Ellie at age 4

I can't believe my baby is 4 years old. We had her well child check up and she is completely healthy. She is tall for her age at 3' 4.5" (40.5") but still too short for big rides at amusement parks. I think that won't be a problem soon though. 

We had a birthday party with some of her cousins and neighborhood friends. After seeing what other people do, it was a real small party but I think the kids had fun and it wasn't stressful for me so a win-win. 

Of course, she wanted something girly but we had some boys coming so we added other things as well. 

Decorating crowns.

Playing pin the wart on the witch.

Cake with pink and purple frosting and birthday wishes.

 Then there was a treasure hunt and opening presents. Of course, I didn't realize how much help you need while trying to pull this off. Luckily for me, my experienced sister hung around and helped with the kids and party.

Jake and I bought Ellie a bike for her birthday. The 12-inch just looked so small but we were able to find a 14-inch which was perfect for her, but we still wanted her to choose which one she liked. Naturally Sammi thought the other bike was for her.

Ellie is such a smart and caring girl. She still loves helping around the house; folding laundry, cleaning up dishes, putting away dishes from the dishwasher, cleaning the bathroom, etc. Basically everything but cleaning up toys. She is great with her sister. They play together often and Ellie is generally patient even with Sammi is not as nice.

Ellie knows all the letters and is working on the sounds they make. She can count to 20 by herself. Every time she colors a picture, she has to write her name on it. She is still working on learning to write the rest of the letters. One of her favorite things to do is ride her bike, which she does very well with the training wheels balancing for her. She also likes playing computer games on PBS kids. In addition to Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, she also like watching Sofia the First, Doc McStuffins, and Dinosaur Train. She loves most of the kids tv shows and movies.

Baby Tanner, especially for Uncle Jeff

Just like Jeff was always vying for favorite uncle, I am trying for favorite sister. I even took a video of Tanner just for Jeff so he could see how big and talkative Tanner has gotten. 

Favorite sister, right here.

Come on USPS, really?

Many job need good customer service to survive. One company I feel very strongly about needing to up their customer service is the USPS. This is no surprise if you read my other posts about them. We don't have a loving history. 

Here's the newest installment. The other day the mailman drops off this tube at the door, exactly as shown below, with the instructions to sign the green slip and put it back in the mailbox. Apparently delivery and signature confirmation were paid for when this was mailed. 

Once I look at the return address, I know it is Jake's law diploma and immediately become concerned because as you can see in the picture below, there is a weird sticky substance all over the tubing.

So I open it to make sure everything is ok inside. Diploma was just fine but whatever this sticky stuff was half covered the green slip. I didn't want to take the time to pull it out and clean it so I just signed and put the whole tube in the mailbox.

This was what I found the next day.

Postman didn't care.

Jake's a liar, eh lawyer.

I know. That joke is so bad and so old, but I couldn't help myself. Yes, law school done, BAR passed, licensing fees paid, and oath taken. On October 22nd, we went down to Abravanel Hall for Jake to take an oath and be sworn in as a lawyer for the State of Utah. 

Random question, if it is a swearing in ceremony, other than a welcome speaker, is there a need for any other remarks? Regardless, what I heard from the speakers wasn't bad at all. Some of it quite interesting. Overall, well done. 

All the new lawyers taking the oath. 

 We are so proud of Jake for all his hard work and dedication. Even with challenges, he never let that stop him. Great job, babe. Thanks to all of our family and friends who helped and supported us through this journey. Even though you may not feel like you did much, we feel like you did and are grateful for your help.

FYI, he took care of the finding a job part as well. He isn't working for a firm, but as a law clerk for the 1st district court with buildings in Logan and Brigham City. Stay tuned for updates on how that's going.

Cousin fun

I'm not sure how much I would like year-round school for my kids, but we love it when Annie's kids are off track. She always plans fun stuff and we usually tag along. 

We went to Classic, which is weird since I used to go back when teenagers were really into that kind of stuff (before razor scooters and other such items were allowed on the rink). They have a ton for kids to do. 

Sammi and Ellie heading up the bounce house. 

WEEEEE!!!

 Of course we had to go search for witches and eat cookies at Gardner Village. The kids also convinced grandma they needed these little monster stuffed toys.

Cheeser Braden and everyone else take a bite. 

Then we went to Corn Belly's. Sadly it was windier and colder down there than when we left our house so we were unprepared and were really cold. We still managed to have a good time. Ellie and Sammi weren't that interested in the maze.

Corn head's

What a bunch of animals!

 There was a giant hay bale tower/playground the kids loved and this cart racing.

I am a big kid. Mom can you push.

Surprise!

 After the kids shot some corn out of the corn (aka potato) gun, Jake and Grandpa wanted to try the pumpkin cannon. They had some tire to shoot through and a car to hit. Some kids never grow up.

Go Grandpa.

Ready, Aim, Fire.

We ate some food, played dress-up, played on a playground some more, got lost in the maze and then rode the giant slide. Fun times were had by all, even if it was a little chilly.

Family Night at the Conference Center

The week before General Conference I thought it would be fun to go down to Temple Square and the Conference Center so that Ellie could see it. Every time we watch General Conference she comments about the choir and where they sing. So we headed downtown and took the tour they offer at the center. Although I didn't hear much because that's what happens when you have kids, I had fun and I think the girls did too. 

As we walked into the auditorium at the Conference Center, Ellie said in a loud voice, "That's where they sing on TV." Then we pointed out the following week would be General Conference and the Prophet and the Apostles along with others would speak and teach us about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She loved it, especially when we turned on conference and she said, "We went to that place."

Awkward posing for the camera

More awkward posing.

 Is anyone else sensing a theme?

Seriously?!?!?

So much for cute family pictures by the Temple.

Finally.

 Ellie loves water and asked all night to touch every stream of water that flows around the Conference Center.

Healing Field and Dirty Dash

I love the Healing Field. It really keeps things in perspective. I was able to go twice in one day. In the afternoon, I went with the kids and family. Later that night, I went with the Young Women of our ward. 

While there with the Young Women, I realized that the girls who had just turned 12 to come into the program, were only just born when 9/11 took place. To most of them, what happened is just another story in a history lesson. We were able to converse a bit about how grateful we were for those who provide service to protect us, past or present; fire fighters, police officers, service members in any branch of the armed force. Then we talked about our duty to protect our rights and how we do that by studying, researching and voting; being involved. It was great.

Then there's Jake and his obstacle races; his new passion. Another Dirty Dash with his family. It had been raining a few days before and that morning. Someone had ordered extra mud. The obstacles where even better this time.

Being cute waiting for dad to run by.

We love umbrellas.

Yea Daddy. 

He finished in good time. Even some of his younger nieces and nephew ran this time. I think this is becoming a new family tradition.