Evie's Blessing

The Sunday after Clyde's Baptism, we blessed Evie. We figured...since all the family was there...why not?! It was a unbelievably hot in the chapel (the chapel A/C broke)... but she got blessed and it was a beautiful day!

Clyde's Baptism

Clyde, my fabulous step-father, FINALLY got baptized! Clyde was introduced to the church before I was born...and slowly amd methodically grew a testimony of his own. He surprised us all, even my mom. One Sunday evening he called me and asked if I had a minute to talk. I was actually thinking that he was calling about a business deal that we were working on. Kind of exhausted with talking about the business, I reluctantly agreed to talk. He said: "Erika, I would like you to think of a time that we can meet...pause, pause....so you can come to my baptism. Seriously, it took me literally seconds to understand what he was really saying and then to actually speak. WHAT?! I started to cry. I never thought this day would come on earth. My mom did. If you know her, I am sure she mentioned it to you a couple thousand times. ;) But she was right.

Well, my parents flew out all of my siblings and their families to witness this amazing event. Over 40 people came (and stayed in my parents house...yes all of us...no really, I am serious, all 40+ of us). It was really special. The grandchildren sang, my nephew baptized him, and my bother confirmed him. Pretty cool. Well, this all happened Memorial Day Weekend. But this past weekend, he received the Melchesidek (sp?) Priesthood. Next Memorial Day, we will all gather to see my parents temple wedding. Good stuff, right?! And now for the pictures.

Clyde and my nephew Tim All the people who came...have you ever seen so many?!Family Spectators
Grandkids Choir Kaden with his BFF Phelan

All the family who came and saw him receive the Aaronic Priesthood.

Family Festivities @ my parents house.

Mike and Evie

Kaden, Sydney, and Mia (they found and captured and suffocated many mini frogs)

Kaden displays the cutlery

Jenn and Kaden

Grandma and Grandpa talking to Evie

Kaden, Phelan, and Andy

Sydney and Mia

Kaden and Nick

Sisters...Deanna and Erika

Birthday Twins...Uncle Clair and Erika

We Moved!

Nick went to Interview for a New Mexico State Assistant District Attorney job on June 5th. By June 9th, Nick accepted the job offer, we put a bid on a house, and we started packing. Nick's job started 2.5 weeks later.

Panic set in.

Nick was leaving in 2 weeks. We packed like crazy while he was home. But after he left...I had 4 kids to take care of, a 5 BR house to pack up, and drive out to meet him.

Anxiety galore!

The kids and I (along with myfabulous sister and niece) rolled into Alamogordo, NM on July 13th. We did it. I still say that this summer was one of the toughest times of my life...but I did survive it! Gracefully?! Nope. But I survived. I should say...We all survived!