Eight is Great!!

Look at my grown-up little man!! When, oh when, did he get so big? He and Jossy had lovely little birthdays, where we just invited a few friends and took them to a skating/bouncing/arcade/germ fest type of place... which they ALL loved! I loved that there was zero clean-up, minimal prep, and similar costs to doing a home party.

The big event was Gage's baptism! (We had it the Saturday after Thanksgiving since all the fam was going to be more available-ish.)
Somehow, I ended up not taking a single photo. Tragic, I know! My mom and sis took a few, so I will have to beg copies from them, but that morning was madness and whilst trying to deal with all hullabaloo: had to fill the font ourselves, so Tony goes early and Ta-Da! the font is still full with freezing, buggy water from the last baptism. Let's just say Uncle Brandon saved the day with some sport shorts and some mad swimming skillz. Bishopric member was late, and couldn't get the closet with the baptismal clothing to open, Krew has diarrhea during welcome. No wipes.
You know how it goes.
We got started a little late, but the service ended up being so special. I felt such an overwhelming joy that this was happening for our son, that Tony could be the one performing the ordinances and that we could all be there together for my big little boy! I will remember it always.
Thanks to everyone who helped make it such a special day for Gage! You're the best!

Caught red handed...

Or black-handed! Har har.

Krew sure loves himself some markers! He also did his feet, his clothes, and part of our couch. I was sewing 15 feet away. Best mom ever. Lucky for me I only buy washable markers!

And I got these in the mail from one of my very fave online retailers. Could you not die of their tiny cuteness?!? Maybe we can leave the hospital in our matching sherpa booties...

Of course, I'll have to get Tony some...

The REAL lyrics:

"Baa baa black sheep have you any wool?
Yes sir, yes sir, 3 bags full!
One for my master, one for the dame,
One for the little boy who lives down the drain..."

Love,
Lauren

P.S. She also asked me why those first people on the earth always wore trash.
What would I ever do without her?

Delightfully above freezing...

Too bad it's snowing here this morning!

Last night was perfect though- the air temp never dipped below 55! We were done before the sun went down, of course, but that is fine by me. Here's a few pics of the kiddos in their costumes before school: Jocelyn is Rosetta (Tinkerbell's friend) and Gage is Ash, the Pokemon Trainer. (I tried for WEEKS to talk him out of this one. But, alas. Pokemon won.)

Silvermist, Tink's other friend.
(I was a pumkin. I'm sure you can only imagine how lovely that was. And you'll have to since there are no pics.)
I got to help with Jocelyn and Gage's class parties, which was tiring but I'm glad I could be there. Krew helped too. LOTS. ;) Lauren's preschool only did a treat. Grinches.

A really awesome group shot. Krew was a dinosaur. Wouldn't wear the hat (shocker) but LOVED the tail! He kept looking behind him as we walked to make sure it was still there!

He really had the concept this year: "Cheets!" and he then would delicately choose one piece of candy and then say his lil' "Deet doot!" which I think is thank you. Melts my heart.

So does this:

I have another appointment tomorrow, and I am so looking forward to seeing him!