Eme's 1st Day of Pre-K

It's hard to believe that a year from now our little Em will be heading off to Kindergarten.  Oh, how time flies!  She is returning this fall to the preschool she went to in the spring except she will go 3 days a week instead of just 2.  She was a little shy the first day, but I am sure she will warm up and love her teachers just as she did last year.  It will be fun to see what she will learn and bring home each day from school. 

What Happens When You Leave a 2 1/2 Year Old By Himself........

he smears handfuls of lotion all over his face (eating some I might mention).  Easton is pure mischief these days and if you don't watch him like a hawk daily he will get into trouble because of his need to experience and explore the world around him!  He really likes to see how things work and is willing to try anything at any cost even if it means making a mess or breaking something.  Easton is definitely helping me learn to be a more patient person.  I only hope this hot weather will end soon so we are not spending so much time inside.  

Taggart's Blessing Day

We decided to bless Taggart on a Sunday other than Fast Sunday because our friends the Links were moving to Tyler and their last Sunday was today.  It was nice to have family close by to participate also.  It is nice to have two of my three brothers in Texas so that on occasions such as this they can participate and be a part of special experiences, plus it is nice for the cousins to have an excuse to play together.  We had a yummy brisket, corn on the cob, salad, and yummy fruit pizza cookies.  Dane did an amazing job and made some special promises to Taggart in the blessing.  What a blessing to be sealed to a man who honors his priesthood and is able to perform ordinances such as a Baby Blessing. 
It was a wonderful day - the one thing that would have made it better would be having my brother and sister-in-law, mom, dad, and my in-laws with us to participate.  We know that you love and care for us and were with us in Spirit.

I love this face - it is his surprised look - what big blue eyes he has!

Easton couldn't wait to hold Tagg, but as you can tell by the progression of pictures the last one spells it out that they were both finished - Easton didn't get that he didn't have to put his face forward when all I was asking for him to look at me.  To say the least these pictures are less than hoped for with the two boys.

Sonic Fun

Because of the extreme heat, the kiddos and I have been trapped inside and Friday was the night I told Dane we needed to get out because the kiddos needed to burn off some steam and energy and I just needed to get out and get some fresh air.  It was good for the kiddos to run around (even though they got hot and sweaty) and have a yummy Sonic treat.

The Many Faces of Taggart

Tagg is at a fun stage where he is recognizing faces and smiling.  It was fun to capture his smiles, plus his more serious face where he is checking out the world around him.  He has such a sweet personality and other than some minor stomach upset he is a very cuddly and sweet baby.  We love you, Tagg!

Eme and East

Even though these two can fight like nothing else, I heard the sweetest thing the other day.  Eme went up to Easton and put her arms around him and said "I love you, Easton" to which Easton replied "I love you, Emerson".  Now this is what makes being a mom so worthwhile, to see that your children even though not perfect really do love each other when everything is said and done. 

1 Cup, 2 Cup, Red Cup, ...

Because of hot, hot weather, we have been trapped inside off and on for about a month and a half.  Let's

just say that stir-crazy is one way of describing how my kiddos are dealing with

being stuck inside.  We decided to create different structures with some cups yesterday.  Eme loved it and worked on building things for close to an hour.  Easton liked knocking the structures down, but wasn't really into building them.  He was off to get into more mischief.  I have learned (especially this summer) that the clause "full of life and energy - applied to my children" from my patriarchal blessing are coming to a head a my children get older.  What a blessing to have them, even when they do drive me crazy!

The Kiddos

Easton was not into taking pictures and Eme does this smile lately where her eyes are all squinty.  Tagg was just chill and let both of his siblings hold him without making a fuss.  I think that the picture of Tagg and Easton up close is precious!  Easton has really wanted to be a part of things and wants to hold Tagg and help with him when he is sad.