{Birthday Cookies}

I bought some cookie dough sugar cookies to make for a surprise the night before Jaedyn's Birthday.  We don't usually do a lot of sweets for the kids, trying to create good habits.  So we really don't have dessert unless we have company over.  The kids thought these cookies were soo fun!

{Jaedyn's Birthday Party}

Well, It wasn't a formal Birthday Party.  After Jaedyns Baptism, we had everyone come to the house for pizza and cupcakes.  Everyone had fun, and the adults all got to chit chat!

{Jaedyn's Birthday}

On Jaedyn's actual Birthday we were driving back from the Lake House.  When we got home, we immediately got back into the car and drove to the American Girl Doll store.  (45 mins away, after and already 3 (ahem... 5) hour drive.   Jaedyn has wanted an American Girl Doll for a few years now.  Last year we were going to get it for her, but she had a choice.  Ear's Pierced, or American Girl Doll.  Remember the story here?  Finally the big day arrived!  Then afterwards we went out to dinner.  It ended up being a late night, but who cares!  It's your Birthday!!!

[Before we left we opened presents!  Most of us pitched in on the AG Doll, but there were still a few presents to open.  With all her money, Jaedyn was able to get Glasses, Ear rings and two outfits for her and her doll!]

[So close!]

[Waiting so patiently for the lady to get her out of the box!!]

[Shes here!!  Red hair and freckles just like me!!  (Well, actually Jaedyn has brown hair with red tones - not red hair.. and the doll has green eyes, because AG doesn't have a freckles/Reddish Hair/Brown eyed doll...)  anyways]

[Blowing out her candle at the restaurant]

{Baptism Photoshoot}

Jaedyn got a beautiful new dress to wear after her baptism.  Of course we had to take some pictures in it!!!

{Jaedyn's Baptism}

Jaedyn turned 8 last Monday, where has the time gone?  She is getting so grown up, even looking grown up.  One great thing about being 8, is you are old enough to be baptized.  Jaedyn has been waiting for this day for a long time.  She has known she wanted to get baptized for years now.  She had her interview with the Bishop, and he told her she could pick everything.  She got to pick the songs we sang and who said the prayers.  She said Mom & Dad could pick who gave the talks.  It was a wonderful day.  She had lots of her friends come out and see her and what a great example she is for her younger brothers. 

{Indoor S'mores}

We tried making S'mores outside, but the fire wasn't hot enough.  So we went to plan B, the oven.  I have to tell you - they were delicious.  We ate them ALL! 

So first, we put the chocolate on the bottom half of the S'more.  I popped these into the oven for just a minute to get the chocolate soft. 

Then, I took the top half of the S'more, and put the marshmallow on it.  Stuck it under the broiler, and watched closely.  I did this to both sides of the marshmallow.

This is what they looked like when they came out.  I probably would do less at a time, and put them all to the middle of the baking sheet.  However, they were sooo yummy!!!

So yummy in fact, I forgot to take pictures of us eating them!  haha :)

{Fun times at the Lake}

While Adam worked on his projects, the big kids played at the lake side.  The played in the sand, climbed on the rocks and swam!  They were out there from morning till dinnertime.  Barely stopping for lunch.

Mom and Bryn stayed inside and got a few inside projects done!

The kids, they love the water!

Even Tanner swims by himself with his life jacket on!

Dad took a few minutes to come play with the kids -- err, I mean throw them in the water.  They loved it!

Proof that they did eat!

She didn't sleep the whole time..  She took a few minutes to look around and show off some smiles!

{Labor}

A few weeks ago we spent the weekend up at the lake house.  We had a few projects to tackle, including splitting the logs that were left on the property when we built the house.  Lucky for us a neighbor had a log splitter that we were able to borrow, making the job much easier.  Adam started off doing it, and was joined by 2 more helpers.  Even Tanner got a chance to help!  The guys were so good with him, patiently letting him help. 

Finally, after a long day, it's done.  There are still some long pieces left, but that will be another day. 

{Sweet Bryn}

Recently I took this picture of Bryn.  I think it might be my favorite picture of her so far!

{Happy 8th Birthday Jaedyn}

My sweet Jaedyn turned 8 today.  Why does time go by so fast?  She had a great day, played at the Lake House all weekend, went to the American Girl Doll store, and out to dinner.  This sweet girl has changed me in so many ways.  I always knew I wanted to be a mom - and lucky for me, I was lucky enough to get a daughter like Jaedyn.  She is the sweetest, kindest, most thoughtful girl I know!  Adam and I are so lucky!!  :)