Tyler's Baptism

 I had a lot of fun taking pictures for Tyler's baptism announcement.  

Our family had just spent the afternoon at Bounce N' Slide and it was getting closer to sunset. 

I told Tyler to hurry inside and get on your church suit so we could head over to the church for pictures.  Tyler was in such a good mood and we got some fun shots.  Here are a few of my favorites:

We were in a hurry and I think those red shoes just scream personality with his suit!

Tyler's Baptism Day
Tyler was baptized and confirmed as a 

member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by his Dad.

The Stake Center's water heater wasn't working, so poor Tyler's baptismal font water was extra cold.

He was so brave to get in that cold water and make such a special covenant with Heavenly Father.

We are so blessed to have Tyler in our forever family.

Tyler is growing into a great young man.

Tyler didn't want to have a picture with me.

Grandpa and Grandma Ward (and Aunt Laura) woke up really early to make the drive up from Orem.

They gave Tyler a nice journal and a CTR tie tack.

My Grandma Hallstrom and Uncle Calvin came to the baptism as well.

Two of Tyler's best friends, Beck Susman and Jack Griffiths, came to support Tyler on his special day.

Others that were in attendance at the baptism: Tyler's Primary Teachers, Alan and Wendy McBride, the Primary President, Christi Nazer, Primary Counselor, Jenny Klinger,
Bishop Zeke Susman and his wife, Lacy Susman.
Dennis Livingston wasn't able to make it to the baptism, 

but he was sweet and brought over a nice handwritten card for Tyler.

These boys are hardly ever serious:

We had family come over to our house afterwards for a celebratory lunch.  

We had pizza, breadsticks, pop, carrots, oranges, brownies, and chocolate chip cookies.

We sang, "Happy Baptism Day To You" (to the tune of "Happy Birthday") 

and had Tyler blow out his candle.

Sam and I gave Tyler a very special gift: his own set of scriptures with his name engraved on it 

and a very nice scripture case.

Banner Artwork by Tyler

Julia's Blessing Day

Julia Elizabeth Ward was blessed on November 10, 2013.

Sam gave Julia a beautiful blessing.

It was a very nice day and we were lucky to have some family join us for Julia's special day:

Grandma & Grandpa Ward, Laura Ward, Laura & Brant, Great Grandma Hallstrom, and Uncle Calvin.

After sacrament meeting, we all came over to our house 

and enjoyed potato soup, fruit salad, etc. for lunch.  

 Julia was not a fan of this blessing dress.  I think she found it uncomfortable.

Uncomfortable or not, Julia still looked adorable in her dress.

On my third day attempting to get some glamor shots of Julia,
I settled on a few shots that were good enough.  

I'm sad we didn't get a group shot 

of everyone in attendance.

It was Grandpa Ward's first time meeting Julia.

 Grandma Ward enjoy seeing her granddaughter again.

Snippets of Our 2013 Thanksgiving via Instagram Photos

We are so grateful for wonderful full lives that we live.  Sam and I have been truly blessed being raised by amazing families.  We now have our own family of six to raise up in faith and righteousness.  We are so thankful for our home, Sam's job, and our 4 healthy children.  I could go on forever on what I'm thankful for, but the photo below will give you more of an idea of the specifics.

Our Uncompleted Thankful Tree! We are thankful for so much more than what this tree shows. Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving weekend!  #webelieveinblueleaves #usewhatyouhave

We had a very nice Thanksgiving this year.  We left our house about 10am and drove 2 hours to Orem.  We spent our time at Sam's parents' home.  Dinner was at 2:30pm and we had 15 people total eat together: our family of six, Sam's parents, Rosanne, Rafa, their two girls, Zoey and Sadie, Rafa's dad, Laura, and Laura's boyfriend, Josh.  The food was excellent!  The kids were in heaven playing with all the toys downstairs.  After the kids went to bed, the adults played a round of Apples to Apples and watched a little Harry Potter on TV.  The next morning, we just spent some quality time hanging out.  I took Julia on a morning walk around the neighborhood.  The weather was perfect this weekend!  Good food, good company.  Life is good!  

And now for some snippets from our time in Orem:

Sam and his dad are ready for turkey.

Julia's cousin, Zoey, wanted to feed her.  Zoey fed Julia for about 2 minutes and then she said she was all done.  As I took Julia from her, Zoey stood up, swiped the back of her hand across her forehead, and said "Whew!  Hard work!"  How adorable is that!

Grandma Ward is having some quality time with Julia & Tyler.

Playing the made up "Lego Train Game" with my boys.  We each strung some Lego train cars together, made a huge long trail of Legos around the room, and raced to see who's train could hold the most cargo.  Tyler won!  #somanytoysatgrandparentshouse

My boys insisted on having a string of Christmas lights on their bed at Grandma and Grandpa's place like they do at home!  #lovemyfestiveboys

Old Classic Game #boardgamemarathon

A sweet dollhouse with all the accessories you'd ever want.  #grandparentshouseistoyheaven

Dream dollhouse #playskoolrocks

Sunset on the road home

I love this quote!  It is a perfect thought to share with the Relief Society sisters since I'm serving as the Compassionate Service leader.

3rd Annual Ward Family Reunion - Day 1

Sam and I were in charge of the 3rd Annual Ward Family Reunion.
We decided to spend the weekend in Heber City, Utah.
We rented out a rental home and we all stayed there together for 3 nights.
Our first activity was taking a scenic train ride on the Heber Creeper Train.
Aaron and Sarah were in charge of making the t-shirts and did a fantastic job.
We all wore our t-shirts on the train. It was fun to ride on the old train and see
the kids so excited to buy a treat from the concession stand and enjoy each other's company.  

Left this train station for a scenic train ride

#samandiareincharge

 Brian, Lisa, Train Conductor, Katie, Sam, Tyler

 Katie, Sam

 Grandpa Ward (Fred), Uncle Kyle, Aunt Staci, Simon, Tyler, Katie

 Aunt Becky, Uncle Kevin, Maddy

 Owen, Kimball

 Katie

View of Deer Creek from the train

When the train ride was over, we went to check in to our rental home.
Sam and I served dinner 
(poppy seed chicken, corn, applesauce, lemonade, and chocolate zucchini cake).
We spent the rest of the evening settling in.
After the kids were in bed, the adults all played mafia.  Good times.

Christmas 2012

We had a white Christmas, how about you?!

Holiday greetings

Tyler's reindeer from preschool

Christmas PJs

Santa came!

We enjoyed a delicious ham dinner at Grandma & Grandpa Ward's house 

with Aunt Laura, Aunt Rosanne, Uncle Rafa, and cousin, Zoey.

 Grandma Ward's Snowman collection

Building Legos with Daddy and Grandpa Ward