Rah! Rah!

Kambree is doing Upward Cheer this season. She really loves it and I can even hear her yelling!!

Our Trip to the Zoo

During the MLK in January, we took some time to go to the zoo. My parents gave our family a year membership to the zoo for Christmas. Thanks for the great gift!!! The weather was perfect and the zoo wasn't crowded. Our membership even came with a $10 coupon to spend at the gift shop. All the kids went home with a zoo coloring book and pencil. What fun! Unfortunately, on the way home, Luke barfed all over the car. Oh well, all good things must come to an end!

2 Year Old Cousins!!

Look at these two cuties!!! Emily came over yesterday afternoon and I loved watching her and Luke interact. They actually played together and talked to each other. It was pretty entertaining. I found them sitting on this bench in my kitchen, up close right next to each other and I couldn't resist taking a few pictures. Usually they are together with lots of other cousins and chaos, so it was neat to see them have some time to get to know each other a little better. We're happy you came over Emily!
Look at them leaning into each other for a cute pose!

Lukie's Birthday!

Luke turned 2 last Monday! We started the celebrations on Sunday night with all of Brad's family over at our house. We had cake, cupcakes, ice cream, and presents. On Monday we had a little family party for Family Night. Luckily there were leftover cupcakes! We also made him the traditional birthday sign and gave him a present from the family. Luke really enjoyed his birthday this year. He really got into unwrapping the present to see what was inside. He recently discovered that toys really can be entertaining so his face was priceless when he saw the new cars and things that he got. Thanks to everyone who came to help celebrate. It was lots of fun!!

Car on the road cupcakes! Thanks Alana for the idea.

Luke checking out his new racetrack.

Luke trying to get a turn with the new racetrack.

Luke blowing out his candles on Monday night.

A new shopping cart from Grandma and Grandpa Hyland

A remote control car from Bryan and Erica and family!

Check out that face!

Luke tearing off tiny pieces of paper trying to get started.

Luke's racetrack cake. Notice the lower left-Luke was left with the cake unattended for a few minutes. Oh well It looks like road construction!

Blowing out the candles on Sunday night. It looks like maybe Brad blew these ones out! (actually he didn't-just a funny picture)

Happy New Year 2009

We had our annual New Years Eve bash and it was just as big and exciting as ever! We all gathered at Brad's brothers house and partied till we dropped. We began with dinner, then played games, ate treats, and of course exchanged gifts! The house was full of boxes and gift wrap. We do a name exchange with everyone plus there are Grandchildren gifts, daughter gifts, son gifts, sister gifts, and brother gifts. I love it! Thanks everyone for all the awesome presents!

Bishop Brad

Here's a picture of Brad at our New Years party. He just tried some Coal Candy!

We had a wonderful Sunday. Brad was called to be the Bishop of our ward. The day was made extra special with Brad's entire family all in attendance during sacrament meeting and the setting apart. That was just amazing seeing there are 36 people to gather together. The timing was all amazing. I'm thankful that his sisters all stayed a few days longer so they could attend, also that his brother's family choose to go to church one more time in the afternoon even though they were excited to finally be going to church in the morning! Brad and I talked after everyone left on Sunday night and we were both very touched by the love and support shown to us by his family. We have a wonderful ward and it will be exciting to watch Brad lead and grow in his new calling.
We told the kids one at a time during the week before Brad was called. They had interesting reactions to the news.
Nelson: Dad, I can picture you in lots of different callings in the church, but not the Bishop!!!
Macey: Oh No! We'll never see you again!!
Kambree: Funny!
Annie: Oh good, he'll give us candy!
Luke: Not much reaction, I don't think it will affect him too much. Brad has already been sitting on the stand for the last year. Luke will still be able to get away from me and go up and sit on his dad's lap once in awhile.
I truly am grateful for all that the Lord gives me and my family. I'm thankful for the love and support of the people in my families, immediate, extended, and ward. I know that the Lord has a purpose and plan for us all and I hope that we will all try our best to stay close to Him and do as He would have us do.

Happy Birthday Grandma!