Reuben Gets Baptized

I can't believe Reuben is 8 already. It seems just yesterday he was riding his blue scooter at Wymount at full speed down the hills, bouncing of trees and rolling down the grass. While he still loves to do these things he is much bigger, faster and bold about it. He has an infectious smile which we all absolutely love. He is known in school for his playful attitude and wit.

Last week we had an incredibly fun and busy week. With all Grandparents in town and even Uncle Matt, we had Reuben's baptism.
The announcement picture was taken in front of the Kirtland Temple door.

This picture was used in his program. We took this picture in the School of the Prophets, within the Whitney store in Kirtland. Reuben was pretty excited that he sat on a stool that just recently President Monson sat in when visiting Kirtland.

I think these pictures of the baptism speak for themselves:





It was such a neat experience. I'm sure Reuben will always remember his baptism. He is very proud of the fact that he got baptized in roughly the same area, and the same way that some of the old saints were in the beginning of the church. We are so very proud of Reuben and his decision to be baptized.

Doctor Ryan Ellsworth

Class of 2010

Ryan being hooded by Dr. DeMore

Introducing Dr. Ryan Ellsworth

I am so proud of this guy! Ryan has worked so hard for this! It has been a long time coming and feels a little surreal that school is over.

Ryan and his parents

This is Ryan's clinic group, who he spent a great deal of time with in the final years of school. They have each become very good friends.

Kristen, Ryan, Mark, Stacy and Ginger

Ryan and Mark have put in a lot of long hours together over the past four years! We will miss them!

I can't believe this is the only picture we got of Matt, but Ryan's oldest brother flew out for the graduation. I seemed to somehow miss getting any pictures of my parents! I don't know how that happened, I am sorry Mom and Dad!

There was a reception at the school after the graduation. We walked around the school and Ryan showed our parents where he has been living the last four years. The kids were super excited to sit where Ryan usually sat in class.

Lincoln

I can say Lincoln is officially obsessed with tractors and trucks. Thank goodness for youtube, you make it possible to make dinner without a little boy being upset.

Preschool graduation

Eve's preschool had a cute graduation last week. They sang some songs and then each received a diploma. Eve was pretty proud! Really can't believe she is going to start kindergarten next year. She still seems like my little girl.

I didn't find out until after the graduation that Eve's other teacher didn't make it to the graduation because she had a mild heart attack that day and was at the hospital. We are so happy that she is okay and back to her self now!

Grease

The other night I was able to go see Grease with some of my friends. It was so fun to see a live show. Taylor Hicks made a special appearance in the play. Here he is coming out of the ice cream cone singing.

After the play Taylor sang one of his songs from his new album. Watching him sing made me miss going to concerts. I will definitely have to go to one with Ryan sometime soon.

Here we are a little star struck!

Thank you girls for a great night!

Extreme Make Over: Barn Edition

Before

After

Among other projects that we have been busy with during our break between Ryan's school and the start of work, we painted the shed.

Ahoy Thar Matey!

This picture is of Reuben on his actual birthday. He picked to have brownies and ice cream for dessert. Reuben was so excited that he had cub scouts on his birthday and is sporting his uniform in the picture.

This year Reuben really wanted a Big Foot themed party. Yeah, not the monster truck the legend. Ryan and I thought, okay we can make this work. We thought of having the boys go on an expedition to see if they can find any evidence of Big Foot. Ryan would dress up in costume and the boys would be able to have a couple of "sightings" of Big Foot. So we looked for the costume and found that Big Foot costumes aren't cheap (who would have thought).

So we had to ask Reuben what his second choice was for a theme. Reuben picked a pirate theme which ended up being much easier! The boys dressed up like a pirate, decorated treasure chests with markers and jewels, played get the gold in the bottle, smashed open a pinata, and played treasure treasure who's got the treasure.