Ian's Baptism

Ian opted for a very private and small baptism. Often in our church eight year old children are baptized at a group baptism service. Ian didn't like the idea of other families watching him get baptized, so we arranged for him to have his own service. He asked that we not invite friends, just our family. It ended up turning out really special.

Welcome Ian, as the newest member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

As you can see, we had a pretty great day!

The program was wonderful:
Grandma Williams played the piano.
Lucas gave the opening prayer.
Ian's cousin, Rory, gave a great talk on Baptism.
Pappy and I did a duet of "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing".
Brooklyn gave a very nice talk on the Holy Ghost.
Aaron performed the baptism, with Uncles Jared and Nathan as witnesses.
Ian's cousin, Ewan, gave the closing prayer.

After the service we went home and enjoyed DELICIOUS food and dessert. So, although we missed the people in our family that couldn't make it. We had a practically perfect day.

Double Digits for Brooklyn

August 9, 2000
Kona, HI Christmas 2002
Old Faithful - Yellowstone Park, 2010

Brooklyn is AMAZING. I know that seems like an exaggeration, but really, I can't imagine her any better. As her mom, I have no complaints.

She is considerate, responsible, kind, organized, watchful, remorseful (when needed), fun, talented, beautiful, nice, curious, happy, smart, healthy, creative and active.

Wouldn't you agree that a kid like that sounds about perfect?

Happy 10th birthday Brooklyn!

8-8-2002 Eight years later.

From THIS...


to this...

and now, this.Ian had a rough start. We are SO HAPPY he figured out that breathing thing and is here with us. He is 8 today.
In case you didn't know, he is EXCEPTIONAL!
He loves his sister and brother.
He is a math wiz. (I think that skips a generation.)
He plays a mean game of baseball in grandma Susie's backyard.
He helps me weed the garden.
He likes to explore outside, and is great at finding frogs.
He has a knack for technology.
He is a veracious reader.
He is SUPER sweet.
He was the best birthday present we ever gave Brooklyn.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY IAN!

being a parent

Sometimes I like being a parent.
It's cool.

First, I got to drop Brooklyn off to go to YMCA camp today. nostalgia.

Second, I watched my boys work a lemonade stand in my front yard. Their attire is what really made it. Lucas wore cowboy boots, a transformers t-shirt, silky basketball shorts and alternated between a cowboy hat and a giant pirate hat. Ian was a diligent worker, always on the lookout through his binoculars for customers. He would occasionally sport his battery operated Darth Vader head. It makes his voice sound like the evil Vader, and it added a new touch to the calls of "LEMONADE, 50 CENTS a GLASS!".

Third, I gave Ian a sweet haircut. He is the only person on earth I will barber up. And the best part is he loves to have choppy, uneven hair cuts, so he thinks I'm the best hair cutter in the land. He is likes a shaggy sort of do, so as long as I don't chop it too short I'm safe. I just let it grow long enough that I can cut it and if I screw up too bad there is still enough length for Nonny or Grandma Williams to clean up my mess. But so far, he seems to love my messes.

Lastly, I like them.

For your viewing pleasure...my cute boys!
(pics of Brooklyn at camp to come)
My favorite cowboy, basketball player, transformers under-roos guy. (Note the pirate hat hanging on the chair for easy costume change.)
Ian and his friend Graeme scouting out lemonade customers.