Family Photos & Newsletter - 2019

Gideon is 2. Enough said.

 (OK, I'll add a little more.)

He talks a lot...and well. (He can't say "L" sounds and others, but he knows SO many words and speaks in full sentences, with much opinion.) Who says the youngest can't be the boss?

We do have other kids, and we like them almost as much as Gideon. Ha! That's a running family joke.

Alee is straddling the line between young lady and kid. She still likes toys, dolls, and her play kitchen. But she also likes electronics, having her hair styled, and being in charge. 

Natalie is the most well-rounded kid we own. She loves reading, music, and games; she is very good at school and social activities at church; and she's an excellent, loyal friend. Her room is never the neatest in the house, but we love her just as she is.

Kaitlyn loves music. Like, she's obsessed. Like, really. For realsies. If it makes sound, she can master it. Her conquests this year have been: flute, clarinet, piccolo, piano, her voice (harmony), ukulele, zither, and kazoo. She's been begging to be taught the: euphonium, cello, and guitar. And she requested "any weird instrument" for Christmas.

Carolyn's big thing this year has been homeschool, which has been both a challenge and a blessing. She has grown substantially in her violin skills. She is now lacking braces, but has gained a driving permit. She excels at driving at 5 mph, so there's little risk of anyone being in danger from her driving.

Seth is trying his hand at modeling vests. His Spring line will be released any day now. Just kidding. He is basically a man- he's over 6'3" tall and grows out of every article of clothing we buy for him before it has a chance to get shabby. He switched from cello to string bass, in the orchestra, and is loving his new electric bass. He plays instruments by ear better than Kaitlyn, but she is better at sight reading. If a novel has been recorded into audio, Seth likes it.

Vests, right? 

Our calendar exploded! We were barely able to make time to take this photo. Thankfully, it was very cold when we took the picture, so everyone was willing to hurry to get the shoot done! Gideon isn't in the photo with the other 5 kids, because he would have none of it. He was done with taking pictures after the first 2 or 3.

Seriously, our calendar is crazy! Each person is involved in a reasonable number of activities, but when you put all 8 of us together, it's nuts. And with all 8 of us in school (Gideon is doing a flavor of homeschool preschool, Beth is the principal and lead teacher of Bailey Homeschool, and Rob is in grad school), that fills up what little free time we had left. We're frantic, but we're happy.

We have seen miracles this year, and we are so grateful. We have been protected and blessed on a daily basis. Our family scripture study has brought us closer to the Savior and to each other, and we're thankful for the Come Follow Me program. Despite our crazy schedule, we have felt an abundance of love for each other and for our extended family this year. It has been a year of growth and challenge, but it has also been a year of mercy and faith.