Baptism

Dear Alex,

I can't believe you are turning 8. I remember when you graduated Nursery and now you are old enough to choose to be baptized. We are so proud that you have made this decision to have your dad baptize you. You are turning into a beautiful young lady and you have always tried to make the right choices throughout your life. I love how tender hearted you are. Don't ever change that. You always make sure you are friends with everyone and that everyone is always included. Your second grade teacher, Mrs. Romney, told me that one day you were asked to write down your best friend. You named everyone in your class as your best friend. That is how sweet you are. You've been a great big sister and we love you so much. You are so sweet, kind, artistic, responsible, and we love you and are so proud of you.
                                                                 
                                                                            Love Always,
                                                                                             Mom and Dad

Summer Vacation

Sea World in San Antonio, TX

Benton and the alligators.

My high-adventurers.

Alex feeding the dolphins.

All the kids got to feed the dolphins.

Tori and the Shark Tank.

The family with Shamu.

Schlitterbahn was the next day. Alex didn't want to take off any of her wrist bands.

Garrett was on the phone taking care of business every spare second he had.

We had a fun day at the Schlitterbahn.  
The weather was perfect and the crowds weren't bad at all.

Bath time at the hotel.

Ada's first time at the beach.

We got rained on the first day but the water was nice.

We had to get used to having sand EVERYWHERE. There is no controlling that with kids.

Snuggle time with Daddy.

Garrett and I had to take turns sitting on the sand with the little ones and catching waves with the big ones. I don't think we were ever in the same place at the same time.

Alex wandered up the and down the shore finding sea shells. She was in heaven.

Garrett's spa treatment.

Alex and Tori stayed in the water boogie-boarding the entire time.

Alex's 7th

Today we had a birthday party for Alex at school.

I prepared by filling up 100 water balloons...ordered 2 dozen donuts...baked 3 pizzas...and decorated the school yard.

Her entire school class changed into swimsuits, they ate and got soaking wet. 

I was trying to lift a HUGE tub filled with water balloons from the back of my car and let it drop to the ground so I wouldn't herniate a disc trying to set it down gently...and the sudden drop caused half of them to POP on contact!

It is tough work hosting a birthday party by yourself.

They kids had a good time and Alex made off with some great loot.

After school the girls went to gymnastics while I ran errands...which included picking up Alex's Mermaid pinata.

This thing was GINORMOUS! 

It took up the entire back to my car.

Alex was so excited to have it that she has been carrying it around all night long.

She even tucked it into bed...with a blanket.

I wonder how she will feel tomorrow when we are bashing it in with a stick!

Happy Birthday Alex! We love and adore you!

 Alex's 1st birthday party~

 Alex's 2nd birthday party~

 Alex's 3rd birthday party~

 One lucky girl!

 Adalyn has her Mountain Make-up on.

 All the cousins in Pacheco, MX

 Benton...happy as can be...in the dirt.

Kolby and the horse he wanted to pet.

 

ball

You joined a basketball team. You got hit in the face on the first practice and never wanted to go back but you've attended 100% of your season without complaint.

I remember when you were a baby, just barely able to walk, you were in love with horses. We went to a family picnic and you wondered off, quite a ways away, and found some horses surrounded by an electric fence! When I spotted you I knew I couldn't get to you fast enough so Dad jumped on someone's 4-wheeler and raced to you before you touched the fence. You've always love to hide from me, while shopping, or run away from me in public...thinking it was a fun game. You've almost given me several heart attacks!

sweetie pie

Alex, you are such a sweet girl. We were shopping at Walmart and you stopped the clerk and commented on how cute her earings were. You were only 3 years old at the time. You made our new neighbors' day when you ran up to her at the school and greeted her with a hug. She called me later that day and thanked me for raising such a loving girl. You are always looking out for others. I love you so much!

My first trip to Disneyland!

Me and Mickey Mouse

Tori, Alex and Benton with Goofy.

Waving at all the Princesses.

Snow on Christmas Eve!

Christmas Morning!

Fishing with cousins by the river.

Rollerskating at the park.

Grandpa Matheny.