Halloween 2017

The kids loved Halloween. We had a little shin dig at the Halls a couple weeks before Halloween and it was great fun! We had a witch, a butterfly, and retired Peyton Manning! Trevor and I were "Whip and Nae Nae". Halloween was only a couple days after we lost Elmer so we had a flier hanging on our door to try to get the word out some more! I helped at Drake's class party and it was fun! 

Elmer

I feel like I can finally write about our Elmer! He accidentally got out through the garage on our third night in our new house. It was back in October. We didn't realize he was missing for about 1-2 hours and it was already dark. Between our two families we searched over 20 hours for him. We hung up signs, called all the vets, posted on Facebook sites and checked the animal shelter multiple times a day. Unfortunately he wasn't chipped and was not wearing a collar! We thought for sure we would find him, but we are so sad that he has never been found! We got Elmer and his brother Ernie when we were first married. They are 11 years old. We feel so bad for Ernie that he lost his best friend and brother. We have been giving him a lot of extra loves! Elmer really loved his family. He was sooooo good to the kids. He would fall asleep with Drake all the time. He loved being around us. He was super stubborn and sometimes barked more than we liked but we sure miss his bark now! We miss you every day Elmer and we still hope maybe we will find you alive and happy someday!!!! We love you Elmer!!!!

Family pics

Drake's 8th b-day and baptism

Drake turned the big 8! I can't say enough good things about this boy! I just really have a very special place for him in my heart. I just want the very best for him. He is such a good boy. He always tries to be good, he is kind to everyone, he is serious, sweet, smart, tender, athletic, fair and loyal! I have had many people tell me how nice he is. He is a rule follower and doesn't like when people don't play fair. He definitely didn't get my cheating gene while playing games:) He doesn't easily see differences or care if other kids are "cool" or not. There have been times I have had to remind him that his sister Laynie is a bit different than him and may not understand things the way he does. He doesn't see her as different at all, which I love! I can't believe he is 8! 

He was a super spoiled boy and got an Xbox! 

He had such a fun birthday party and we rented out the movie theater and they watched The Secret Life of Pets!!!

Our boy also got baptized! It's so crazy to believe he is old enough!

It was a beautiful day! And the day went perfectly! 

His dad baptized and confirmed him and did a great job!

We love our families!

Drake with Grandpa and Grandma Petersen

Drake with Bishop Stockstead and his wife and also his primary teacher sister Stockstead.

I love these three buddies so much. They have been friends since they were babies! 

And I love these boy's moms! They are my bestest friends and I love them lots!

Thanks everyone for loving and supporting Drake! It sure is GREAT TO BE 8!!!!

Flag Football

Flag football was a blast! Drake and Trevor have so much fun! The Warriors were undefeated and were awesome to watch!!!! Drake made many touch downs and was a flag pulling machine. 

Trevor loves to coach and he is so good at it! He has a love of the sport which he has definitely passed down to Drake!

Cutie

We sure love this little cutie! She is so sweet, sassy, and full of spunk! 

First day of school

The first day of school is always bittersweet for me. Drake was starting 2nd grade at a new school and Laynie is at her same school and repeating kindergarten for a full day. For half of the day she is in a developmental resource room and other other half she does a regular day of kindergarten! She is loving it and doing great! She has her same interpreter, teachers and nurses! 

Laynie's 6th Birthday

I can't believe this little girl is 6! Laynie's birthdays are always a little more sentimental to me. It's amazing looking back and seeing how far she has come and how much she has overcome. She really is a miracle! 

Words can't describe how much I love this little girl. I've fought soooo hard to keep her alive, keep her healthy, and to help her thrive! It's such a reward as a parent to watch her succeed! I just really hope and pray she can continue to climb mountains! 

She loves life more than anyone I know! Honestly she is so happy! I made her a promise when she was an itty bitty baby that I would do anything in my power to help her to be happy in life, and the crazy part is she is the one that makes me happy!!

I took her to go get her nails done for a birthday treat. She loved it and picked bright green!

We celebrated with Trevor's family and she had a joint bday party with her cousin! She had a great time and of course got spoiled!

We also had a party with my family and grandma Debbie painted this adorable jewelry box for her and filled it full of fun jewelry! She loves it!

Happy Birthday sweet girl! Thank you for making all of our lives brighter! We love you soooooo much!!!!

Some things Laynie loves at 6 years old....

Playing with friends

Her cousins

Mermaids

Swimming

Her iPad

Monitoring Daphne's every move

Cheerleading

Working (fixing/building things)

Dancing

Girlie things