is up with Elizabeth in all these photos. .. I guess she is feeling "gangsta" in Brian's baseball hat!

Of course, the kids loved having them around. They (my parents, brian, kyle, and bronte) were gone all day Saturday because they got tickets to go to conference. But we enjoyed them in between all their busy college lifestyle! We had to chuckle as Brian and Kyle left around 10 pm on Saturday to go visit some friends. I was ready to go to bed and they were heading out for the night! Oh to be young again!!

Come again soon!!

Elizabeth's Baptism

As most of you know from my earlier post, Elizabeth was Baptized on Friday, Oct. 1. We had to get special permission to schedule her baptism on this date and time in order to have it while Grandma and Grandpa Toolson could be here. We couldn't be happier that everything worked out. We were also blessed to be able to have Brian and Kyle there as well. . . (barely, I have to say. . . they drove down from BYU Idaho that afternoon, and just walked in as we were starting).

Kennedy, Mia, and Elizabeth sang "When I am Baptized" together as part of the program. I was wishing we had a micorphone as they were singing, because they didn't quite sing loud enough for everyone to hear. But I was still proud that they got up there and did such a nice job! Kennedy also gave a FABULOUS talk on the holy ghost. She talked about learning to recognize the signals that the Holy Ghost will give you throughout your life. After the baptism, we had the family over for some sandwiches, and of course a celebration cake! You may be wondering where all the other family photos may be?? Well right when the baptism was over, Elizabeth ran home (we live across the street from the church), changed her clothes, and climbed in bed out of exhaustion. ... she was in bed before we even got home. I was dissapointed that we didn't get any more pictures. After we got the chairs picked up in the room, I went to look for Elizabeth so we could get some family and group pictures. .. .but she was already long gone! Luckily I took just a few before the acutal baptism.

We were so greatful to have some great support show up. Besides our own family, Grandma and Grandpa Toolson, and her cousins Brian and Kyle, David's mom, Grandma Mary, was there and gave a nice talk on Baptism. David's brother, Dan and his family were there, and we owe Jennifer a huge thanks for playing the piano for us so beautifully! Eliza came with Windsor, as well as our home teachers, Elizabeth's primary teachers, several of her friends from the ward, and the Bishop. She was well supported.

Elizabeth was actually really nervous and scared as she went into the font. She started to cry and was clinging to me. But she braved the water and only had to go under once. I asked her how she felt after, and she said "good". Not many words, but I know she was happy. (and exhausted too, I guess. . . . thus the nap, and missing the whole celebration after. .. and I am still upset we didn't get any more pictures. . . sigh) We love and are so proud of you, Elizabeth!

Fall Soccer. ... 2010

September was Busy, Busy, Busy!!

We spent a lot of time at the soccer fields here in Spanish Fork. The weather was nice and warm, and the kids all really had fun this year.Elizabeth played on an all 2nd grade team. She wasn't quite as dominant as she has been in the past, but still worked hard and managed to score a couple goals this season. Her team struggled a bit more than they have in the past to get the ball in the goal, but they did end the year with a couple wins. Kennedy's team were the champions for her age division. She improved quite a bit this season, and worked really hard. David worked with her a bit on some skills and it was fun to see her actually put them to use on the field. Luke opted out of football this season (much to our surprise), and decided to go back to playing soccer for this year. He has a killer leg (incredible kick). He started out the year by colliding with a player from the opposing team and breaking the kids leg. . .. we were thinking that maybe he should have stuck with football!! But the rest of the season was uneventful (as far as injuries go) He scored several goals, and had a great time playing soccer again! Here he is with his end of the year treat from Barry's ( a local hamburger/sandwish joint).

Make an invitation

School Pictures

This year, I decided not to buy the pictures taken at the school for the pictures of the kids. Instead, I took them to a neighbor who has a studio in her basement who was running a "school picture" special. It was about half the price, and I could be right there with the kids to make sure their hair wasn't sticking up, they were smiling, etc. I picked up the photos today, and I couldn't be happier with the results! Check out these good lookin' kids!!

Luke. ... 8th grade Kennedy. ... 5th grade

Elizabeth. . . .. 2nd grade

Mia. . . .Kindergarten

over due. . . Meet Vin

OK, so this post is a couple weeks over due. . .Mom keeps saying. . ."I can't believe you haven't posted pictures of your dog!!?"

Well, I know most of you already know, but somehow my family got me to cave in to pressure, and agree to getting a dog. . . unbelievable, right? I still can't believe it myself, but here is the proof.

Meet out dog, Vin. She is a Rotweiller and quite beautiful, if you ask me. The kids were so excited! Kennedy kept saying. . " I just can't stop smiling" as we were driving home from picking her up. We have had her two weeks now. And I almost gave her back last week. . . it is a lot of work. This is why I have always said "No" all these years. She is doing well, and is very smart. . . I just want her trained NOW, Today. . . not a few weeks or months from now. But I know I must be patient. But in the mean time, I feel like I have a new born again. Getting up at night to take her out to do "her business" and then still waking up to a mess to clean up in her crate! It is trying my patience.But at the same time, she is learning. She is easy to have around. She is learning to sit, and walking her is getting easier. I keep hearing it will be worth it in the end. . .

Will it really?? I hope so.

Happy Birthday, Elizabeth!

I thought I better try and post before the day is over! Elizabeth celebrated her 8th birthday today. We had a little get together yesterday at the new park here is Spanish Fork that has some nice play equipment as well as a fun splash pad for the kids to play in. It was a beautiful fall afternoon, and still warm enough to play in the water for the kids. Today was a little low key. Elizabeth opened a couple presents this morning, we went to church, played with her sisters and our dog ( yes, we got a dog. .. post to come about that one. . . . .) and we had cake and sang to her tonight. We love having Elizabeth in our home. She is full of life and is eager to help and please. She is a hard worker and a great sister and daughter. I was helping her fill out a paper tonight for school that is called "My Me Book". I thought I would share a few things she said. . . .so you can get to know her a bit better!

• I am happiest when I am at church
• I am proud of myself because I am helpful
• I am good at soccer
• When I grow up I want to be a Shaved Ice Worker

Here are her TOP TEN FAVORITES:

• Sport: Soccer
• Hobby: Art
• Game: Battleship
• Book: Frog and Toad
• Holiday: Halloween
• Movie: Night at the Museum
• Color: Green
• Food: Lasagna
• School Subject: Music
• Ice Cream Flavor: Bubble Gum

Now you now everything you need to know about our wonderful Elizabeth!! I have to crack up when she said she wanted to be a shaved ice worker when she grows up. . . .nothing like shooting for the starts, right?! The other day we were driving in the car and Mia and Elizabeth were talking. . . .and Elizabeth said she wanted to either work at The Pizza Factory or Shaved Ice when she grows up and Mia said she wants to work at Shaved ice. . . . then they decided they can work together!! Sounds like quite the plan, huh??