DADE'S BAPTISM

I have tears in my eyes as I write this entry.

Dade turned 8 in October of 2013.  Due to several scheduling difficulties (Cousins baptism, Katy's Wedding, Katy's Open House, etc.) Dade had to wait until February 8th of 2014 to be baptized. 

It was a beautiful Texas Winter Day.

My parents came along with Susan's Family.

These kids don't know how lucky they are.

We were so happy to celebrate this wonderful day with Dade.

We spent months getting Dade ready by having Family Home Evening lessons tailored around the importance of baptism.  We took every opportunity we could to educate and encourage him.  One day shortly before Dade's 8th birthday I was sitting with him outside on the back porch discussing baptism and the covenants we make.  I told him that the most important thing the day of his baptism will be to remember the promises he is making.  I told him it doesn't matter who is there to witness it or who baptizes him.  Just that he is making a promise to be a follower of Christ and he would need to be an example to others.  He asked me who baptized me and I answered "Papa".  Dade then asked if Papa could baptize him as well.  I was totally taken off guard.  I had just told him it didn't matter who did what or who was there and then he asked this.  I asked why and with the sweetest face you have ever seen he told me that Papa and he were special to each other.  They share the same birthday, they even both turned 8's together (he meant that he was turning 8 and Papa was turning 80).  He thought Papa might not get antoher chance to baptize anyone before he dies (tears people, tears).

So, this is a special one for me.  Here is Dade with my Dad.

In an effort to include as many loved ones as possible we asked Opa to confirm.  Grandpa L and Dain were witnesses and then of course all of them in the circle for the confirmation, along with Uncle Brandon.

These are special men.

Brought together by this little boy.

We are here to celebrate you Dade.

One more picture to add...Grandpa L gave Dade a backpack full of treasures.  This hat which he puts on more often them he would probably want me to tell you. The backpack is the one he is using for school.

We love you Dade.  

HAPPY FIRST BIRTHDAY BABY LOVE

I was having the hardest time coming up with a theme for Clove's 1st Birthday when I found a picture of these adorable clouds.  They reminded me of the foggy morning she came into this world.

So, her party centered around clouds and white.

We had cousins over to play games and this one was so fun to watch.

Each little one got a pair of chopsticks and a small white bag. Then they had one minute to see how many marshmallows they could get into their bags.

Grayer finally decided to take the easy way.

Next, we grabbed those pretty straws and a cotton ball.  The first one to blow their cotton ball to the front door and back won.

I think Asher won this one.

But everyone had fun trying.

On to cake.

She loved it.

Don't you think?

Presents next.

Happy Birthday Day Baby Love.

You're a Big Girl Now.

DADE'S 2ND GRADE PTA PERFORMANCE

Our Elementary school (Wellington) has a unique way of showcasing the children's music. 

Each grade prepares for a concert to be given at the monthly PTA meeting (clever way to get parents to attend).

This time Dade even got to show off his instrument playing capabilities.

Then on to a few songs.

He loves me!!!

And I love this silly boy.

Soccer sunglasses and all.

He looks pretty rough, doesn't he?

You make my heart sing little bug.

A FEW OF CLOVE

Bed Head, oh how I love you on my little babies.

This is also one of the only pictures of Clove with her pacifier.  She is my only baby to take one. 

But in an emergency, a good leaf will do as well.

Yum.

She also learned how to talk on the phone this month as well.

Hello?

FIRST TRIP TO PEROT MUSEUM

One of the activities during our Christmas Break was to go to the Perot Museum with family. We had a wonderful time and ended up getting a membership and returned 4 more times.

These two play so well together. 

I'm not sure what experiment these guys are working on, but I know that they got wet and had fun.

Future Astronomer?

Future Track Star?

Just adorable.

Sweet as can be.

MEDIEVAL TIMES

To celebrate Aunt Katy and Uncle Lyle's wedding we took a trip to Medieval Times.

Aislyn and Emerson were happy to have each other. 

These boys were super excited for the show to start.

Then Grayer thought it was a little too loud.  This kid does this all the time, but don't let this fool you.  A year later and he is still asking when we get to go back.

Aislyn wanted to sit on Daddy's lap when it got too intense.

We had a great time with family and are excited to have another opportunity to go back.

BOSCH TRIAL RUN

Homemade bread...just saying.