The Blessing of our Toddler and Spoilage at its Best

You know your kid is a little older than the average blessed baby when you're saying "Suck it in, Ben--you've got to fit into this thing!" He did fit into his blessing outfit with only a slightly strained seam and two snaps left undone (covered by a vest that made me want to sing "Fat guy in a little coat"). I forgot to take pictures that day and I'm afraid in just a week he made it impossible to humanely fit it on him. But the blessing day was wonderful! Not only is it awesome to feel that special spirit of blessing a newborn, but to have so much family around made it even better. I felt really blessed to see the circle of priesthood holders holding Ben including Chris, my Dad, two uncles, Jason (bro in law), Josh Ontko (a friend), and my cousin. My Dad said they almost got a chair for Ben he weighed so much. Here are some pics of the weekend with family including such highlights as 1)going to see Wicked with my parents, sister, and aunt and uncle and it was way cooler than I could have imagined, 2)Balboa Beach with family and 3)dinner at Aunt Shara's who is a good cook AND cooks good stuff.

Did I mention that my parents officially spoiled my kids rotten? I mean it. My Dad gave Sam licorice and chocolate as soon as he woke up the first day they were there. That combined with 2 cups of juice and a strawberry jam crepe equals a big hurl all over the carpet. Everyone loves being the kids' favorites, but who gets to clean up the puke? Yeah, yours truly. My dad said that Carter (my nephew) wouldn't have even batted an eyelash at that much junk in the morning. I'll give him that, but I think they both learned a lesson.

Me and the rents at Wicked.

Chris LOVES digging holes at the beach. Even more than the kids.

My dad love soaking up the sun at the beach.

Me and Amy at Aunt Shara's.

Here's my Aunt Kathi. She's awesome.

Our new backyard!!!

We got a backyard...and there's even a house attached to it (pics soon to come)! Could we possibly ask for more? We are so excited to be moving into our new house this weekend. But we're more excited about being able to go outside and play whenever we want! And I can even send the kids without me sometimes! I don't think they'll know what to do with themselves, but there's a lot of dirt digging and bug catching to be done out there, I think.