Birthday Pie

Dallin's actual birthday was today and it was packed full. Ed and Kathy drove over to come to church with us and watch Dallin be ordained a priest. We're so glad they were able to be here for this important event. They had to take off after lunch to get Ed Sr. to some meetings and I was so worried about getting everyone fed that I forgot to take a picture! Ugh! Thanks again for coming - we love you!

We spent some time in the afternoon making chocolate chip pie while Ed headed down to the city for some church meetings. Later that evening the Meise, Olson, and Forsyth families joined us for dessert and some birthday singing. Dallin received his gift from us - a trip to BYU campus, conference, and a football game.

Thankfully we have tomorrow off for President's day and we are all looking forward to sleeping in and taking it easy.

She didn't want to smile for a picture - she just wanted that last candle to put in the pie!

Nicely done - the candles look great!

Taylor was feeling goofy and wanted to be in every picture...

There she is again...

Made it into the corner...

She's not in this one, but only because Ian was restraining her...

Here's the proof.

Hayley was willing to allow her in this one:)

16th Birthday Dinner

Dallin decided it would be more fun to go out to dinner with some friends instead of having a traditional party. He chose a little Italian place called Mama D's and brought some good friends. It was a great dinner followed by hanging out back at our house. Other friends who couldn't join us for dinner came by later and he had a great time.

I can't believe my son is 16 years old! We have finished his paperwork to go and get his drivers permit and he will take the test sometime next week. Time flies and life just gets sweeter. I generally don't feel sad as I pass milestones. I enjoy each phase of life as it comes and am grateful to watch my children progress as I have always dreamed they would. My kids truly are wonderful people and I feel honored to be part of their journey through life. The next few years will bring many milestones for Dallin and, while I may shed a tear or two, I couldn't be prouder of the man he is becoming. I love you Dal - Happy 16th!

The funny head Chef at the restaurant found out it was Dallin's birthday and gave him this shirt as we left.
What?

I Guess They Are Listening

I don't allow messy rooms. I know it doesn't bother some parents and that's fine. It bothers both Ed and I and we don't allow it. It doesn't have to be perfect, but big piles are a no go. I am happy to help keep things organized, but I am not a maid and throwing piles of clothes on the ground and mixing clean and dirty clothes to give me more laundry makes me mad. We had an especially heated discussion last week with the kids after I had 11 loads of laundry in just one week.

I'm not sure how I feel about this note I found taped to Cami's mirror the next day. I guess it's good to know they were listening. I must have sounded serious, but I also must have sounded a little silly...

Happy Valentine's Day

Ed and I had lunch together and then enjoyed dessert as a family (our new favorite dome cake from Wegman's). Cami made mini cupcakes for her classmates with fancy wrappers and toppers, Taylor and her friends gave each other silly cards and Dallin paid no attention to the day.

Panini Maker

Dallin loves to make gourmet sandwiches. Grammy found the perfect birthday gift to help him in this endeavor- a panini grill. He got to open it a little early and we had all the ingredients for a yummy dinner.

Grammy caught me and Dallin watching the sandwich cook. I'm not sure why we felt the need to watch it so closely, but it is kind of funny:)

Shopping With Grammy

Taylor decided to spend her one-on-one time with Grammy at the mall. Gram helped her spend some of her savings on two cute jackets and a new pair of jeans. They came home all smiles and had a great time together. Doesn't Taylor look so cute... and suddenly a lot older?

Passing Level 6

Cami passed level 6 this session of ice skating. Grammy was here visiting and got to see her in action. She has really enjoyed this session and is learning quite a few things in anticipation of learning to spin and jump. She'll take a session or two off this spring and give lacrosse a try, but will surely be back on the ice later this summer. Way to go Cami! We're really proud of you!

Miami

I was able to get away for the weekend with Ed to the warmth of Miami. I feel like I've been cold for so long now and it is heaven to walk around in sandals and no jacket. We have been reading, relaxing, and eating the best Mexican food I've ever had. It wasn't easy to find and English-speaking congregation to visit and we ended up driving about 30 minutes away. After church we went to read at the beach. It was so lovely to sit in the sun and listen to the waves that I didn't even read a page. I just sat and tried to memorize that feeling of being perfectly warm and relaxed. I miss the kids so much when we're away, but they are blissfully happy with Grammy and it's so good to spend time with my sweetie. I'm sure I can survive the rest of winter now!

Twirling

I found these pictures of Shay-Shay and Zoey from a couple weeks ago. Zoey loved having Taylor twirl and dance to the music. I thought they were so cute... and we really miss Zoey already.

Scenes From a Bigger Ice Storm

Recovery

Dallin is recovering quickly here at home. We have him set up on the couch with all his electronics and books. He's feeling good and getting plenty of rest. Thanks for all your love and concern.