It’s great to be 8!

Charlie had another birthday (8) and it was one never to be forgotten!

Grandma & Grandpa Thacker, Lucinda, and the Brown family all flew in the night before Charlie’s Birthday! We all met up at the National Aquarium in downtown Baltimore the next day. This aquarium is a family favorite so it was fun to share it with the Thackers. The highlight was the dolphin show where Charlie was able to help the trainer demonstrate proper beach recycling….a little random but he enjoyed it. We also were fascinated by the Archer Fish which we were able to see in action. One of the employees held a stick with a cricket on it high above their tank and the fish would spit water at it knocking it down. Very cool.

That evening we had cake and ice cream and finished up all the little details for his baptism the following day. He received a Skylander pack (I know we are only feeding the addiction) and some roller skates which were a complete gamble. We got them a couple of years ago on clearance at Target and were just waiting for his feet to grow. He had never mentioned anything about roller skating before but they were a BIG hit. Between all the little kids in the house somebody was always wearing those skates, even Conrad:)

We love this kid. He has been a great older brother to his siblings. Here is what he is in to:

He is helpful and tries hard to do what is right.

He loves math and reading but is still not a huge fan of writing. He received a journal for his birthday so hopefully that will help.

He would love to play Skylander (Wii game) all day if I let him.

He is progressing on the piano and has enjoyed having a teacher that is not his mom.

He reads a LOT!

Rockville Ward Primary.

I am the third counselor in our ward’s Primary presidency. I’ve served just over a year and have loved it. I feel really lucky to get to work with such great people. Our primary president is one-in-a-million and I have learned a lot from her. The other counselors are also wonderful and wonderful teachers who I have learned from as well. I was in charge of the yearly primary sacrament meeting program which was an overwhelming endeavor but it turned out fine and the kids were really cute. The best part of the program was hearing all the kids who finished reading The Book of Mormon this year talk about their experiences. Back in January our primary president challenged all of them to read it before the year was up. The junior primary kids were asked to read the Scripture Reader while the senior primary was asked to read the whole blue book. I have been amazed at how many kids rose to the challenge and finished the whole book, even with time in the year left. 

Different kids in the primary designed the program covers.

Charlie and I started off reading everyday together. Reading The Book of Mormon with a child is a different experience. He had A LOT of questions which led to more understanding for both of us.  Towards the middle he started to read more on his own and ended up finishing it before he was baptized in November.  WOW!! Charlie was born with a gift for seeking knowledge, I’m so glad it includes spiritual knowledge as well.  I have loved watching his testimony grow at such a young age! Matthew also enjoyed reading The Book of Mormon Reader; I hope that we will read the blue book together in a few years.

The primary ordered these super cool t-shirts for all the kids who finish reading. Carolyn the primary president designed them. My boys love them!!

A Very Bryner Thanksgiving!

Our dear friends the Bryners came to visit for Thanksgiving! They stayed for almost a whole week and enjoyed a lot of DC sightseeing. We played games (Spot It!), ate great food, and had a wonderful time together.

Everybody took time to write down what they were thankful for on paper leaves. We then turned the leaves into garland that we hung up for all to see. We had a great feast and with four cooks in the kitchen nobody was left doing all the work. The apple pie, pumpkin roll, and stuffing were my favorites.  Conrad enjoyed his first Thanksgiving and especially enjoyed the mashed potatoes.

The Bryners brought each of the kids a new Christmas book which we all enjoyed reading. We especially enjoyed “Mr. Wiollowby’s Christmas Tree.”  Conrad and Jude became instant buddies and Jude showed Conrad how to maneuver the dreaded dining room step drop off. We all went into the District the Saturday after Thanksgiving to visit the memorials and attempt family pictures. We also visited the Natural History museum and ate at a delicious Neapolitan Pizza place called 2Amys.  It was a random cold day but we all had a great time.  

Kelly and I fell in love with this house when we walked by on our way to the Pizza place!  So charming!

Conrad is 7 Months! (11-10-12)

 

It was a big month for this kid!! He got all of his four top teeth in about a week (making 6 total) and is a crawling pro! He’s still as happy as ever.

Halloween 2012.

Halloween was right in the middle of Donna and Bevan’s trip! It is always fun to be with family on holidays. I volunteered to be in charge of Charlie’s class party. We ate snacks and made fun spider hats that turned out great (Thank you pinterest). They usually have a parade outside but since the weather was still drizzly they paraded around the school. It was fun to watch them dressed up in their costumes.

That evening our ward had a chili dinner and trunk-or-treat. I LOVE trunk-or-treats- so efficient and the kids didn’t get too much candy.

Lucy slept through pumpkin carving this year.

Vacationing to a Hurricane!

Donna, Bevan, and Anna came for a visit! Lucky for them and us they made it in right before Hurricane Sandy hit. After we went to church on Sunday we made a dash to Arlington National Cemetery to visit my Grandparents graves. While at the cemetery we were able to watch the changing of the guard of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. We also drove by the house my dad grew up in. We really wanted to get a picture of us in front but there was a large group of people eating dinner in the front dining room so that is why the picture is off to the side. It’s a quaint neighborhood. It was drizzling during all of this but nothing to severe. On Monday and Tuesday they preemptively canceled school, the metro was shut down, and ALL the museums were closed. It rained a lot and there were a few wind gusts but we were spared and didn’t even lose power. Because Seth and Bevan were home Donna and I were able to do a little shopping alone which is always fun. I was able to introduce her to the wonderful world of Unique(thrift store) and we outfitted Anna for the winter in Midway.  We played lots of games and there was the Ipad that got played with a bit too….wink,wink.

 

 

We had an impressive puddle in front of our home Matthew found entertaining!

After the storm moved on Donna and Bevan were able to spend two days in DC while I tended Anna. She is a sweet calm little girl and I was hoping she would have a good influence on Lucy.

Not so much.

On Friday morning we all decided to go to Bethesda to have cupcakes at Georgetown Cupcakes (they were only ok).  Thankfully Five Guys was across the street. Donna and Bevan had not made it to the National Archives to see the Constitution so we went there with all the little kids. Everybody did great and it was a success even with the parking ticket! (the number of tickets I have received since moving here is a little astonishing).

We had a great time with the Hawkins and I am once again grateful well live in a vacation destination. It makes up for all of my photo tickets.

Donut Dash 2012!

Erin and Chuck are really great people and they planned a 5k race for all their friends called the “Donut Dash.” We ran half way along the Rock Creek Trail and then had to stop to eat donuts! We had to eat one but could eat up to three with each donut taking a minute off your time.  After the donuts you ran back to the finish! It was a beautiful run and although I was feeling the three donuts at the end, it was a great time.

Erin is very talented and made/constructed the start/finish line, medals, and the bibs on our shirts! There were 28 people that ran and I’m sure there will be more next year!

The Great Falls of the Potomac 10-20-12

Our ward practices for the primary program on the Saturday morning before the program because that is the only time we can use the chapel to practice. We attend church in the Washington DC Stake Center next to the temple (25-30 min away) so after the practice we wanted to do something fun in the area.  October is my favorite month of weather in Maryland. It’s not cold like in Michigan,the mugginess of summer is gone, and the leaves are beautiful! We decided on a visit to The Great Falls of the Potomac. I had no idea there were such large rapids on the Potomac river! It was a fun little walk out to the falls on a board walk over a grassy swamp. We also walked along the Patowmack Canal which is right next to the Potomac River and tried to explain to our kids how Locks work. (George Washington proposed the building of the canal because the falls/rapids were a major snag in using the Potomac River for shipping purposes)

The most exciting part of the trip for the kids (and probably Seth too) was seeing this tiny snapping turtle cross the path on our way out. He was really cute and on the move to somewhere. Charlie is standing next to many of the the locks on the canal. 

Cousin Steven and Christie 10-12-12

My cousin Steven and his new wife Christie came to visit us from Ann Arbor. We met Christie shortly before we moved away so this was the first time we had seen them together married. It was a nice change to hang out with newlyweds and Seth and I took the time to reflect on our newlywed days almost a decade ago!  They were kind enough to bring a dozen pumpkin donuts from Wasem’s Fruit Farm in Michigan and they were as good as I remembered!  On Saturday morning we all piled into the minivan for a trip into the District. We visited the National Archives and Christie and Steven went over to the art galleries.  I really enjoyed the experience more than I was expecting to. It was powerful to actually see the Constitution, Declaration of Independence and Bill of Rights and think of all of the blessings I enjoy because of these documents.  Our kids were kids so this was our one and only stop in the city. (the picture below of the Rotunda is a stock photo because they don’t allow photography inside)

The real fun began when we met back up with Christie and Steven in the afternoon. I have always wanted to visit Georgetown Cupcakes because they are famous and I love a good cupcake. Georgetown was only ten minute drive away so we all voted for the side trip. It was a DISASTER! We got stuck in insane traffic and I made a very bad plan on top of it. Since we weren’t moving anyway, I thought maybe Seth could just jump out and walk a few blocks to the cupcake place and pick up a variety of cupcakes for all of us. Steven was called on to drive  because I was nursing a screaming baby at this point. Seth got out of the van and was on his way to get some cupcakes. The traffic let up a little and we made our way down “M” Street, we passed Georgetown Cupcakes only to see an insane line out the door and all the way down the block. All that for a cupcake?? About this time we realized Seth didn’t have his cell phone. We were going to just make a circle around the block to find Seth but we didn’t complete the circle and made our way up to Georgetown University. We finally got turned around but again we were stuck in traffic and not moving. A  little panic set in when we realized we lost Seth in downtown Georgetown and we had no idea where he was. After changing a diaper on my lap and settling Conrad back into his car seat we all decided it was best for me to go looking for Seth with a cell phone in hand. I took of running and after about 15 minutes I found him on a street corner patiently waiting. I was happy to see him and we took off running back to the van. We found the van and after forcing my cousin to make an illegal left turn we were all reunited and ready to leave Georgetown. Seth made a vow he would NEVER return. Thankfully Christie and Steven were good sports and just laughed off the hour of wasted time that resulted in NO cupcake. As compensation we indulged on Chocolate truffles from Sam’s Club when we got home.

They came to church with us on Sunday and helped me prep everything for the primary program practice! They went back into the District on Monday morning and took off for Ann Arbor in the afternoon. We were glad they came and can’t wait to see them again. *side note- since this experience I have eaten a Georgetown Cupcake and it was an OK cupcake……I didn’t have to go to Georgetown to get it because they have a store in Bethesda which is NEVER busy. They give away 100 free cupcakes every day if you give them the secret code from their twitter feed and the flavor changes every day. It was not worth $2.75!!!*

Our SIX month old Conrad!

Oh the love we all have for this boy! He is definitely a fourth child gem who has smiles for anyone. I took him in for his six month check-up and he is growing splendidly. His is 18.2 lbs. and I can’t remember his height but he was in the 75% for both so he is right where he needs to be. The doctor commented on how his downy blond hair reminded her of a baby chick. He loves to blow raspberries and drool. He also loves to chew on everything so it was no surprise when his third tooth came in on his exact six month birthday. He also LOVES to pull hair and play with Sophie the Giraffe.  He sits up really well unattended and loves to be the audience for the constant commotions swirling around him. Sleeping a long 6-7 hour stretch at night is his new skill that I am most grateful for. The last six months have flown by but I have really enjoyed them!

Singing in the rain! 9/12

I love warm east coast rain storms. The kids put on their rain boots and go splashing through the puddles. We usually value clothing as part of the fun but with potty training in full swing, Lucy’s escape didn’t surprise me at all. 

Gaithersburg Labor Day Parade!

We went to the Gaithursburg Labor Day parade this year. It was nice to be together as a family but it was really hot and boring….nuff said.

The first day of school 2012!

Matthew started Kindergarten! He was a little nervous but his teacher is a gem! Mrs Bednar is sweet, orderly, and very patient which is nice because Kindergarten is full day here. Other than needing to eat large quantities of food when he returns from school, the adjustment has gone well. Charlie started second grade and was elated when he found out his best buddy Isaac was in his class. His teacher is Mrs Rill who he is happy with (interesting how kids always know the teacher they want and the teacher they don’t want).  Lucy doesn’t seem to miss “The Brothers” much while they are at school but is happy to run to the bus stop to greet them when they return. I usually find her digging around their bedroom after they leave.

Getting ready to walk to the bus stop!

Home after a successful first-day-of school!

I feel like I’ve traveled back in time to the life of two kids. Having just two kids around makes things almost quiet and has made day time shopping feasible again.  Lucy has started a once-a-week playgroup that we named “ABC School” with 2 little boys and a little girl. She has never played with girls so it was fun to see her dressed up in princess accessories when I picked her up. And then there is Conrad, that wonderful fourth baby who is just happy with any love you give him!

Utah Trip Part 6- Brigham City Temple, Logan, W Jordan, and Pocatello!

We were grateful for the opportunity to go to the Brigham City Temple open house. I was very happy my mom came along with us, she is Lucy’s “baby whisperer.” Lucy was perfect during the open house with her little hand being held securely by Grandma Christy. The temple was beautiful and I was really touched by all the artwork and peach blossoms.

We didn’t get much of a chance to drive around Logan on our way to Bear Lake so I was thankful to make a little detour there after the temple open house. We have wonderful memories of Logan and haven’t been back in six years. I took the opportunity to take pictures of the two places we lived. Our first TINY basement apartment was in the brown brick building pictured above. Our address was 654 1/2 E 800 N because we lived in the middle of the block. It was around 500 square feet and made for a short (steep) walk up to campus. The Fillmore’s lived directly behind this building in a house, we loved stopping by. After we found out we were pregnant with Charlie we moved into the basement of the pink brick house. We moved into Holly and Tim’s ward and were very close to them. It had the LITTLESET fridge in the world but was perfect for our growing little family. The baby picture is of Conrad who was wonderful during this really long day. We also drove through campus and I pointed out all the different places I worked, I never realized I had 4 jobs in 2 years. I was able to show Charlie the hospital he was born in which has been completely changed.

Logan wouldn’t be complete without Aggie Ice Cream. It was better than I remembered but then again, we were all really hungry!

We concluded our trip by staying with the Mair family! Charlie was anticipating this stay more than any of the others because Ben is the coolest cousin in the entire world. We arrived the night before school started but they still got in some good play time. 

The day before we flew back to Maryland, Nora, SIX kids, and I jumped in the Pilot for a quick day trip to Pocatello. We have made this trip together a few times before and we always have a full car of kids. Vanessa made us a Pioneer Women Salad and homemade rolls- delicious. We went to the park to play and the kids stayed busy with all their Styrofoam weapons.  Sterling introduced Charlie to the wonderful world of Skylanders and it’s already on his Christmas List. Sisters are wonderful!

The next morning we flew back to Maryland. Other than the cow bone Charlie got from Grandpa’s farm setting off the TSA screener, we had a smooth ride home. Seth had left us two weeks earlier so we were happy to see him again and get ready for school to start in a few days.

Utah Trip Part 5- More Cabin time, Michiganders, and GHS Girls!

We all enjoyed spending time with my parents at the cabin. The weather was cool and sitting out on the deck in the evenings was very relaxing. The kids loved playing and exploring, maybe someday we’ll get our year in the cabin.

Michigan Reunion! It was wonderful to see these great women and their families. It’s hard to believe they are ALL Utahns now! It was fun to exchange information about Ann Arbor people and hear of all their adventures living out west. Charlie met up with his buddy Collin he hadn’t seen in a year.

GHS girls! I reunited with these beautiful women. We met up at Tiffany’s new darling home and then took the kids to the park for “free lunch.” After the kids ate and played  we went to Artic Circle so we could eat! I LOVE brown toppers and fry sauce! What are the chances the our old Science teacher would sit down at the table behind us?? He didn’t recognize us but that's ok…    Lori ate up little Conrad who dished out the smiles to make these ladies baby hungry. 

Utah Trip Part 4- Fowers, a shower, a movie, Midway, Upalco, The Cabin, and Miranda!

The night before Seth flew back to Maryland we invaded the Fowerses’ home. We feasted on Papa Murphy’s Pizza and salad (the little girls ate a ton of salad) , watched the Olympics and visited. Oh how me miss this fun family. We were having such a great time we didn’t want to leave.  It got later and later and our kids started falling asleep in random places so we finally left. Thanks Holly and Tim and cheers to the Thai Chicken Pizza from Papa Murphys.

Mandy is having a BABY BOY! I feel especially attached to this pregnancy because I was the one (against Eddie’s recommendation) who told her to take the pregnancy test. Maybe it was the spirit or womanly intuition but it sure is fun to be a part of such a grandiose miracle! I was so happy to be able to attend her baby shower while I was in Utah. It was a “book” themed shower so it was fun to see all the cute books everybody brought.  Even Conrad go in on the baby action buy trying to make contact with little boy Liu. They’ll be great buddies someday!

While I was at the baby shower, Mike, Collette, and Cassie babysat the three older kids and took them to a movie and then McDonalds for dessert. They loved the experience because they haven't been to many movies.  Lucy was really happy about playing in the basketball cage, I thought it was very fitting.

After we said goodbye to the Brown Family we took off for Midway to visit with Donna, Bevan, and Anna. Every time I go to Midway I dream of moving there, if only there were some biomedical company there. Donna made delicious meatballs and Bevan was the hero with donuts from the corner market!

We decided to spend Sunday with Seth’s parents because we hadn’t made it out the farm yet and wanted to seem some more of them too. I took off from Midway Sunday morning and we had a beautiful drive out to the Basin. I was surprised how smooth and uneventful the drive was (2 hours) when exactly 1 mile from the Thacker’s church Lucy threw-up. She had been complaining her “tummy hurt” which I’m sure was just motion sickness. I got her all cleaned up in time for church and she was happy as a clam running around in her play clothes. We were planning on returning to Midway that evening but decided to spend the night. The kids had fun playing with Grandpa on the tractor. I was grateful Grandma was willing to give the hairy boys haircuts as well. Before we left town we stopped and visited with Seth’s Grandma Thacker where the kids could have spent all day playing with her toys. 

We returned to Midway for more good food and company and we got to babysit Anna the next so Donna could work. I had the grand idea of taking all the kids swimming at the Kamas Aquatic center with my mom. I thought that five kids and two adults was safe odds. It turns out that I was WRONG. After Lucy got out of the kiddy pool and ran to the lap-pool (her slipping is what stopped her) we left. We still all had fun and were happy to return to the cabin. We spent the night at the cabin and the next day my mom and I took the kids to the Kamas Library. It was very tiny compared to our library but there was more than enough books and it was harder for the kids to get lost.

That afternoon we welcomed Miranda and her boys to the cabin. We had a relaxing afternoon catching up and the boys all played well outside. Donna joined us for dinner and then the real fun of reminiscing  about CEU began.  Miranda spent the night and then took off the next morning to reunite with her husband.