2011

Apparently, I am a yearly blogger. But, better late than never. I can't even begin to catch up, so I'll show some highlights of this year. We have been super busy. Turns out, Raising five children is a lot of work. :)

In early March, we blessed our sweet little Khloe. She is the sweetest little gal! We just love her! Her big brothers and sisters give her a ton of love and attention. She lights up when she sees any of them. Her ear-to-ear grin is enough to melt all our hearts.
In June, we spent over a week in Kansas visiting family and going to Mike and Kjerstine's wedding. It was a fun trip. While we were there, Aunt Michelle took some fun family pictures.

In August, Kyle and I were lucky enough to go on a little trip with Brady, Krista, Waylon, and Colette. We had a blast at Lake Powell.

Our little Alyssa started preschool! She has been so cute about it. The only things she would change are 1) She wants to have 'school lunch' at school and 2) she would love some homework. I hope her zeal for school never decreases. :)

Kaydee, Anders, and Keaton started school also. They weren't quite as excited as Alyssa but they were ready. This year Anders made the big transition to middle school and I think he has enjoyed it. Kaydee made sure he knew where his classes were, how to open his locker...all the important stuff! Keaton and Anders both played football and all three of the older kids are playing Jr. Jazz. It is a busy, fun time for all!

Keaton turned eight on September 10. He was baptized on September 17. What a special day!

His dad baptized and confirmed him. Grandpa Seals and Nanny Barton each gave nice talks. He felt really special.

I can't believe how fast he is growing up! He has such a larger-than-life personality and we love him.

I sure love my family and I am grateful for each one of them!

p.s. I don't know what that hyperlink is about and I can't get rid of it!

Khloe

Thanks for the pics, Mindy!

Our Sweet Little Addition...

Well, Christmas came and went and we made it through without getting another Christmas Eve baby. My c-section was scheduled for January 6, but I'd been having contractions for several weeks. We hung out at Krista and Brady's house on New Year's Eve, but we were all so tired and we were back home in bed by nine. All through the night, I was having lots of back pain. It persisted through the next morning. We decided to head to the hospital to make sure everything was ok. It turns out, I was in labor and progressing rather fast. Dr. Brown was out of town so the E.R. doc assessed the situation and determined we should do the c-section before I got too far into labor. He wanted to get in the O.R. within the hour. We called Krista and she headed over with our kids. I called my parents and they headed down, as well. The next hour was the longest hour of my life. I got so scared. I just kept crying? I got so emotional when they wheeled me past my kids. I was certain I would never see them again. I guess it was a mixture of panic and hormones. Then, I had to sit in the O.R. for a few minutes. I was so cold, uncomfortable, and scared to death. I don't really know why. I think I began to remember the horrible pain with my other c-section. I felt so much better when Kyle got scrubbed in and came in by me. It wasn't long until we heard the first cries from our sweet baby. I couldn't believe how small she was. . . and how much she looked like her dad!

The waiting room was full of loved ones waiting to welcome a new baby.

Safe in daddy's arms

After my time in recovery, I got another glance. She had to stay on oxygen for a few hours, but she did great when they took her off of it.

We didn't name her until the day we left the hospital. We just couldn't decide!

Meet Khloe Colynn Rosquist

born 1.1.11 at 4:39 pm

6 lbs 10 oz * 19.5" long

She was the New Years Baby! It made it kind of special. We got baskets of nice things donated by the community- diapers, wipes, blankets, gift cards, booties, hats. . . There was some nice things in there for me also! We really appreciated all of it.

Grandma and Grandpa Seals

First Day at Home

We already love her so much. She is such a sweetheart.

Merry Christmas!

We had a great Christmas! The kids decided to go to bed at 8:45 so Santa could stop by. They were actually sound asleep by nine o'clock! We had to convince Alyssa to go to bed, though. She wanted to stay up and show Santa her cute jammies. The kids were super happy and grateful. Keaton kept saying 'Santa hit us hard'.

The boys got RC cars, DS games, a hunting game for the Wii, lego toys, giant nerf weapons, and of course, the ever-dreaded clothes and shoes.

They have fun getting similar toys and playing together. Grandpa and Grandma got them giant sleds. They were able to use them on Christmas afternoon.

Alyssa got a stylist chair for her doll and a doll with plastic hair (silly Santa). She also got a cash register, pots and pans for her kitchen, and some awesome wooden food items. She got several cute outfits and pajamas. She changed her clothes at least twenty times that day.

Kaydee got a stereo system for her room, some CDs, DS games, an acrylic painting set, boots, and lots of cute clothes!

We had some good times with family (except no one would play my games). Kyle was really wishing his family was closer, but grateful for his brothers. We have been really blessed this year and are very happy.

Alyssa's Birthday

On Christmas Eve, our baby turned four!! Ok, she is more like our teenager but I can't believe how big she is getting. She is so pleasant and sweet, with slight diva-like tendencies. It is fun to shop for her because she loves everything, especially clothes!

She loves her new boots

She loves to dress up

We love her!!

Random catching-up

I thought I would add a few pictures and ramblings from over the last few months.

Anders joined the North Sevier 'Fast Pack' Cross Country team this year (for 5th - 8th graders). He did so well. He won many awards and improved speed. He also had a lot of fun. It was fun for us to watch.

Some first day of school pics :) First day of middle school for Kaydee! She was nervous about it, but she has loved it. It took Keaton some adjusting to get used to a full day of school but he has settled in just great.

Too bad Keaton is so camera shy.

Keaton, Anders, and Dylan after competing in a one-mile race. Anders finished first, then went back and ran in with Keaton. It was cute.

The American Fork Halloween 5k :) We do this race every year. It is at night. . . in a cemetery. It's a lot of fun and the proceeds always go to a good cause. This year Kyle decided to make costumes for himself and Anders (yes, I said make). He used old t-shirts, scissors, and Badge Magic (for installing cub scout badges). Batman and Robin did very well. Anders was only about two minutes behind Kyle! I wonder what Kyle will do when Anders starts beating him.

October was a great month. We did some fun fall and Halloween activities. The kids had fun making (and eating) a haunted gingerbread house. We dressed the kids up and took a few pictures of Alyssa, then our camera died! We have shots of all the kids on camera phones, but the quality is poor. :( I need to find some pictures from the ward Halloween party.

We are getting excited for the arrival of our baby girl. Maybe a little too anxious, I've been having contractions for several weeks. I've had three ultrasounds and some tests and, so far, the contractions aren't hurting the baby or starting labor. I'm just taking it easy and watching things carefully. We can't find any names that we love. We each have a couple names we like but,of course, can't agree on those. Hopefully, we will know what to name her when she arrives. Feel free to send us suggestions :)

Summer vacation

We took our usually June vacation to Kansas to visit family. This year we traveled six additional hours and took a mini vacation to Nauvoo. It was a great trip. We were able to see some of the places we have learned about our whole lives. Kyle's parents, three sisters, and families came with us. It was a fun way to spend some quality time. We learned so much- it was all very fascinating. We took a wagon ride around the small town and then we walked through each building. The missionary tour guides were dressed the part and they shared personal stories of the pioneers.

The Nauvoo temple was beautiful. There is a road that leads from the town to the Mississippi river- only a few blocks. It is called the trail of hope. We were able to walk down the road and think about how it must have felt for the pioneers to look back at their beautiful town and temple and head on the uncertain journey. Along the way, there are plaques with journal entries that displayed their feelings.

The kids were able to join the experience by dressing like pioneers and playing pioneer games.

Alyssa loved the kitchen in the cabin. When we got home, Kyle built her a table and chair.

The picture below was taken at Carthage Jail. The kids look pretty solemn because it was a bit scary for them.

Kaydee and Kyla enjoyed their new fashion!! Anders played the games but he was not interested in dressing up :)