Girls Camp and Swimming

(I get back from girl's camp...here I am in front of the buses)

(Great Grandma goes swimming)

Milan's Baptism

My baby boy is 8! It is always a little scary when your son becomes "accountable!" It isn't easy being a boy in this crazy world. Our little Milan took a big step and became an official member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day-Saints. He made the most of the day and argued with his sisters and family all the way to the church. His grandparents gave him his very own scriptures and journal. He made a point to carry them everywhere he went for the rest of the day...even the restaurant (yes, after a few baptisms, I got smart and let someone else do the cooking and cleaning. Thank you Fuddruckers!)
We had a great turn out and are so lucky to have amazing family and friends!
Congratulations little buddy. We are so proud of you and so lucky to have you in our family! Love you!

More Baptism Pictures

Observe as Lani eats a milkshake with a spoon.

Grandpa, Lani, Grandma, and Mom talk.

Milan, Jake, Darius, and DB pose for the camera.

Milan looking snazzy in his shirt and tie.

-Lauren

Milan's Baptism

Haircuts By Dad

Hey People,

DB and Jake came over to swim, and they got haircuts, too. From my Dad.

(Notice DB sitting in the tub. That was what we called the "Waiting Tub".)

(DB's Turn (Notice the fancy haircutter scissors)in the chair)
(Milan's turn (This is always the funniest one because he hates haircuts) in the chair)


(Milan being very angry about his hair...)

Have an awesome day!

-Lauren

Popcorn

Sometimes little things like popcorn all over your lap can make you happy. :)

-Lauren

So Cute!

This is a must see for all of us sleep-deprived parents! Thanks for sharing Steph!
http://erickerickson.org/blog/?p=4726

There have to be worse things than turning 38 years old...like having the stomach flu the day you turn 38 years old! I have to say there have been worse birthdays. There was the food poisoning birthday when I was 16, the nine months pregnant and turning 30 birthday, the surprise party when I was 13 (I only discovered the surprise party after crying all day about not getting a party!) I really can't complain. It has been kind of a challenging year for our little family but I have so much to be grateful for!
1. I'm 38 years old and can run 5 miles while carrying on a conversation without stopping! (I couldn't do that at 18)
2. I survived 4 pregnancies and have the greatest kids a mom could ever wish for including the cutest 1 year old on the planet!
3. Christopher and I are still married and best of friends after 14 years.
4. I have a huge extended family and I love and feel loved by each and every one of them!
5. I have more friends than I deserve and they all give me far more than I give them.

The list could go on and on, but I am still working on getting over this "birthday flu."
We have had some seemingly insurmountable challenges come up these past two years and I was feeling like there was so little I could do. I have felt pretty overwhelmed but finally got on my knees (what I should have been doing all along.) I found this scripture that has really reminded me that we aren't alone here.
D&C 117:16,17
"You know brethren, that a very large ship is benefited very much by a very small helm in the time of a storm, by being kept workways with the wind and the waves.
Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power, and then we may stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God , and for his arm to be revealed."
I am mostly thankful for a Heavenly Father that loves us and knows each and every one of us personally and can only imagine how much our older brother loves us to have suffered for all the mistakes I make on a daily basis!
I hope this year that I can have a little more faith and be a lot more worthy of the many blessings that await all of us, if we just ask :)
I'm a lucky girl!
Thanks so much to all the well wishers today! I couldn't have felt more loved!

Happy Birthday!

Her tummy says "Happy Birthday, Mom!" Courtesy of Ellyse.

-Lauren

When do I get a vacation?!

Vacations always SEEM like a good idea when you are sitting in your comfy little house, but actually pulling it off is oh so tricky sometimes. Mom, Christy and I spent countless days planning our simple little trip up to utah. We put so much into the details, what could possibly go wrong? We sent the girls off with Mom and Dad on the flight and headed to Utah in our packed tight mini-van. We only had three quick errands to run and we were off....We made it all the way to Phoenix with out any incidents....Our little Jake suddenly came down with the stomach flu, (this is the boy who almost never throws up!) That's the bad news, the good news is that it was only a 12 hour flu and he was actually over it by the time we made the seemingly endless trip. Christy got the short end of the stick by having to sit in the way back and catch the throw up. I felt like the lucky one that only had to drive most of the way!
Once we made it there we were sure it would be smooth sailing. We forgot how great it is to come up with 3 meals and 4 plus snacks every day for 15 people. Atleast the kids got along, if you call getting along trashing everything in their sight, bless you Bruce and Becca!
The trip was cut short for us because Christopher needed his family more than we needed a vacation. It's good to be loved!
We had the time of our lives and can't wait to be rich and build a summer home in Utah!
Love you Hatches! You're the best hosts ever!
xoxo