Potty Training Success

After toying with the idea for 8 months, Claire finally did it! For the longest time, she had no interest at all. Then we read some library books on the topic and mommy gave her a lot of prompts saying, "someday when you are a BIG GIRL you won't need diapers any more." Then one day she just decided to do it. Luckily, she didn't need any rewards or bribes. Just a lot of time in the bathroom. She was so fascinated by it all that she spent hours on the toilet figuring it out. She was so proud of her new skill and loved telling us she needed her "privaceeee." Now she wears pull-ups at night and we are just "trying for no accidents!"

Bear Lake

We had a fun, spontaneous trip to Bear Lake in June. La and Ken helped us get a place at Sweetwater Resort the very week we had vacation time before Paul started his new job. It was the perfect place for kids: cousins, friends, bunk beds, the ideal beach, paddle boats, endless sea shells, the swimming pool, tennis courts, a playground, arts and crafts, great restaurants, etc. We would love to return every year!

I'm convinced that the girls would have been content collecting sea shells ALL day, EVERY day. This bucket was almost full by the time we left.

While there, we got a special visit from our grandparents and our good friends the Howses. While eating out, Claire threw up at the restaurant (it's gotta happen sometime!). So we spent most of our time just talking at our condo. Phil was so funny! He knows how to break past the shyness barrier. I'm sure that will come in handy while serving as Mission President.

Happy Birthday, Millie!

Millie's big day was full of excitement. She made a birthday poster (mostly by herself) and picked out donuts to bring for her classmates to enjoy. Mommy came to class to tell her friends all about Millie. It was fun!

Millie's opened her gifts: A birthday outfit and new sunglasses for all!

Then we went to Trafalga to play! This was our first go at miniature golf.

And Millie got a special ride with Daddy on the fast go carts!

This ride was the all-time favorite. Up and down, over and over again. Lucky for us, there was no line, so the girls went on it over and over and over (times 20) again. Claire was especially pleased to be such a big, brave girl on what normally would be considered a scary ride.

I love this picture! Grace's excitement for her favorite ride, and Millie's high heels hanging out.

Millie was so brave to try the climbing wall for the first time. She climbed right up to the top so quickly. We were amazed!

We stayed extra long at Trafalga because our keys were left in our car. We called a locksmith, only to find out after he came that the car wasn't actually locked. He still charged us for coming out. An expensive laugh!

Then we went to Grandma and Grandpa's for cake and ice cream. Grandma always makes birthdays special. Millie and Grandpa pause for a picture before they blow out their candles! I'm sure they exchanged secrets, as they always do.

Pajama Party

Millie had a LOT of girls over for a pajama party! It was a little crazy, but very fun!

We played games...

and they decorated "slippers" with puff paint..

And six candles on a chocolate cake!

As we ate cake and ice cream, each of us told what we love about Millie. Here are some things we named:

• She is "nice and is my best friend" many of the girls said this. So sweet!
• She is a very good older sister. She comforts her sisters when they are sad, is always willing to help them, and teach them patiently. 
• She is very determined. If there is something she wants to learn (ex. cartwheels, piano, monkey bars, blowing a bubble, etc.), she doesn't give up until she gets it.  
• She is a special girl, who wants to do what is right.

We love you so much, Millie Mae!

Kindergarten Graduation
The same week of her birthday, Millie also graduated from kindergarten. We are so proud of her for being an excellent student. She had a great year. She walked/carpooled every day with Caysja, and often with Oakley and Jocelyn too. She loved Mrs. James so much (I think our picture with her got deleted, so we'll have to get another one!).

Ivie's Baby Blessing

Ivie received her baby blessing the same day Paul was released. We did it at our home with our family and some close friends. We were grateful for so many who came to support us on this special day! Ivie is a delight.