November 17, 2012

Evelyn's Baptism Day

 It's hard to believe that 8 years ago Ben and I were talking about this day and here it is, in a blink of an eye it seems. Evelyn is such a wonderful girl. She had to spend her first 10 days of life in the Special Care Nursery. I think it's because she is so special. She has an amazing spirit. Her example of choosing the right always humbles me, she has great faith and courage. She knows who she is and is not afraid to be so. She stands out where ever she is, not just because she is tall, but because she is so kindhearted, always willing to help, and always showing her care and concern for others. She shines with goodness and is a girl who can be trusted. Her confirmation blessing said she had a strong mind and a soft heart. That is so very true of vivacious Evelyn. Here are a few pictures of Evelyn's special day. 

 My wonderful little (but not too far off from being as tall as me!) friend and daughter

 I love this picture for 4 reasons. 1. William's face 2. We are all together at Evelyn's baptism
 3. Um...Henry? You there? 4. How sweet Hannah is being to her invisible brother 

 A sweet daddy-daughter duo if I've ever seen one! 

 We are grateful to our ward family members who were able to make it to the baptism.

 Our little monkeys. Every Sunday these 2 are in the trees! 

 Ben's mom and dad came from Arizona to be here for the baptism. It was so wonderful to have their support and help (don't worry mom and dad Woodley, we feel your love too!). They helped make the day even more special. Thank you for coming to Texas! 

 A very blessed girl to have such wonderful grandparents (both Woodley and Wyeth!) 

 It was interesting to think of how different this picture will look when it is Henry getting baptized! 

 So proud of our sweet Evelyn Joy

 Gotta sneak a smooch when you can! Sorry Ev! 

 Evelyn's 2 white dresses

 Henry was a proud brother

 Sweet Hannah enjoying the special spirit of the day 

 Enjoying the twirl

A wonderful day Evelyn! Thank you for your example in following the Savior. You have always wanted to choose the right and we are so proud of you and humbled to get to be the mom and dad of such an incredible girl! We love you! 

PhD Blues

I (Jessica) started this post a few weeks ago just to cheer myself up with all the good and wonderful in my life. I am so glad that Ben is getting a PhD, I will just be even more glad when it's over! In the meantime, happy things are happening and here are a few: 

My sister coming for a visit! Henry is a fan of hers. 

Sweet Hannah May

Henry's ears from the Elgin Hog eye Festival didn't quite fit. It was funny trying to watch him eat his funnel cake.

Henry before his haircut. 

The boys enjoying the air mattress before my sister and nephew came for a visit. 

Henry just getting refill .

Ben with Will and our nephew, Nick. Ben is the favorite horse around here!

Sweet moments. 

Evelyn had a birthday!!! Our little 8 year old always wanted rain boots, her wish came true. 

We found some sweet hats at Children's Place clearance. WHOOOO is that? 

Sweet little monster! 

More from the Hogeye fest. Where'd Henry go?! 

Henry's name is Henry Drew. Sometimes he gets a bit drooly, so Hannah has nicknamed him the above and affectionately wrote it out in pretzels for him. 

Dressing up and being kids! 

Sweet little dragon 

I love this little BABY!

WHOOO sent us these tasty owl smores??? Thank you so much! 

It's a knight/witch

Becky and Nicky

Thanks for going down "count my blessings" lane with me! 

Looking Forward

 In just a few days, Evelyn will be getting baptized. She is very excited and this video shows that she's been excited for a long time. We are so impressed with Evelyn and her desire to do what's right and follow the Savior. She is wise beyond her years. What a gift to have this special girl in our family! We love you Evelyn! 

Baptism pics to come!  

You can learn more by asking us and/or going to www.mormon.org 

October Thus Far...

Hey all! Here's a little glimpse of the kiddos for those hither and yon, they sure are growing! 

 The girls got to wear their jammies to school. I think this picture is "Give a yell if you have monkeys on your jammies!" Hannah's not so much a yeller. But the monkeys are there.

 Waiting for Manor Fest parade.

 Saturday General Conference, the kids are so awesome! Thanks for the packets Grammie! 

 He is cool. There is nothing else to say. 

 Sweet Evelyn beauty with her doll, Sandy, and her dress handcrafted by Evelyn (a skirt with belt)

 Hannah thought this was a pretty clever shot. I have to agree. 

 Love the bed head. His 1st haircut has got to come soon, but for now, it can stay and melt my heart. 

 Oh Henry! 

This is what a school morning looks like at our house. Ben literally pulls the girls out of bed at 6:30am where they burrow until breakfast is ready. They have to be at school by 7:30am. I wish it were 8:30, I think we all do! 

Bats...

We went to see the bats in Austin, here is a bit of info:

The Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue bridge in downtown Austin is the spring and summer home to some 750,000 bats with up to 1.5 million bats at the peak of the bat-watching season. It's the largest urban bat colony in North America.

Each evening around sunset the Congress Avenue bats emerge like a black cloud from the crevices of the bridge. Covering the countryside in search of food, it is estimated that the bats consume from 10,000 to 30,000 pounds of insects.

Giving birth in June or July, the bats and pups hang around til October when they head back south. Watching the nightly forays for food is a favorite evening activity, especially in late summer.

We got there nice and early, excited to see some bats at dusk. We read online that you should bring an umbrella. Guano is all I have to say about that.

Ben and his mad photo skillz

 A few moments to throw some rocks in the river. But not too long, we didn't want to miss the show! I love that Ev and I were matching! I kept thinking she was a grown-up in those jeans.

 My real-life little buddy.

 Throwing, throwing, gone! 

 Everyone showing up to join our party.

Let me hear a "woo woo" if you were lucky enough to get this text picture from Ben (don't feel bad if you didn't, he just sent it to family. If you are family and you didn't get it, Ben probably doesn't love you as much as everyone else. JUST KIDDING)

 It's getting dark...hmmmm...no bats. Waiting, waiting, waiting....

 Still waiting...

And we waited long enough. It got too dark to see the stinkin' bats even if they did come out. Maybe next time count batulas, maybe next time.