Too long....

Okay, so you know it's been too long of a break from blogging when you get online and realize you don't remember how to post on your own blog. Sheesh! It's pretty pathetic that my last post was Miss L's baptism...especially when so much has happened in the last 9 months. It's overwhelming to recap it all in detail, so here is a brief summary.

We visited G's brother and family in Denver to escape the Phoenix sun and have a little fun in the snow.

I am pregnant with girl #5--and I have been sick the ENTIRE pregnancy. Hence the reason for no blogging. I am exhausted all day long, every day. Only 9 more weeks to go. Wahoo!

I spent a week in NY celebrating my sister's graduation from Columbia.

The girls had their first Daddy Daughter Dance.

G graduated from his fellowship, completing 10 years of medical training! We moved to Visalia, CA for G's new job and to be closer to family.

 For the 4th of July we took a trip to Lake Kaweah.

This summer we took a family vacation to Legoland and Sea World.

We celebrated my Grandma O's 90th birthday at Pismo Beach!

 Miss A had the best birthday party EVER!

 

   Miss A started 2nd grade and Miss L started 3 grade.

 Miss R started preschool.

G and I celebrated our 10th anniversary by traveling to Maui for 5 days. Absolute heaven, even when 28 weeks pregnant!

I'm sure there are so many more things that I have forgotten, but that's the gist of it. Now all I need to do is stay on top of things.... :D

Miss L's Special Day

An 8th birthday is a pretty important one if you are a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. At age 8 is when you are able to be baptized. Miss L chose to be baptized 2 days after her 8th birthday. Since we were home visiting family for the holidays, we had the baptism in Visalia instead of Phoenix. It worked out nicely to have it with so many family members.

Liberty had the program planned for months. She knew exactly which family member she wanted to play each part. And she was sure to ask each person specifically if they would be willing to participate. She was so cute about the whole thing.

When the day arrived, she was excited and nervous. The building was FREEZING because the heat wasn't turned on. We also started a little late, giving just enough time for the warm water to turn cold. Poor Miss L! Even though she was freezing (I tried to blow-dry her warm after she got dressed), she still had an amazing experience. When I asked her about it she said, "I had to try really hard not to cry two times because I felt so good inside." When I told her it was okay to cry she said, "I know mom---but it's embarrassing." :D

After the baptism and confirmation, we had cupcakes for all of the guests. They were a huge hit with the kids.

I am so proud of Miss L's choice to be baptized. I can see such a difference in her already. She received new scriptures and has been reading them every day. And last Sunday she chose to fast (it was her idea and she even had a specific purpose in mind). She is such a good example to her younger sisters and to me!!!! I love her so much!!!!