August 2017

The summer was short and sweet since school started two weeks earlier than normal this year, but we packed in everything we could possibly accomplish.

Hannah: The biggest event that occurred in our family this month, and perhaps in the entire year, is Hannah's baptism. It was an absolutely perfect day, I couldn't have asked for a more beautiful, special event. I was so overwhelmed by the support Hannah received. Adam baptized her. Both of her grandfather's stood as witnesses. Matt Gage, her piano teacher, and our dear friend played the piano for her. Bambi Sevy baked some delicious rainbow cupcakes. Her grandmothers gave the opening and closing prayers. Aunt Meggie and Aunt Aubrey gave talks. Many of our dear friends attended the baptism, including the Evarts, Gages, Hastings, Campbells, Perrys, and Evarts. When Adam baptized Hannah he got choked up with emotion. The spirit was so strong there. Sam kept saying "I liked seeing Hannah get baptized!" I know it was because he felt the Holy Ghost.

Of course her baptism wasn't the only exciting event. The first week of August we had visitors from New York, the Maloys! We had so much fun hosting them, and doing some of the fun things we did when they were our neighbors. We went to Fiiz drinks and entered to win a Harry Potter gift set and won! Hannah generously gave Emma the books because she wanted her to be able to read them too.

Hannah started third grade and is in Mrs. Lauers class. She really likes her teacher so far, and she is happy to have so many friends in that class. She's been hanging out a lot with a girl named Sadie. She also started soccer, and really likes her coach, Beth. She's having a lot of fun playing soccer!

Paige: Paige had so much fun with Camille. They didn't remember each other super well, but they were fast friends and enjoyed each other's company. Paige had so much fun with her brothers this month while she was on a break. She really needed that time, and was grateful to be home for a little bit.

Paige started first grade and is in Mrs. Stegaman's class. The first few days were really rough because Mrs. Stegaman is a lot different from Mrs. Evarts. Paige was struggling to learn the rules and feel comfortable, but it didn't take long for her to absolutely blossom. I'll admit, when school started I was surprised to discover that Paige is an extremely competent reader! She'd definitely been hiding that talent from me. She's also fantastic at math! I think Mrs. Stegaman really likes her, and she's in a class with lots of her same friends as well, which makes it extra nice for her.

Sam: It was wonderful for Sam to have his sisters and Dad home for a short summer break. He gets really bored at home sometimes, although he's looking forward to preschool starting!

Jonathan: Jono also loved having his daddy and sisters home for the summer. He continues to develop an adorable personality. He's eating like a full grown man half the time, and he's at a stage where he's super aggressive. He loves to hit and wrestle and attack, but not in a mean way. He just has a lot of energy he's trying to get out.