Brandon's Baptism

I kind of wish I could relive this day with him.

It was still special and it's not about all of the other things that happened.

I was just sick for the entire week up to this day. I did everything last minute because of this.

I was exhausted and had not had enough sleep.

So that is why the day is all kind of a blur to me.

But, I do have wonderful memories of the important parts.

Brandon was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

It was wonderful to have so many friends and family members close to attend. The only ones not able to be here for living too far away were Becca, Matt & girls and Kelsey, Laura & family.

It's different being in Utah, because there are so many 7 year old children turning 8 this year,

(22 with just the boys)

We shared this day with two other wonderful families.

That is the picture of them on the bottom middle.

We split the program up between the 3 families,

which was hard but tried not to think about it much.

All of our family and a few friends came over afterwards for lunch and it was beautiful outside so it was great to have the kids be able to go outside and play together.

We gave Brandon a memory book so he can remember this important day better.

He started writing in it that night and every day after.

One page he wrote:

"Dere Journal

today was a speshol, speshol day. I got Baptisd today and I am so hapy today.

I will never ever forget this day never ever. I love my famley and my pet's. I'm so happy that I have a family."

I admit I cried a little the first time I read this seeing that he wrote

down that he loves his family.

I love to hear and read the feelings of children. I know they don't always come out, especially for boys, but at a special time like this I know it helps to push it out a little more.

On other pages he talked about what happened and how he was a little scared just for a bit.

I am proud of the good choices you make Brandon and the

choice to follow our Saviors example and be baptized.

We love you so much and I know Heavenly father loves you too!

Easter

The kids had so much fun having a bunch of Easter egg hunts this year.

Actually, they started a bit early.

Three weeks before Easter they found the bag with all of the plastic eggs and baskets and they were hiding them for each other.

We had a hunt with both grandparents and they loved it.

We really did not control the candy too well though and I think they went on candy overload.

Aside from all of the fun Easter egg hunts, the bunnies, and fun kid stuff;

My kids all remembered this year Why we do have Easter.

Easter was also general conference weekend.

I love having Easter and conference the same weekend because

it really helps to put my focus more on Christ.

I am thankful for all that Christ went through for me and you, to have the knowledge that

I will be with my family forever, not just for life.

We are never alone.

I know that, even though it's sometimes hard, it's so comforting that no matter who we are and what we've done or where we are, we are not alone.

This Easter was really wonderful.

Lately...

Lately,

We have been spending every good weather moment

outside, if possible.

We have been hiking many times, have been to

many, many different parks.

Just within the past month or so we have discovered at least 7

new parks within a 10 minute drive from our house.

I always love having options & love to explore.

The outside time keeps us all little happier too!

Hayden and I went for a walk on a path on the mountain

just up the street from our house.

We took a smaller trail and found this sweet elk calf about 10 feet back.

Besides lots, and lots of school between the kids and Justin,

Church, work, and family time; That's all that we have really done lately.