Thomas' Blessing

We blessed little Thomas on Sunday March, 15th in our home surrounded by the family we have here! We missed so many family members far away who couldn't make it. My sweet Grandpa couldn't make it either since he had a cold, and that felt unusual to have a baby blessing without him there. We didn't plan on waiting 4 months after he was born to bless him...but life happens. I actually loved blessing an "older" baby since we could interact with him and get the cutest photos of him smiling in his outfit! I think they are my favorite. 

It took me a while to decide to bless him in our home...something that I wish was different about myself is the fact that I get anxious when hosting things in my home. My other children tend to be way more hyper and then there is the house prep...and then what food to make?! I can just work myself up over it. Thankfully the kids slept over at my mother-in-law's house while we prepped for the blessing. LIFE SAVED. 

It was such a sweet day. His blessing was perfectly tailored to him. Just the sweetest most special little babe. We have a lot to be grateful for. Thomas Lyle, you are a loved boy! 

After, we walked to try and find some green places in our neighborhood to take photos..which didn't turn out super well. But we loved the walk with family! Then we went over to Alex's parents for a little church lesson and to take the sacrament. Taking the sacrament at home with our dearest loved ones around was special. I hope our kids know how amazing that was.

 Thank goodness for uncles! I know that having us there for dinner isn't the easiest task...but we are so thankful and love seeing family!

3 Year Old Laney Kate

I am wanting to write all of this down before time passes away too quickly. Laney has been so excited for her birthday to come since Christmas! There is so much to say about this sweet girl. She has stolen all of our hearts--but I think she has more of a hold on her dads heart. It's so cute! This year for her birthday we were lucky to spend it with my family in Utah. It was so fun picking up balloons the night before (we had a little mishap with one of them--to be expected.) with my mom and ellie. We all stayed up way too late trying to make the next day special for her! The best memory I have to record is how Crew was so excited to wrap his sisters gifts. He couldn't contain his excitement. 

She woke up the next day with way too many gifts (grandparents who spoiled her!!) and she was a little hesitant to show how truly excited she was. I think Crew broke her out of her shell a little when he gave her a present to open. Then she saw her scooter, and she lit up! 

Ever since I saw the Calico Critters sets when Crew was a baby, I knew that our daughter had to have some! (whenever that would be) So I have been anxiously awaiting this birthday to give them to her! I swear I bought them for her...but I've had fun playing with them too. So this year for her birthday, that's what she got from the grandparents and us! They are just too cute. 

GG and my cousin came over that day to have a teeny birthday party for her! She got her beloved "Let it go" microphone from GG, and a cute water baby from cousin Hadley! It was so fun watching everyone play together. I felt so thankful for my family that day, and just couldn't believe how much this little girl is loved! (and my boys! It's the greatest watching others love your kids.)

On her real birthday we drove back home to Arizona. When we stopped in Flagstaff, I let her get her scooter out to ride around the parking lot for a bit. Who wants to be stuck in a car all day on your birthday?! 

We ended her birthday "weekend" celebrating with the Martinsen side. So so good to be back all together again! Hazel gave Laney a matching romper, and we all couldn't get over how cute they looked! Really hope those two can have such a good relationship as they grow! 

Laney at 3:

-adores her brothers. Kisses/hugs them randomly everyday. 

-talks so much better, and now I can finally understand her with ease.

-potty trained (not nights yet)

-lover of all things pink, girly, and baby dolls!

-strong willed, and very stubborn. I've heard that benefits them in the future...we shall see.

-can't wait for preschool...even though she's not going this year. But I am so excited to have one-on-one time with her while Crew is gone.

-loves dancing on her own terms. It's so fun to catch her just letting loose. (I have the same problem...gotta work on that!)

-loves her cousins, and friends! 

**Longest post to date**

Happy Birthday Laney-Goose! Cannot believe you're 3!