5 years old

Happy Birthday

Miriam is 5 years old!

And we had a Tea Party Birthday. . .

 Some girls here just couldn't wait for the friends to arrive!

 Let the Tea Party begin!

It is amazing how special sandwiches, carrots, grapes, and animal crackers become when they are served in crystal, silver, or china dishes!  I let the girls use my real china, they had hats and gloves!  It was quite the party.  We made necklaces, played musical chairs, and pin the tail on the donkey.  I think the best part was being fancy!

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!

Baby Blessing Day

Emma's baby blessing day was on Sunday, November 6th. It was a very special family day for us. Emma was blessed at church, we had a family dinner together, and then returned to the church for Andrew's baptism. I made Emma's white dress. I had made dresses for Eliza and Miriam, so I had to make sure that Emma was left out. We had a wonderful time with our family. My parents were able to come since we live within the mission they are serving. Ryan's parents were able to be here too along with our brothers and their families---Daryl, Joanna, Evelyn & Jane; Chris, Andrea, Addysin, Caiden, & Jocelyn.

The first 3 weeks with baby Emma!

Meet our new gift from Heaven. . .

Emma Caroline Kelly

Our precious baby girl was born on Friday, October 7th.

She weighed 9 pounds, 8 ounces---

setting a family record :)

and is 21 inches long

We brought her home yesterday, and she has been smothered with love already.

First Day of School

The First Day of School

We are back at it.

Birthday Week

It was a week of celebrating here for this little girl, I mean BIG girl! With Grandma and Grandpa here, party with uncles and aunts, party with friends, and fireworks! What more can you ask for?

New outfit from Grandma and Grandpa

Dress up clothes and jewelry from cousins and Grandma Kelly

And I think that she grew a foot taller when she got to go on a special date with Uncle Shayne and Aunt Kortneigh for her birthday-----to a movie by herself!

With popcorn bigger than she is!

Topped off by a friends' birthday party of cute little four year old princesses.

So much fun dressing up, making crowns and jewelry, playing musical chairs, pin the tail on the donkey, treasure hunt, and eating yummy food!

What a day! What a week!

And, YES, she does keep wearing that dress day after day after day since her birthday!