Zach

Zach is one of those kids who can surprise you.  He is full of life and seems to have an unbreakable, tough exterior, but inside he is a very soft-hearted, kid.  Always on the go, he loves to run, jump, squirm, swim, wiggle, climb, jerk, writhe, bike, play, and pretty much just be active.  Yet, he is famous for slobber monsters and gives lock-tight hugs.   
I have a couple of kids who are very loyal, but Zach wins the prize.  Moving to Missori, Zach has had a hard time understanding that making new friends doesn't mean you like your old friends any less.  The same happens every year when he gets a new teacher.  When Zach was younger, he would cry for the first two weeks of school because he was afraid to like his new teacher.  So, once Zach has you in his clutches, he will always have you.  Zach has a way of making others around him happy.  I think that is one of his greatest gifts.  When Zach was two, we visited Papa from St. George and I remember Papa saying, "Zach just makes you feel good about yourself."  I appreciate that more than Zach will ever know.

Cravings

Oh, how I needed you today.

Mags

I can't believe it but, Maggie is about to turn eight.  Not only does Maggie turn eight and get baptized this year, but it happens to be on 10-10-10.  To say the least, everyone else around here is jealous they will never partake of such a delicious birthday number. We thought Anna was going to turn 1 on 1-1-11, until we realized she was born in March, not January.  After that realization, Maggie was back to being the only lucky duck, surrounded by those who could only dream of birthdate bliss.
That same lucky Maggie is also good at everything she does.  I really can't think of one thing Maggie has tried to do that she has not done well.  Actually, there is one thing Maggie struggles with - spelling.  But, we are working on that. Maggie is an excellent swimmer,soccer player, basketball player, and bike rider.  She has taken a great liking to sewing, painting, and crafting (I'll post some of her projects at a later date).  She ran a mile the other day against 4th grade and under and got fifth.  She chooses and makes fantastic friends.  She is very brave and much more independent than I ever was.  She is a huge helper with Jill and loves to prep for dinner. If I need something done right, I know I can count on Maggie.  I can't think of a greater oldest sister to have than Maggie and I am so happy for her little shadows to follow in her footsteps.  Love you tons, Mag!

Case

Oh, to be Casey's friend.  It is really a special treat.  If you can wiggle your way into his sweet little heart, there you can stay forever.  Casey is loyal.  Casey is kind.  Casey is patient.  Casey is loving.  Casey is unselfish.  All of the things I wish I could be more of.
Yesterday, Casey ran in his first ever cross country meet.  He wasn't planning on running, but when he got there and saw how much fun it was, he decided to join in.  On the course, he stumbled and fell, he had on uncooperative shorts that wouldn't stay up, and after a while snot found its way down his face.  But, he perservered and finished and ran a mile in just over 12 minutes.  What a man.
At the race, he found his favorite Brother Cawvey and lept into his arms.  I said, "Casey, what are you doing, you are six years old now."  The 6 foot 5 Brother Cawvey just smiled and said, "Not too old to get a little love."  I've thought about that since and decided I hope that Casey is never too old to get a little love from those he cares about most.

J-I-L-L-O

Jill is a very delightful big/small girl.  (She can't quite decide which one she wants to be.)  As the oldest at home for most of the day, she waffles back and forth between 2 years old and say . . . 14.  She has always been very bright and loves to sing and change words to get a reaction from her favorite people - her siblings.  Much of her day is spent making other people laugh. 
As for being a helper, sometimes I wish she was a little less capable.  The other day she made Jello by herself. (I wish I had taken a picture.)  So, for dinner we had green jello made by Jill and fixed by mom.  Every morning, she packs herself a lunch along with the other kids making sure it has oreos and a Caprisun. 
One of Jill's favorite songs is "You Are My Sunshine" and if I could think of one word to describe Jill it would be Sunshine.  She most definitely brings brightness to even the dullest of days.

Fall Pictures

We took advantage of a lull in the weekend to take pictures out by the recently baled hay in our backyard.  So, today we feature Anna at 7 months.  She is a lovely little lady who likes to squeal, imitate loud sounds, and stand up on her own.  She loves her older siblings, especially those who can confidently hold her.  As for sleeping, she has slept through the night and she does take naps.  Just not consistently.  She seems to find time for slumber on the go.  I guess that falls in the #6 territory.  I love her bright blue eyes and her quest to overcome.  She really already thinks she is big.  So, happy 7 months, Anna.  We love you bunches.

Football

Only four more Zizzer games to go!!

Sam you have done a great job leading your team!