Is this for real?

The weather has been warm enough here lately that we have spent the last few days out walking as much as we can. We have LOVED it! We are pretty much tromping through mud and puddles, but it is exciting to be out of the house and enjoying the outdoors. Scott loves pointing out everything!

The other day I decided take along our camera and capture a few shots of some signs throughout our town. Yes...this is for real. In fact, I was told that just last summer our city dealt with a major flood. Not as high, but pretty big. We'll see what this summer holds for us. Flooding is definitely something new to me. The biggest floods I ever dealt with have been overflowing toilets. I think I have a lot to learn.

This sign is about 7 blocks east of our house.

This sign is about 20 blocks south of our home.

"the love"

Recently our bishop challenged all of the primary children to pray each night before they go to bed. We have been doing this with Scott for a long time now, but usually with David or I praying. David will ask Scott every night to say a prayer, and almost every night Scott will say "No, you do it." and point to either David or I. On occassion he will say, "I will do it tomorrow" and then he does. We haven't pushed him to be the one praying, but since the Bishop asked all of the children too, with occassional reminders from us Scott has been praying regularly. Not only at bed time, but at meals too. It has been so sweet and rewarding to hear his prayers evolve. He usually thanks Heavenly Father for whatever we are doing at the moment (eating, going to bed, having friends over, etc) and then tells him what we are going to do right after the prayer. My favorite part which always included is when Scott says, "and thanks for the love." I'm not sure what love he is talking about...love from David and I...love from Heavenly Father....who knows? But what makes me so happy to hear it with each prayer is that I know he knows he is loved. What more can a mom ask for. :)

Spontaneous

A few weeks ago we found out David's mom was going to be in Chicago for conference. So, on a Thursday night, we decided to leave the next day when after David came home from work and drive to Chicago. We were worried about how the kids would do because of how hard the drive at Thanksgiving had been, but they did fabulous! It took 7 hours to get there with only 1 stop to feed us all. :) We had such a fun Saturday at Navy Pier in the Children's Museum. The kids LOVED it! Scott had so much fun exploring and playing with his cousins.
We had Sophie in our double stroller with her cousin Maggie. We were stopped so many times asking if they were twins and commenting on how beautiful or cute they were. I have to say I agree...they are beautiful! And although they are 3 months apart, could definitely pass for twins. It was so fun to see family. We were definitely spoiled that weekend. I have to admit, I hope these pictures motivate others to come out soon and visit. We can't wait to see our family again. We love you all!

Growing Kids

I cannot believe how fast time goes and how much my children, especially Sophia, have changed in the last couple of months. Sophia signs milk now when she is hungry and loves to eat baby mush. She also loves to play peek-a-boo, get kiss tickles, sit up, and play with Scotty. And check out that expression...I can't even raise one eyebrow. She gets that from her dad.

Scott has begun reading words lately. Today when we were rewinding a video and the words "play" and "stop" came on the screen, Scott read them. He also read the word "fox" and "go" while we were reading books. Yesterday while he was drawing and working on his 'projects' he wrote "Scott" and "Mom." Scott has been writing his name for while, but wrote mom without any help while I was in the other room. He has also been occupying his time with fort building and spinning on our computer chair. Sometimes he spins so much his eyes can't focus. He would spin non-stop if we let him.