Heidi's Birthday

 

On May 25th, only 6 days after Jared was born, Heidi turned 3 years old.  We had a fun evening together as a family.  Heidi has really figured out the whole "birthday thing" now and that was a lot of fun.  All day long she kept singing "Happy Birthday to you" to herself.  She also did really well opening up her presents.  I had fun playing with her with some of her new toys.  

We are so grateful to have Heidi in our home!  She has such a loving, sweet personality.  She is typically pretty quiet and easy-going.  It has been fun to see her cute little personality come through as she has learned to communicate this past year.  She loves to sing songs and dance to music.  I also enjoy watching her play quietly by herself.   She is really content to just play on her own but also enjoys playing with other kids.  She puts up with a lot sometimes, especially from her older brother.  One day at mommy's aerobics class, she had her toy taken away 5 or 6 times by other kids and I watched her quietly pout to herself then move on (She is so used to this at home).  Mommy decided to help her learn to stand up for herself a little!  Heidi also has a special relationship with Lucky, our dog, and can sit and laugh and play quietly with him.   She especially enjoys playing with Erika and Kyle and is constantly mimicking what they say and do.  

    

          Having fun at the "Little Aggies" preschool in Logan at Utah State University (Part of the Up to 3 Program.)  Heidi learned a lot there about following directions and interacting with other kids.  She also became more vocal about what she wants and answering questions.   

Heidi loves to read and can sit for a long time flipping through books.  She will never turn down a story. Out of all my children, Heidi has definitely been my most cuddly.  I love to cuddle with her at bedtime.  I will miss this as she grows older.  She is still a "mommas girl" and she and I have a special bond.  

Heidi swinging at the Dinosaur Park in Ogden back in April.   She has gotten quite the mind of own now and loves to wander and explore.
      We love our little Heidi.  She is so much fun and I am so grateful to have her as my daughter!

My husband- the outdoorsman!

Aaron after fishing up near Challis, ID

Well, since we just celebrated father's day,  I wanted to focus for a few minutes on my amazing husband.  I am so thankful to have him in my life.  Aaron is a great dad.  He helps out with the kids as much as possible and tries to teach them by example and precept.   He also takes the time to play and have fun with them, something I don't always do enough.

Showing off his catch for the kids (The fish is about as big as Heidi!)

I believe that in order to be a good father, one must first be a good husband, as this has such a huge impact on the kids.   Aaron is such a wonderful man- everything I could ever want as a companion and best friend.   He sees the best in me and helps me to be a better person.  He has so many qualities that make me want to be better.   He is a happy person, hard-working, thoughtful and appreciative of me.  He is always striving to learn more and to be better.  I am thankful for how hard he works for our family.  He is very goal- oriented and when he puts his mind to a task, he doesn't stop until it gets done.    He also likes to have fun.  We have a little motto in our family- "we work hard and we play hard."  I am grateful we can have fun as a family.

Aaron also had a thirst for gospel knowledge and I am thankful for all he is able to share with me and our children.  I don't know how I got so lucky, but I know I did and I am so grateful.  Thanks Aaron, for being a great husband and father.  I hope you know how much we love you!!  

Aaron and my dad hunting for cow elk this last January.