Cousins and Brothers

I guess I didn't get a picture of Brad or Ethan holding Eli on Sunday so I decided to include these photos. I snapped Jake, Brad, and Nick upstairs in the t.v. room and then Ethan with Tyson and Cody downstairs in the kitchen. Look at Cody's face-horrible! Jill said he looked like Shrek;) Boys!!!!

Eli with Family

Ava just had to get a picture with her little brother before church!

Jake was so excited to see Eli in the same tux that he wore almost 10 years ago!

This was going to be a shot of Eli with his parents but big sis wanted to join in;)

Family Pics on July 1st

Eli wasn't very happy with all the photos on his big day! He's usually very easy going but he got all worked up for these pictures.

I think I counted 46 people in all. We were missing Shane, Hunter, and Jesse from our side. (Alisa and Meg made it for the blessing but had to leave as Meg got sick all over the church pew;). Anita and Kayla were missing from the Ralph side. They were on a mother/daughter trip to Colorado. Anyway, the kids sure had a fun time together and it's always fun to sit around and visit. Every one pitched in and helped out with the dinner. It was so nice not to have to worry about it! Wonderful day!!

Eli's Special Day!

Isn't this just the cutest little face ever?! Eli is such a happy boy and we are so lucky to have him! He was blessed on July 1st, 2012. I was a little worried because he was a little fussy in the morning which is not like him. But when we got to church he drank his bottle and fell asleep. He continued to sleep (Dave said he peaked at everyone and then closed his eyes again) through his blessing. Ellie wrote down what he was blessed with. "You are a special son of Heavenly Father. You came at a special time to earth to come when the gospel is in its fullness. Blessed with a love for the gospel and a desire to learn of the gospel. Be a student of the scriptures and they will be a guide in your life. Blessed with a strong testimony so as challenges come you will be able to bear them well and be able to handle them because of your testimony. Blessed with a strong love of Him. (these are the other things Eli was blessed with) a desire to know the Savior. To know you are loved by your family and extended family and friends. Lean on them as needed. You will be a blessing to your family, especially to your mother. Blessed with a strong love of others and a desire to serve. Blessed with a desire to continue your education. Desire for learning. Can give back to the community. Know you are loved by many and loved by your family." It was a beautiful blessing and then Dennis bore a wonderful testimony!! He is such a good man and I know I'm lucky to have him as my husband and the father of my children. It was a good day!!

Star Gazing

Okay, I have never allowed a "friend" sleep over before but while I was up in Salt Lake with Ethan for his basketball, Dennis did! Ava's little friend, Finn, wanted to sleep in a tent in his backyard. So his parents set up a tent and somehow Ava, Jake, Brad, and Dillan joined him and his siblings, Zoe, and Liam. (I'm not sure if our kids were invited or if they invited themselves but boy did they have fun)! They looked at stars and watched a movie. I came home just as they were going to sleep. I really didn't think Ava would make it all night but she did. They all thought it was the greatest thing!

AAU Basketball

Ethan was fortunate to join some boys from his school team to form a new team to play tournament games throughout Utah. They were going to go to Seattle and Las Vegas but ran a little short of cash and time. These boys didn't win a single game in school but won a ton in this tournament. They have improved sooooooo much under this coach (who is a father to one of the boys). It has been amazing to watch each of them transform into confident players who know what they are doing now. I sure wish Coach Melior could continue to coach them all through high school. I think they would do very well!! Ethan loved it and can't wait to try out for the high school sophomore team. I hope the coaches give him a chance!!