Conference Weekend

 Oh- what a wonderful time it is to hear our loving prophet speak.  This year I really tried to make conference fun for the kids to listen to.  It really helped to have different things for them to do.  They each had their own basket of things to do on clip boards, new crayons, a little toy.  Then we had a get to know the 12 apostle game and 5 different candies for them to grab if they hear certain words.  We had a conference wall where they would find the speaker and then write down what the main points of their talk was about.  This was a really good way for the kids to focus on what was being said.

 This conference we also worked on getting our 72 hour backpacks up to date.  They got to wear their clothes in them and eat the food that was in them.  We plan on do that every time so it stays up to date.

 As a mom don't you love it when every one wants to sit on your lap.  At one point I had three kids sitting on me.  I had to ask them to get off after a little while.

Reese turns 1!

 On September 11, 2011 Reese was born.  Oh- how time fly's when you have a beautiful baby.  Many things change when you have a new little one.  For us adding another little one was a big change.  I couldn't have imagined how much our lives would be blessed because of our little Reese.  We all laugh more because of her.
Lauren really wanted to give her a present that was just from her.  She looked and looked for something that she thought that she would like.  Finally she found this purse that she received a few years before and decided that Reese would like it.  Finding all the parts for it took some time but was successful.

 Grandma and Papa got this fun toy for her.  She thinks that it is fun to play with.  So- does her siblings.

 It took her some time to dig into her cake but she finally did.  A bath soon followed.

 More fun toys followed a few days later in the mail.  The Broderick's gave her the stackable balls and Grandma gave her a fun new bath toy.

Happy Birthday Reese.  We love you!!!!!

Lauren's first day

 Oh- how exciting!!!  Here she is on her very first day of school!  She remembered were her class room was and where to hang her backpack.

 She found her seat and looked around a little nervous.  After a little while I told her that she could start to color her picture while she was waiting for her teacher to give some direction.  I told her that I needed to leave and she started to get a few tears in her eyes.  Right then I decided that I needed to leave before she broke down and started to cry.

After we got home she talked for a few minutes and then shortly after she climbed up on the couch and fell asleep for a few hours.  Lots of noise going on and every thing and she was just out.  She continued doing this for a month or so.

School starts 9/2012

 Lauren started school this year.  She was so excited to be able to buy school supplies and do something like her big sisters.  On her first day she was full of emotions.  At the end of the day she came running out with a BIG smile.  I asked her what was her favorite thing and she said, "we had three recesses!"

 Paige is now in 3rd grade.  She got the teacher that she wanted and is doing really well in school.  She was chosen to be a ASB representative.   This made her really excited because she was picked by her classmates.

 Brianna had an interesting situation to deal with when she started. Her school  decided to have a split level class because of the large number of 5th graders.  She was put in a 4/5th grade class along with 10 other 5th graders and 12 or so 4th graders.  Having the same teacher she had last year was not something she was thinking was cool.  In some ways she was wondering why she was picked to be in this class.  To be honest so were we as her parents.  After a lot of talking with administration and her teacher we learned that it was because the teacher wanted to have the best kids and know where she could continue on with their teaching from last year.  One of the perks is that Brianna will be able to go on all of the 4th and 5th grade field trips.  She gets to attend some of the classes in the other 5th grade class rooms.    After lots of talking she decided to stay in the combined class.  It seems to be going well.  Brianna also got contacts this summer.  What do you think?

Shane really wanted to get a picture of these three walking to school.  It will be the only year that they will all be in the same building.  Sad huh!!!   :(

Baby Z's Blessing Sep 2, 2012

 The blessing turned out great!  All the Broderick family was able to attend.  Shane was the only one unable to attend.    Demi loves her little brother.

 Here are a few shots of all the family.

 What a cute family!

 Reese thought that baby Z's cord needed to be in the crib.  Once Demi saw that this was happening she needed to join in the action.  It was quite a little team.  We needed to stop them once they started pulling on the cord.

 Here is his little blessing outfit.  Isn't he cute!

 This is the only place that Reese would sleep.  It was barely big enough for her it fit on but she loved it.

 Later that night we went outside and played in the yard.  The kids enjoyed the swing set and tramp.

 Steve is always willing to get on the tramp and jump with the kids.  They love him for that.

They got a fire pit this weekend and we were able to use it.  Thanks for letting us all come and stay with us.  We love you and can't wait to see you again.

Visiting Family Sep 2012

 One last trip to Idaho for the year.  We were lucky enough to have baby Z get out of the NICU after more then 10 weeks of being there.  Baby Z was diagnosed having Prader Willie syndrome.  There are many obstacles that their family. But they are counting their blessings that they were able to come home from the hospital.  Rena is able to stay at home with her children and she is facing the future with faith.

 Ryker and Demi playing in her room.  Demi likes playing in her room.

 Lauren and Demi playing on the trramp.  They got along really well.

 While we were there it was the Eastern Idaho State fair.  On Saturday Morning we went to the parade. The kids enjoyed that especially because candy was given out.

                                      

After the parade I went and got my mom so we could spend the rest of the day with her.  We went to the fair and had a good time.  There was a exhibit with sharks.  The picture above is with all the kids in a shark cage.

 We went and saw some of the ]\nimals (bunnies, horses and sheep).

 Grandma got tickets for all the rides.  Ryker really wanted to drive the car.  Demi wanted to go to but Rena had to help make sure that she didn't jump out.  It was fun to see their excitement.

 My mom loves to play the games.  She played darts and won a little toy for Reese.  It was a little stuffed banana.

 The older girls got to go on the swings.   They all enjoyed that.

 Lauren really wanted to go on this kangaroo ride.  She was really happy until they came and put two other girls on the ride with her.  She was really unsure about the whole thing after that happened.

 Thankfully right after all the kids got done with their first ride it started to rain and then it decided to come down in buckets!!  Before we could get to shelter we were all drenched.  We looked like little drowned rats.  We were all laughing so hard.  The picture isn't the greatest but it was something that we needed to take a picture of to remember.

Because we had to end the fair early we let the kids have a movie party before bed.  It was a really good day.

Camping time Aug 2012

 Well- another summer comes to an end.  Unfortunately we didn't get the chance to go camping.  I really love camping and the kids enjoy it also.  That brought me to the conclusion that the tent should be set up in the back and have a few nights under the stars.  The kids thought that this was wonderful.  We roasted marshmallows in the fire pit and had clean non smelly bathrooms.  The best of both worlds.  I was very proud of myself that I was able to set up the tent and take it down and put it away all by myself.  I was a little nervous that I wouldn't be able to fit it back into the bag but I did it!!!