Kyler Turns FOUR...

Today Kyler turned 4 years old.

I seriously can't believe it has been 4 years since we

got that long awaited phone call.

At times it seems like it was forever ago and other

times it feels like it was just yesterday.

I can't begin to put into words how much happiness

he has and does bring into our life. It makes

me a little sad to see my little buddy growing up so fast,

but he is getting to an age where we have a lot of 

fun doing things together.  

 

He has such a like-able personality.

He prefers to interact with teenagers and adults more than

kids his own age. He is usually the life of the party when we go to weekly mutual activities.  He is very friendly and often says HI to strangers when we are out and about.

He loves big boy toys like: motorcycles, guns, and chainsaws.

He is a very deep thinker and has a memory like no other.

He loves to talk (and has a big vocabulary). If you take the time to really sit and listen he will tell you all sorts of stories.

 

Some of his favorite things include:

 strawberries, icecream, bubble gum,

soup, spaghetti, go-yurt,

 primary song "Prophets & Apostles",

T.V. show Paw Patrol & Cat in the Hat,

Color Green & Blue

Family Home Evening (when we have it)

His uncle Ty who is serving a mission



 Milestones that he hit this year:

Started going to preschool away from mom 2 days a week.

Started TaVaci Performing Arts.

Outgrew his 3 hour nap time:((

Learned how to ride a bike with no training wheels.

Gave his first talk, scripture, and prayer in primary.
Completed level 1 of swimming lessons.



Happy Birthday Kyler!!!!
We LOVE you so much and are so glad we get to

be your parents:))) 

Weekend Words...

Weekend Words...

Date night to the temple and Idle Isle.

Beautiful Fall weather.

Crisp mornings.

Vibrant colors

 Party preparations.

(all day)

Docks Flat.

Collecting leaves for centerpieces.

Playing in the trees.

Family pizza night and movie.

Watching Women's Conference.

(I spy a cute little boy)

 

Tummy aches at church.

Primary singing Happy Birthday

Birthday party with family.

Dutch oven peach cobbler. (yum)

Opening presents.



Times a Ticking...

In more than one way I feel like

times a ticking.

Kyler turns four on Monday and I have worried and stressed

over what to get him. The one thing that I think he needs the most and would love the most, is something that we can't give him.  

 

All along Jason and I have talked and agreed that if we haven't

been able to adopt through LDS Family Services by

the time Kyler turns 4 than we would start pursuing other options. We thought for sure that we would have had another child by now (2 1/2 years is a LONG time to wait). 

Now that the time has come I'm not so sure I'm ready.

Being baby hungry doesn't even begin to describe how I feel.

I feel anxious with how old we are, especially to only have 1 child.

 

We have done some research and think we may have found an agency that will be a good fit for us.

It is Premier Adoption out of Mesquite NV.

The thing that appeals to me the most about them is their cost and that they only represents 40 couples at one time.

 

So unless we get a miracle phone call within the next few weeks from our caseworker, it looks like we will begin a new, time consuming, expensive, and emotional journey for growing our family.

 

If anyone that reads this has heard any thing about Premier Adoption (good or bad)  we would love to hear it. Also, if you know of an agency that is good to work with and is reasonably priced we would love to weigh that in our decision.

Mini-Vacation

This past weekend we were able to start

back up with one of my favorite Cook traditions.

In years past we have gone up to Bear Lake as a family for a little mini-vacation during the month of September. The past couple of years we haven't been able to go as a family because of different health issues. I was glad that Shirley offered to organize and plan this little getaway:)

We left Saturday morning and spent most of the day at the lake.

Although it was extremely windy we were still able to have some fun on the boat and floating trampoline. I get motion sickness pretty easily so I didn't spend much time on either, but the boys sure had a lot of fun.

I love that Kyler isn't afraid to try something new.

I might feel differently about that as he becomes a teenager, but right now in

his life he gets to experience lots of cool things.

He loved riding around with dad in the tube. 

After we were done at the lake we checked into these cute little cabins at the KOA.

Our cabin came with its own private hot tub in the courtyard.

Jason put that to good use after being beat to death riding in the tube.



Sunday we spent the day just relaxing and doing the activities at the KOA.

September is the perfect month to camp there.

It's not crowded like it is during the summer month and you pay off season prices:) 

Thanks for a fun weekend Shirley!!!
 We'll have to start planning our next one:) 

Weekend Words...

Weekend Words....

Date night with my man. Homecoming game.

Last hamburger at Call's for the season.

Kids night out at the Peak.

Mini-vacation to Bear Lake.

Last day of Summer:((

Boating. Tube riding. Motion sickness.

Attempt at family pictures.

 

Beautiful drive through the canyon.

First day of Fall.

Big college football games.

Family time. Cousins playing. Good food.

 

It was a good weekend.

Kyler has asked at least a dozen times today if we

can go back to the weekend:))



Beautiful Bride...

A couple weeks ago Kyler's birthmom

Michelle got married.

She had asked if I would be willing to take the pictures for her.

I'm always a little nervous taking pictures for people, especially on

such big occasions like this. I loved being a part of their

special day and hopefully I was able to capture the love they

have for one another.

CONGRATS MICHELLE & CHRIS!!!

Now you can see why Kyler is such a handsome little guy.

He has the most beautiful birthmom:)

(Michelle sorry I haven't gotten you a cd yet. Hopefully you will enjoy this little sneak peak!!!)