Tyler turns 11!!

My little TuTu has turned 11!!  What a great guy Tyler is.  He is the happiest, busiest kid, who loves being with his friends and his family.  I like to call him "Bryan's Shadow," since he will follow Bryan around the house, just talking to him and helping him.  He is a strong, hard worker too!  He loves to help us and others, and he is a huge help to us at home.  He loves to have me tickle him, and he will choose to read downstairs on the couch any day over up in his room.  Spencer and Tyler have a lot of fun together too, staying up way too late talking and laughing in their room.  Of all the kids, Tyler is the most crazy about traditions.  If I decide to alter a single holiday meal, tears are usually shed by Tyler because "it's a tradition!!"  It's starting to get quite comical.  Another thing I want to remember about Tyler is how he gets adopted by so many of his friends' families.  Everybody loves having Tyler (and his good influence) around, so there are weekends that I rarely see the kid!  I have had to start saying "no" sometimes, just to have him with us more often!  Tyler is enjoying his last year of Elementary School, and will be headed to Middle School in the Fall.  It hardly seems possible.  This year for his birthday, Tyler chose to have Panda Express for his birthday dinner.  He pounded that Orange Chicken!  We dined in style at Panda, then headed home for presents and donut cake.  He was so excited to get football gloves, a few different games and toys, and money for a new bike.  He's saving up!  Happy Birthday, TuTu!!! 

 

Goodbye Cub Scouts!!

For the past 6 years I have had a son in Cub Scouts.  We've raced in 7 Pinewood Derbys, have dined at 6 Blue and Gold Banquets, and have attended countless Pack Meetings.  Tyler especially has loved these years, and they have now come to a close.  With Tyler turning 11, he has left behind the world of Cub Scouts for the larger world of Boy Scouts.  I'm feeling a little sad about this transition, since it's the end of an era for us!  Thankfully we had one more Pinewood Derby to race in, and a big award for Ty right before his birthday.  Tyler and Bryan were especially proud and excited about their car this year, and had big hopes for it.  After an exciting (and emotional!) derby, Tyler ended up winning 2nd place.  He was thrilled!  As you can see from the pictures, he (and the whole family!) got pretty into it!  It was really fun.  I wouldn't be surprised if we crash it next year, just for the fun of it!  Next up came the Blue and Gold Banquet, with Tyler earning his Arrow of Light.  He's worked hard, and was very happy to earn this big award with two of his friends.  Way to go, Ty!  And goodbye goofy Cub Scout cheers and crazy boys!!! 

Ella's Baptism

I can't believe my little Peanut has turned 8!  Turning 8 is a big deal, since she now had the opportunity to get baptized.  She has been so excited for this day, and it finally came.  She wore this adorable little girl jumper to get baptized in, and then her beautiful white dress afterward.  Spencer was a real star by singing a solo of "If The Savior Stood Beside Me" at her baptism, and he did such a nice job.  This day was made even more special by all the family that flew into town, just be with with Ella on her special day.  Grandma and Grandpa Carlson flew down from Utah to be here, and Grandma Thompson, Aunt Stephanie, and cousins Aubrey, Carson, and Charlotte all flew down from Idaho.  How awesome to have everybody here!!  She felt very loved.  We had a whirlwind of a weekend, too.  We ate tons of awesome food, went up to Canyon Lake boating, took the kids downtown to see the play "The Cat in the Hat," and had sleepovers every night.  Congratulations, Ella, and thanks to all of you for making the trip to Texas!!  We loved every minute of it.