Chasing the dream

I was born into the middle of my family and I loved the perspective it gave me.  I had siblings I could tease and  siblings to give me advice.  Getting married to Sara has given me the perspective of the oldest.  You see all the family changes with amazing clarity. Life is filled with many struggles and I think her siblings handle them in good stride. It is an amazing wonder to watch her family and it has been fun watching them chase the dream. 

It's a boy

My little sister had her baby today.  She wanted the sex to be a surprise but during one of her recent doctor visits, her doctor commented, "So... your having another baby girl???" She responded that she didn't know but she was certain the doctor had slipped.  Today's biggest surprise... it's a boy.  She said, Tod's face lit up and they were both shocked.  Ethan Peirce Egelund 8lbs 13 ounces, 20.5" long.

Great Grandma T

Before Sara and I got married, Sara lived with her Grandparents, Bonnie and Chuck.  Whenever I was visiting, I stayed in one of their guest rooms.  I really enjoyed those moments chatting with Chuck and Bonnie in background correcting his stories or filling in little details.  They were both generous and kind to me.  But what I love most about Great Grandma Torgerson is that she has always remembered Taya's birthday and anytime we talked she asks me how she is doing.  It is impossible for me express what that act of consideration means to me.  Needless to say I adore her for that generous and simple act of kindness.

Tyler rolls

Paige rocks

Sisters

There is something dangerous when the oldest and youngest siblings get together.

Chasing down childhood

 

Maggie and Henry had so much fun running around with their cousins.  It was the quintessential moment of childhood endless play.

First baptism

Tanner's baptism was last weekend.  It was a great trip to California.  It is hard to explain the importance of baptism and the feelings that follow.  I remember my baptism very well.  It don't recall all the details but I remember the powerful feelings.  Feelings that have faded over time but have returned with amazing clarity as I have turned my life more and more towards the Lord.  I don't think everyone experiences the same thing but for me it was a feeling of extreme cleanliness and peace. I remember being completely overwhelmed at the time because being only eight it didn't seem like that big of deal until afterwards.  It is something has given me the desire to utilize the fullness of the atonement in my life.  And even though I have felt similar feelings like that since, it has never been with that same force.  Congratulations Tanner, I hope you can always keep the memory alive.

Pictures of the new house

Entry / Stairs

Living room

Living room

Kitchen

Master bedroom

Henry's Room

Maggie's Room

Backyard

Apple

Maggie loves apples.  She refused to eat apple slices, she wants the whole apple.  She eat all the skin off first and then eats it down to the core if she is really hungry.  Henry happened to get the remains of her half eaten apple and refused to give it up.  Needless to say, we now have two apple eaters.

What a mess!!!

Okay, I started out my day excited to document all the messes I clean up everyday but after the second mess I was already exhausted.  I thought I could prove to Sara and to myself that I actually do things during the course of the day.  The funny thing is... while cleaning up one mess... another mess is being created in the other room... pausing to take pictures only begins to compound the problem.  Pretty soon, there are two or three messes to cleanup and photograph.  Needless to say... I gave up rather quickly.

Cousins at Calico

This morning we went to Calico Basin for the first time.  It was hot and I was happy to have remembered sunscreen.  Aunt Jenna (my cousin), Uncle Mark and Cooper were in town visiting.  Mark actually took most of the pictures above.  Later at the house Jenna took Maggie to the market.  Later, they returned with a balloon labeled "Happy Assistant's Day!" apparently, that is the one she wanted.  Later Sara got home and we had an amazing meal, courtesy of Jenna.  More later, Mom (Cindy), Aunt Tasha and Paige arrived, just in time to join in the meal.  Late, later our guest went back to LA and we were left alone to reminisce

Easter dress

Smocking and dress provided by her Grandma Torgerson.

When the family gets together

Who knew taking a picture with the children could be so difficult and fun... and this is the edited version.

Pretty in Pink

Strange traditions

This is the first Easter Maggie encountered a strange story about how the Easter bunny bringing eggs and candy to children.  As a child, I could always count on finding an egg in each my shoes.  I also remember taking an empty basket around searching for hidden eggs.  Our search started inside the house but continued out in the yard.  The eggs were so well hidden that inevitably one or two eggs would be discovered weeks after our search ended.

I guess in some parts of California, the Easter bunny doesn't hide eggs but just scatters them about in broad day light.  I also discovered that instead of hiding each egg, some bunnies just stuff a hidden basket with goodies.  This is strange way of doing things.  I was also surprised when Payton discovered her basket, but instead of finding it full of candy, it was full of toys. 

It never occurred to me before, but I guess no Easter bunny is the same.

Henry's first suit vest

Henry's first suit vest, courtesy of Grandma Richins

The hunt

This story begins with a basket and a few happy children...

The hunt begins

Cool tree swing

I think this is the first time I have seen Maggie and Chase play together.  I thought Chase's strategy for pushing Maggie was quite ingenious.

Windy day

Monday we visited to the bird preserve... again... but this time we brought a stroller and Mom.  It was uncomfortably windy.  We should have taken our kite... next time.