8 is GREAT

 The twins are baptized. In some ways that seems crazy, but it also feels somewhat natural. They are such great kids and, in many ways, wise beyond their 8 years. They want so badly to do what's right and teach me on a daily basis what it means to be a follower of Christ and I'm so grateful for that.

(Kate set this picture up and was dead set on getting it right.) 

It was a beautiful baptism. Every talk was absolute perfection. 

I sure love these four kiddos. They sang, "I Like to Look for Rainbows" (I know that's not what it's called, but you know what I mean), and it was darling. 

One thing I've learned so many times over is that we're not in this life alone for a reason. We're here to go through this together, to help lift and learn from one another. I'm so glad that my two are surrounded by so many great friends, teachers, and family members to help them out.

I'm also eternally grateful that this guy right here is their daddy. 

I don't want to forget that Ethan's friend, Oliver, came to the baptism. I had to nurse Ben immediately after the baptism, so I was tied down and didn't get a picture. It was such a big deal to Ethan that he came and it really meant a lot to me as well. I realize that a baptism can seem like a scary event to attend for a little guy, who has never been to a Mormon baptism. He's a good friend and he has a wonderful mother who helped him show love and support for his friend. I'm impressed time and time again by these good Christian people of Texas. They really know a lot about true Christianity.  I hope I can learn a thing or two from them.

We did get a few shots of the after-party.

During one of the talks, the kids were asked, "Why do we get baptized?" Among other wonderful answers, one answer was, "to follow Jesus." There's so many things I want to teach my kids while they are under my roof, and I often get overwhelmed by it all; Especially in the past months while we have been preparing for baptism. But those 3 words are it, right there. I want them to follow Jesus. This is the first of many steps that I hope they will take on that path.

If you'd like to learn more about baptism, you can find out here.

Ethan's party

Let's just say, boy parties are easier. And that's all I'll say about that.

For Ethan's party, he wanted laser tag in the back yard. A kid came, set it up, and ran the show. There were barricades all throughout our property and the kids used every inch. I gotta say, it looked pretty fun. And, sitting on our shady porch while they had such fun made it all the better.

And, seeing this smile, on this kid, made it the best of all.

Two things about this photo that shouldn't go unnoticed: 1. Drew's face. 2. Tie-dye plates and napkins. Ethan's choice. That boy sure loves color.

Ethan had a mid-party costume change to match his best pal, Oliver. They are the cutest of friends. 

And, just like that, birthday season is over and now I get to relax and enjoy my newly 5- and 8-year olds. I think I can handle that.

Kate's party

This year, the kids didn't want a joint birthday party. 

I was not only fine with it, I was actually a little excited. I'd never thrown a girls- only party.

I am NOT a pinterest-worthy party thrower. Like, not not not. Maybe even on the side of morally opposed to the idea. It's a chance for the birthday girl to feel top of the universe- you shouldn't be stressing over whether or not the straws match the potted plants.

So, Kate and I sat down and planned the guest list, food, itinerary. She wanted the girls from church, plus 3 girls from the neighborhood. Games in the back yard, Cinderella, pizza (with V8 fusion juice to drink), pinata, cookie cake, presents. 

What could go wrong?

Girls, even while watching a movie, are really loud. 

It actually was a lot of fun. 

{Except that it was always on the verge of chaos and one of the girls wanted to be in charge of every single activity (I won't name names, but you better believe I'll remember ;). Kate didn't notice, of course. She was too busy dancing on cloud 9. I don't know why, but it is such a pet-peeve of mine, when people who have no business being in charge, always have to be in charge. But I eventually let her know that it's Kate's party, and the universe was set back in motion. End rant.).}  

The girls were darling, the house is still standing, and Kate felt like queen of the universe for 3 whole hours. And in my humble opinion, she deserved it. She's pretty much the best. The sweetest. The girl among stinky boys. The tender heart. The organization to our chaos. The chocolate chips to our cookies. I love her. And if she wanted a Kate-only party every year for the rest of her life, I'd probably give it to her. 

February

Arguably the most boring month in the calendar, February went by without much documentation.

Benny did a lot of this.

(As of this week, he finally has a schedule where most of his naps take place in his crib, but until then, he was getting sleep wherever he could find it)

He also had some moments of serious handsomeness.

The four had a moment of serious siblingness.

I spied this cute moment in the car the other day. Don't tell them I said so, but I think they like him.

Ethan took his first ever Sunday nap. When he woke up, I told him he had just experienced one of life's greatest joys. He smiled, and couldn't help but agree.

They were doing dishes the other night, singing, "It's a hard knock life." Try to resist reporting me to CPS.

Ben's had a couple ear infections, and cut a tooth, but that smile has hardly left his face.

And, okay, I'll post one more picture of him. If you force me to.

Bye, February. Hello, March. The Packer month. 3 birthdays, 2 baptisms, spring break, the beginning of 2 soccer and 1 volleyball seasons, Easter, and a partridge in a pear tree.

Snowbird

Our second annual Packer family ski trip went off without a hitch this year.

We got to Utah a day early to eat visit the new Provo Tabernacle Temple. It was incredible. Living outside of Utah, we don't get to go to a Temple open house every other weekend, so it was a special experience for our family.

We also took the kids to BYU, to begin the brainwashing process. We were officially those people, walking around campus, telling our kids what it used to look like. 

The next 3 days were filled with snow, skiing, beautiful views, and clean air.

And what's skiing without swimming?

Thanks, Utah, for being beautiful, and full of family, friends, and good food!

Drew

Can we talk about this kid for a minute?

I signed him up for kindergarten this morning and it just doesn't seem right. 

For starters, I'm really going to miss him. He is the easiest, most wonderful kid on the planet. He is the perfect combo of sweet, hilarious, and just downright smarty pants McGee. There is not one ounce of him that is a burden to me in my day. He is a joy from sun up to sun down and I'm the luckiest gal in the world cause I get to be his best buddy. 

Second, wasn't he just born, like, last weekend?

His favorite meal in the world is Tika Masala. But any rice and chicken will suffice, since the closest Indian restaurant is a half hour away, so Zoe's Kitchen is our regular spot these days. I mean, really? What 4-year-old picks Greek food as their #1 choice?

He's an absolute champ with Ben. All he has to do is hear a burp, and he's running for a burp cloth. He sings and talks to Ben, and still loves to hold him.

In summary: Drew's the greatest. The end.