Emmaline and Derek

Our ward Halloween party--we were the seven continents (John=Africa, Alicia=Asia, Shaylee=Europe, Derek=Antarctica, Charity=North America, Hyrum=South America, Emmaline=Australia)

We're working on picture upload, but I thought I'd go ahead and post a bit here.  I have so enjoyed talking with everyone yesterday.  It's nice to hear about things like Sutten walking (which apparently happened long ago, but I'm just now realizing how big and old he is), Craig's adventures as a Juror as well as Hayden the monkey, Ashley's new life as a college student, Andrea's world of mice and children, and Jared's and Monica's weekend of hiking.  

Hyrum loves to "read" scriptures by copying the words we tell him from a verse.  We often pick verses with big words because it's so cute to hear his way of saying a word.  Last night was particularly adorable.  The verse was in Acts and there was a reference to the synagog.  He said "I see na doddies(doggies)".  We all had a hard time keeping a straight face, but I thought it was so cute, I'd share. 

After an entire week of almost constant rain, the sun has come out again today, bringing with it a very balmy (not pleasant) 82 degrees.  I say, give me back the rain.  It felt great to have 70s.  And now come the mosquitos who have been breeding in all the standing water.  JOY!  I was starting to think we should build an ark.  

Shaylee has been reading the later Laura Ingals books lately.  She has swooned over the romance between Laura and Almonzo.  She's been reading them as quickly as possible to get the part where they finally marry.  The suspense has been just about killing her.  A few minutes ago, she emerged from her room racked with sobs.  I asked if something really sad had happened in the book. 

I want to take this opportunity to let the whole family know why I think Mom is a virtuous woman.  This is part of my thoughts for her on Mother's Day.  Since we are so far away, I feel all the more thankful family and miss everyone more on these days.  

Charity has discovered she's entered the big kid world.  Four loose teeth, all in the front.  Add that to the three molars Shaylee lost or will so soon, and that Derek loses them frequently too, and the Tooth Fairy has been rather busy at our house.  Charity is so proud of herself.  I'll try and post a picture when the first one comes out.  She's particularly happy that she's younger than either of the other two were losing the first one.  

Last night was the much anticipated Pinewood Derby.  John and Derek have spent much energy, time and even some sleep on this little 5 oz car.  I think John put a lot more of said energy in than Derek did:))  It all paid off, as Derek's car won third place.  He was thrilled and walked around with the ribbon today.  Another car John made for a boy who had broken his but couldn't be reached to be told how he could obtain another.  That car won the whole show.  Quiet happiness was John's to take home.  The boy who won doesn't have parental involvement, so it was great to see him so happy.

Hyrum has exploded into the world of words.  He copies most anything we say, even if he's "just" sitting in the car, not paying attention.  It's cute, but hopefully he doesn't catch on to anything horrid.  Tonight he said his first prayer and repeated a verse in the scriptures.  It was so sweet.  He still has the personality of a cat.  In other words, my way if I say.  So he's a parrot with a cat's personality in a cute little toddler body.  When he snuggles up to me, it melts my heart, (just like a nice loving cat!!).

Hyrum has discovered vehicles that make loud sounds and have bright flashing lights.  He spends his time in the car on the lookout for Weee Oooos and makes sure everyone in the car is aware of the presence of one.  He and Derek like to chase each other around with the little match-box versions they have.  I am reminded of Derek's fascination with sirened-cars when he was that age.  It's so cute to watch Hyrum really learning to imagine and play now.  It's also nice to see the other kids include him and think of him as one of them.