Bristol is 4!

Dear Miss Bristol,

My dear daughter, how adventurous this past year has been. The challenges that came were expected, as this was your third year, and we had a new baby, but it was definitely the hardest year yet. However, mommy and daddy faced it and we conquered! We love you little girl, and you have truly grown and changed this year in ways that were unbelievable! 

Our patience was tested with your temper tantrums, yelling, screaming, saying "no" non-stop and your ability to argue. We discovered that this was your way of expressing your desire for independence, your ability to think through things on your own and your want to make decisions. Every day was a trial that had to be overcome, for you and for us. 

With the birth of your baby brother, you became a big sister. You could not be more proud of him and your ability to help him. You love him so much, tend for him, help mommy and daddy, bring him toys, make him giggle, kiss him non-stop and consider him your best friend. The relationship that has developed is beautiful and we are grateful to have you here as our helper and the best big sister! 

Through all of this, we were able to grow as parents, to gain the ability to acknowledge your feelings and your desires and to trust in you to lead and guide us to help you become the girl you are growing up to be. Boundaries were set, bargainings were made and compromises were met. We all worked together to help each other and this year is one that we will all look back on as a growing year! 

Even with all of that, we couldn't love you more. You are energetic, intelligent, heartfelt, independent, beautiful, loving, kind, caring and passionate! You take control of situations and love to have things your way. We love your independence and appreciate your determination. You will become a leader, one who demands the attention. 

You are truly a blessing from our Heavenly Father and we are very lucky to have you as our daughter. 

My Bristol, I love you so. I love your tenacious independence. It is amazing to see this in you at such a young age, I know you will make big things happen. Thank you for choosing me as your mommy. I learn from you everyday.

Love always,

Mommy

Tennis!

Bristol started tennis this last Thursday. It has been so fun watching her become interested in different activities. Of course, Sam was quite determined to sign her up because he insists girls NEED to play tennis. Nana bought her the racket for her birthday, which was perfectly pink! 

Needless to say, 4 year old tennis is about as basic as it gets. They threw the balls around and did some running drills.
I think it will slowly progress into the actual game of tennis as the lessons go on. Burke and I enjoyed watching her interact and play! She had a lot of fun! 

Father's Day 2014

We had a wonderful time celebrating Father's Day this year. I am truly beyond blessed to have been lucky to marry the man I did and to share this life with him. He is not only the best husband (I get foot massages almost daily!) but the best father to our children! I have never had a man in my life who is more devoted and loving to his family then our Sam! We are blessed beyond measure! Thank you for all of your sacrifices and all you do for our little family. We are grateful everyday for you! 

And a little spoiling on his special day.. I know you're surprised as to what he wanted.. 

Preschool Orientation

Bristol is getting VERY excited to go to preschool next year. Her new school, Jarvis Methodist, held an orientation to have all the new kids come for an hour and meet the teachers. She loved being dropped off, taking her "pack-pack" ( I don't want to correct her because I love her mis-pronunciations), and packing the things she needed- her frozen blanket, coloring book, colors, bunny and her book.

This girl of ours has become quite the little miss. She loves all things girly, coloring, making up stories, reading, listening to books being read to her, playing with her animals and making sleds. She is very imaginative and smart. It has been so fun to watch her grow and learn.

Summer Time at the Pool!

Our summer has begun and we have thoroughly taken full advantage of the pool! Bristol started the summer off being hesitant to jump into the pool with Sam catching her.. It took about 3 trips to the pool before she decided to try and jump by herself. After that, she has never looked back. She can now not only jump off the edge, she has mastered the cannonball, thanks to daddy. She has also mastered the mermaid and the twist. Love that girl!

Burke, on the other hand, has decided that he loves snacks and the shade WAY more than the floatie and water! 

Burke Turns 1

Dearest Burke Samuel,

To our sweet blue-eyed, light brown hair, fair skin, smiley, loving little boy. We absolutely adore every inch of you and your sweetness. You have brought such joy into our lives with your cadence that is so precious. The bond that has been formed between you and your sister is undeniable, she calls you her best friend. It has truly been a blessing to have you in our lives, to bless us each day with your presence, and to allow us to partake in your precious spirit. 

You have changed this past year so much that it's hard to believe that the time has passed. I sit here pondering where this year went and how my infantile baby boy is turning one, as tears well up in my eyes. 

This past month you have:

-Figured out how to get into the cupboards and play with the pots and pans. You love playing drums on the pot with a wooden spoon. You also love taking all of the ice trays out is the cupboard and throwing them behind you.

-you are now standing up! You are walking around the furniture and walking with the walker, only a couple steps.

-you are giving us kisses! It's one of my favorite things. You love it too, you smile and giggle every time! 

-you are starting to self-wean. We made it a year, and that is always my goal!! Yay!

-you are starting to get a little picky about food. You like to throw the things you don't like on the floor, such as peppers, squash, and pasta. You LOVE blueberries, strawberries, peaches, bananas, apple sauce, crackers, bread, peas, corn on the cob, broccoli, and snacks. 

I remember vividly the day you were born, pulling you up to my chest and looking at your perfect body that was filled with your beautiful spirit. I knew Heavenly Father, had once again, given me the most precious gift He could give. A perfect child that belongs to me and your daddy, who was given to us to protect and teach, to love and guide, to cherish and nurture and to give all of our selves to selflessly. 

Burke Samuel, we love you dearly. You are such a special child who has filled our hearts with joy beyond words. 

Love always, 

Mommy