Squishy Bear

This was DuVall's doing.

Going Home

I've posted this picture before but never explained anything about it. This is my mom standing with some of the church members in Brazil. The tiny little lady, smaller than my own tiny 4'11'' mother, was 117 years old when this picture was taken. A few weeks ago my mom wrote this in one of her emails home:

"Our sweet little 118 year old sister member died last week. We believe she was the oldest living woman in Brazil but she couldn't prove it for lack of a birth certificate. All of our missionaries who have returned home and knew her well would be very sad to hear of her passing. They loved going to her house and many of them had opportunities to give her blessings. She was so tiny and frail. How wonderful for her to be released of all her physical pains."

Talk about enduring til' the end!

(The date on the picture is wrong)

Baby Steps

My life just got a whole lot busier.
Way to go, my little tornado!

Actually, I think it's so fun to watch your kids hit milestones. Even if it's before you are ready for them. What a blessing to have happy, healthy kids!

FYI: We call her our little tornado because everywhere she's been it looks like a little tornado passed through. She can tear apart a room faster than you can brush your teeth...really!

(Yes, that is the Ammon, The Missionary cartoon you hear in the background.)

Schools Out!

I think its kind of funny how even in preschool they make a big deal about "graduating" and summer vacation. Today was Olivia's last day of preschool, until September. We were very fortunate to get into a great preschool with amazing teachers. (Actually, it's the same preschool I attended 24 years ago.) Olivia loved her time this year in preschool and I sure enjoyed it as well!

81 years young...

This last week in June is always a special one for us because we get to celebrate Olivia's birthday and my Grandma Thatcher's birthday. On Thursday we went to the Cheesecake Factory for Grams' 81st birthday. It was cute because she was telling everyone she was turning 18. Grams also brought a very special gift for Olivia. I remember the quilt my grandma made for me when I turned six. It was pink, with a little bit of blue. A log cabin pattern. I still use it today. Now she is making quilts for my girls. All the love she puts into these beautiful pieces of art make them priceless treasures. Here are some pictures from both birthday girls' special day!

This is what Olivia picked out to wear, on her birthday, to go to preschool. Notice the brown gauchos underneath the dress. And we can't forget the backwards socks, with the heal sticking out, over the top of her shoes. Must be her mom's amazing fashion sense rubbing off on her.

We asked Livi," if you could have anything you want for your birthday dinner what would it be?" Mac N Cheese.
I love this girl.

Her new bike! She was very excited.

At the Cheesecake Factory!

New beautiful quilt made by Grams T!

Um...gross.

I've been noticing a lot of snails in the yard lately. So, yesterday morning Olivia, Megan, Abbi and I went snail hunting. Prepare to be grossed out... unless you like snails.

This is what we gathered from the front yard. Maybe the backyard next week? If I can stomach it.

Can It Be?

Today our sweet Olivia turns FOUR years old. We can hardly believe it! Where has the time gone? We have enjoyed every minute with our little girl, for that is truly what she has become. No more baby, but little girl now. We love her for so many reasons. She is beautiful, intelligent, inquisitive, tender, intense, spiritual, happy, excited, playful, and very forgiving. We love you Olivia! So glad you are ours forever!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LIVI-LOU!