Bud's Baptism

Since Bud celebrated his eighth birthday last Wednesday, it meant that he was old enough to be baptized on Saturday when our stake held baptisms. He was so excited and so, so ready. I don't know what to say about his day other than to say that the Spirit was very strong and that Bud is an amazing boy. Truly amazing. Rophone and I were talking that night and we really don't know how parents like us ended up with a kid like him. Poor guy.  

I forgot my camera, but thank goodness I had my phone to snap a few pre-baptism shots. I could have used the same phone to take a few after-baptism shots, of course, but I forgot. I could say that doing a birthday party and a baptism less than two weeks out of surgery had something to do with it, but that sounds like an excuse. 

Bud's baptism was attended by his Grandma Fish, Grandpa Gorilla, Auntie Opera, Auntie and Uncle Art with their twin boybies, his Primary teachers, a member of the Primary presidency, his school teacher with her husband, and his parents and brother and sisters. It was a nice, intimate occasion. 

After it was all over the family came back to our house for some food. I thought it would be great to have "Snack" along with a few extras. Five kinds of cheese, 4 kinds of crackers, salami, pickles (both dill and sweet), a fruit platter, a veggie platter, and a few sweet breads. It all hit the spot. My dad would have happily snarfed it down. 

I'm so happy that Bud made the decision he did and that we have family who will come show their love and support by being there for him on such a special day. It was great. We love you, Bud, and we're glad you're you!

Eight

Last Wednesday, Bud turned 8 years old. It's amazing how fast the time goes. And yet, as hard as it is to believe he's eight, Bud has been wise beyond his years for his whole life. He's kind of the kid that 'gets it' when it comes to life. Since I've had my surgery he is constantly asking me what he can do to help. What a good kid. 

Bud requested chicken fajitas for dinner. Such a good choice. It was nice that my mom and sister were able to come help a little with the preparations. 

The boys love having their Auntie Opera around. Especially when she showed some interest in dinosaurs. 

After we ate the delicious dinner, we decided to give our stomachs a break before cake. Having Bud open his gifts seemed like the perfect way to fill the time. He was so excited. We thought really hard about what to get for Bud, hoping that each present would be just what he wanted. The way that he took time to investigate every gift as he opened it let us know that we accomplished our goal.

He was really happy with what his grandma got for him, too. He has already worn the shirt and started filling the doodle book. A total score.

He was overjoyed to get "Raisin Bran", as you can see. I love how he plays it up every time. 

I love to see how much enjoyment Bud has been getting out of his gifts. He was so happy to play Rack-O yesterday and has been just devouring his books. He loves having some new additions to his wardrobe, too.

After the present opening it was time for cake. Bud requested something different than his usual favorite lime yogurt cake with blackberry sauce this time around, but I was more than happy to branch out a little. He wanted me to make chocolate cake with whipping cream and raspberries, so I did. A very moist, three layer, dark chocolate sour cream cake, frosted with stabilized whipping cream with smashed raspberries folded in. It was a big hit. (Well, except for with Big. He hates whipping cream and took it as a personal affront that I frosted Bud's cake with something he doesn't like.)

And, as usual, Bud huffed and puffed a bit at the candles. It's so dang cute. I wouldn't have it any other way.

I love the look on his face after his first attempt when he sees that all of the candles are still lit. So adorable.

He got it eventually. 

Yay! 

We really do love you so much, Bud. You're a fantastic and sweet kid and we're so glad you're a part of our family.

Bud Performs

Bud performed in his school's Oral Language Festival tonight. I was so proud of him. He did such an incredible job. I know how nerve wracking it can be to get up in front of people, and I know that it's something that makes Bud nervous, so I was super impressed that he kept so calm and didn't stumble or forget any of his lines. 

Instead of just picking a short poem, Bud chose to memorize and recite the humorous children's book, "Falling for Rapunzel" by Leah Wilcox, in its entirety. He managed to perform it with humor and wit that elicited chuckles and laughs from the audience. I loved to see how he beamed every time what he said garnered a reaction. It really was so much fun to see. Bud was super happy that along with his dad and me, his grandma and auntie Opera were able to come, as well.

I have really enjoyed seeing Bud blossom this year, what with presenting his Great Brain Project, and now the Oral Language Festival. His teacher this year has been such a perfect fit for him and it has allowed him to stretch his wings. I sure hope Bud chooses to perform in the festival again next year, and I can't wait to see what the future holds for him. Good job, Bud! We love you!

Outdoor Love

I really do love the outdoors but sometimes I let my homebody-ness get in the way of enjoying it. I want my children to appreciate and love the outdoors the way I do, so I'm making a bigger effort to get them out in it more often. Not just sending them in the backyard or taking them to the park, but going out to places where they can really explore. Explore and just breathe. I can thank my dad for my love of the outdoors. I have that great gift in my life because he took me on so many outdoor adventures to fish, hike, camp, canoe, etc. I know it's up to me to help my kids gain the same.

I have a fantastic backpack for Edith to ride in (I mean, I love it) and we have a canyon 1 mile from our house we can hike at, so I really have no real excuse not to get them out. It helps that Edith no longer beats me about the head whenever I stop moving. She has grown to love the backpack because she recognizes that it is a way for her to go higher and farther than she would be able to hike alone. She pushes me to continue on up the trail (it is all uphill on the way in) when I might let the other kids convince me to turn around, saying, "Higher! Higher! I want to go higher!" Thanks for helping me get a good workout, Edith. Getting my workout hiking up a hill with an extra 35 pounds of cuteness and pack on my back rather than in my living room using an exercise DVD? No contest. 

I'm not quite sure what she saw in the first photo, but it makes me laugh.

I also realized that if I let Edith pick a few side explorations as we hike it makes her feel a little less powerless as she's strapped in the pack. The boys have really appreciated doing more of that, too, instead of feeling like we just need to stick to the trail. It makes it an exciting new adventure each time we go. It's so fun to see them scamper around with smiles on their faces as we look for a new adventure. Plus, Edith now knows that I'll always let her out at some point to do some climbing and hike for a bit. Knowing she's not going to be imprisoned forever helps.

You can tell the weather for our hikes has really varied.

I don't always get all of the kids to come along, but I feel okay with that. It's not a mandatory thing. If I let them take part when they want to they'll enjoy it more. And I think it's comforting to them to know that if they don't feel like going one day the offer will be there again soon. I'm trying to make sure that's the case, anyway.

The expression on Edith's face in this last photo seriously cracks me up. What a hoot.

We sure are having a lot of fun getting out this Spring. Hopefully we can fit in one more hike tomorrow before I get my gallbladder out on Tuesday morning. I'm not super happy about the interruption, but hopefully it won't ruin my momentum. Nope, I'm determined that it won't. Not at all. I love it too much.