Thrilliam is 4!

So my baby turned 4. Rude right? The last four years have FLOWN by. He's my right hand man. We are literally together every hour of the day. Most days he's even my alarm clock. We go to school together, shopping together, have all our meals together, and when I try to sneak away for a private moment, he finds me in the bathroom.

He's a sweetheart but a bit of a brute as well. The boy is just solid. He's at that stage where there is still baby fat but his little body is hardening into little boyhood. It makes me sad when I think about it. Luckily, I'm too busy laughing at/with him to dwell on it much! His play wrestling with his brothers is starting to cause more pain than before...for his brothers. He and Abby are best buds and I pray that lasts. He knows all his letters and numbers and insists on writing his name as "William" and never "Will". Shortcuts aren't his style! He asks daily for more presents and has excellent negotiating skills.  He's truly our pride and joy. We love you Squilliam!

I've been busy...

It's a lame excuse I know. I really do miss blogging but my kids are older, homework is harder (for ALL of us and it just seems like there aren't enough hours in the day! I know I know! It's the saddest story you all live through each and every day! But I moved to a different city on top of it! ;-)

There has been one thing on my mind for months though, and I really, really want it documented. Last May (hanging my head in shame) my Preston turned 12. The majority of you who read (or used to read) my blog understand the significance of a boy turning 12. Shortly after his birthday, Preston was interviewed by our bishop and was found worthy to be ordained a deacon in the Aaronic Priesthood. It was such a special day for our family. His Papa, Uncle Brandon, Uncle Robert and of course, his father, stood in the circle of men who were there to show their love and support for our son. There is nothing more sweet than watching my husband use his priesthood to bless our children. Watching him pass the keys of this same priesthood onto our Preston is an image and memory I'll hold dear for the rest of my life.  What a blessing it is to me to have them both in my life. I was overwhelmed by them all day. It's such an amazing responsibility for a young boy but I also know he has been preparing for this day and is ready. I don't often share my testimony of the gospel here but I feel its appropriate to do so now. I know this gospel is true. I know the priesthood was restored and that my husband and son hold the power of God to bless those of us around them. It warms my heart when I think of the goodness and mercy of my Savior. My son is not perfect but he is an instrument in the Lord's hands and I pray that he will listen to the Spirit to know when he is needed to go about the Savior's work.
Preston, we are so proud of the young man you are becoming. You are the perfect oldest son and we love to watch how warm and compassionate you are to your siblings. We love you so much!

A New Post

Well, I'd almost given up on blogging.  I've had a post in the wings since October.  I dabbled with it a little in November, and then in December.  In January I finished it and tried to upload pictures.  Then after I uploaded pictures, Blogger refused to save it (rude, rude, RUDE blogger)!

In February I was still too offended to touch it and March just sort of ended before I realized it.  But its April now, I'm on spring break.  I've had the whole day without any sort of schedule (minus sending my kids off to school because their spring break didn't line up with mine).  I've cleaned out my fridge, done 4 loads of laundry and edited a few pictures.  No more excuses.  I'm going to blog!

But where exactly do I start? Should it be with the 4 birthday's I missed? The two seasons of soccer?  the holidays of Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day or Easter? Should I write about my job? Jackson's brand new "he's in remission" news? Abby's first, and second lost tooth? How about her dance recital?  Or the boy's piano recitals? Or our trips to Washington and Utah for Carter and Dexter's baptisms? Seriously?  I don't know where to start, it's all so overwhelming.  It seems wrong not to post pictures.  I could start there...

Right around William's 3rd birthday, he fell asleep on the same fuzzy white blanket I had used to take his newborn pictures.  He just happened to be shirtless.  I seized the opportunity.

Before...

After.

He's my baby and he always will be.  There will be no others behind him.  It breaks my heart that he's getting bigger, and bigger.  But he's also getting better and better (and naughtier).  I do love this sweet boy.

How about Abby's dance recital?  She gets to dance with her cousin Brynn and bestie, Lily.  Both Uncle Cory and Uncle Brandon came out to see them and of course, Mimi and Papa too.

And just because I already had these collages done.  I'll throw in Christmas too.

William (who only replies to William, Will, or his favorite, Will the Thrill.  DO NOT call him Bill or Billy...you've been warned).

Our princessa.

Carson.

Preston (who now wants to go by Stone.  It's not my favorite).

There.  I posted.  It's a step in the right direction, yes?

Camping 2012

After 6 LONG years, we finally got to join the Miles Family for our annual camping/hunting trip. Yeah! Only this year, the hunting was a no go (insert frowny face). I'll spare you the boring story of fish and games new redistricting rules and the lottery to get tags and whatnot. Instead, this became and off-roading trip. Everyone (with the exception of us) bought new Polaris Razors and there are a plethora of trails to explore in the Dixie National Forest. Everyday it would rain so that left us with perfect weather (not too hot, not too cold) and plenty of mud to trek through. After the first two days of bumming rides off people, Trevor caved and rented us a Rhino for the rest of the weekend. The kids faith in their hero was validated and renewed.

I don't think I have to say that we all had a flippin' blast. We did. The trip was too short but the memories will be long (awwwww, that was such a sappy sentiment).

I'll let the pictures tell the rest of the story.

~Will quickly learned how to "help himself" to snacks.~

~We had a couple of tree climbers.~

~She used the dog as an ottoman.~

~Carson and Auntie Ashley (they were so great about giving the kids rides).~

~Mimi and our littles. Will would "white-knuckle" the handle but begged for more!~

~This might be my favorite. He spent HOURS trying to teach her how to shoot.~

~Will loved the outdoor bathrooms. I think it solidified his potty-training.~

~Another climber!~

~The dogs found the weak link.~

~A rare tantrum (no seriously).~

~Brenda Marie and Gina Marie, the boys couldn't hang with us!~

~Gina got me muddy! But I'm not complaining.~

~Pres with Uncle Robbie.~

~Oh, wait, maybe this is my favorite!~

~All four in the back seat of our rented Rhino...it was...cozy.~

~Even squished between siblings, he can still fall asleep anywhere.~

~Kiki snuck my A.O. M&M's. She was so happy until her mommy took them away...the tantrum was epic.~

~The newest Indy.~

~I love me a campfire surrounded by family.~