Random Catch Up

This is a random catch up of the past few weeks. Normally Parker is a "play by the rules" kind of kid. For example, he likes to play Monopoly and other games the according to the instructions. Sometimes, however, he gets pretty creative. Here he and Jason are launching the Candy Land "guys" over the couch. They were entertained for quite a while!

Because of Baby Liesel, we've had lots of visitors in the last few weeks. I don't have pictures of all of them and I don't want to take the time to post even half the ones we have. I have included a few. Here's one with my dad:Parker loves to wrestle. He and his Daddy wrestle a lot. One of his little friends loves wrestling as well. In this photo it looks like Braxton and Parker are trying to hit each other, but really they're wrestling. Normally wrestling with other kids would make me really nervous, but these two never hurt each other. They'll say, "pause" and then two seconds later, "ready". What crazy kids!I genuinely enjoyed having a family of boys, but I definitely love having a little girl in our family. I was super-fortunate to have my mom come stay with us for a week. She was very helpful and the boys thoroughly enjoyed it. Thanks mom!

A few weeks ago Brad went camping with the Scouts and I came down to a party at my grandma's. We sure love Grandma Cannon!My cousin Brian was a good sport to arm wrestle with my boys.Here's my brother Ben holding Liesel:

Last Sunday our nephew Will was blessed. My brother-in-law Eric gave him such a beautiful blessing. On the way down to Salt Lake for the blessing Jason took off his cast. Since it didn't seem to hurt him and was supposed to come off on Tuesday, I just stuffed it back on.

We love that our kids have cousins near their same age!

Here's a shot with my mother-in-law and Liesel: We took the opportunity of us being dressed up to snap a family photo. It leaves much to be desired, but it's the best we have as a family of five. Love that we're five!

Jason did get his cast off on Tuesday. Even though it was September 28, it was 80 degrees outside. To celebrate Jason getting his cast off, we pulled out the wading pool and invited our neighbor's grandchildren to join us: Ty, Harli and their mom Jessi.

Last Friday we headed down to Springville to introduce Liesel Grace to her great-grandma. We all love visiting Grandma Pratt so much! That evening Brad and I went to his MBA gala with guest speaker Greg Mortenson, but that will get a post to itself.

Over the weekend we enjoyed watching General Conference. That evening for dinner my mom, sisters and kids met up with the Pratt girls at The Spaghetti Factory. I love that it's a tradition to go there every six months during the Priesthood session of Conference. Don't worry, the boys go out to dinner together before or after the Priesthood session and enjoy themselves too.

On Sunday between conference sessions we visited with Grandma and Grandpa Carlson. Unfortunately I forgot to take a picture, so this one is from several months ago. My mom and sister Angie fixed a delicious Cafe Rio style dinner. I'll have to post the recipes when I get a copy. Afterwards we headed to Grandma Cannon's for a visit.

Then we went to visit Grandma Ipson.

Our kids are so lucky to have all of their great-grandmothers and one great-grandfather alive. I hope my children are able to remember the happy times we share as a family.

My sister Julie was in town this weekend. Her kids were thrilled to meet their new cousin. Ali had been calling her "my new sister Liesel". Of course they aren't all looking at the camera, but here is Alison, Heidi and Dylan holding Liesel.

I have a few more posts in my head as soon as I get the chance.