Eddie's #9

Eddie is old -- very, very old.  He's 9 today!!  Here is the reverse order of his day.

Very last we crashed in front of the TV.

Eddie asked for an ice cream roll cake and hot fudge.  Complience.

The better smile has a blurry portrait, but his smile is too cute.

He shopped on Amazon and made a birthday list.

Ninja "sout". Check.

I made mozarella sticks for lunch, thank you Giada for the recipe.  They were delicious.  https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/mozzarella-sticks-recipe-1953577

We spent the morning playing "Pie in the Faces" game.

So good and so fun.

Breakfast came early.  Andy and Maisie left for school, but I managed to get them their chocolate chip pancakes.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/rEJrp1F3acw41u4j7

He wanted to rip through his door, but the paper just pushed to the side.  Whoops.

Eddie is strategic.  He thinks of a solution like no other person in the Think Tank.  When he loses a game, he plays it completely differently the next time.  He runs fast and wrestles scrappy.  Eddie and Molly are dearest friends -- he reads to her 30 minutes everyday.  "Choose any book, and I'll read it to you."  Eddie has piano skillz that are progressing nicely.  He begs to read Potter and and longs for the treat during CFM.  He sneaks into my room in hopes that his ninja skills hide him -- often it works.  We love Eddie.

One FULL Week

This year both Eddie and Ryans' birthdays, General Conference and Easter fall in the same week.  Add Maisie's track meet, three wrestlers and two more track runners and a gymnast, plus dental appointments and FHE makes for one FULL week.

Alas!  I did pause to read and begin the days slowly.

FHE was egg dyeing.

Ryan is often a wrecking ball, but he was all about organizing the eggs.  

Three little dental appointments added to our week.  Luckily our dentist is just the greatest.

Wednesday night was kickball with the YW girls.   I love being with these two who rarely need me, but are ready to have me whenever I pause to be with them.

Grandma B. was the guest speaker in history.  She taught us all about her mission in Kenya.  The kids loved it -- so did I!

Maisie's first track meet.  Molly asked, "Where are we?"  She has no recollection that the first three years of her life were spent at meets.  COVID warped her memory.

Patient spectators, along with Grandma and Grandpa.

She's speedy.

This nest is occupied 9 months out of the year.  

Matching shirts.

Molly resurrected this group poster.  (Eddie's balloons are still up in preparation for Ryan's birthday.)

Our ministering family graciously hid eggs.

The eggs had puzzle pieces in them.  Clever.

My vases from our wedding have finally found their "spot" that is protected and useful.

I was smug baking these beauts.

I hope next week is as blessed.

Marching Marches

Lately, history lessons are the children's favorite.  I copy a picture of "The Other Eminent Men" and read the chapter, the children color and take notes.  This is Ryan's work.

It was cold, like 57*F.  Molly drank her hot chocolate through a balloon stand.

Eddie and Ryan have a new trick.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/1p4XPh43i5YKxXi18

https://photos.app.goo.gl/WBj2KZqSEgNFxjFZ8

I think Ryan makes out way better.

The renovations in our room are well under way.  Austin hung our TV.  Mostly I took this picture to document, once again, that he works endlessly making life better for us.  He's the best.

YW is well under way.  I gave each girl a journal edition of The Book of Mormon and testified of the power that comes from reading everyday.

This is Nick's astronomy project -- a spin off of "Starry, Starry Night."

Anziano Nelson needed a ride to SLC to work on his Visa to go to Rome.  I picked them up and they drove.  It was so sweet to be with them.

Bubbl fun -- post soap science lesson.

My favorite scripture this week testifying of Jesus Christ.

Friday we were off again to St. George to meet up with the Nelsons and run the Spartan.

15 cousins and tons of fun.

Spartan arena

I would run a Spartan race every month of it were possible.  Austin and I loved it so much, that we are hoping for a Trifecta every year.

Finishers!

Yet, the highlight of life is being with Natalie.  Here we are singing to my 9th grade MRJH choir CD. We went out to get a car wash then she spent $$$ on cookies.   Please paste and watch.  Actually, don't.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/5TDsuXvWDNVHMSzc7

Sunday, after dressing for church, partaking of the sacrament and having testimony meeting, we fasted all the way home.  Eddie is obedient -- even though it is hard for him to fast for 24 hours.

Grandma B. saved us and had us for birthday/break your fast dinner.  Here is that darling bunny cake.  As cute as it is, it tasted even better.

We are so blessed, so very blessed.