It's great to be 8!

Andrew turned 8 years old!

I think that this boy has been counting down the days until his 8th birthday for at least three years. He was definitely excited about being baptized, and thrilled to become a new cub scout!

We had a friends' birthday party that was pirate themed, a smoking volcano cake (that fell apart before the party---that deserves its own post), and got to spend a great day with a lot of family. Andrew is an amazing boy. He is growing up into such a responsible son and brother. He is very thoughtful and loving. He he finds so much joy in life. We are so glad that he is in our family!

Andrew's Baptism

Andrew was baptized on November 6th. He got to share this special day with both sets of his grandparents, his family, and some aunts and uncles and cousins too.

We are so proud of Andrew choosing to follow the example of Jesus Christ and be baptized. Andrew is a wonderful boy, and an example of Jesus Christ in his life!

The Jungle Book

All of the boys tried out to be in the Missoula Children's Theater production of "The Jungle Book." Andrew and Mark were both cast as monkeys!!!!!!!! (appropriate!)

Matthew and Nathan did not make it in. There weren't as many parts for older kids, and those parts were lead parts. Oh well, such are the lessons of life. Matthew and Nathan were able to be in the last play 3 years ago of "Hansel and Gretel."

So, back to "The Jungle Book." The Missoula Children's Theater comes to town on a Monday to the elementary school. They hold auditions after school. If you make it, you have to stay for practice that starts immediately. They work each day after school for the next four days learning lines, learning songs, etc. It is intense and fun! The production was held that Friday and Saturday. I didn't think that it would be any big deal to have the kids audition, although I was due to have a new baby on the 15th. (I had a whole week to go!) When you audition, you have to make sure that you won't miss any practices. No big deal.

Then Thursday arrives. We went to practice after school, and home for dinner.

I didn't sleep so well that night.

I woke up at 3:30 in the morning in labor.

Emma was born at 5:00 am, a week early.

So no big deal, Ryan could head back to Connell and get the kids to their dress rehearsal by noon, right? :)

It all worked out. The boys were fabulous. Ryan went to the Friday production. I snuck in for the Saturday production on our way home from the hospital! A memory for sure.