Trips to the Dentist

Rachel and Katie went to the dentist yesterday. Now, we have always had a rough time at the dentist. Even with the show on the ceiling, the most awesome fish tank to look at, and prizes at the end. Not to mention a new toothbrush, what a life these kids have. But we've had to man handle Rachel, force her mouth open, and dread another appointment in six months.

Okay, so yesterday, David and I prepped them. Prayed with them....a lot....that they could be brave and know that the dentist is helping them. I knew they needed x-rays this time, and that thing they put in their mouth is the worst part. Anyway...I was also worried because Rachel has been complaining about her teeth hurting, which would mean more dentist appointment and more time being uncomfortable.

Well, we got there, and they were perfect. Rachel got her x-rays, then Katie. They turned on "Cars" on the ceiling and were perfect except for some shaking while they cleaned and brushed their teeth. Then I ask about the pain in Rachel's mouth, and the dentist grinned and showed me two loose teeth in the front of Rachel's mouth. She also has her six-year old molars coming in. How am I supposed to know that six year olds get molars? Or thats when they lose their teeth? I thought it was at eight or something....how am I supposed to know?

Anyway, I was so excited that they did so well, I ask them how they wanted to celebrate. They ask for a party to watch "Peter Pan" and David went and bought a lot of junk food. They didn't have any cavities, so junk food sounded perfect!

Katie's Birthday Party!

Katie had a great birthday party. The only thing she ask for was a princess birthday cake, and I can't complain with how the cake turned out. I had a picture, and a Barby doll, and a skirt looking cake pan. I decorated it myself, so I was excited Katie could actually tell it was Sleeping Beauty.

The cousins made crowns, and played a couple of games, but it was just relaxed and Katie was happy...and that's what counts. She wanted to be Snow White, and I tried to get Rachel to get in a princess dress, but she wanted to be Little Red Ridding Hood. Sarah, was Sarah, and looked cute. Brooke forgot a dress, so we decked her out in the Sleeping Beauty dress, and Wyatt was a prince, from a nearby kingdom.

She is excited to be four years old, but she told me that now she wants to be five years old...it might be a long year for us!

Heber Valley Camp Reunion

We had a great family reunion up at the Heber Valley Camp. It was freezing cold, but that was the only thing I have to complain about, that I almost froze my toes off...but I'm not complaining that it was so cold we could even talk for shivering...but all in all it was great...if you forget that there was frost on the ground each morning, but aside from that, it was cool.

We missed Stephanie a lot...serving a mission while we're all frozen in our beds. Mom gave her a run by run of all our events. We had great food...Mom is always great about the food. And I have to admit that when Garrett finally got there, things warmed up a bit. We played games in one of the cabins until late, while the kids slept, and I learned that Joseph has a colorful array of music on his cell phone that Mel couldn't stop singing..."Guy, guy, guy, guy...".

David didn't get up for the first day of camping, because of work, and I don't think I'll be going camping with the girls unless he is with me. I'll be blunt, I was a crank without him. The girls need him, and I need him. He is the best father and husband in the world...and I'm not just saying that...its true.

We got to go on a zip line (everyone who wasn't pregnant...talk about life being unfair), then the other challenge course activities were a lot of fun. Campfire activities ended up in one of the cabins because it was sooooooo cold...so there was singing and games and devotionals with the family. Afterward we went to the most wonderful indoor pool I have ever been to. The girls loved it, and we loved it. I love being with my family...they're so great...I look forward to this time each year, and even more next year because the reunion will be in August!

Idaho Falls Temple Open House

August was crazy. We went to the Idaho Falls Open House at the end of July, and I haven't had time to put it on yet.

The temple was beautiful. The girls thought it was so exciting that they could go inside the temple. My sister lives in Burley, so we spent the night and went to the open house early the next morning in Idaho Falls. The girls thought the rooms were so beautiful. The only problem was when Sarah saw the baptismal font, she made a bee line for the entrance...but we quickly moved on and narrowly escaped a scene.

The other pictures are the sights in Idaho Falls. There was a beautiful bridge to go across and it had an overlook. It was really beautiful, and it was a great time for our family.

First Day of School

Monday was Rachel's first day of school! I took her to school her first day, and handed her over to her teacher...being very clear that Rachel did not know how to get on the bus...she just looked me in the eyes and said, "Don't worry, we'll take very good care of her."

So, I hugged Rachel and said goodbye, and started tearing up that my little girl was going to school. Rachel just smiled and said, "Bye Mom!". She was ready.

I got home, and the rest of the afternoon, Katie and I sat outside and waited for the bus to drop her back off. Katie was so excited that Rachel got to ride a bus, and Rachel loved it. Today was the second day of school, and she rode the bus to and from school. I keep telling myself I'll get used to her being independent, not having her by me every second...but I miss her...and she is only away for a few hours each day! I know its part of life...I'll be okay...I'm just trying to get used to trusting other people with our most precious possessions.

Rachel loves it, that makes it easier, and she's making Katie crazy for school. Think it will continue for the next 15 years?

A Ward Family

There are certain things in a family that are essential. Mom, Dad, children....but there is also a sense of love and belonging in a family. A place where you can "bear one anothers burdens", make relationships with brothers and sisters, serve and make time for each other.

We had a wonderful ward family in Logan. I wanted to have pictures of all of those wonderful people who our family grew to love and depend on. These are a few. We will miss our ward like crazy. We were given many opportunities to serve, but also, I grew to love the sisters and depend on their love in return. David felt a great camaraderie with the brothers in the ward. David and I had many friends that moved in and out in the four years we lived there, and each one has changed us for the better. I love life. Heavenly Father has created such a wonderful plan for us to grow and develop. We will miss you BP2!

Good News in Twos

Cheesy title, I know, but it fits. We've had a fun month. First, the most exciting news is that we are going to have another baby! David and I are so excited. We have our first appointment next week to make sure everything is all right and to find out a due date. It'll be in March sometime. The picture of me and our girls is to show that I am exhausted most of time, but David is wonderful to do all he can when he gets home to relieve me. But, exhausted, sick, and happy...that is us.

The other news is that we are moving. David has a temporary position teaching Seminary at Weber High, so we are moving to my parent's house for a better commute, until we are permanently placed. Mom and Dad have fixed up the upstairs for us, so it'll be great. Rachel and Katie think we are the luckiest people in the world to be moving in with Grandpa and Grandma!