The Birthday Man Came

Loren has been called as an organist and music coordinator for our ward. He's been taking organ lessons from Millie Camarie and has been learning a lot. He was able to go to an organ concert the other night. Despite what anyone says, playing the organ is NOT easy and I'm very proud of how far he's come. 

I honestly can't remember why we were all together here but I love when these cute cousins can play!

Having my sister live here is the BEST. Also, we love our amazing dad!

Jace reminds me of Jack Jack from the Incredibles in this photo. The hair, toothy smile, everything. What a cute seven month old. 

Lydia has been really into writing poems lately and I love it. This was a super cute poem she wrote for Loren. I used to do the same thing when I was her age. So fun!

Hudson asked me to open some glue and this is how it went. 

Another sweet poem from my sweet girl. I am the luckiest.

Lydia put together a poem contest for our family. We all had to write poems and she would pick the winner. This was Allie's, so cute! 

Yikes a blanket save me save me

help me yikes I am doomed

Yikes paper

After four long months of waiting Todd finally set out for the MTC and a week later flew to Australia! He is so prepared and will do so much good. I can't wait to hear all about his experiences. Sure love this brother!

Allie captured this cute moment.

The kids had a Friday off of school so we decided to get out of Cache Valley and go to the Aquarium in Draper. It was such a fun time! I hadn't been out of the valley in a loooong time so it was as good for me as it was for the kids. After the Aquarium we went to IKEA to get a Lego organizer. We learned that one does not simply quickly grab something and leave IKEA. It's an experience. We got completely lost and walked what felt like five miles before we found our way out. If we hadn't had the kids, Loren and I probably would have enjoyed looking at all the display rooms more but all I could think about was how long Jace was going to sleep for and what if Hudson needs to use the bathroom? Loren then realized as we were checking out, that he was supposed to be on a conference call right then. So he pulled out his phone and started dialing as I pushed our cart full of kids and large boxes to the car. Looking back, it was pretty humorous as I tried to keep the kids quiet in the car while shoving and squishing boxes in the back and Loren on the phone in the front. It all worked out though and was definitely a memorable experience. 

Proof of Jace picture.

I'm so glad Allie and Lydia have each other.

This kid and potty training just about sent me to the loony bin. It's been SO hard. Accident after accident. Tears, meltdowns, hiding, poop in underwear, laundry for days. It's seemed like it will never end. Just yesterday, the day after his fourth birthday, was the first time he pooped in the toilet on his own. I'm feeling cautiously optimistic that maybe we've turned a corner. 

Allie made Jace his own president's chair. 

It's been a rough few weeks as Jace has been waking a lot at night and just feeling rundown managing Hudson, the house and everything else. I woke to find this cute message on my wall and it was just what I needed to keep going. 

It's been quite a historic winter, snowing more than I can ever remember. It made it up past the swings and up to the tramp! We're grateful for it but also really need some warmth and sunshine soon. 

He's just the cutest little squish!

Last Wednesday we were able to visit Grandpa Swan. I'm so glad we were able to see him before he passed the next morning. He was such an amazing man. I still remember him working on my tennis serve for hours and it's never been as good as when he helped me. I remember the stories he would tell of his mission to Africa. He battled dementia for a few years and it was hard to see. I'm so glad he's out of pain. We're grateful for his example and love he showed to us. 

Lydia gave her first autobiography report in school. She had to give a one minutes presentation on someone famous. She chose Alex Boye and did an amazing job! 

We got to play with Adeline while Cam and Mary were in New York. She is the absolute sweetest and had a lot of fun with Hudson. 

We celebrated Hudson's birthday early with my parent's since they left for Italy the day before his real birthday. He didn't mind celebrating multiple times. 

On Sunday the girls put on the wedding of Flora and Skid. They decorated the room and dressed up the animals all cute. They even made rings for them. It was a beautiful ceremony of everlasting love. These are the moments I want to remember when I'm old. 

Allie is the sweetest "mom" to Jace, always carrying him around and holding him when he's sad. They have such a sweet relationship. 

Another birthday celebration was had at Grandma Pecks. We celebrated Grandpa Peck and Eliza's birthday too. Lots of fun with family!

Lydia's been complaining of not being able to see numbers or writing that's far away and so we scheduled an eye appointment. Turns out, she needs glasses! They finally came and are so cute! Why do they make her look five years older? Not sure I like that.

Hudson's real birthday finally came and he was so excited! He woke up saying, "The birthday man came!" He got a castle with knights, a king and queen, magician and a dragon. It was a fun day celebrating four years with our boy.