Radio Flyer

We look at David and think, is he really just turning two? He had a birthday and yes, David is TWO! Wahoo! He is a happy boy and full of activity!! As we sang to David, he held this look of wonder throughout the whole “Happy Birthday” song!


David is the last of six children, and so he gets the brunt, er, a....blessing of hand-me-downs. Imagine his astonishment when he received for his birthday, a Brand New Shiny Red Radio Flyer Tricycle -- Only to be scratched and dented by himself alone. What a treasure.

Jacob asked me if next year, David could get TWO new bikes for his birthday……

Happiness

We went to see some friends up at Swiss Days recently, and as soon as we showed up they gave us some yummy cookies and cream fudge – to which the kids devoured in less than 10 seconds. They asked if we feed our children.


We enjoyed strolling around looking at all the fun stuff for sale in the booths. Okay, let’s get real. After about 20 minutes we split up and Geoff wrestled, carried and consoled the boys while the girls and I enjoyed our stroll. We saw all sorts of cool stuff. It started sprinkling rain a little and so we decided to head home. On the way out I saw this sign and it spoke to me.


Then I put my arm around my daughter as we walked to our car. We stopped and picked up some blackberry soda and watched the rain fall. We smiled and enjoyed the ease and happiness in just being together.

Huh? Drinking Salsa!

Daddy’s favorite drink. If you are lucky enough to be the recipient of this glorious addictive goodness, it would transform what you eat with your chips forever. Georgia’s salsa.

Oh brother, Daddy is drinking Georgia’s salsa again!

Sign Me Up For The County Fair!

We have been busy putting up our peaches the last few days. We’ve bottled peaches, made jam and pies, and eaten more than is probably allowed. There is such contentment that comes with preserving--I love it!

Remembering 9/11

A heartwarming story recently posted on the LDS website....

Indian Summer

"Making the decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.” --Elizabeth Stone

Gone Fishin'

Aunt Jenny called and took the three oldest to dinner and a movie. Prompted by Jen’s spontaneity, I took the next two youngest to a $1 movie down the street. Poor David had been shafted, twice. What’s a boy gonna do?

(They really caught one in the creek, right around the corner!)

Ems First Day

Emeron started Kindergarten this year. He has been soo excited, but on the first day….his excitement turned to anxiety. As we were getting out of the car, I overheard Ems say to Nan, “I’m really nervous, Anna.” Anna tried to assure him by saying something along the lines of how fun kindergarten is and that he’ll love it. Abby chimed in and reached over and put her arm around Emeron and said, “if you need anything, you just tell your teacher to get your sister Abby in the sixth grade!” :) I love it.

Here he is giving the principle fives, (too nervous to make eye contact?)

Jacob was looking a little forlorn on the first day and I asked him about it and he said, “I’m missin’ Ems.”

And then he broke out in a grin and said “naw, I’m kiddin’, I can play with David.” ;)

It's Great To Be Eight

Last Sunday, Anna was with her primary class talking with the First Counselor to the Bishop about the upcoming dedication of the Oquirrh Mountain LDS Temple. When she learned that one not only had to be at least 8 years old, but also a baptized member of the church to attend the said dedication, she was heartbroken. The counselor told us when he shared that info with the class, her eyes welled with tears and she was visibly disappointed. Anna was turning eight the next day, but her baptism wasn’t scheduled for another 3 weeks. The bishop contacted Geoff and they shared a few words and then Geoff gathered me and our amazing primary president over to say…. ‘What if we were to bump up Anna’s baptism to this Saturday, making it possible for her to attend the Temple dedication?’ And so we did. :)

Anna was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. And she also was able to attend the Temple Dedication with Geoff, me and her two older siblings. The faith that Anna showed in her desire to be baptized touched our family, the bishopric, the primary presidency, her primary teacher, good friends and family and it was an absolutely beautiful day! We are so proud of you, Annalyn. We love you very much!! You shine inside and out!

Actions Speak Louder Than Words

Ahh, David is growing up fast! He wants to be like the big kids now and do the things they do....

David thinks he can brush his teeth all by himself now.....he holds the toothbrush in his mouth and bounces his knees. :)

When we say our prayers we teach the kids to bow their heads. So David is following suit, only instead of bowing his head, he makes a sad face......we're sure he will eventually get it that when we bow our heads we are showing reverence, not sadness! :)

Annalyn Had A Birthday

Let me share a little about Annalyn for you – in honor of her EIGHTH birthday!

1) Anna is all girl – she loves everything girly. But she is not afraid to hold a snake or grasshopper or bug.
2) She genuinely loves helping others, especially her younger brothers.
3) She likes to collect 'little things'. She has a lot of little things.
4) She is a musician at heart – a true Suzuki ear! She can teach herself primary songs on the piano just by ear (and she doesn’t even take the piano). She enjoys playing the violin and with each new song she learns she adds another to her ‘favorite’ list.
5) Anna loves to read. It has been so sweet to see her reading her scriptures before bed, unprompted.
6) She is the most ticklish, giggly, easy to get a smile out of girl ever! Even when she is grouchy.
7) Speaking of ticklish, you oughta hear this girl laugh! It’s the kind of laugh that makes you laugh!
8) Anna likes having the last word….she has her own unique routine of goodnights and goodbyes.

We love you so much Nan!! Happy Happy Birthday! :)

Jacob Is Four

This sweet face is FOUR years old now. Jacob really is sunshine in our souls! Here are Four Fabulous Facts about our Jakes:

one) He is absolutely, uniquely happy -- and it is contagious!!

two) He is amiable and because of that characteristic, seems to get away with more than the others…..

three) “Is it dinner time?” is a phrase I often hear. This little guy loves to eat! Just yesterday I asked Jacob not to just snatch food from David, because it really was starting to upset him. Jacob replied, “well, Mom, my tummy was hungry!”

four) He always calls it like he sees it. And that makes for some fun quotes! :)

Grandpa Farrell's Fishing Boat

Geoff took the boys out in the ole' boat for a little early morning fishing.

Jacob was just a little upset about having to wear a 'girly' life vest. But he got over it!


Deciding who gets to 'do the controls' first....

Youngest first....

Farrell didn't want to mess with such nonsense, he went straight to fishing.

They left with a cooler full of fish, sunburned faces, and another memory of fishing in Grandpa's old boat. Everyone caught two, but Emeron had the prize!

For The Hickmans