To Leah on her Birthday

Dear Leah,

My goodness, you are five years old! How did you get so big so fast?

I think the highlight of your year was going to Maui with Grandma and Grandpa last Spring. You talk about Hawaii nearly every day. "Maybe we can move to Hawaii after we live in Boston," you say, "I think Hawaii would be a good place. Or Idaho, I guess." It was sure a fun trip.

The other day I thought you should try on a pair of Lainy's old jeans. You've never liked jeans, but I thought that maybe because you are older you would want to wear them. I was wrong! As soon as we buttoned them up, you started squirming and making faces. So off they came and we put you back in leggings and dresses. It's okay, I get it. You just like to be comfortable. Maybe that is why you want to live in Hawaii? Because you can wear dresses and sandals all year?

You continue to have a sweet, tender heart. Whenever Samuel gets upset you try to help by getting his blanket and binky for him. And if that doesn't work, you beg me to help him. "I just don't like it when he is sad," you say.

Before Christmas, you started surprising me by making all the beds in the house every morning. I thought it was because you were hoping to get extra presents from Santa Claus, but you have kept it up! I don't think you know how much it helps me. Or maybe you do and that is why you do it. You are so sweet!

I am so grateful for you, little Leah. I guess since you are five-years-old you have to go to Kindergarten in the Fall. I have mixed feelings about this, but I know you are excited to be a big girl like Lainy. For now I will treasure my time with you all to myself.

I love you! Happy Birthday!

Love,
Mama


My favorite thing you said this year was the day this picture was taken. You said: "Mama, I'm a Hawaii witch and my power is to make people nice. And I sometimes have dreams about Jesus. He says: "Behold!"". :)

Maui in May

My parents took us to Maui in May. It was heavenly. The New England winter was long and cold so we were more than ready to escape to paradise! It was a trek to get there from Boston (almost 20 hours) but the kids traveled amazingly well. Sam loved the window shades on the plane. He probably annoyed everyone near us as he opened and shut them, but it kept him happy!

The perk of being jet-lagged was mornings like this. We'd wake up, walk outside, and watch the sunrise. We were the first ones on the beach most days!

We met some very friendly people at the market in Lahaina, and snapped a photo under the banyan tree.

 At church on Sunday a new stake was organized in Maui. It was a beautiful meeting. To close the meeting we all stood and sang "Aloha Oe". Then we had Sunday dinner, Maui style (ie grilled steaks on the beach).

The rest of our trip was spent snorkeling (we saw turtles, a shark, a seal, and lots of cool fish)...

 And body boarding...

 And eating wonderful food...

 And playing on the beach...

 And visiting the summit of Haleakala (a volcano)...

 And going to more beaches...

And going on hikes and drives...

 I love these people. I mean, the location was amazing, but it just felt good to be with them.

 

Thanks for an amazing trip Mom, Dad, and Jeff! We had the best time. It was hard to come home.

Aloha Maui! Until we meet again!

(Not pictured because Brad lost his phone in the ocean are the following events: the Sheraton Luau, the boys going scuba diving, and pictures of the amazing hotel pool that the girls lived in all week.)

Coming Back

Well hello little blog. Sorry I have neglected you for so long! You have missed so much that I kind of don't know where to begin. So I won't for now. Maybe I'll do throwback posts later. But for now, there is this: We are happy. We are healthy. We are grateful.

And here is why:

Brad is in his second year of Opthalmology training which means a WAY better schedule. He has most weekends off! It's amazing! He can come to church! He can come with us to do stuff! It is awesome. We have missed him.

Lainy is happy in school. I spent the summer debating/praying/fasting about whether or not to home school her this year. There seemed to be so many pro's to keeping my precious girl home and far away from the things that made last year so hard for her. I was actually all set to do it, but then I went to the temple and had the strong impression that we should send her to school for another year. So, with an anxious heart, we did. And she's been great! It's a complete 180 from last year. What a blessing.

Leah started a little ballet class. I've been teaching her some things at home, but this year we wanted her to do something special just for her. Her dance studio is called Catch the Funk, which irks me to no end, but the price is right and they actually do a good job with the basics. She's the social butterfly of her class and asks me every morning "Do I go to ballet today?". It's hard to get her out of her leotard and tights. She remains our tenderhearted, adorable girl.

Samuel just turned 18 months old. He is a special soul. I really wish I could freeze him at this age for a while. His next big adventure is Nursery: it hasn't been going well so far. But honestly, I'm okay with a mama's boy for now ;)

We spent the Summer swimming, exploring Boston's North Shore beaches, camping in the back yard, taking care of our garden, and visiting our family in Idaho. It was heavenly. I tried to keep it as fun-filled and low-key as possible. We all needed it.

So there is my update, little blog. I'll be back soon.

To Alaina On Her Birthday

Dear Lainy,

Happy, happy birthday Lainy dear! You are seven!

This year we learned what you are made of, and it is strong stuff. I have worried over you more this past year than any of  your previous years, but you pulled through. I saw you do hard things with grace and courage and it just about made my heart burst. You are simply incredible.

I've had so much fun having you all to myself this summer. We've done so many fun things. Remember when you got third place in the 4th of July race? Even though you were smaller than most of those kids, you dug deep and with a face full of determination you ran your heart out and won a medal! That was awesome.

It was so fun to see you conquer your fear of water in the swimming pool this summer. I know you had to talk yourself into it a lot, but by the end of summer you were jumping in and swimming around like a pretty little fish. I am so proud of you!

Next week you will start Second Grade. I am nervous for you, but trying not to show it. I really wondered if I should home-school you this year, but I went to the temple and I had the strong (STRONG) impression that you should go back to school. So I guess I will share you. Heavenly Father knows you better than I do, and I trust Him. I hope that this summer at home, surrounded by people who love and adore you, has fortified you for the school year. I will be praying for you! And you can always know that our home is a safe place.

I am so very humbled to be your mother. Next year you will turn 8. I am excited to help you get ready for baptism. It is going to be a great year!

I love you, sweet girl.

Love,
Mommy

Spring

Has Spring come to you yet? Our weather can't seem to make up its mind.

A couple of weeks ago the sun came out and temperatures were in the 70's. Naturally, we headed for Home Depot (along with everyone else in Boston) to purchase the beginnings of a garden. Carrots, spinach, green beans, cilantro, basil, marigolds and nasturtiums. They were in the warm, soft ground before lunch and our sun-kissed cheeks felt so good.

The next day it poured buckets of rain and temperatures plummeted. Then we woke up to a dusting of snow.

"I guess it's not Spring after all," Leah said sadly as we inspected the frozen ground for any signs of life. I guess not.

But this week. This week is different. Temperatures haven't dropped below freezing for at least a week. Every day we look out our window and see something new: a little patch of green, a tree full of buds, a flower in bloom. I think the air might even have a touch of humidity. Spring is coming!

The buds on the beautiful tree in our front yard are getting bigger and bigger. The girls room has the best view of them. Every morning we check to see if anything has blossomed. Today they look like they might burst. We can't wait.

Next week we are headed to Hawaii with my parents for a much needed respite (even Brad!). I can't wait to hug them, and to talk with them in real life, and to show off my beautiful, smart girls, and my bouncy, giggly baby boy. The beach will be nice too.

When we get back we will be replanting the garden. Fingers crossed my green thumb has improved!


Plus, this boy. I mean, really.

*Easter outfits provided by Grandma Hansen. Aren't they adorable?!*