six

Grant chose to have a party this year. The theme: Star Wars, of course! He invited a few friends from church and school to come over for a Jedi training camp. Everyone completed a series of tasks and obstacles to earn a Rebel Alliance bracelet.

The first task was a feat of physical endurance and agility. They did push ups, aerobic exercises, and stunts off the balance beam. The added catch was that we were upstairs where the baby was sleeping and they were instructed to do everything in complete silence. There has never been a more stealthy and hushed bunch of exercising 6 year olds. Ever. We were seriously impressed.

Next, we worked on our building skills. Some built droids, others built space craft. This consumed all of five minutes. Should have provided more intricate building implementations, I suppose.

And then it was onto laser blaster target practice. Each padawon got to fire six rounds at the target. Once everyone had a turn, they got a second round but had to do it 'using the force.' Everyone professed complete confidence in his/her ability to reign the powers of the force. And with a lot of guidance from Cori, they did a pretty good job.

Our final task was mastering the light saber. Each youngling was given a light saber and had to perform various feats of control with a balloon. Then we sent them outside to do what they would...

Back row: Colton, Jackson, Parker, Grant, Will

Front row: Eden, Grace, Kawika

At last, they were ready for snacks, cupcakes, and Yoda soda.

Cheers for the Jedi!

Grants biggest wish for this party was a chance for them all to fight Cori at once. Cori was a good sport about it.

 Grant's birthday came along on a school day. He was pretty thrilled to be sung to by his class and show off the rewards of his Jedi training. And then in the evening, he enjoyed gifts and phone calls from grandparents afar. Happy birthday, Bud!

a name and a blessing

We had a wonderful Labor Day weekend with lots of family for Jeffery Jack's blessing day. He wore the same little suit that Grant was blessed in. JJ was given a beautiful blessing by his daddy. And even though his binki popped out part way through his blessing, he didn't fuss. He bares the namesake of two special dads- a lot to live up to. We are unspeakably grateful that he will grow up surrounded by amazing people who love him so much.

This is Papa Ray's dad, Jack. He is in his scoutmaster's uniform. Pretty great that scouting runs deep all over the family tree. :)

On the left is my dad, Jeffery, with his father. This picture was taken in Peru - part of a larger trip through South America my grandparents took with him as he was coming home from his mission in Uruguay.

With Grandma Sandy and Papa Ray

With the W* clan

JJ and I spent some time in the mother's room before sacrament meeting. I asked him if he was going to be good for his daddy and he said yes.

The rest of the weekend was grand. We all loved having everyone around to play games and swim. (And I was grateful for all the helping hands!)

We spent one evening out for tapas and paella in Scottsdale. We were sure to time our dinner around the flamenco dance performance. Prior to going, we told Grace that she could wear her flamenco dress and that she might even get a chance to do some dancing. She was all over that. And she got to dance. First she danced with a little crowd of volunteers, and then she got called back up for a solo.

Oh, to have this child's confidence.

It was sad to see everyone go. Our goodbyes will be short lived, thank goodness. We have a trip to UT coming up. And then Gracie's baptism. And then, THE HOLIDAYS. 

three

Our little big girl turned three just a couple of weeks ago.

Lately, Eden loves wearing her Tinkerbell shirt, loves playing dress up, adores puzzles of all kinds, and loves playing in the dress up box.

She also makes daily rounds with her Doc McStuffins bags.

We got to hang out with Aunt Thea on Eden's birthday. Thea was the first of our visitors that weekend. We blessed Jeffery in church and we so blessed to have so much of our family with us. Thea came a day ahead of everyone, and left the day after everyone else went home. She was a big help and always so much fun. 

"Hey, Eden. It's your birthday!

Okay, that was a silly face. Gimme a smile."

"Ooookaay.... nice smolder. Gimme a smile."

And the camera focused on her shirt instead of the smile she finally gave me.

We had a little birthday party for her while everyone was here. Eden got to share her birthday weekend not only with Jeffery's blessing but with the inaugural BYU football game. I have a sneaking suspicion this will be the case more often than not in the years to come.

I took this picture on her first day of joy school. She picked out her clothes and how we combed her hair. She only wants a single pony tail on top of her head. I've tried unsuccessfully to convince her otherwise. 

She is diaper free during the day - potty training hasn't been too big a deal. She was ready.

Eden is my happy buddy during the day. She is generally cheerful and compliant. Once the Gs are home from school, though, all bets are off. Third child problems!