Alex is One!

Our baby boy turns one today . . . it's hard to believe! We celebrated his birthday two days early, because Luke's parents were in town. We all enjoyed his Elmo-themed bash, especially the game that Abby orchestrated: a variation of Duck-Duck-Goose called Big-Bird-Big-Bird-Elmo. It was a hoot!

Katie thoroughly enjoyed the Elmo cake. I know I've said it before, but can you believe those eyes?!

Here's the whole party crew! (Yes, the birthday boy was VERY ready for bed by this point . . . )

Random Thoughts . . .

Recently, I turned a movie on for Katie, then came back to see her sitting like this: wedged between Baby Doll and Jane the Gerbil on the floor with an empty couch behind them. It struck me funny! She's such a spunky little character, such a cutie.

There is nothing better than a sleepy, snuggly, precious baby first thing in the morning. I'm glad Big-Sister Abby has discovered this truth.

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I love this creative shot that Luke took of Abby and Katie at the Laumiere Sculpture Park. By the way, didn't he also do a great job on Abby's haircut? He took off about 3 inches. I was headed to Fantastic Sam's with my $8.99 coupon, and he said, "I'm sure I can do that myself!" I'll admit I was a bit nervous . . . it's a little different than running the clippers around Alex's head . . . but it turned out cute. Just one more hidden talent to add to the list!

Playing in the rain!

Residency Social

Here are some pictures from our most recent outing to one of Luke's attending physician's farm in St. Clair, MO. The girls had a blast riding horses, going on a tractor haybail ride, and catching toads. Carrie and Luke had a great time socializing with friends. Luke even snuck in a canoe ride on the Bourbeuse river. Good times were had by all!

Catching Up . . .

Here's a slice of what we've been up to lately:

Here are Abby and Katie petting the beautiful Clydesdales at Grant's Farm.

Alex is getting so big and loves to pull himself up next to things (especially the poor gerbil's cage). His other hobby is crawling up the stairs as fast as he can, then slamming the gate at the top behind him. (He knows he only has a few minutes to explore his sisters' rooms before getting caught!)

We enjoyed having Adrian and Natalie Dayton and their son, Taylor, visit us from New York for a few days! Adrian and Luke grew up together and have been friends for years. (In fact, Luke's and my first date involved flooding the kitchen of Adrian's BYU apartment . . . but that's another story. I think Adrian has forgiven me!)

It was fun to show them some of the sights of St. Louis. Here we are visiting the zoo.

Taylor, Abby, and Katie had a lot of fun together!

Pops and Grannie Boyer visited for two days! They took a Church history tour with some friends that just happened to end in St. Louis (lucky us!). It was so great to see them, even if it was a quick visit.

Katie has started Joy School with three of her friends from church: Aurora, Chloe, and Charlotte. The other moms and I take turns teaching in our homes, and the girls love the chance to get together! Here are three of them making gingerbread cookies at our house.

Life is busy but good!