Michael Max's Baptism

Michael was baptized on March 12 in a lovely, well-planned stake baptism in Ogden. I admit I had doubts that the experience would equal Anna's personal baptism in Brownsburg, Indiana, but I was wrong to doubt. We were so grateful to have both sets of grandparents and many aunts and uncles and cousins. We missed everyone who couldn't be there, and I'm sincere when I say that we remembered you at his baptism. I knew his baptism would be special, but I was surprised at the abundance of the Spirit that I felt. I won't ever forget it. How wonderful to be reminded that the Spirit that resides in my young, eight year-old boy is so much greater than I remember every day. My mind was flooded with thoughts of the wonderful family and friends who have influenced his young life already. I thought of great-grandparents, and even earlier ancestors, of grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and of so many adults who have befriended Michael and taught him. He's had great primary leaders and teachers, even nursery leaders that taught him so much. I'm a little extra weepy these days as primary president in our Ogden Ward. I'm so grateful for the love and time that's spent on the children in our lives. Michael was beaming all day. His special quote of the day, right after he was confirmed a member of the church and given the gift of the Holy Ghost, was, "I wish I had fifty hands so I could hold hands with everyone." Michael is our teddy bear, a very affectionate boy who loves hugs. He beamed on Sunday when the bishop handed him his baptism and confirmation certificate. He has poured over his new scriptures from Grandma and Grandpa Dastrup, exploring them as the treasure that I occasionally take for granted. And he will never forget the dozen donuts that Uncle Matt sent with Elisa, though he couldn't be there. I'm pretty sure from the look on cousin Will's face that Matt will be buying all of his nieces and nephews a dozen donuts for their baptisms. 

8 Years Old

I'm supposed to be preparing sharing time for this Sunday, so naturally I cleaned out the linen closet and am even willing to blog as part of my procrastination. Michael's birthday was really fun, and 8 is a big one. During a marathon weekend at the end of February, we were able to celebrate with both the Dastrups and the Thompsons. After a really spectacular BYU basketball win, we had sloppy Joes and birthday cake in Springville with Grandma and Grandpa Dastrup, Benjamin, and David and Tamara and all of their kids. This was also good-bye to them before their exciting move to Columbus, OH. We sure miss you guys! Michael received a fishing pole and a promise from Grandpa Dastrup to teach him how to fish. Michael is VERY excited because we have a fishing pond near our condo. He also got a bank, a silver CTR ring, a Lego set from Benjamin, and his Cub Scout gear from his parents. He is so excited about Cub Scouts he begs to sleep in his shirt (answer always no) and pours over his Wolf book at night. We came back to Orem on Sunday and had spaghetti and brownie sundaes with the Thompsons. Michael was gifted a ridiculous :) number of old CDs from Aaron and Angie, who taught him that there are more Billy Joel albums than Greatest Hits #2, which we've had in our van for a while. He got a couple of new Wii games (our first additions to our Wii since we got it three years ago), a stuffed Raccoon from Anna that he has named Rocky, and Mega Mind from Elisa and Matt. Quite the haul for an eight year-old boy! We love this boy and were so happy to have him surrounded by family for his birthday.    

Raisin Bran Fan

Is this a doctor's household? Maybe, but you're not allowed to be too uptight and germ conscious if I'm your mom. Sarah loves Raisin Bran--especially the sugary raisins--and she would never let them go to waste in a dust pan.  

Anna's 11th Birthday

Anna had a special birthday this year. She wanted to be surrounded by her favorite people--her extended family--and she was. We were really amazed and grateful that so much family was willing to drive to Ogden to celebrate her birthday with us. Because of everyone's availability and Travis being on call, we had two parties. She requested chocolate-frosted cupcakes and purple balloons (thank you for choosing something so easy!). She got several pair of earrings from Elisa and Matt and Jed, because after six months with her ears pierced, she is ready to wear non-stud earrings. Grandma and Grandpa Dastrup gave her a beautiful silver necklace with a violin charm on it and a new CTR ring. Angie delighted her with a stack of Madeleine L'Engle books (who believes in supplying entire series, which we love!). We let her skip school on her actual birthday and went shopping and out to lunch in Salt Lake City with Grandma Thompson. Our destination was the King's English Bookstore in Sugar House, where Anna got to choose a few books for her birthday. She was walking on air for a couple of days. I can't believe we have an eleven year-old girl. Travis and I used to talk about how she would be ten and a half when we finally finished his medical training. Here we are with our eleven year-old girl, living in Ogden, Utah in a very cozy condo. We have a lot of blessings, and Anna is certainly one of our greatest. Anyone who spends even a little time around her knows what a special girl she is. 

Pictures of Kids in Yellow Leaves

We just caught the tail end of fall color with these after-church pictures at the parking lot next to our condo.The yellow leaves have been so pretty in Ogden. Every day of their peak color I can't get enough of them. When the mountains are dusted with snow but still covered with fall color, they're glorious. Travis says that's a Thompson word, and it might be, but I'll use it if it fits.

Halloween Lizards

I won't bother posting Halloween pictures because mine are terrible and I'll just end up begging Aaron for his (which he's very happy to share) in a few months when I need to make another My Publisher book. We spent Halloween evening with the Thompsons, which is the first Halloween with family since Anna was a baby. It's usually just me and the kids . . .. Everyone looked darling and we had lots of fun eating my mom's traditional and yummy Halloween soup and playing games sponsored by Elisa. The bigger cousins did some serious trick or treating, but even more than their candy, Anna and Michael love the little rubber lizards that Elisa put in their Halloween goody bags (There has to be a cool aunt who does things like that, and Angie and I both said, Not It! Or at least we thought it. But THANKS Elisa, you're awesome!) Anna and Michael have been playing with their lizards for days. Their habitats made of cardboard boxes, various pots and pans, and water, are set up all over the living room, which is the majority of our condo. Sarah is not allowed to touch them, though she does, but I let her play with the lizards while Anna and Michael are at school because I'm pretty sure they stole hers! Michael's lizard Elizabeth just gave birth to several adorable imaginary lizard babies today. Anna and Michael have also included the plastic frogs from the toy drawer at the dentist's office. (We love our dentist who is Travis's cousin Curtis Sampson!)

Christening the Fire Pit

In October my parents put in a fire pit and a new patio in their backyard (adjoining the existing deck with rails removed). They have romanced the idea for years, but having Matt as a son-in-law (who owns a landscaping company) helps turn great ideas into realities. He brought in his crew and someone to do the cement, and the whole thing looked really spontaneous to the rest of us. We had a Campfire party to celebrate the new fire pit with hot dogs and S'mores. We even played games! The kids had a ball toasting marshmallows and running in and out of the playhouse. They love having the adults stay outside where they are playing. Travis had to miss this first campfire because he has been studying for his oral Boards (Nov 6 in San Francisco), but we look forward to years of memorable campfires. My mom has created such a beautiful garden, but we have never used the backyard at its potential. This opened-up space will allow us to enjoy the beautiful garden and yard at their best. Outdoor furniture is a project for another year, but what's out there is fine for now!