Queen Ruby

For Sophie

Dear Sophie,

Happy birthday sweet girl!  The day you have been waiting for, your birthday, has finally arrived.  I hope it was all that you dreamed it would be.  Because you deserve each and every one of your dreams to come true.  You're growing up on me.  It's been eight great years.  Eight wonderful, exciting, marvelous years.

Sophie you brighten up our home!  You are so full of life.  You love to cuddle, and go on "family dates."  You like to listen to music and have dance parties.  You like to play with friends and laugh.  Your dad always says you have the best laugh around and I think he might be right!  You like to stay up late, and sleep in in the mornings.  You run and play, and you like to cuddle up and get comfortable.  You are one fun little girl to have around.

Sophie you are so sweet and caring.  You are such a peacemaker in our home.  You look for ways to make everyone feel better.  You are the best big sister to Collin and Ruby and Lyla.  You constantly surprise me with the love and care you give to them.  They look up to you.  And they should, because you are a great example for them.  I am so proud of you.

At eight years old you still love all things soft and cuddly.  Your collection of stuffed animals is quickly taking over our house.  Yet you never seem to have enough!  There is always one you just have to have!  It isn't often that we leave the house without one of your stuffed animal friends.  You still have a love for your blankie and like to sleep with it every night.  And although you love it, you can never remember where you left it last.

This year is a big year for you.  You have made the decision to be baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  You are so excited and have been looking forward to this day for so long.  You have such a strong testimony and teach me so much about faith and following our Savior's example.  I am proud of you for this decision.  You look so beautiful in your white dress and I can't wait to share this special day with you.

I love you Sophie.  I love the beautiful, sweet, fun, loving girl that you are.  It was one of the best days ever that you were born.  Thanks for making me your mom.  Life with you is pretty great.  I am so blessed.  Happy birthday.

Love you forever and always,
Mommy

August 24, 2012. Sophie's Eighth Birthday Party!!

Sophie turned eight years old!  

I can't believe my first baby is eight!

What a beautiful, smart, funny girls she is!

For her birthday this year Sophie had quite the list.  Unfortunately for her, she didn't get everything that was on it.  Fortunately though, Santa knows exactly what she wants come Christmas time!!!

She did however get many great and wonderful things that she LOVES!  Lots of electronic pets, some fun crafts, and a new bike from mom and dad!

For her birthday, she requested lunch at Sizzler so we did that and then we went on a fun family bike ride!

Her party this year was an almost sleepover party!  

She had a bunch of her cute girl friends over and they did all those things that girls like to do!

Stay up late, eat pizza, glitter nails, and a movie with popcorn!!!

The girls also tie dyed shirts...

and decorated door hangers for their bedroom door.

Of course there were presents and cake and ice cream too!

Sophie was so cute opening presents.  After she unwrapped each one she told that friend "thank you" and gave her a big hug!!

Blowing out 8 candles was a lot of work, 

but nothing that my big girl couldn't handle!!

Happy Birthday Sophie!

I hope all your birthday wishes come true!!!

August 18, 2012. Lyla's First Birthday!!!

Lyla's 1st birthday in lots of pictures and not so many words!!

she kept raising up her finger every time we would say one!  

just like she knew how old she was!

             

 Love you Miss Lyla Kate!!!

August 11, 2012. Bear Lake!

A couple weeks ago, we took a trip up to Bear Lake.

We met up with Logan's parents for some yummy lunch and then headed to the beach to spend the day with our neighbors and friends.  Everyone had a good time.  The kids were so content all day.  There was no whining or complaining at all.  Sophie dug in the sand for hours straight trying "to get to water" and everyone enjoyed splashing in the water.  Such a fun day.  And of course we couldn't leave without having a yummy raspberry shake first!

Stats At Twelve Months

Lyla's Twelve Month Stats:

Weight: 18 pounds 15 ounces

{15th Percentile}

Height: 31 inches

{95th Percentile}

Head: 18 inches

{65th Percentile}

Growing...

I have to admit that toward the end of this project i was dreading it!

It seemed so easy at the beginning.

When she wasn't mobile!

Once she started moving, it got hard!!

Trying to get an in focus shot of her was a nightmare.

But I am so glad that I stuck with it!

I love how it turned out.  

One year of Lyla!

Such a cute girl.

Love her.