Fun Times

January was a bit rough on us, what with all the influenza and sinus infections and what not, but we still managed to find some time for fun, once health was restored.

Including a play date with some friends.  Lanaya comes on a little strong sometimes.  Her friend was not sure if this was okay.  Especially when Lanaya went for her binky.

They had a rip roarin' good time, can't you tell?

At least, one of them did.  Sorry, Baby Friend!

There was also a snow day.  What do you do on snow days?

We eat carrots.

Lots of carrots.

And smile mischievously.

And eat more carrots.

We're all about the good times here.

Woes Of A Fourth Child

 I did such a good job documenting Kayli and Bryce's infancies.  And I did a pretty good job with Trey.  Taking photos every month, finding out their stats, first tooth, and all the other milestones.

Not so with poor Lanaya.  I think I've forgotten the past two or three months to do a little monthly photo shoot.

Sorry, Princess.

So, she was a little more than 7 months when she made this mess.

She was pretty proud of herself about it, though.

She's at the stage where everything goes into her mouth.  She is ridiculously giggly.  She had a couple days where she couldn't seem to stop giggling.  She would look at me, open her eyes wide with delight at seeing me, and giggle.  Then, she would look back at Blake, open her eyes wide with delight at seeing him, and giggle.  And repeat and repeat and repeat.  It was so much fun.

This was her very first ponytail.  I think it looks a little goofy, but it was fun for a day.  Mostly though, we just like her fluffy mohawk.

I think that's about it for 7-Months.  I tried apologizing to her for the lack of documentation of such a cute infancy.

Well, that stinks.

Things You Don't Want to Miss

We located a few grandparent photos.  Still not as many as I would like, but at least a few.

Kayli and Blake's parents at the post-baptism dinner.

Oh, Bryce.

And then I found a few photos of Lanaya and my dad.

They had a lot of fun playing together and bonding.

After everyone left and life returned to "normal", the kids decided to put on a show for Blake and I.

Kayli was the drummer and Bryce was the dancer.  You can see how much he and his hips got into it.

Oh, Bryce.

I think he was pretending to be a puppy.  Cute.  Until you realize that that is the little device we use to clean out the dog hair and other gunk from our wetvac.  Gross.

And then there's this.  Or, more appropriately, these.  Best buns in town.  We love her and her rolls.

Kayli's Baptism

So, the reason my parents came for a visit is because Kayli got baptized on January 12th.  Blake's parents came too.  They made an amazing effort in between busy schedules, drove part way on Friday, got here Saturday afternoon, and then headed back after a late dinner following the baptism.  Trust me--it's a super long drive.

Since we live so far from our family, our kids miss out on having extended family present at most big events.  It means so much to me that all four of Kayli's grandparents were here for her baptism.

Kayli and her daddy, getting ready for the big event.

I think the baptism was actually starting at this point, so we hurried to get a couple of pictures.  The boys were running around and Lanaya was sleeping, so I said we'd get a family picture after... did not happen.

The baptism was wonderful.  So many of the people who have played am important role in Kayli's life were able to be there, including some of her good friends, some of our good friends, her violin instructor (who accompanied Kayli and Bryce as they played "When I Am Baptized" on their violins), her first grade teacher, a couple former (and beloved) Primary teachers, her current teachers, our neighbors, and my high school seminary teacher's wife (which is just a bizarre coincidence, more than anything else).

I was still quite ill from the influenza.  And a bit stressed trying to make things as perfect as possible.  So, photos were few and weird.  Here they are:

The only grandparent I photographed.  And none with Kayli!  I'm really sad about this.  But, Blake's dad does look really cute here with our chubby little Lanaya!