Kiddie Kollege Indians

These were just too cute not to share (better late than never, right?). Madden and Eliza made these Indian digs at Kiddie Kollege. Most of the girls made Pilgrim girl hats and collars but in true Liza fashion, she chose the Indian boy. Oh I love this tom-girl and her raspy smokers voice!While Eliza was very proud of hers and was happy to participate in the photo op, Madden wanted nothing to do with it. I finally got him to put his stuff back on so I could get a picture. You'd never know he wasn't completely into it.
I hope these two stay the best of friends their whole lives! They're so fun to watch when they're together.

Thanksgiving (I'm a bit behind)

Thanksgiving 2010 was at the West Point City building again because it worked out so well last year. Most of my family was able to be there which is always a good time! The was pretty great as well. After we ate my Mom told the kids about the first Thanksgiving and shared a lot of little facts that I had never heard before. She always knows all the little things that make a story interesting.
Matt's Mom and his sister Holly came along with us. It was fun to have them there and give our kids a chance to spend some time with them.
We went home with full stomachs and good memories, so I'd say it was a big success!

Go Mia!!

This past Fall, Mia took 1st place in her grade for reflections. She was so excited about the trophy. It doesn't hurt that it's purple and sparkly. The theme was "Together We Can" and she drew a great picture of the earth with kids sitting all around it. In January we got to go to a special awards night for all the kids that went on to district. Mia was super excited but got really nervous when they called her name.
We are so proud of her and how well she did. She loves to participate in everything she can at school and winning an award for something was even better!

Way to go Mia! We are SO proud of you!!!!!!

Gracie's Tree

Last Christmas at the Festival of Trees my family decided to do a tree this year (2010) in honor of Grace. It was a large undertaking but after an amazing amount of kindness and donations from so many people and a TON of work, it turned out to be a very sweet labor of love. We decorated it with little girl shoes in black, pink, white and silver. Grace loved shoes so it seemed very fitting to include her personality into the tree. We had so many people who donated shoes and money. It wouldn't have been possible without them.

The morning of November 29th we headed down to the South Town Expo Center to set up and decorate the tree. It was such a great experience to be there with my parents and my sisters. It was a fun atmosphere and really touching to be among other people and hear the stories of what inspired each of their trees.

We never would have made it through without my Dad there to help us get the tree up so we could decorate it. The whole thing took the better part of the day.

We had Kelly Sansom take these pictures so we could make up Thank You cards to send to the MANY people who made this possible! What a great experience! Now that I've had a couple of months to recuperate, I can say I think I would actually do this again :) !!

M.I.A.

Around these parts MIA is a name but to most of the population it's an acronym for Missing In Action. Which is exactly what I've been to this sad little blog. After being informed NUMEROUS times by my little family that our blog needed a bit more attention, I'm finally consenting and getting caught up. Hang on tight cause here comes a whirlwind of updates :)

I know, it's about time!

It's Been A Year

Dear Gracie,A year ago heaven became a better place. Time goes slow here on earth and we miss you every single day. However, your parents and siblings do so much to celebrate your life and your place in their family. You must be really proud to belong with them.

Other people around your family do so much to celebrate your life as well. Look how beautiful your tree looked this morning! Your family woke up to this sweet gesture. See what I mean? So many great people around here.

Your Mom and Dad invited us to the cemetery this evening to let off balloons. They had lots of bright pretty colors. Pink ones too, just for you!

Look at this group. Wasn't it amazing to see how many people's lives you've touched? There's hundreds who aren't in this picture. Your short little 15 months on earth altered the lives of so many people.

We counted down from 10 and let them all float to heaven. I know heaven's a beautiful place but I also know that you're helping to make this earthly existence a beautiful experience for so many of us. I'm amazed everyday at the strength your parents show, how strong your siblings are and how much Heavenly Father send his spirit to our lives when we're in need.

Thank you for a year of true love, humility and Grace. And here's to many, many more!

Love always,

Aunt April

Ella es mia ( She is mine..or she is MIA!!!!)

My little girl is growing up! I took this picture and was suprised to see how much she has changed in the last year. Mia turned 7 on Tuesday Oct 5th....seven! This picture is an indication of the trouble and anxiety that awaits me as she continues to blossom into the most beautiful and sweet ( ok..sassy and bossy on occasion) girl in the world!

Mia, Your daddy loves you and is so blessed to have you . I have said that having one daughter is enough for any family... I don't know how Amber and Gary do it with 5! You are a handful ( figuratively and by stature) at times yet I wouldn't trade you for anything in the world.

Thanks for being you, a person that attracts friends easily and tries to be kind and inviting to all around you, a champion of the downtrodden (those whom you may run over that are a full head shorter than you included here :).

I LOVE YOU SOOOOO MUCH MIA MOOOOO!

Dad