Camp Party

This year it was Stella's turn for a friends party. We haven't had one since she turned 5! However, we have spent birthday's 6 & 7 in Disneyland so I'm excused right? I love to throw parties for my kids birthdays. It's a lot of money work so I have decided to do it only on the even years. Which works perfectly! One year will be Tristan and the next Stella.

We decided on a camping party. It was easy and so much fun! We invited her closest girlfriends (and Tristan of course). We pitched the tent in the backyard, borrowed a fire pit for S'mores, BBQ'd hot dogs, decorated visors, had a couple different races, and told camp stories that got Tristan laughing so hard he peed his pants. Only because it had the word "booty" in it. Funny kid.

With only a little drama and way too much time to do all of these things I would say it was pretty successful! Stella enjoyed it so that alone makes it a success. Now all the birthday festivities are finally over. Now what to do with all my down time?? Hmmmmmm.

Stella's Baptism

Unbelievable. My little Stella Bella is officially 8! When did that happen?! I think I complained about my kids getting older a few posts ago so I'll spare you my feelings of desperation to keep them little. Again. She got to be baptized and confirmed on her actual birthday! How cool is that? She thought it was pretty awesome.

I was pretty emotional the whole week before as I was going thru pictures and making a slideshow for her party. So luckily for me (and everyone around me) I had some control over my emotions at the actual baptism. However, as we were singing I Am A Child Of God in the chapel I almost lost it. She just looked so sweet and happy as she was concentrating on her hymn book, belting out each word. That song hit home on that day. She is a child of God and she as a small piece of heaven I get to have in my life/home. I love that. Bill did a fabulous job following thru with his priesthoodly duties. (He did get a little emotional too. Good.)

We had our family and closest friends there showing Stella their love and support on her very special day. We had a yummy lunch and got to spend a good portion of the day with our loved ones. (Good portion because she was one of 12 - yes 12 - kids getting baptized. And we were the last ward. Sheesh.) Thank you so much to my AMAZING BFF/neighbors who helped me stay sane, set-up, iron, take-down, watch kids, figure out the slideshow, etc., etc. Couldn't have done it without the Eichelbergers! And thanks to all else who helped with food, cleaning, gifts, traveled to get there, and just being there to share our love for Stella.

 We are so proud of Stella and her choice to be baptized. She was very excited and had been looking to this day for months! We can see her little testimony building and it's so fun to hear her pray and try to read her scriptures. She has such a love for the gospel and Jesus Christ that makes a Mama proud! We love you Stella! Happy 8th! Now stop growing up! Please.

Crazy Love

It's official. This Ms. became a Mrs.!

We are so thrilled for them! We are excited to have a new brother-in-law & nephew. (They're not that new - they've been around for a few years. Hehe)The wedding was absolutely beautiful and everything went "without a hitch". Emily was the MOST GORGEOUS bride ever. Of course. Cole didn't look too shabby himself. And the boys were darling.

Congrats to the very happy couple!!! We love you guys!

The Countdown Begins

We are officially in wedding week! In not even a handful of days from now my little sis will be getting married!! We are so happy for her and "It's about time!" (haha)I had so much fun planning her bridal shower. We had a nice lunch with lots of yummy food, did a little Wedding Mad Libs, opened presents and shared some fun memories. Luckily I dodged that bullet somehow. Since I did here are just a few of my memories of my BFF/sister. I have many memories of playing barbies until WAY past our bedtime. We use to laugh and sing at night while my mom would pound on the wall and tell us to go to bed. Then later as teenagers when we finally got our own bedrooms we would have sleepovers because we still liked hanging out. She was the first person I told we were going to be parents after years of trying to get pregnant and finally getting to adopt, and was just as excited as we were. She has been such an amazing aunt! Almost every good, sad, fun, humorous, obstacle memory I have includes her. We have they same dirty sense of humor and many many times finish each other's sentences or know what the other person is thinking or about to say. I wish Emily and Cole all the happiness in the world and I am so excited for them!!!

(Pre) Baptism Photos

I took Stella to Gardner Village to take her Pre-Baptism pictures. I have had such a hard time with her turning 8 for some reason! I am in denial that she (and I) are getting older. I keep thinking if these past 8 years have gone this fast then the next 8 are going to fly! I don't like my babies getting older. This is such a big milestone for her and I am so proud of her for choosing to be baptized. I got a little emotional taking her pictures. She looked so mature and pretty. Only one more week! She is so excited.

Spring Holidays

I forgot to post anything about St. Patricks Day so I figure I'll combine it with Easter. Both pretty laid back holidays, but the kids had so much fun on both of them. They said this was the "Best Easter ever!" Never mind last year on Easter they found out we were going to Disneyland. I'm glad they are happy with such little, simple things.

We did get visited be a silly Leprachaun this year who peed in our toilet, stepped on my face, turned out milk green, and left some treats in the kitchen. We also celebrated by having green shamrock pancakes.






Easter we did the ususal. Dyed eggs. Egg hunt. Yummy food at the parentals. Too much candy. New Easter clothes for the kiddies. I felt particularly in the Easter mood this year after watching Ben Hur with my dad. A long awaited date. It came to the big screen and we just had to go. My whole life he's been trying to get me to watch that movie! I really enjoyed it! I am so thankful for the Atonement and for the sacrifice my Savior did on my behalf. I could never repay Him and I love Easter for the simple fact that we can focus on the life He gave for us. Amazing.

School Daze

School is rapidly coming to an end! I am so excited for summer, but not excited for my kids to be finishing yet another school year! It goes by way too fast. I have enjoyed helping in their classes and love their teachers! Stella had her first science fair project this year. We chose to do the Mento's in Diet Coke. When we went to her class it was obvious how some parents have done this before. There were some pretty cool posters and everyone had a different experiment. It was fun to see.





Tristan has done really well this year. He has learned so much and created some fun art projects. It's hard to believe he will be starting Kindergarten soon.