November 2019

What a month of gratitude it has been. It is so special to remember our miracle of Jefferson's birth and adoption every November during his birthday week. We can't believe he is 5 years old! Such a big boy, so smart and funny and the sweetest bro bro to Carter. We celebrated with our birthday breakfast at Denny's, birthday haircuts for Jefferson and Carter, birthday ice cream, "wee" bowling, a matching game with cousins, and his first Pez dispenser and remote control car that climbs walls. So grateful for this sweet boy- and yes mama made him look at his baby pics before opening his presents and mama definitely teared up. The day after his birthday Jefferson made us all laugh when he said "I miss being 4" after we told him now that you are 5...  With all of the leaf raking Carter discovered a new favorite activity of rolling down the hill in the toy car and then having someone push him back up with their foot. Jefferson definitely jumped in some leaves. Jefferson had the primary program this month and impressed everyone with his ability to memorize an entire (3 sentences) scripture in Spanish! Way to go Goose! Carter discovered the fun of fitting himself in small spaces and to the chagrin of mama has decided running through the house with his walker is more fun with his eyes closed! When Brad was stealing Carters puffs, Jefferson very seriously told him, "Dada if you eat those you will turn into a baby" We had a lovely Thanksgiving with our Dennis family and even played a game of charades. We welcomed in Christmas with the parade and when Jefferson saw Santa it was magic. Black Friday was spent decorating the Christmas tree and Jefferson completely surprised us to go out of his way (on his own) and fix one of mama's decorations from childhood with tape. He surprised us yet again when he was noticing our family pictures through the years and said "Mama are we going to have 5 (in our family) next year." During the break we got some sledding in and cheered on our Utes while Carter took his first steps! Way to go Carterbug! And Jefferson helped make a "lovey loop" chain to count down the days till Christmas. So much to be grateful for.

October 2019

We were happy to welcome in fall with a family trip to Park City. The color in the mountains was outstanding! We got to check out Olympic Park and took our first bobsled ride. And it wouldn't be Park City without an art stroll down main street with a chocolate break and dinner at Main Street Pizza & Noodles. We made our way to Heber but Granny's was closed for the season so we checked out a new Japanese place. The kids even got to experience their first outdoor hot tub- not too hot. We celebrated Halloween all month starting with a trip to the pumpkin patch and decorating our porch. Jefferson is a decoration enthusiast and insisted on turning on the lights each night. We stumbled upon the Pumpkin Bash and Jefferson and Dixie had a blast painting pumpkins, experiencing their first mechanical bull, and playing in all of the jump houses. Dixie seems to be one of Carters favorite people and he lets her hold him like a baby doll. We ate ethnic Latin food to our hearts content at this years Latin Cultural festival with our ward and we were able to show Jefferson pictures and art from Guatemala. We were the Super family for Halloween this year and had a great time at parties and trick or treating- even though it was quite cold. We introduced Jefferson to Nightmare Before Christmas and found Halloween decorated Haunted Houses- all which seemed to be "fun- scary" in the eyes of a four year old. Brad found out the sad news that his parents are selling his childhood home and started the grieving/acceptance process. Jefferson mastered bike riding without training wheels in the church parking lot and continues to amaze us with his building creations with Dada. Our Carter bug is running through the house with his walker and loves to play bumper cars with Jefferson. He starts the day with his routine exploration of places we have told him no to- first he checks if the nightlight has been removed then he runs with the walker to drawer number one if it hasn't been already blocked then he runs to the nearest blinds then the kitchen cabinets, then repeat all over. Jefferson's tattling phrase is "The bug is up to no good" and then we know he is into something. He is wearing us out but still such a joy especially when he snuggles up with his snuggly and when he finds a comfy spot with his books, such a sweet bug.