cool pics

Clayton’s friend Ethan took these cool pictures of them with an app.

full day

I sure look tired here, but I should look this way at the end of the day, not the start!

Our day started out early. I took mine and Richard’s youngest kids, while Richard, Martha and the older kids hiked Y mountain.

First we went to the park:

I’m loving these nursing covers my mom made. Plus, they go great to cover the car seat, yet still leave an opening for baby to get air and for me to check on her.

I love this picture of Carolyn & Marlee playing.

Then we went to the Bean Museum:

Carter loves animals, but at a distance, he gets nervous…even though none of these animals are alive.

Then we picked up Martha after she hiked to the Y and back, since the others were going to hike over 9 miles. We went to lunch at Costa Vida.

I love that Richard takes pictures, so I could get some photos of these cute hikers. Porter had a great time and loved finding and eating raspberries while hiking.

Porter, Ben and Mabel

Porter’s first time to hike the Y.

They hiked way past the Y and it sure looks pretty in the pictures. Maybe when I’m farther out from having the baby I can take this hike.

Richard told the kids they could pick whatever they wanted for lunch for finishing the long hike. He wishes he would have remembered that these 3 have expensive taste before he promised that, they choose sushi.

Clayton got home from his scout trip at Lake Powell, just in time to join us all at the Provo Rec center for swimming. He had a good trip, but was really bummed that he didn’t catch much fish.

Carter & Clayton

love my Carter

I think Sydney pretty much slept the day away.

And to top off the great day, my sister Laura and her family came in town!

Our boys are only 3 months apart and they sure are handsome.

I’m so happy to see my sweet Kenley Pearl, I’ve been missing her!

And I’m pretty sure Laun’s Alaska trip is starting out great.

I love seeing that smile! He already caught a King Salmon!

Alaska & Turley’s

Laun left for a fishing trip in Alaska with some dairy friends. I was originally planning on going until I found out I was pregnant with Sydney & she wouldn’t even be a month old for the trip. But it all worked out great, because Laun went and is going to bring back some yummy fish and major plus, it’s with work so it’s free! Plus, my brother Richard and his family came in town today (since Clayton and their oldest 2 are going to EFY soon) and they are staying with me. So not only will I not be lonely, but they make the most amazing food and came with a menu and everything. The first thing they did was go to Costco and I’m pretty sure we will never run out of food. I’m so happy they are here and I’m not alone and I’m so glad Laun still got to go to Alaska, since he’s never been. It all worked out great.

My house looks like a mini Costco:

my little glow worm doll

FOUR-TEEN

How did this happen?! How is my firstborn baby 14 today! He’s actually not even home today, because he’s at Lake Powell with the scouts. So we will celebrate later, a lot later, because we have to wait for him and Laun (in Alaska) to get home.

14 Things I love about Clayton:

1. He was the easiest baby, which is a great way to start motherhood. He slept anywhere, loved everything (foods, swing, jumper, etc.) and was just happy.

2. He is an amazing big brother, especially with the youngest ones. He teaches them, babysits them, changes diapers, you name it. And they love him. And I often fall asleep hearing him and Porter talking and laughing.

3. He is my biggest helper. I can depend on him to babysit his siblings, run errands with me and he can lift/carry pretty much anything. Sometimes it feels like another adult in the house.

4. Speaking of adults, he’s tall like an adult. He’s grown so much this year in stature and maturity.

5. He’s so willing to help and serve, inside and outside of the home. Whether its mowing a yard, shoveling snow or giving a church talk.

6. He’s very talkative and good at making friends.

7. He’s confident and isn’t afraid to be himself or worry what others think of him.

8. He’s smart. He got 2nd place in the geography bee this last school year and it didn’t even seem hard to him. It helps that he has an amazing memory.

9. He’s passionate about his hobbies. He loves soccer, hunting, fishing and trying new things.

10. He’s good at learning from his dad. He knows how to play hard and work hard. He’ll fish and then fillet them all when he gets home.

11. He steps up when I need help. When I was pregnant and sick, Laun wanted some cookies for a dairy, so Clayton made them.

12. He’s not afraid to try new things, he’s a go getter.

13. He’s the whole package…funny, social, smart and handsome.

14. I love how he is always up for a good time. Whether its hiking, a late night movie, hanging out with friends, being in the outdoors, etc. He is fun to be with and I sure love him.

Happy birthday Clayton, we sure love you!

feeling sort of accomplished and tired

For a newborn, Sydney has slept pretty well, but I’m still tired. I’m getting older and I’m busier with more kids and I’m tired.

Sydney likes to stick out her tongue.

Our apricot tree is full, so I made some jam today. I canned it by myself, which is a small miracle, and with a newborn, which is a huge miracle. I don’t love canning, but I like the results.

And now I’m tired, again. But man is it all worth it because I sure love my little Rose. My favorite thing about a baby is that they love me right back, it’s like I can do no wrong. If only I felt that I could do no wrong with all my children and with mothering in general, but for now, when I struggle, I know that I’m Sydney’s world and that makes me happy.

Laun loves his babies.

girls are cute and so are baby skunks

I often find myself taking pictures of Sydney sleeping, she’s just so perfect and little. Plus, it’s easy to capture her little hands and profile when she’s asleep, because she’s so still. And it makes me sad to think that one day I might not remember this time very well.

My mom is amazing. She sewed this boppy cover (back when Marlee was born) and made me that cute nursing cover laying on Sydney. And I got lots of cute bows from my friend Amanda, which is great, since I didn’t have any left from Marlee.

Speaking of Marlee, Laun took her to work today and one of the dairy’s gave her a pet skunk (that they de-stunk). Laun got her those boots awhile back and the hat just recently and I think she’s convinced she’s a legit cowgirl. She had a great day.

Everyone is pretty excited about this cute little skunk.

And what a shocker…more sleeping baby pictures.