Kindergarten Grad

Samara finished off a great school year.  I'm so glad she had a positive experience.  I am not ready for her to go full day next year.  She had a great class and teacher.  I loved helping out in her class a few times a month and seeing her in action.  Most of all, I was thrilled that she wanted and loved having me there.  That might not be the most exciting part of her school day in the future, so I tried to enjoy it. 

I wanted to show how much she's grown this year.  The blue tape is her height at the beginning of the school year.   The idea looked better in my head but you get the picture.  Samara has grown up in many ways.

This is her music recital back in April.  She's in her second year of Let's Play Music and started learning keyboard this year.  It's so fun to see her gain skills from regularly practicing (though getting her to practice was always that fun :)). 

At her dance recital she ended up with the Switzerland flag, which I think is a sign of her future spouse. *wink wink*  I get choked up whenever I see her perform anything.  Why?  Not because she's the best at it but because she's my baby and it's so neat to see her learn and grow.  I look at Asher and then at Samara and consider all she's learned in 6 short years; I am amazed and grateful.

Samara showing off the two pieces she chose to showcase in her art show.  I love her art class and think everything she does is brilliant!  I wish I could join the class. :)

Her awesome teaching assistant

Her wonderful teacher, who had twins 4 days before Asher and came back to finish the year.  I'm so impressed she was willing to face all those kindergarteners so soon after having a baby.

Pictures obviously are better in the shade than bright sun

Samara bounced up to me when I picked her up today exclaiming, "Mom, I got recognized at our assembly and got the 'excellent reader' award!"  She was so proud and so was I.  I know learning to read, write, and do numbers are pretty ordinary things, but that doesn't stop her mama from thinking she is extraordinary and destined for greatness.

Three Months

This month Asher was given a name and a blessing at church.

We're grateful grandparents, cousins, and other family and friends could join us for his special day.  We only got a few pictures before church.  I wish we had some with my mom and his other cousins, family, and friends.  But there was a lot of food to eat afterwards and that trumps pictures...plus Asher fell asleep for 3 hours after church.  We are still floored that babies actually do that.  Had I not burned all those sleep books, I could refer back to them.  Instead I think I'll just enjoy.

My friend put it best when she visited me this past week.   "So, you're basically just a body guard all day for Asher?"   Indeed I am.   Lizzie, especially, cannot leave the little fella alone.   Everything from kisses to head butts constitute love in her mind.

He was fascinated watching Samara's dance rehearsal.

He's cooing (the BEST!) and starting to laugh.  He's breaking out of his swaddle.  He smiles when he hears my voice and then his pacifier falls out of his mouth and then my heart melts.  He's a spitter upper and a great belcher.  

He's discovered his hands.

I'm so grateful for Asher.  As I've been going through the loss of a loved one, Asher's sweet and calm presence has been a constant reminder that our spirits are eternal.  I'm thankful to know that Asher's birth wasn't the beginning of his existence and that death didn't end my brother-in-law's.

Two Months

This month, Asher's first smiles appeared.  Oh the joy!

Equally precious are his sleep frowns.

First Easter.  He got really into coloring the eggs and the hunt.

He loves being sung to.  He makes the cutest sigh after he sneezes.

He's tall-90% for height and head circumference.   He's already outgrowing 0-3 month clothes.

Asher has a wonderful calmness about him.  It's really AWESOME to have a baby who sleeps more than 30 minutes at a time.

We were at the Church distribution store a few days ago and the lady said, "that's the cutest baby I've seen in days."  ha ha!  Considering how many babies she sees that's pretty much equivalent to the excessive amount of attention Lizzie got in Singapore. :)

Our little ginger boy looks so handsome in orange.  Love this boy!

Live Play Love Pray Benefit Race

I want to spread the word about a benefit race for 3 local families battling cancer.  As many of you know, my brother-in-law is battling stage IV melanoma and their family is one of the beneficiaries.   The race is sponsored by Elevate Fitness and Rehab and the Craig Perry Foundation.  Here is a video about the race and link to their website and Facebook page.  

The race will be a family event--more than just a race.  Everyone is invited to participate, kids can ride bikes, scooters, etc.  There will be face painting, bounce houses, and fun activities.  After the race, there will be an auction with lots of great products and services.  

Spread the word and come join the fun if you are here in Utah.

Asher: One Month Old

At One Month, Asher....

is not a fan of the car seat (except in this photo)

 

 and is smothered adored by his big sisters. 

He stretches and yawns.

He sleeps peacefully and

 seems to enjoy playdates even when getting smacked around.

 He is alert and 

basically perfect in every way. :)

Samara: Six

Our oldest baby is six!   Despite my begging her for months to not turn six, she did it anyway.  

We sure love our sassy, spirited, and adorable little girl.  If I had a quarter for every time someone has told me, "she has a BIG personality", we'd have a nice college fund set up. :)

Samara is thoughtful.  We love getting pictures, notes, and treats from her.

Papa's pancakes for breakfast

I read Bats at the Beach to her class and she passed out her favorite treat, Snickerdoodles.

Bowling with cousins and Costa Vida for birthday dinner 

After dinner, Samara went to New Beginnings with me, where Samara yelled out in the middle of a talk, when the speaker said something about it being 7:30, "What?  7:30?!  That's my bedtime."  She has no qualms sharing what she is feeling and is very honest.  After getting a ride home with a friend she told me, "Mom, their car was messy."  Me: "Oh, you didn't say anything about it, did you?"  "Yes, i did.  I told his mom but she said she already knew that."  Mercy me!  

Samara, you are observant and nothing gets past you.  I may have a problem making complete stops at stop signs.  You noticed this and started bringing it out to my attention.  One day you asked, "Mom, why don't you ever stop at stop signs?"   I said, "I am stopped right now." Your reply, "that's only because there are cars driving by so you had to stop."

You are a good friend and student.  We love seeing you learn new things like reading, writing, and music.  We hope you will always enjoy learning and will always understand how important hard work is. We appreciate your obedience and you wanting to do what is right.  I love when you step in and help out when you know we need it (like when Lizzie makes a big mess!).  You love your stuffed animals, especially your hugo dog.  You love playdates and watching shows.  Your favorites are word girl, martha speaks, and phineas and ferb.

Age blocks in the photo above are from here.  Aren't they awesome?!  My friend makes them (and lots of great stuff!) to use as a photography prop.  They work great for maternity, baby, and birthday photos.  I know I will get tons of use out of them.

We are so glad you're our daughter and look forward to more adventures with you!