Leah's Baptism 31July 2010

Today was Leah's big day! She was baptized and became a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints! We are so proud of her and her choice to be baptized and follow the example of the Savior. She is a special little girl and we love her so. She had many friends and family come to show their love and support for her too. We wish that Popi and GeeGee could come, along with the Wells- but we know they were there in love.
Here are some shots of her day and the family and friends we are thankful came to see her...

So grown up in this one.

Alex gave the opening prayer and Celeste just wanted the food after wards!

Proud Father pic.

Per Leah's request, I made her favorite Oreo cookies- she was so happy!

Marissa and Celeste enjoy the treats too- shocking, I know!

Gert, Kiana and Renee- just the very best friends...they never miss any important event- I love them so.

Ashley who gave the talk on the Holy Ghost- Leah loves her.

Aunt Annie, who gave the talk on Baptism (so wonderful), and Uncle Javier, who per Leah's request gave the closing prayer in Spanish- the Spirit was radiating...I loved it.

Elaina and Leah- I spoke at her baptism...she is my girl too!

Aunt Stephanie, Adriana, Marissa and Brianna- so happy they came to her day!

Aunt Lori- who had her gall bladder removed on Monday! She is doing great and we are so happy she came too!

Granny NEVER misses out- she is so wonderful and we love her so much!

Tina, who directed the music with her smile- I could watch her do that all the time! The Alpeter girls came too- and Scott- who was one of the witnesses for the baptism and the confirmation. So good to see them and so happy they came.

Grandma and Grandpa love Leah!

A bunch of us who adore this 8 year old!

Tina and I- love her!

My Laney-bug- my how she has grown...I feel old again!

Me and my girl.

Just us.

Such a special day- thanks to all who participated and came to celebrate with her. There were many others who came that left before I could snap a pic- we are thankful they took time to come too- She is one lucky, clean girl!

Lovin the Lake 2010

This past weekend was our "family weekend" at the lake! It did not disappoint- the weather, food, sun, friends, family was fantastic, as usual....
There were a few minor injuries along the way (Celeste got hit by a car, Leah got scratched, well, every kid there got scratched from the concrete around the pool- something about running when wet...you tell me!), but everyone, miraculously came away unscathed- and for that, I am soooo grateful. Celeste just has some bruising on her shoulder, arm, legs and feet- those superficial scrapes that really burn- but she is doing just fine- and I am certain, will forever hold a hand when nearing a street- let's pray for that!
So, on to the brighter side...pictures of the fun...



Such fun we had...just look at every single smiling face, and you will see pure happiness- seriously, how can you not have fun with weather like this, surrounded by family and friends, and let's not forget...food! Yes, a great time had by all- and the kiddos were asleep less than 5 minutes into the ride home- always a tell-tale sign of a great trip! Thanks, Mom and Dad- we can't wait for next year!

Holy Cow- Leah is 8!

I feel old today-
Not fair.
Tuesday, 23 July 2002- wasn't that yesterday?! Yep, it was- and I was feeling good.
Today, not so much.
Because today, she looks like this:How did that happen?!This little gem of mine is 8 and I can't believe it- but it is true and I am not really sad- but so grateful to be her mom- she brings such light and happiness into my life- my days are better when she is around- her smile radiates so much and I just love her completely. She has really grown a lot this past year- a huge change from 7 to 8- she is learning so quickly- even tested with "Superior Cognitive Ability in all subjects" from her 2nd grade tests. She is quick and has a memory unlike any of my other crazies. She can flip and twist her body, she can run, she can throw a baseball nearly as far as Alex (without ever playing the sport!) and she loves to run laps with me - she has fantastic endurance. She knows what she wants...she is ours and we're keeping her! (We like to tease them that they are on a "trial period"- but we want her forever!)

Next Saturday, she has chosen to be baptized:We are so proud of all she has chosen in her life- and we love her for all that she is and all she will become. Happy Birthday, Leah- know you are our wonderful girl and a very special child of God. We hope your day is as sweet as you are! We love you!

Grandparents and Great-Grandparents are Great!

This weekend, the crazies and I traveled north to see my Grandparents and family- it was the first time we have gone in the summer for a number of years- in fact, I don't think Celeste had ever been to that beach before! We usually make it up there in May and again in the fall, so this was a real treat to go up when it is hot!!
Here are a few snapshots of our trip:

Celeste only got part of her name written before the wave comes...

Look at how beautiful...

My favorite shot of the entire trip!!

Me and my Grandma...such love...

Celeste had a great time feeding the gulls...

Another great shot of Leah...

Molly and Alex

The farm kids...

Lovin those raspberries!

Grandma's girls...

The kids with Misty.

My favorite people!

It was hard to say goodbye this time, as it always is for me...my sweet grandparents are getting older and requiring more...it is sad for me and the girls nearly cried on the drive home. Oh how I love these people - they are truly the most wonderful grandparents...I adore them and treasure the memories I have had with them through the years and cherish that my kids have had so many years with them- I pray they have more to come.