Friday, January 23, 2015

Counting Blessings

With some family in town for Thanksgiving celebrations, Grandma and Grandpa took us to play at the children's museum.  

The boys got their uncles for a few soccer games after the big meal.

Grandmother and other extended family sat down to share thoughts about life's blessings.


Uncle Derek is always a target for love!

Landon participated, but missed out on this photo commemorating Novembeard. :)

Jordan's special day

On November 1st Jordan was baptized and confirmed by his dad!  He showed his desire and readiness to follow Jesus and become a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  
He was so glad to have friends and family members around to celebrate with him.  It was a very special day for a special boy.  


Eight years old is really a special age.  Jordan is growing by leaps and bounds.  He loves being involved in scouts and takes responsibility for many new goals.  He discovered that he can read anything and still loves to absorb all the learning and adventure that he can.  He is a GREAT worker when he puts his mind to a task.  He is a friend to everyone and loves being a good son and brother.  

Sunday, January 18, 2015

Birthday Boys

Here are photos from another year of celebrating with these two boys.  
a surprise cake at Grandma's!
I caved in and let the boys invite a few friends for a birthday party.  Of course it had to be Halloween themed.  The favorite part was when Jared did the Boy Scout scary poem/skit "A Halloween Post Mortem" in the basement.
 




The kids got to use a pass to go swimming and climbing with Dad. 
The first trip of many many to the aquarium with the birthday present family pass

Fall Adventures

We made it on a drive around the Aspen Loop and saw the colorful leaves
 
Then ate a picnic and let the "kids" play at the park.

This fall we found a new pumpkin patch and fall festival just down the street!  but missed bringing Jared /:(

During the kids' fall break we made a quick trip to Pocatello and Garland for some cousin time, owl cookies, and a picture on Jenny's cute front porch!

I was so happy to catch a photo of the kids working together when I sent them out to clean up some leaves.
One of our favorite Halloween celebrations is visiting Aunt Linda's neighbors with our cousins.   

I only had to find/put together one costume this year.  I indulged Michael in creating the black robe of one of his favorite characters.  The other kids rotated through the fun costumes we already had.

Here are the kids and friends painting pumpkins at the party for Jared's work.

A New Epic

We are back to school and back to a new themed experience 
for our family and the Maxfields.
The Higher Adventure
"High on a Mountain Top"
"Arise and Shine Forth." D&C 115:5

Visiting the Ogden temple open house -- the Mountain of the Lord's house

Farr Better ice cream!
Storytime FHE -- "Oh the Places you'll Go"
Touring BYU -- Higher education and BYU creamery ice cream!



Masonic temple tour and pioneer cemetaries

Our visit to Antelope Island and the Great Salt Lake



We hiked the 'Y'!

Saturday, December 6, 2014

Tess!

Tessa had her long awaited birthday in September.  She wanted to have a party and a pinata. (It was her first.)  So we invited all the neighbors and played a few quick games in the backyard.  Here is the group singing to her before she blows out a candle.  It was a fun birthday for our social gal. :)

A few more fun pics of Tessa..when she says, "Mom, take a picture of me and Leisel."  This one shows a owie on the bridge of her nose where she crashed doing some "Ninja move" or Tessa craziness.  She often moves faster than her best judgement should allow.  It is a daily household noise to hear Tessa cry out after crashing into something or falling from something.

My sister caught this photo of Tessa with cousins at the cabin.  She is in motion falling into the pile of pillows...always ready for fun.

And Tessa loves glitz and glamour.

Despite all her Type 1 and 3ness, (energy profiling) Tessa can be a very sweet gal.  It is really wonderful to see her depth and good desires shine through as she is growing up.  
She keeps us on our toes and keeps things alive!  We are grateful for the dynamics she adds to our lives.  


I caught this picture as she and Lance share a package of smarties at the end of a fun day.  
Each year is sure to be a treat with Tessa.