Jake is One!!!

This last year totally feels like a time warp. I can't believe it's been a year since my little Jake was born!!! But at the same time, I can't even remember life without him. How strange that must have been! He is such a sweetheart and a huge part of our lives. He is truly a fun little guy and has a very wild, adventurous streak! He is full of life and loves to be the center of attention. He is into EVERYTHING. When he is awake and prowling around, the whole family has to be on high alert. Any chance he gets he goes STRAIGHT to the toilet, which is just awesome. He has finally learned to go up AND down stairs. He has taken a few steps already and I know once he figures he can run, he will start walking. He is just too fast of a crawler to make the transition! What a nut, but I wouldn't trade him. Here are a few pictures from his party. It was so fun. I love seeing his little personality develop and blend into our family. Love you, Jakey!

Happy Birthday, Alison!

Today is my sister Alison's birthday. Al is one year younger than me and we were always pretty inseparable growing up. She was one year behind me in school, so the only year I didn't have her close behind was my freshman year at BYU. Luckily, she followed after me and came to BYU for her freshman year the next year. I lived with her basically my entire college career. Then we both got married in the same year and she moved to Springville, but eventually made it to Lehi a few years ago and just a few miles away. She now lives across town, but at least still in Lehi. At times in our lives we have spent so much time together that we could have entire conversations with just one look. Alison is as smart as a whip and the most organized person you'll ever meet. She can do ANYTHING. Whenever I have an Anger Management Moment where I can't open a jar or figure out how to put something together she just shakes her head and holds out her hand and has the job done in about 2 seconds. Many times during the day I get frustrated with something and think, "Where is Alison when I need her?!!" I wish I could hire her as my personal assistant. On top of that, she is HILARIOUS. A story isn't a story unless it's been told by Alison. She owns the audience!! She is beautiful and smart and always the first one to help anyone in need. We've been together through thick and thin and I'm so grateful for all of our experiences together. This morning my sister-in-law Christa and I brought her cupcakes and ice cream and had a little party with all the kiddos. It's always fun to get together and especially to see how much fun our kids have together. Love ya, Alison!! Happy Birthday!

The whole crew (minus me, taking the picture). It's a wild bunch with ten kids age eight and under, let me tell you! I'm not quite sure where the little girl in the bottom left came from, I think she is a friend of Halli's, but all the rest are ours!

Alison, me with Jakey Jake and Christa. I wish I had a picture of our four little boys together. Alison has a 2 and 1/2 year old and Christa has an almost 3 year old and a 15 month old. This little generation of boys is SO cute (not to mention LOUD!!). I can't wait to watch them grow up and be friends with each other.

Katelyn (Christa's), Dallin, Luke, and Halli (Alison's). Katelyn and Halli are only a few days apart in age and my boys LOVE to play with them!

Abby and Alison's little Josie. Josie and Luke start kindergarten this year, which is just crazy!! They were just born.

 

 

 

Luke's tooth was on the verge of falling out the entire time we were at Alison's, and as soon as we got home it popped right out! He was pretty proud, but disappointed that it didn't happen at the party so he could show Alison that he lost his first front tooth on her birthday. Pretty special. So here it is. HB Al!!!