Eden's Blessing

We blessed Eden last weekend. Several members of both our families made the trip to be with us. We are so grateful and had a fantastic time.

We spent the days together watching Conference, swimming, playing, and eating lots of food.

As it was Conference weekend, we blessed her at our house. Cori gave her a beautiful blessing. And Eden was kind enough not to scream or squirm.

Bishop Fuller, Papa Ray, Cori, Papa Jeff, Uncle Brett, and Uncle Cory

It makes my heart so full to consider the family our children have surrounding them. Thanks again to all who made the trip!

our little man turns three

We love this guy. He was in perfect form on his birthday. Cheerful all day long -which is saying something... believe me- and fully aware that it was his day to choose foods, toys, and activities. That evening, we had friends over to swim, bbq, and open presents.

I keep forgetting that the birthday candles I have are trick candles. But I love the expressions on the kids' faces.

We finished the evening with a performance of Cinderella wherein Grace played the lead (of course) and Makayla the fairy godmother. The boys, who were originally cast as mice, usurped direction of the play and became pool builders.

He is very happy to be three and we'll get to celebrate all over again with more family in town next weekend.

the progression of the pool

It has been an education. Here are some shots from along the way:

Once we decided on a design, the plot of the pool was painted onto the barren dirt in our back yard. Then, when we had the city permit pulled and approval from our HOA, the digging commenced.

We had the excavator leave several tons of dirt to use for landscaping purposes. These giant dirt piles have been irresistible to the kids -Grant especially- and extremely annoying to me.

Soon after excavation was complete, we welcomed a team of plumbers and then a different crew came to lay the rebar.

Then we were ready for shotcrete. Cori got to stand in the heat and spray it down for three days in a row to make sure that it cured properly.

Then decking and tile went up...
THEN, as soon as we had our pool fence up and had passed our final inspection with the city of Phoenix (and made our final payment), they scheduled us for the interior finish. Finally, the hose was in the pool filling it with water.

Two days, two and a half gallons of muriac acid, and a few other chemicals later, it was ready. Hurray! We've been in the water ever since.

The kids playing on the baja step (a large platform off the entry stairs that sits just 18 inches deep- perfect for little kiddos).

Ahhhh. We are actually a bit glad that the weather is still pretty hot. Who wants to come over and swim?

settling in

We've been nearly a week on our own. My Dad flew out for a couple of days and then he and mom went back to NV together. He claimed he was anxious to get his hands on his new baby girl, but we suspect he was starting to doubt my mom's ability to leave. It was such a blessing having them here. Between them and Cori, I pretty much did nothing but nurse Eden and rest for two and a half weeks- which was lovely.

The kids are adjusting well to their new sister. Grace is a big helper. She was in blissful love with Eden from day one. It has taken Grant a little longer to warm up to her. But he is now very sweet, gentle, and concerned. I think his new position in our family (he is no longer the baby) has distilled upon his little boy world-poor fellow. Cori and I work to give them both individual attention, which seems to help everything.

And Eden loves her binki, a good tight swaddle, noise from having people near by, and sleeping. We are easing into a schedule- which makes me so happy. She is such a good baby.

a glimpse of our week

Cori catching up with some work while at the hospital with me and Eden. She is such a perfect little peanut.

Eden is a sleeper.

Grammie has been taking good care of us.

Eden asleep again.

Grammie and Gracie working on a little project. Grace was in heaven.

Showing our colors for the Cougars' first game on Saturday.

Eden actually having some awake time today.

image diary: snapshots from eden's birthday

we are ready

Grant, at a very early hour, watching the construction of our pool from our bedroom window.

It makes me think that there must be something really big I am forgetting about. But we feel ready and excited for next week. My mom gets in tonight. Hospital bags are packed. Laundry is done. The beds have clean sheets. Cori worked himself to the bone yesterday and the house is all clean. Grace and Grant are in an ever improving schedule. The house is unpacked and pretty well organized- well enough for the next while, anyway. We even have some decorating done. Things aren't the way they will eventually be, but it feels like home around here. I have been looking forward to this next week nearly all year long.

In other news: Cori and I went on a date this weekend. It had been a long time. We went to the Temple and then to Cafe Rio afterwords. I was THIS happy about the whole evening. It was just what we needed. Being at the Temple polished away the stress/introverted-focus/weariness induced tarnish that had been clouding my line of site. My heart has felt free, renewed and light ever since. Plus, it is always nice to have one on one time with my guy. And Cafe Rio... well, enough said.

Also in other news: Construction of our pool began this week. We were told to expect the excavator at 6 am early in the week. Our doorbell rang at 5:30 Tuesday morning. We felt bad for our neighbors who undoubtedly heard the work begin at that early hour. But we can't blame these guys for getting an early start when temperatures still climb up above 100 in the afternoon. Grant was in window heaven the whole day. We had a back hoe and a dump truck in our yard! Next came the plumbers, and then the steel rebar went in. They may finish in time for us to get some swimming in yet.

In other not-so-newsy news: Preschool and playschool have brought a nice schedule and predictability to our everyday lives. I'm so glad we got to have a couple of weeks for Grace and Grant to get into the swing of their morning schedules before the baby's arrival. Their schedule has made it possible for me to get a lot done which has been nice as well. Dr's appointments, DMV visits, and little in and out errands are so much more enjoyable when done solo.

Next up on the blog: a bombardment of baby pictures. We will keep you posted!