Happy Birthday, dear Calder! 7 years old–amazing! This silly, bashful, intelligent, and very tall boy is so much fun. He loves LEGOs, has just discovered the world of Minecraft, can do cool tricks on his scooter, and is beyond excited for the new Star Wars movie to come out later this year.

Taking a good look at our little man. Someday, Calder can point to this picture and say, “See? That’s my dad using this weird thing called a camcorder. Weird, huh?”

This guy has been silly and affectionate from the start. I love when he comes up to me at unexpected moments, puts his arms around me, and says, “I love you.”

He loves being outside, exploring and playing and fishing. He’s so excited for the day when we start taking overnight camping trips and wants to be a runner just like Daddy.

You know how they say people have a heart of gold? Well, that’s Calder. Deep down, he just wants to love and be loved.

He’s so full of life and has a fantastic sense of humor. He can be a total goofball sometimes and keeps us all laughing.

He’s got big dreams. He wants to invent things, run a pizza shop, and be a firefighter.

I know that sometimes having younger brothers makes him feel like this. It can be hard!

But when I’m old and gray and he’s off conquering the world, it’s this sweet face that I’ll remember. What a sweetheart.

Happy birthday, sweet boy. You are a light in this world and I hope you always know how much you are loved.

If I had to pick just one to describe Liam, I think I’d choose “animated.”

Call his name and he’ll turn around with his little eyebrows raised high. “Huh?” he says.

Take him to the store and every stranger gets a, “Hi!”

Carry him on an escalator and soon he’s fist-bumping the guy behind us on the escalator.

You never know when he might just decide that his head is the perfect plate for his pizza.

When he sees me, even if I’ve only been out of the room for 2 minutes: “Mommy!” accompanied by a big hug.

When he can hear Daddy’s car driving up to the house: “Daddy!” We have to run over to the door and open it so he can keep calling out that word until Daddy is inside.

Such a delight.

When he accomplishes anything (closing a door, for example): “I did it!”

When we’re getting ready to go somewhere: “Shoes?” followed by him delivering everyone’s shoes to them.

Every baby or toddler: “Awwww, cute baby!” Even if the baby is his same size.

Liam feels extra powerful in his Super Grover shirt from Grandma Haymond. He asks to wear it specifically.

I mean, c’mon. It even has a cape! Whenever he puts in on, he sets off around the house saying, “vroooom!” with his arms straight out in front.

Every morning when I go in to his room: “Good morning!”

Every night when I put him to bed: “Love you, Ma.”

This kid is such a joy. Such an example of recognizing all the miracles, small and big, in life and living happily. Not happily ever after. Just happily–right now, every moment.

On Saturday, September 12th, Bryce ran a half marathon with Brad and Brock. He’s told me before that half marathons are his favorite length to run. I think he likes that it’s a challenge and something he has to train for, but not as extreme as a full marathon. Let’s be honest, 3 miles would be pretty extreme for me, so I am amazed at his dedication and so proud of him! I also think he’s setting a fantastic example for our kids. Way to go, Bryce!

Poor little neglected blog! August went by without a single post. I guess life is what happens when you are too busy to blog.

My sweet Amelie Pearl turned 9 two weeks ago. 9! That’s almost into double digits, people! She can read, write big words like “evaporation”, and draw like an angel. In honor of her birthday, here are 9 photos of my 9 year-old.

This will always be one of my favorite pictures. From the start, I knew this little one was special.

She loved to have me read to her when she was a baby. We read nursery rhymes and board books over and over again.

When we lived in Pleasant Grove, we used to take her to Discovery Park, a big playground with a huge sand area.

Even as a 2 year-old, she was a gentle and loving big sister. She still is.

One of Amelie’s distinctive traits is that she is extremely perceptive. She is always watching and trying to understand how things work or why people behave a certain way.

She’s creative and loves to make up stories and play with her dolls and Critter families.

Her kind ways even extend to animals. This is her with Fast Freddy the worm. She did everything she could to take care of her little friend. Currently, Daffodil the bunny is the lucky recipient of Amelie’s loving attention.

Amelie works so hard to be a good friend. Once you’ve earned her trust, she’ll shower you with love.

And now she’s 9 and lovelier than ever.

What a gift Amelie is in my life. I can’t wait for her to get home from school so that I can give her a big hug and a kiss.