Presenting...

The new Ella! We picked up her glasses yesterday and so far she is doing really well with them. They told us that they might give her headaches at first but that she would adjust. So far the only problem we've had has been with car sickness. She does better if she takes them off. Isn't she a cutie?And while we have your attention we'll throw a few more pictures at you. Next you will see the castle. We hope the castle will provide many hours of summer entertainment at our house. Yay!
And finally I had to post this picture of Amelia. She found these q-tips and came to show me how proud she was of herself. I am aware that you are not supposed to use q-tips in your ears, but obviously she has witnessed our breakage of this rule a time or two. Benji has dubbed the look "Airplane Ears."

The Eye of the Beholder

Until very recently this was the wallpaper that graced our bathroom wall. A couple of days ago I suddenly decided I couldn't take it anymore and started peeling it off the wall. About 10 minutes into the process Ella wandered in. She stood rooted to the spot for about 5 seconds and then burst into tears.

Me: Ella what's wrong?
Ella: What are you doing?!
Me: Taking down this wallpaper.
Ella: Why?
Me: Uuuum...Mommy thinks it's kind of ugly.
Ella: But it's pretty to me!
Me: Well, it's really old and we're going to make it look really pretty in here.
Ella: (shouting and sobbing) You need to tape it back up right now or I'll never be happy again!!

She still gets sad every time she walks in the bathroom.

Temple Trip

Tomorrow I am taking my first temple trip since Amelia was born! With the temple an hour and a half away I found it difficult to make the trip when I had a nursing baby. And then, well, I let other things take top billing. Thanks to my wonderful husband my priorities are back in line and I find myself filled with a kind of nervous excitement. Nervous because it involves driving into DC alone (my sense of direction is terrible) and excited because I have needed this for a long time!

Tuff Girl

Amelia has recently taken to wearing these super hero arm bands. I don't really know how she knows what they are or how to wear them...apparently it's inborn. She even has the face to match the part. She is a little super hero, though, holding her own against the many crazy plots of her older brothers and sister.

Baptism

George was baptized on Saturday! It was a wonderful occasion and we are so proud of George for making this decision. He was very excited and it was so fun!


It was also great to have Nana and Grandma and Grandpa in town for the big day. Thank you for the love and support!

We love you George!

George

It's hard to believe that our little George is getting soooooo big! He's turning 8 next week and we are very proud of the young man he is becoming. In honor of his 8th birthday we took him to JCPenney and had his picture taken. Here are some of the results...(Isn't he a handsome guy?)

Halloween (a little late)

I keep thinking that one of these days I'm going to pull myself together and get organized, but I think that would necessitate a complete personality overhaul. I am what I am, I guess. Although, the many sleepless nights may be contributing to the mental lapses. That being said...here is Halloween! The kids were super excited to dress up! Unfortunately, with Halloween being on a Sunday they didn't get to do regular trick or treating. However, the ward had a trunk or treat and everyone was really generous. The kids got plenty of candy and I don't think they felt deprived at all!Ella as Snow White

Isaac as a Wizard

George as a warrior of some sort