A whole hand old...

Asher turned 5! We had the most fun family day ever. It was great spending time with Asher, doing things that he enjoys and helping him feel extra special and loved. Asher especially loves to have the house decorated when he wakes up in the morning. It doesn't have to be fancy (thank goodness) but he gushes about it all day and usually asks to keep it up for a week or so after his birthday as well.

 Here he asked if he could take a picture of us because we were "so excited that it was his birthday" :)

 He loved what daddy put on his pancakes.

 Everyone was so thoughtful to send gifts!

Caleb was having a tough time for a bit in the morning. He was happy for Asher but also didn't really like that suddenly Asher was getting to do a few more things than he was. A phone call to his best buddy Rex and a new green Spider Man shirt helped him feel better about things :)

Sally came over with some Geod for the boys to crack open, which they loved! 

 We went swimming and for a family bike ride. We had a movie day and Asher picked the show. Then lunch at his favorite restaurant.

 Honey and Papa sent him some new Lego's! So that kept the boys busy during Kacie's nap.

As a last minute idea the night before I cut out a number 5 out of felt and stuck it to his chair. He thanked me so many times for blue 5. What a sweet boy.

Asher asked for cupcakes this year so we made a stop at the fancy bakery and everyone picked one to try. It was way too rich and way too many but we loved trying a bite of each different kind.

Asher has so many qualities that you'd think don't come until adulthood. He's so obedient and thoughtful. He's loves to save things (money, food, special treats) and especially loves to share things. He knows the rules and takes pride in following the rules. He is so quick to learn and lately he's a very good teacher. I've been telling him that he's creative. At first he didn't believe it, but now he surprises me everyday with a new creative way he solve a problem or make me laugh. He's an outstanding older brother and he has a unbelievable moral compass. We're so thankful to be part of his life! Asher Mckay, you'll always be my first baby. I love you!

Know what I still love?

Having a daughter. 

Kacie and I took these (click here) pictures 14 months earlier. I decided to take a few updated photos one bright sunday afternoon. My how she's grown! It's my daily joy to be with our little kacie noelle. She is so beautifully feminine and nurturing even at a year and a half old! She's at an age where it feels like Justin and I are almost constantly looking at each other saying "Did you see/hear that?!" She surprises us with her new words, she blows us away with her understanding, and she melts our hearts with her kindness!

I love you Sis.

p.s. some out takes...

 Good bye!

Hi! Remember us? Even though I haven't blogged for 6 weeks...

I sure remember all of you! My sweet family and friends, I'm sending you so much love and good thoughts even though maybe it's been a long time since we've talked. Your friendships and good examples are always with me, and I thank you for the inspiration you are!

Us? Well, we're happy, healthy, and growing fast!

We're excited about life and feel blessed to be together.

 And we're laughing our way through it. Just the way I like it ;)

daddy-daughter time...

Justin gave Kacie her very first little ponytail this weekend while I was away. So sweet. Then he snapped these blurry pictures to capture the moment for me. I'm so glad! Asher really liked the pony on Kacie too. He said that we should "keep it forever". I don't think it made it past the afternoon, but pretty cute while it lasted!

Turns out Sunday afternoon is a good time to take pictures...

And I knew you guys were just dying for a "sailor dress" update:

March 2011

March 2012

If you'd like to see March 1984 click here :) haha!

Half a dozen kind ward members stopped me today to tell my how precious they thought Kacie (and the boys) are and just how much they love to watch them durning church. They thanked her for turning around and waving and blowing them kisses, they said how sweet it is that she conducts every hymn, and they reminded me how she raised her hand too each time we sustained our leaders two weeks ago during ward conference. 

I happen to agree with them that she's a sweet little bundle of pure, pure joy. But I sure appreciated their kind words. Taking three small kids to church isn't easy for me, although it is getting much easier as they get a little older. This last week the boys and I have had some precious and spiritual learning moments as they remembered something they'd seen or heard and wanted to talk about it. I'm so thankful that I can learn and grow through joy and gratitude! And that I can have so many sweet moments of peace in my life. 

Feeling fancy today...

I had to give Kace a bath after lunch and while I was doing that I called to Asher to please get some clothes for Kacie and bring them in to me. After a bit he came in with a dance tutu and some frilly socks. He said "I picked this incase she was feeling fancy today."

Clean and Fancy Kacie twirling with mom.

 In fact, I think she was feeling fancy today. Hope you are too.

 kacie noelle

the love of our lives

Sunny afternoon...

We told the kids to run in and hop on our bed for a few quick pictures before they took their sunday clothes off when we got home from church. I said boys on the sides and Kacie in the middle...

 she loved all the attention.

 Then we had to take a second to wait for Caleb. They're cute even when they're bored :)

 I asked for another group shot before we had a snack. Oh, how they love her.

 Oops, this one was mid-sneeze for Asher, Caleb can not contain himself from kissing her head, and Kacie had quite the little pose. Too funny.

 Then things got really crazy with little boys, in only underpants, flying through the air. 

I guess we're done ;)