Josh turns 9!!!

How is that possible?! My oldest child is nine years old!!
Here are just 9 things we LOVE about Josh:
1. He's SUPER sweet and so kind to his brother and sisters and parents. And because of that he's very loved by us all. Especially Bella- she ADORES him!
2. He's quirky- he's very routine oriented and has to have certain things done in a certain way. We love this about him because he keeps us on track (for example he's the one that makes sure we say our prayers and read our scriptures at the same times everyday!)
3. He loves to read. I mean LOVES to read.
4. He's easygoing and fun to be around.
5. He's the MOST forgiving person in our family! He forgives instantly with out your even asking him.
6. He loves to be with his family more than anything else.
7. He's very sensitive to the spirit and understands things easily (even more than I do at times)
8. He's a happy boy. He always wakes up happy and is rarely ever grumpy (unless it comes to food:)
9. He still does "sunday morning cuddles" . Every Sunday he'll get in our bed before the other kids wake up and snuggle and talk to us while we're half asleep- love it!!!

We're so grateful to have this special boy in our lives! We love you J!!!!

Here are a few pictures of his b-day
Some of these are from cupcakes at school with Mrs. Z, and birthday morning opening presents and having his ritualistic saturday morning pancakes. (Zach made him a special birthday card and drew a picture of the two of them :)

We had a small party for him with some of his favorite friends. Here they are before they head out to putt n funn

The boys! Getting ready for some mini golf, laser tag and video games.


So- Mike took the boys while the girls and I stayed home and got ready for cupcakes and icecream. Mike had the camera... which can only mean one thing... NO pictures!! Ok so he actually took 2 and here they are :)


Counting to make sure there are 9 candles.

Back home for some cake and icecream


I accidentally recorded this, but I thought it was funny!

Presents!!! Thanks friends!!!

These boys are fun!!! Thanks for helping J celebrate his birthday!!

I'm gonna miss this...

Today was my last turn to teach our "Funshine" preschool co-op for the year- bitter sweet :( Next year Savannah will go to her first "real" preschool while I take care of our newborn baby.
If I were really good, this wouldn't phase me since most good mommies do crafts and letters with their kids anyway... but me... I need to have a good reason to do it- like preschool. So sad, but so true...
Are they not the cutest little preschool group you've ever seen?!




Today we learned about being an artist



They worked on their Abstract art, after showing them some of Grampy's
(my Father in law's) pictures that he's given us for a little inspiration




They were each asked to name their painting


Here's what they came up with
Asher - "Factory"
Carly- "Stripes!"
Decker- "Painty paint"
Emily- "Princess"
Savannah- "Jungle"
Bella- "hi mommy"




Such a big girl!(check out her shoes:)



( I think Bella liked mixing the colors and watching the water change colors as she rinsed the brush more than painting itself)
Fun times

A fun Easter weekend with family

I was seriously lagging on my picture taking skills, BUT here's what I have :)
(I was having too much fun)