My "Baby" is Gone

I've known this day was coming. 

The nearer it got, the more I wished it away and wished time to stand still.

My baby isn't a baby anymore.

Today - my ClaireBear is 3.

 

 

Here's the thing, though.  To me, she will always be my baby.  I get it now when my mom remarks to people that I'm her baby.  I silently cringe.  Being the "baby" of the family wasn't always great.  (I still don't get to ride shot-gun.)  But to my mom, I will always be her baby.  And to me, Claire will always be mine.

She was our "happy accident"  - and in these past three years she has given us so much happiness.  She brings out the best in all of us.

 

Daddy crumbles with her smile.

Mommy speaks more gently when "The Bear" is around.

Ella has become a big sister - learning to care for her baby sister.

Abbigail is her protector, and is so quick to defend.

Yes, I know, after 3 is 4... then 5.  Somehow I'll come to terms my baby isn't a baby anymore.  She'll learn to ride a bike, start school, complain about homework, beg to wear makeup, have her first kiss, her heart will get broken, and her heart will know love.  For now - I hold onto all the wonderful little things that make my "Bear" so wonderful...

When mommy gets mad you ask, "You mad?" I'll say no - and you ask again, "You happy?"
Claire - I'm always happy when you are around.

At bedtime it's always the same routine:
Hot Chocolate
"No spiders?"
"No Claire, there are no spiders."
"No strangers?"
"No Bear, there are no strangers."

You still fall asleep in my arms.

I love it when you fight for what you want!  (Like I said, being the baby isn't always easy.)

Your hair is fabulous!

When you're hurt, sad or just tired... you want me.

You know all the words to "I Am a Child of God" and you sing it loud!

You think you can do a cartwheel.

I'll never forget this 4th of July.  When I got home from work, and you were too afraid of the fireworks - you walked in the house and yelled, "They go BOOM, BOOM, BOOM, BOOM" and your two little hands showed just how big those "booms" were.

You aren't afraid to try new things.  You are brave.

You may be the baby, but you do a darn good job protecting your sisters, and quickly join their ranks when there is freedom (from chores) to be fought for.

The other day you pooped in Kay's front yard.  Yes, she has surveillance cameras.

Your imagination is big and wild.  You can sit for hours and entertain yourself - and the rest of us.

You love me, unconditionally.  I need that.

You adore your daddy.  He deserves that.

You cherish every moment with your sisters.  Don't ever stop that.

You love the Savior.  He loves you.  And in your eyes I see Him.  You'll learn to hold on to that.

She's Growing Up...

...and every day she grows she continues to amaze me.
Today, my little Ella, turns 8.

I can understand why I love her so much.  She's so many things: sassy, sweet, kind, soft-hearted, smart, beautiful, and just one glance at her you know she is mine.  She is my CopyKat.

What I don't understand is how she is growing up so fast?  How have eight years gone by?  Will the next eight go by as fast?  My heart aches to think about "it."  Think about her finishing grade school, think about her becoming a tween, think about her asking to borrow the car, think about her dating, think about her graduating... moving out... moving on... moving away from me.

Before she goes (and yes, I know, that is a long time from now) I want Ella to know just a few of the many wonderful things I adore about her:

I love the way you cling to me.  I know you still need me.

You are an amazing big sister: protective and caring.

I'm amazed by the way you can memorize the words to every song.

You are so smart!  Straight A's for 2nd Grade.

You know our home is a place of refuge,

and inside it you have no inhibitions.

You are a daddy's girl to the core.

I love how you worry so much about your friends.

I'm so proud you have found the courage

to sing with the Primary on the stand!

Faced with your own fear, you try to hide it to be brave for your sisters,

and lend them your bravery.

You've got style.

You understand modesty.

You love your family.

You love the Savior.

I love you EllaBella... "loved by all the fellas... you're the prettiest little girl in the whole wide world... you're a Thornburgh girl."

This Can't Be Happening!

Really - this can't be happening.  My sweet, beautiful, charming, hilarious Abbigail is five.  My adorable lucky charm, born on St. Patrick's Day.  Five years old.  Every day I tell her to stop growing.  Every day she continues to ignore me.  Nothing new there.

 

So, of course we had a party to celebrate this mile-stone.  Ten girls, and two boys (her cousin Cooper who turns 5 himself in just 5 days, and her crush from pre-school, Bo, who turns 5 tomorrow.)  So 12 crazy kids made crazier by cake, ice-cream, soda, and sugared popcorn.  I know their parents are still cursing my name.

 

She opened presents, they played games, the two boys put up with the Hello Kitty theme, and through the rush of it all I kept thinking, "This can't be happening.  I can't be losing this sweet toddler to time!"

But, when we wake tomorrow she'll be 5-years and one day, and there is nothing I can do to stop time.



 

 

So, as I send her out into this rough world, the world where kindergarten is just a few months away; where soon that new bike won't be too big; where someday she'll let go of "Pinky the Blanket"...

...tonight I want to remember and remind what makes this one-of-a-kind kid so incredible.  (Cuz I'm sure in 10 years I'll need that reminder.)

 

 

I love your laugh.  It's so infectious, and we all need to laugh more.

I love how you try so hard to impress your older sister.

I love how you'll hand over a favorite toy to your crying baby sister.

I love how you want to be every ones friend, and you don't fear rejection.  If they're not your friend now, they will be later.

I love how Miley Cyrus (the tom-cat) runs to your side the moment he hears your cries.

I love your bravery.

I love your honesty.

I love how you call sneezes "Bless-yous."

I love that even in the middle of summer you want me to sing you Christmas songs at bedtime.

I love your growing sense of humor.

I love that you love me.  I love that when you get hurt you call out my name first.  I love those nights you wake up afraid and call out my name first.  That's the best part about being your mom, Abbigail: knowing you love me just as much as I love you.  I hear that love every time you say my name, "Mommy."  A name I don't take lightly.  A title I promise to keep "earning" every day.

I love you, and though I dread seeing that sweet, little girl grow - I can't wait to see the person she becomes year after year.

I love you.

------------------------------------------------------

 

Saint Patrick's Day is doubly special in the Jarvis Family.  My nephew, Reid... or shall we say Elder Jarvis shares a birthday with Abbigail.  (Rather - she shares the day with him.  He is 14 years older.)

Elder Jarvis just so happens to be serving his mission in Salt Lake City.  It just so happens his favorite Aunt (ahem) lives in Salt Lake City.  So we were able to take him cake and ice-cream to share with his companion and the other two elders living in the apartment.  Abbigail made something special for him, too; a heart made out of play-doh.  We love you Elder Jarvis and are so proud of you!

 

One Year Later

I've been debating whether or not to write this post.  Whether or not to share this stuff.  But the internal debate pushed me to two answers: I deserve to write it, hear it, read it.  And there are others who deserve to read it, too.

What a difference a year makes! 
Tomorrow, July 9, 2012, my baby turns two.  We celebrated over the 4th holiday with family, and we will have a small celebration tomorrow, but I will never forget last year's celebration.  I didn't celebrate.  Please don't read this wrong.  I wanted to celebrate, but instead I found myself standing in a corner, tears running down my face, trying to navigate the changes, "the sickness," in my life that had claimed every piece of me.  Thanks to my parents, there was a cake for Claire's 1st Birthday.  There were presents.  But there was nothing from me.

Back up a few days before that to July 4th, 2011.  Jared and I, with the girls in the back-seat, were driving home from Logan following the Hyrum parade.  I should have been happy.  I should have been relaxed.  I should have been tired.  Instead, I was making what you might call an "exit strategy."  Yes, it's what you are thinking.  No, I wasn't exiting alone.

That "sickness" that consumed me: I couldn't eat.  I couldn't be happy.  I couldn't relax.  I couldn't sleep.

Have you ever read the "Twilight" series?  Ok, now don't judge me.  I have, and I only bring it up now as a point of reference.  If you have read it, you'll know what I'm talking about.  In the second book, "New Moon," Edward leaves Bella.  For several months she is stricken with pain.  Literal pain.  She describes it as not being able to breathe, her arms wrapped around her waist wishing the pain away, and gasping for air.  That was me.  I guess it's not just in books.  Fortunately for me, Jared didn't go anywhere.  Fortunately for me, he stayed by my side.  Fortunately for me, he, along with a few others, put a stop to my "exit strategy."

July 5, 2011, my mom moved in and took over where I couldn't, I wouldn't.  She took care of my children, fed my family, did the laundry, cleaned the house, forced me out of it, and loved me despite how horrible I was.

July 5, 2011, my sister made the phone-calls to the doctors I couldn't, I wouldn't.  She drove me to my appointments.  She loved me, despite how horrible I was.

July 5, 2011, my dad gave me a father's blessing, and took over my finances knowing I couldn't handle the stress, and knew Jared needed to spend that extra attention on me.


July 5, 2011, my husband took on more than his fair share.  Loving my children when I wanted to so desperately, but just wanted to hide, overcome with fear.  He is the better half.  He is the husband other women dream of, the father every kid wants, and the friend I could never be without.

What a difference year makes!
There was no "exit."  I'm happy, joyful, stressed, tired, listening to music again, laughing with my kids, enjoying my job, relishing in the goodness of those "true" friends who have never left my side, crying, yelling, eating, sleeping, and living.

July 4, 2012, we went to Logan again to spend time with my family and enjoy the Hyrum Parade.  Joy isn't the right word(s): fun, hot, silly, relaxing, and with my wonderful family.  I was missing my parents and my sister who lives in Australia, but I couldn't help and think about them that day (all day) and know if it wasn't for them I wouldn't have been there for that day.


The "sickness" is still around, and every once in a while catches me off-guard.  But I'm a fighter.  Those who know me best, know just how stubborn I am.  Know how I refuse to give up.  Know I have an independence that defines a big part of my life.  For a while those traits were recessive.  I'm glad to report they are back, and just as annoying as they were before.

Why?  How?  "Exiting" wasn't the answer.  These wonderful faces, and people in my life are the answers to the questions under the stars.

World's Best Nanny (with the cutest kids possible!)

This has to be seen by all!  We have the world's greatest nanny.  We love her, the girls ADORE her, and they can't get enough of her.

Just to prove how great she is - here is a video she put together with my little "Chipettes"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cqUVY7FCTis&feature=youtu.be

Watch it, and you'll fall as madly in love with these kids as we are!

Thank-you Denise - you have no idea what you mean to us.
(Isn't she gorgeous!)

Gratitude

It's Easter Sunday, and I have much to be grateful for. Namely, my Savior. I'll be honest and say I haven't reflected enough on the blessings that I know come from above. So I offer up that prayer of "gratitude" now. I'm grateful for such an awesome husband who I know loves me just as much. And "love" isn't a strong enough word for the three spirits I've been charged to raise with Jared.

Recently someone challenged me to find "gratitude" in what you are least grateful for at the moment. Write five things down about that thing, where people can see them, and make sure to reflect upon that gratitude. I can put the list on the refrigerator, on my mirror - or on this blog.

So - today I was complaining about working on Easter Sunday. Then multiple problems popped up at work, and I found myself complaining more.

A-ha! Something for my "gratitude" list.

Let me say first, I am very grateful for my job. I love what I do, and I'm blessed to be able to have this job, this career. And let me also quiet the nay-sayers right now. No, I'm not brown-nosing to my bosses. I'm sure there will be "gratitude" lists that pop up in the future reminding myself how lucky I am to have three crazy, whacky, gorgeous and fun little girls.

So here they are. Five reasons I'm grateful for my job. I could ramble off a gazillion, but today these popped out at me.

#1 Underground parking. This is awesome both summer and winter. And also fantastic when some nights I leave work close to midnight. I walk by a security guard, into a well-lit parking garage and make it safely to my car. Thank-you underground parking.




#2 Inspirational thoughts in the elevators. KSL shares that parking garage with the LDS Business College. Everyday, after parking in that underground garage, I take an elevator up to the newsroom. Quotes like this one, and others, take my mind away from the things of this world for that 15 second elevator ride. The quotes change frequently, sometimes every day. So, thank-you, inspirational quotes and to the person who takes the time to put them there.



#3 Free Soda! Ok, so I know how bad this one is for me. But when darkness enveloped my life last summer the caffeine was the only thing that kept me going. I was new at KSL, I was sick, and CocaCola helped. But it's not just the free soda. It's the awesome ice, too. You know, the crunchy, balls of ice that make beverages of any kind taste better (somehow.) And it get's better. The Triad Center, home of Deseret Mutual (the bigger picture of KSL) has these soda fountains on three different floors of the eight-story building - all offering different choices. Oh, thank-you free soda.



#4 Great co-workers. This is just a small taste. A very small taste. It is, after-all, Easter Sunday. On a typical day you would find 75+ journalists all working towards the same cause. Courtney, Mark, Keith and Sandra were here with me this Easter Sunday. I can say with honesty that I enjoy working with everyone in this newsroom. And there is something different about the culture in this newsroom compared to other places I have worked. Maybe it's the Mormon thing, but I'm not so sure because a lot of the people here aren't LDS. A few years back USA Today did a study on "Swearing in the Newsroom." The results were that swearing was cathartic, and good to do. I'm not saying a few foul words don't slip out every-once-in-a-while here, but for the most part it is a positive and uplifting place to work. In fact, I'm convinced it's not the "Mormon" thing. It's that we are all adults. So, thank-you great co-workers (in this picture) and the many others who surround me every week.



#5 Alex Cabrerro. Now typically I don't like singling people out, but if you don't know Alex Cabrerro you are lacking a great friend. He's the equivalent of the "class clown" in the newsroom, and I mean that in the best way. Don't leave your computer un-locked if you walk away from it - even for just a few minutes. You'll come back to a screen-saver photo of you being photo-shopped into a loving embrace with Warren Jeffs. He always has a smile on his face. If we're short photographers he will gladly grab a camera and shoot his own story. And I'm probably the biggest fan of his story-telling. So, thank-you Alex Cabrerro for always being my friend, taking time to talk to me, getting to know me, and being willing to have fun in a place where stress levels are often running high. You are one-in-a-million.

Sliver of Sun

Lately I've been searching for my "Sliver of Sun."

It seems no matter where it is in the house the cats and dog hunt it down. It could be no wider than a good book, they'll find it. If the sun moves, they move. If the sun goes away, they find warmth somewhere else.

A long, long time ago... when I was young... when I never lost sight of the "sun" I would warm in it just like the cats and the dog. The best day to do this was on Sunday. I would come home from church, eat lunch with my family (always with my family) and then put on my most comfortable sweats. Then I would find it, that sliver of sun. Usually it was in the family room. I didn't need a pillow. I didn't need a blanket. All I needed was that "Sliver of Sun" and I would relax, doze, and soak up that sun.

Sometimes I'll walk through my house and walk through a sliver of sun. The warmth only lasts an instant, but when I look around the cat isn't far. He has found it, and I wish I could take the time to stop and soak up some of that sun. But the house isn't clean. The laundry isn't done. The kids are hungry. I'm running late for work. What's for dinner? I still need to exercise.

There is always a reason, an excuse why I can't make time for that "Sliver of Sun."

A long, long time ago... when I was young I always made time for the "sun." Of course, I didn't have as many excuses back then, but even when my plate was full my cup always "runneth over." Perhaps it was because every morning, before the sun was even up, I went to seminary to "warm in a sliver of sun." Perhaps it was because every Sunday, with my family, I "warmed in a sliver of sun" at church followed by a family meal. Perhaps it was because I made finding the "sun" a priority, and not something I would do if there was time.

Now I'm a grown-up. If this is what you call being a grown-up. With two working parents, family meals are rare, and rushed. Church is Jared wrestling three little girls through 3 hours all alone, and me breaking away from work to visit a different ward - with no family. There are no Sunday afternoon naps. (Who are we kidding? There are NO naps!)

I've realized that I'm rushing to get through every day that I've been overlooking and neglecting those "Slivers of Sun." But one hit me so warmly today it could not be ignored. A sweet message on a mini Etch-a-Sketch. "I love mommy." Ahhh, sun. I stood for a moment, staring at it, soaking in it, actually pausing to enjoy the warmth.

Yes, I need to search for more "sun" in my scriptures and prayer. Even just writing those words I feel the warmth. But there are so many "Slivers of Sun" in my life every day: Jared kissing me goodbye in the morning, Ella lovingly protecting her baby sister, Abbigail singing primary songs and getting most of the words right, and Claire - all I need is her smile. It's so freely given.

Those "Slivers of Sun" are so unconditionally given. In fact, they aren't slivers at all. I'm drenched in sun-light. All I have to do is recognize what He has given me, stand in that sun, and I'll never have to search for it again.

Of course, it will still be a long time until I get that nap.

With Love, to "My Heart with Clothes On"

Ella:

A six-year-old going on 16. This girl is so ready to grow up, and I wish I could sit her down and tell her to "WAIT!" Sure, I could. But I don't think she would understand.

Being a kid is so much fun, and growing up I had so many great friends. Such great friends... Jaimi Bertelson, Marie Wichterman, Marci Waite, Heather Warren, April Mako, Melissa Schults, Trisha Haws, Nancy Newman. Some are childhood - some are from getting old: but with them I can still be a kid. With them I can still confide secrets. With them I can still act stupid and they understand. That is what being a kid is all about.

So if there is one thing I could tell my little Ella: enjoy being a kid. Lavish in it's freeness. I'll take care of all your worries. I'll swallow all of your anxieties.

A friend of mine put it best. These children are just our hearts with clothes on. (Thanks Loree.)

Abbigail:

My heart is breaking a bit today.

We fought today - me and little, gentle hearted Abbigail. Of course it was about makeup. That's what girls fight about. But it stings so deeply when I hear her cry. Not the fake, tantrum, "I didn't get my way!" cry, but the cry where you know her feelings have truly been hurt. And by me, her mom.

I think as parents we all have those moments. When we want to say yes, but we have to say no. My other two girls handle it differently. But for some reason, Abbigail handles it internally and you can see her sadness.

So that is how I left today. Her sadness seeping from her eyes. Sad because "Mommy was mean" but sad also because she knows I'm sad she won't let me comfort her.

In the end, just before I walked out the door, she relented with the anxiety that I would leave her without that goodbye kiss. We hugged, she cried, I held her tighter, and hearts were comforted. But I'm still sitting here, thinking about my sweet Abby and hoping her day is filled with laughter and fun instead of tears. She wears her heart on her sleeve. Is easily hurt, but easily loves.

These pictures are a little old, some from summer - but they capture I think some of her finest qualities.

We have a great neighbor, Kay, who ADORES Abbigail. And Abby isn't too shy about taking advantage of that. This 3-year-olds daily routine includes walking next door (typically barefoot), ringing Kay's door, and spending sometimes hours just chatting, talking, playing, dancing - whatever with this wonderful neighbor. I can see why Kay loves Abbigail so much. She's just between that stage of being a toddler and a kid. Her voice is sweet, her laugh infectious, and she pronounces all "K" sounds with a "T".... adorable. When she comes home Kay has loaded up a bag full of animal crackers and marshmallows - and usually some extra bags for her sisters. We love Kay, and Kay loves Abbigail. It's easy to see why.

Rarely do I get a nap out of this crazy kid anymore. So. Much. To. Do!

But there are days she is so worn out from play dates, school, visiting neighbors that she'll ask to watch some TV (something rare) and within minutes she is asleep. On this day, Miley the cat took advantage of nap time and curled up with Abbigail. Nothing more peaceful than watching your kid nap. Of course, usually a mid-day nap means bedtime is going to go haywire.

I love this picture! "Why," you ask? "Your kids are fighting!" "Hair is being pulled!" "Teeth are used as weapons!"

I'll tell you why I love it. About 30 years ago this was me and one of my sisters. We fought. We pulled hair, kicked, bit, and pistol whipped with fake guns (thanks Erica, still have that scar.)

But my sisters are my best friends, and so what do I see when I look at these pictures? A future where they will have best friends that will never go away. No: I don't encourage the fighting. Yes: I try my best to intervene. But still, it's good to know they are headed in the right direction... I think.

CLAIRE:

It's unfair how fast she is growing and changing, but I love catching new glimpses of her personality. She's cute, she knows it, and she uses it to the best of her advantage.

This tent has an extra opening. Claire likes it because she can get out even when it's zipped shut. But let me tell you the story behind the extra opening.

One day Ella and her friend were playing in the tent when it was set up in the front room. Well, they couldn't get the zipper down and were "paralyzed with fear" that they would be trapped there forever. So they came up with a solution. They rolled the tent into the kitchen, stretched the netting far enough they could reach their 6-year-old hands through, opened a drawer and used a very sharp knife to slice the hole in the tent. They were free!

Where were mom and dad, you ask? Well, mom was at work. As for dad, who knows?!?!?

Claire also got her first haircut. She sat in the chair, watched the sharp scissors move around her face and walked away with a beautiful new do. Too much growing!

Popsicles were a neighborhood favorite among the kids. We'd let them play for hours, sweat in the sun, run in the sprinklers, and annoy the neighbors. But if all the big kids in the neighborhood were sucking on Otter-pops, then you'd better make darn sure Claire had one in her hand or she'd rip one from somebody else. It's only fair, right?

And bicycles. No she's not that big. No she can't reach the pedals on a tricycle. No, she can't even walk a straight line. But put a helmet on the kid's head, and she is just as much a bike pro as the others.

A baby's face covered in ice cream is just too good to pass up.

This is one ride Claire could handle, sort-of. Of course some adult (usually me) would have to do the pushing, and her little feet would drag on the road, but we allowed it she would do it all day. Even just climbing in, and climbing back out is enough to make her happy.

Our Claire-Bear. This smile says it all. She is always happy. Always smiling. Always making us smile. There are just so many things about her I could tell the world: she just learned to kiss, really kiss with smacking her lips. She loves jello. She loves shoes. Her tantrums include hitting, screaming, throwing herself to the floor, but can easily be solved by a tickle. She bites. She adores her sisters. She blows kisses. She sings when I play the piano. She snuggles with a teddy bear when she sleeps at night. She's perfect. We love her.

Pictures Galore

Okay, prepare yourself for a lot of pictures. I haven't done this in a while, and since we've been in SLC I've been a bit lazy about updating this blog. So I won't go into the details behind every tender moment that of course accompanies these photos, but maybe it will catch you up a bit on our life in Utah. We'll always be the Colorado Thornburghs. We've just moved to Utah, that's all.

Abbigail was feeling a bit mischievous on this day and wanted to take pictures with my phone. Every picture of her is adorable.

Not long after I started at KSL they turned to me and asked me if I wanted to go in the helicopter for a story on the other side of the state. Immediately I responded, "Yes!" Then in my mind I quickly remembered that I have three little girls. What if the chopper crashes. Eh, I'll take my chances. The pictures are posted so I made it back alive.

Jared and I live in a great neighborhood. We don't get to see a lot of each other because or opposite work schedule, but this night we were enjoying a beautiful Utah summer night with the neighbors. Not the most flattering picture... but I love this guy!

Since we've moved to Utah Claire has gotten teeth. A lot of teeth. I think we are working on number six right now. But despite the pain, this kid is always smiling. Just staring at this photo I can feel the strings of my heart wrapping around her.

Bedtime is sometimes a nightmare at our house, but there are a few nights it runs smoothly. Usually that requires copious amounts of reading. Hey, that is fine by me. I'd rather they go to sleep with their imaginations in full swing than images from some TV show.

Lately the big thing in the neighborhood is camping, sleeping outside or building forts outside. So I was not surprised when one night I came home to find most of the blankets and pillows in the house on the front lawn. Who can complain when they are having fun.

There are the rare occasions that we all get to be together as a family, sit-back, watch a movie, play some Wii. Jared tried to capture the image of one family night. You can see Claire is not willing to pose. She is ready to play.

I can hear my mother groaning now. Yes, Ella got a red streak of color in her hair. She loves it. She was so excited to go to school and show all her friends. Our neighbor is a hair stylist and did all the kids in the neighborhood. Don't worry mom, it will grow out.

Claire is so ready to be a big kid. When the older kids race down the street her little legs carry her as fast as they can to catch up. Or, in moments like this, she works desperately to figure out the scooter works. Usually it requires mom pushing her around. As long as she is smiling...

This is typical Abbigail. Hotwheels trike, tennis shoes, and a princess dress. She is full of personality. I hope it never fades.

Grandma and Grandpa were in town for Labor Day weekend and discovered that Claire loves ketchup. (Doesn't every kid at this age?) She would dip the french fry in and just suck off the ketchup. Every few dips she would actually take a bite. Yummy and messy treat.

Abbigail is officially a pre-schooler, and can't you tell how proud she is? All that morning before we left for school she was wearing her backpack, jumping up and down and screaming, "I'm so excited for school." When we got to school I explained I had to stay for the first half hour. She replied, "You will leave, won't you?" Miss independent.

And she is so lucky to be going to school with her best friend Ashley who happens to be the daughter of my best friend (and life-saver) Melissa. When you get these two together dangerous things can happen.

Ella turned 6 this summer, too. And since then she has lost two teeth and another is making it's way free. The first few days of 1st grade were a little tough, but she has adjusted beautifully!

Dirt. Claire loves it. We'll wake up, get her dressed and cute and the first thing she wants to do is go outside and dig in the dirt. It gets everywhere. All over her clothes, in her hair, in her diaper, under her nails, but the kid is having fun. Why stop it?

Ella wanted a picture this day because she said she was feeling, "Extra pretty." She is always pretty, but she does look great in this photo. And she loves this dress.

I always thought it would be Ella and Abbigail that would spend the most time together playing, but Abby has found quite the friend in Claire. I think it partially has to do with the fact she can boss Claire around. But the two spend hours together every day playing, getting dirty, fighting and giggling. I love sisters.

And if Abbigail isn't playing with Claire, visiting our neighbor Kay who has taken a special liking to my little girl, then she is running up and down the street with her friend Korina. I won't mention the part where they cut each others hair.

That's not all we've been up to. There is plenty more. Most of all we miss all our friends and family in Colorado and Texas. It has been hard starting over in a new city, with new friends, new house, new ward, new jobs... but it's amazing what can happen when we stick together as a family.