Character Counts

Both Rylee and Peyton received an award at school during the same assembly. They were both picked out of their entire classes to win the Character Counts award for Trustworthiness. We were so excited for and proud of them.

Rylee's Baptism

Rylee was baptized a little over 3 weeks ago. Things have been pure madness ever since... busy, busy, busy is the life of a family with four young kiddos. A couple of weeks before that I took Rylee out in her baptism dress to get a few pictures of her for an announcement. The Spirit at Rylee's baptism was so very strong. She's such a sweet girl with such a sweet spirit. I gave the talk on baptism, and Grandpa Rohner gave the talk before her confirmation. After Rylee was baptized she couldn't stop smiling. I went back to help her change into her dress and she told me she felt "So Happy." She said, " I know that I made the right choice, Mom." I am so proud of her for making the decision to be baptized!

Ry's 8th Birthday Party

This year we had a super fun Spa themed birthday party for Rylee's 8th birthday. We enlisted the help of her two hair stylist aunts (her idea) and asked one to do hair styles and the other to do glitter toes. We also offered facials, made ribbon flops and had a couple girls from the neighborhood over to do manicures. It was such a fun night! One more week until her baptism. She's SOOO excited!

Kellen's Baby Blessing

Dane was able to give Kellen his baby blessing this morning. What a sweet experience it was! The blessings that Kellen was promised were so sweet. His four brothers and father were able to be in the priesthood circle with him. It was a great Sunday. We weren't able to do his blessing on a fast Sunday, because of everyone's crazy schedules, but today a boy from our ward was giving his talk before he left on his mission. It was kind of a peak into what Kellen's life will be like years from now. His father sang a beautiful song accompanied by a guitar. It was called, "In the Hollow of Thy Hands." It was so neat to hear that sung on the day of Kellen's blessing. I found the lyrics and will put them below. They are all things that I hope, one day for Kellen. Today was a sweet day!! I feel so blessed.

IN THE HOLLOW OF THY HANDS
Dear Lord who blesses us with love
Please send this day thy spirit from above
As this thy son, accepts a call from thee
Help him we pray to learn humility


Direct his footsteps everyday
And keep him ever walking in thy ways
Inspire him as he spreads the gospel plan
Lord, hold him in the hollow of thy hand


Chorus:
In the hollow of thy hand as he grows from boy to man
Help his understanding deepen and increase
In the hollow of thy hand as he grows from boy to man
Let him know the special blessing of thy peace


Dear Lord, who hears and answers prayers
Please keep thy servant always in thy care
As he prepares to teach his fellow men
Oh keep him safe and bring him home again


Protect him from all worldly ways
And always send thy spirit when he prays
Give him the courage of a righteous man
Just hold him in the hollow of thy hand


Chorus:
In the hollow of thy hand as he grows from boy to man
Help his understanding deepen and increase
In the hollow of thy hand as he grows from boy to man
Let him know the special blessing of thy peace


As he faces life’s demands
May he take a valiant stand
Give him shelter in the hollow of thy hand

Sock Hop

So, I was called to be the ward photographer. Works for me :) It's actually nice because it gives me an excuse to haul my big camera around and church events and take lots of pictures. Rylee and Peyton each invited a friend and they all had a great time. They did lots of games. Peyton won best contest in her Frenchie from Grease inspired get up. Rylee did really well in the hula hooping contest and Aubree had lots of fun hanging out with her friend/babysitter Madeline. Kellen hung out with daddy and really liked the music. Here are a few that I caught of my kiddos.

Check Out Ella's hair in this one! She was really dancing!!






How low can you go??

Smile!

Kellen is growing like crazy! He's already 10 /2 weeks old! He's such a doll! We just love him to bits! He is such a happy smiley baby. Here is one of my recent favorite pictures of him. Check out his shirt. I saw it and had to have it! :)

Back to School

After one of the most eventful summers ever, the kids headed back to school this past week. Ry is starting 3rd grade and Peyton will be in 1st. It's crazy to me!! They're growing up way too fast. Next year Aubree will be in Preschool. Where does the time go?? They are both excited about their teachers and classmates and have had a fabulous first few days.

The Bus Stop Gang


The Girls


Ry


Peyton

Lake Powell

After two trips to the cabin and a trip to Newport I was pretty much vacationed out. Well, at least vacationed out when it comes to doing it with a newborn. Dane's family had one more family trip planned this summer and that was to go to the house boat at Lake Powell. Dane packed the girls up and took them to Lake Powell for 4 days. They had a blast, once again hanging out with their cousins and riding on the boat. Their favorite part was riding in the tube.
Kellen and I stayed home and took it easy. I missed Dane and the girls BIG TIME!! It was good to get some one on one time with the babe.

The Cabin

Every year we like to spend time up north at Dane's Grandparent's cabin. We went up 2 different times this summer. Once for a weekend and the next time for almost a week. The kids had a blast, and were able to play outside... something that they aren't able to do much down where we live... it's just too darn hot. It rained every afternoon for a bit while we were there too. It was great fun to hang out and get a chance to visit with Dane's grandparents too. Great Grandma Hatch even taught Rylee how to make snow hats out of yarn. Oh, and Aubree has developed this lovely new "stink eye" (as we like to call it) since Kellen was born. It is demonstrated below :)

Kindergarten Graduation

Sorry these posts are a bit out of order.... when you are 4 months behind, that tends to happen :) Peyton graduated from Kindergarten in May. The kindergarten class put on a great presentation with lots of singing. Peyton did a great job! Afterward, her teacher, Mrs. H provided treats for all of the parents in the classroom. Grandma D also came and joined us. Here are a few snaps from that day.

Kellen's Birth Story

I'll spare you the pictures that Dane took of him actually being pulled out of my belly. It's so weird for me to look at those, there's no way I'd put anyone else through it :) Kellen's birth was a pretty uneventful experience. He was born 2 weeks early in a scheduled C - Section. This was actually my first "scheduled" delivery. Peyton and Aubree both decided to come prior to the date that we had scheduled for them to. It was kind of a weird experience going into the hospital knowing that I would be having surgery later that day. With Peyton and Aubree, it's was all so rushed and surreal. This time around, I think I had too much time to think about it all and I started to get a bit anxious. My doctor, Dr Beck, did a fantastic job, as he has with all of my deliveries. When it was over I had a horrible spinal headache for about 30 minutes... it was awful, but really didn't last too terribly long. I spent 3 days in the hospital healing up, and we went to the girl's end of year dance recital the day after he was born... with Kellen in tow.