Last events in Arizona

Something about each of the kids: Charlie has the cutest smile and he was generally in good spirits. He loves Pink Hefah and JibJab. Erik had a very infectious laugh and would correct you if you sang the wrong words to a song (just making up words would frustrate him). He would also spend a lot of time in the bathroom. You will see why later. Ellie? What can I say? She is a very smart girl and is reading at a third grade level. She is so “motherly” to everyone and takes care of her brothers. She is so excited she has a new sister to take care of. One time I just laid down on the couch and she got two blankets and covered me and put a pillow under my head and said “that’s better”. Another time she corrected Erik for not wanting to say the prayer after daddy asked him to say it and Kyle reminded her that she was not Erik’s mother. She is so sweet. Amelia is such a good baby – eats and sleeps and doesn’t seem to mind being passed around to everyone in the house. She is very alert. And there is nothing sweeter that holding a new born baby, rocking her to sleep.
Ellie was so tired that she fell asleep holding Amelia. It was too darling to pass up. This was like 8:30 in the morning. I think that we are wearing her out. One thing we were extremely impressed with was FHE one evening. Ellie was in charge of the lesson. We asked her if she needed help and she said “no, I got it.” Her lesson was on Names and Feelings. She repeated the story about Spencer W Kimble when he had surgery and a nurse took the name of the Lord in vain. Her expressions were wonderful. “You wouldn’t want anyone to make fun of your name. On no you wouldn’t”. Then she went on to the second part of the lessons – feelings. We were very impressed with her lesson and her foresight and wish we had taped it.

We had Christmas presents for all and they got to open them before we went home. That was fun. There were several Trio sets that we got to put together.

Ellie really wanted a camera. She was so excited when she got one and was taking pictures of everyone and everything.

Can't get too much of Amelia.

Ellie's school had a Kindergarten Christmas concert. We just let Charlie run until it started to get the wiggles out.

Anna and Bob had just arrived so she joined us also.

I look pretty cool in sunglasses. Don't I? Like a movie star.

Singing her heart out. It was so cute. Ellie was the only one swaying with the music.

Can you see my tonsils? They are coming out next week. They are making me sick all the time.

Kjersten helped with Charlie. BFFs.

After the program was over.

Last day in Glendale before the long drive home. We gathered all the kids for a group photo.

For one hour, Erik was behind a closed bathroom door singing his heart out - Feliz Navidad that he got from a JibJab movie. Below is what he was doing behind that door.

Ellie's school concert.