Paige is 6!!

This is one of my favorite pictures EVER of my little Paige.  She is 6 and growing more BEAUTIFUL, SWEET,  FUNNY, LOVING, COMPASSIONATE every day.  She brings so much joy into our lives. There is something very special about this little girl.  It's like a breeze of heaven each time she comes through the front door.   I'm truly honored to be her Mother!

 Paige with her birthday balloon!

KIT-KAT CAKE!!  

  

Grandpa and Grandma Wood surprised Paige and met us at Islands for her birthday dinner.  She got a Roxy purse and was thrilled that the wallet she got for Christmas now had a home!!!

Paige loves when we dote on her.  John and I wrote on this paper heart, and I used a cookie cutter to cut out her PB&J to put in her lunch! She was tickled.  Happy Birthday Paige!!!

Emma Jane "3"

Our hearts are so full of love for you!  Emma turned 3 on September 25th.  She was well aware that it was her special day!!
 I lOVE 3!!  The things she says! The way her little mouth moves as she tries to form her words.  I love the way her tiny arms cling tightly around my neck and her legs curl up behind her when she gives me a hug.  Her innocence.  The way her fingers wrap awkwardly around a pencil as she draws a picture of me.  It looks like an alien, and of course I tell her how beautiful I am and what a good artist she is.  I love how she marches to the fridge and proudly hangs it there for all to see.  I love when she counts to 10 and beams with delight when I tell her she is the smartest girl in the world.  I love when she tells me how much she loves Jesus and wishes she could give him a hug.  I love the way she can turn her frown upside down whenever Dad is around!  I love that she really thought she was buying her baby stroller at Costco with her baggy full of binkies! (That really worked by the way)  We are so blessed to have our Emma Jane.  Happy Birthday my darling girl!!      

8 IS GREAT!!

My Baby is 8!  Elle loved her birthday balloon!  These animals balloons are so cute because their little feet touch the floor and it looks like you are really giving them a walk!  My Mom was able to be with us because she was here for Ellie's baptism.  We went to Islands which is one of the girls favorite restaurants!!  Ellie opened her presents.  She is really into horses right now and she got a diary with a key!!!!  Nana also got her some beautiful scriptures.  Happy Birthday Ellie!  We love you 

A MILESTONE

Ellie was baptized on September 10th 2011.  This was a very special day for her.  Our bishop told us that during her baptismal interview he was amazed at her maturity.  Ellie was prepared and knew that what she was doing was very important to her Heavenly Father.  We were so lucky that my brother Brandon was able to baptize his son Josh the same day.  I'm so sad we did not take more pictures.  

Everyone special in Ellie's life was able to be there, except for one.  I kept imagining what it would be like to have Alain
(Ellie's Papa) walk through the door.  He always looked so handsome in his Sunday clothes and black cowboy boots.  It was just the first of many special moments in my children's life that we will think of Alain.  Ellie sang the song "Baptism," and our dear friend Lori played the guitar. I don't think I have ever seen anything sweeter in all my life.  She was in her beautiful white dress with a white flower in her hair.  (Where is the picture of her in that dress??)  When I think of that moment, I feel blessed to have had such a beautiful confirmation that being a mother is the most precious gift I could have been given.     

Refugio Beach 2011

What a fun tradition we are blessed to have each year!  It's a blessing that at times I feel I am enduring, but for the sake of my sweet family I endure with a smile on my face.  This year was record breaking as we stayed the entire week.  We again created unforgettable memories good and bad, :) and enjoyed spending the short time together we had as a family.

Aunt Lauren spent a great deal of time french braiding all the girls hair!!  It was so fun to see all the girl cousions together.(-Claire- not sure where she was)  It seems that we are only able to see the Larsens once a year.  Not fair for family to be so spread apart.    I got the girls each a little Lanturn that turned out to be quiet a hit.  They actually turned out to be very useful.  I love this picture of Dad and Paige.

After we lost Alain earlier this year I was devistated that I did not have more pictures with him.  I told John how important it was for him to treasure the time he has with his parents.  I'm so glad I got this picture of John with his Dad.  I know he will be so greatful to have it one day.Za
Zane and Emma

Pedicures "camping style"

Janet truly amazes me sometimes.  This is the last thing I would ever attempt while camping.  Water had to be boiled, buckets filled, feet washed, and silly girls to be supervised.  None the less, Janet had this wonderful idea and the girls went crazy for it!

Can I just say how lucky we all are to have Lauren!    We are so happy that Jeff brought her into our lives.  Her energy amazes me as well.  She sat and taught all the girls how to make friendship bracelets, braided their hair, and here you see her painting and decorating the girls nails.  It's no wonder they all love and adore her!!

I have to hand it to Jenny for letting Maeve just go wild with the nail polish!  I have a feeling if it was one of my little ones, I would have intervened and stopped this creative and independent moment. 

Sand and wet nail polish!  Wonderful combination!

Beach Pictures

 Janet and Bill hired a photographer to take family pictures at Refugio this year.  These are just a few shots of the girls with our camera.  The professional pictures I have yet to see, but I know they will be gorgeous!  All of us trying to shower in the lovely beach showers, do hair and makeup in the tent, and keep the kids from getting dirty for even an hour was quiet comical.  With all said and done,  I believe it was a success!!  Not an easy one.