"Whatchoo Talkin Bout Willis?"

For some reason that's the phrase I think of every time I see this picture.

Whirlwind Utah

We had a really fun weekend in Utah. 

We got in Thursday night (Cedrik's birthday) and found a place to eat dinner that overlooked the valley. Besides it being hot, and the food not being terribly good and the kids being full from the ride down, it was fun. 

Friday: Jordan had a piano tuning and the kids got to play all day outside. They alternated between the trampoline, swing set, sand box and pool. They love playing together. That night we had a hot dog roast and Cedrik opened birthday presents and had cake. We then headed up to Jara's for Dylan's mission call letter reading (I'm sure there's a better way to write that) and he's headed to Ecuador in September. Wow. The boys keep asking hour old they'll be when he gets home. They're really excited for him. 

Saturday was busy. We had Sadie's wedding at the temple. I forgot the boys church shoes and had to run to payless to buy new ones in the morning on the way into town. All of the kids loved the temple. I stayed outside with them during the sealing and Cedrik and Freddie both asked questions about the temple and we had a few special moments. As of now, they all want to be married in the temple and Cedrik commented several times that he felt really good while being there. Eloise says "temple" multiple times per day and asks to sing "I love to see the temple." 

Later that afternoon, we went to the luncheon and then went to the reception that night. Eloise was attached to Dylan the whole time... It was really cute. He and Jordan have a similar "feel" about them, calm. He also fed her cake, I'm sure that helped. 

We stayed up late eating petit fours and existing in exhaustion together. 

Sunday morning we had Marie's blessing. It was really beautiful and she was blessed with wonderful things. We were reminded that she is still transitioning to mortality and for her, she needs extra nurturing.

It was a wonderfully spiritual weekend. 

First Haircut

I didn't document the boys first haircuts. This seems more momentous. So, here it is.

Lounging Around

He's Five

We can't believe it's been five years since Cedrik Jordan was born.

At five years old Cedrik is:
Learning to read
Independent
Speaks his mind
Full of emotions
Feels deeply
Quick witted
Sharp
Imaginative
An animal lover
A great older brother
Has a take-charge attitude
Excited to learn about everything
Is confident in anything remotely athletic

We try our best to help him learn what his emotions are so he can learn when they need to be controlled. Each year gets a little easier. His independent attitude can be very helpful. He loves his sisters and Freddie is his constant companion most days and nights since they sleep together regularly.

We are learning from him and with him every day. He is my mirror and I can usually (and not proudly) gauge my attitude for the day based on his. We all grow together and Cedrik has helped us the most so far!