he's alright

happy 18th birthday zack!

it's hard to believe we've had this guy around for 18 years! and we still can't get enough of him. we've laughed at his childhood antics/ mishaps like the time we caught him skinny-dipping in the pond with emma, or the time he gave himself a pretty good shock trying to disassemble a blow dryer. (yea, gotta unplug it first.) we've seen him through his first day of kindergarten all the way through early graduation this january. (and acceptance to byu. yeah!) we loved the enthusiasm of our 8-year-old cub scout (he offered to sew on his own patches when mom just wasn't doing it fast enough) and now bask in the relief that his journey to eagle is finally over! and we've definitely enjoyed watching him play a little basketball, a little t-ball, a little flag football, and a WHOLE LOT OF SOCCER.

we couldn't ask for a better first-born. zack's been very patient with his first-time parents because we've certainly made our share of mistakes. he is truly a peacemaker in our home. don't get me wrong. he's not perfect. we've had to shake our heads during the 14 - 15-year-old bad hair years (very long & very bushy); at his very strong aversion to stake dances; and his not-so-discreet attempts to text during dinner, family night, and even sacrament meeting (YIKES). but all in all . . .

we think he's alright

make me laugh

the other day I was feeding the baby when Noah started entertaining himself by decorating my toes with q-tips. when he was finished he proudly sang "happy birthday to you." I guess in that alter universe that is Noah's imagination, candles look a lot like q-tips. which would make my feet . . . cake?

guess who's driving?

happy day! Emma got her driver's license! Afterwards her tester came up to me and said, "I usually don't talk to the parents, but your daughter just did an excellent job! She was so observant at every intersection." of course, I still need a text every time she arrives somewhere safely, but when I'm anxiously waiting, I can remember those kind words and I feel a little better :)

7 things I love about Isaac

HAPPY 7TH BIRTHDAY ISAAC!

In honor of Isaac's 7th birthday, I'd like to share 7 things I love about Isaac:

1. He is resourceful. One thing you'll probably never hear come out of his mouth is "I can't do that." He is a can-do man. From making strawberry smoothies to learning to ride his bike, he will figure it out himself, thank you very much!

2. He is smart. He has turned into quite the reader, speller, and mathematician. Mrs. Benton, his first grade teacher says, "If only I could have a whole classroom of little Isaac's . . ."

3. He is best buddies with Caleb. When I asked Caleb what his favorite thing about being in 3rd grade he said, "Now I can play soccer with Isaac at recess." And Isaac sure feels the same. More often than not when I look in on them at night, they're sharing one twin bed because they've been reading together or just don't want to be apart. It makes my heart melt.

4. He is full of faith. Isaac says the sweetest prayers, and frequently remembers those who are sick or need special blessings. When we're looking for keys, or a backpack, or whatever is lost that day, he is often the first to say, "we should have a prayer." He well remembers the time he and his buddy Colby got lost after going through the fence to the neighbor's property. After some time, Isaac knelt down and said a prayer and soon after got a glimpse of the soccer field and found his way home. He knows Heavenly Father answers our prayers!

5. He is funny. He loves to make people laugh with his funny faces, smart remarks, & first-grade antics. And we do laugh . . . and sometimes roll our eyes :)

6. He is a lover of the outdoors. Whether he is snow camping with Dad, climbing rocks in the backyard, fishing, kicking a soccer ball, playing by the pond, or even working in the garden, the kid loves being outside. And I love seeing him out there!

7. He is ours forever! We love you, Isaac. Our family wouldn't be complete without you!