August pictures

Because she's just so stinking cute. And because this month, Alexis learned to blow kisses and it totally melts my heart.

Alexis got her ears pierced. She was super tough and only cried for 2 seconds.

Mommy and Daddy went on their first date without Alexis in over a year. We missed her a lot, but she did great at Uncle Paul and Aunt LeiLani. She even cuddled up to them.

Some kids have comfort blankets. Alexis has my boobs. Even though we're all done with this business, she still likes to stick her hand in my cleavage when she's tired or shy. We're working on breaking that habit.

The boys insisted on wearing the same clothes to school. Haha.

Alexis had her first playdate. Two days earlier she went to Cora's house while I helped a friend pack up boxes for her move. Meanwhile Alexis cried until she was too tired to cry and fell asleep. Then Cora came to our house while her mommy volunteered at the school. Cora hung out, played and chewed on toys, and was just a happy baby. 

We went to Lake Saguaro and picked some cool shells.

Kendall sharing her apple with Alexis. Once she'd tasted it, she didn't want to give it back.

Bon-Papa and Bonne-Maman's visit

Bon-Papa and Bonne-Maman came out for Logan and Taylor's baptisms. It's always fun having them here, even if this time the kids were in school during their visit. We made the best of the after school hours and weekend. And Alexis enjoyed having Bon-Papa and Bonne-Maman all to herself for 6-7 hours each day.

Oh, how I wish we still lived close enough to hop in the car and spend time with them for a long weekend. The funny thing is that we didn't do anything super spectacular. I mean, of course, there was the baptism, and Alexis' birthday party. But the rest of the time, we just hung out at home, played chess, read books, and had laser gun battles. We had a great time, but as always, it is hard to say goodbye. Things are not looking good for the United States right now, and I am afraid that traveling (by plane) will become tricky in the near future. I don't know... I hope I'm wrong. But I would feel much better knowing that they're close by; them as well as my brother and his family. But right now, it's something I can't change. It's out of my hands. All I can do is pray and hope that President Trump will make decisions that will keep the Americans safe.

And I didn't think this post was going to get political. It did. Oops.

Baptism

Besides the fact that no one could hear Kendall sing (and could therefore hear all my mistakes at the piano), and the fact that William didn't know where I had packed the boys' underwear so they took a really long time getting changed, and the fact that I forgot I was leading the music and had to run to the front of the room 2 sentences into the closing song, everything went very smoothly. It was a beautiful baptism, and we are so thankful for the people who came out for it. I can't believe we didn't get a picture with Paul and his family... but they were there. The boys were super reverent the whole time, and especially as they were receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost. I had never seen them so reverent and it was a beautiful sight, certainly one I could get used to. I am so thankful for Logan and Taylor's choice to be baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. And I am thankful for Christ, who sacrificed his life, so that we could be forgiven of our sins and one day return to live with Him and God. I am thankful for the gift of the Holy Ghost, a constant companion, to guide us, comfort us, and testify to us. My prayer is that It will guide Logan and Taylor on the straight and narrow path that leads to God. I pray that they will turn to Heavenly Father, through the Holy Ghost, when they feel lost and need direction. I pray that they will find comfort in It, when William and I have given them our all. And I pray that they will always turn to prayer when their testimonies get shaky. I pray that they will develop a strong relationship with Heavenly Father, through prayer, and that their testimonies will grow from that relationship. I know they are both very special human beings, and I am so grateful that Heavenly Father trusted me to care for them. I am sure he is sometimes disappointed with me, but I promise I am trying to do my best. I am learning from my mistakes, and hopefully Alexis will get the best of me. Haha. Just kidding. One thing I have learned is that every child is different. And I have to treat them all differently, even if that may seem unfair at times. They all have different needs and different ways to communicate. And I am glad for that. They have different personalities, and that's great. I wouldn't want them all to be the same. What I'm trying to say is that I am grateful for them, flaws and all. I love them all unconditionally, just like I know they love my unconditionally, and for that I feel very blessed. Thank you, kids, for always loving me, no matter what, and forgiving me my shortcomings. I am one lucky mamma.

Alexis' birthday

Sorry Alexis, but we didn't do much on your actual birthday. We gave you some presents, then we took Kendall to her friend Baylee's birthday party, went to Logan's basketball game, and had Logan and Taylor's birthday party. Sometimes, when life gets busy, we celebrate when we get the chance. And luckily, both sets on your grandparents came for the boys' baptisms, so we celebrated your birthday with them. It was actually kind of perfect. Plus we got to celebrate Grandma's 70th birthday, too. You two are exactly 69 years apart.

I love decorating for birthday parties, so I went a little overboard, but I think I can reuse most of these, so I'll call that a win. Pink and gold is ageless. Pink for you, gold for Grandma, because you're a little girl and she is in her golden years. Haha.