A li'l dunkaholic

One of Kyler's first phrases was, "dunk it!" And Daddy couldn't be prouder! Enjoy Kyler's first highlight reel.

Easter Fun

After many attempts, this is the best photo we could get of four wiggly kids after church in their Easter Sunday best.

We were grateful for sunshine and no snow this Easter. That doesn't usually happen here in MN.

What a treat to have Lauren with us to dye Easter Eggs!

The kids were successful in the hunt.

Kyler liked his creamed eggs!

I'm so grateful to our Savior Jesus Christ and His sacrifice for us, so that we may be a family forever!

Pure Joy....and fear

One of our favorite moments from our trip to Disney World...

Ellie turns 6!

Ellie decided she didn't want a traditional birthday party this year. Instead, she wanted to take one friend to Build-A-Bear! We eagerly agreed to her request and had a wonderful evening at the mall.

Anxiously waiting to stuff.

Falling in love with a new soft friend.

Kate and Ellie of course chose matching bears and matching outfits!

I realize this isn't a post about Teyah, but you can't help but notice Teyah and her "style." She would never choose the same bear as someone else!

A happy Ellie! It was a success!

She also wanted to celebrate with dinner at the American Girl Doll store.

I love seeing a happy Ellie. We haven't seen much of that smile this past year (more on that later).

Ellie has always been one of our more facially expressive kids, and this is a classic 'Ellie is happy but embarrassed look!' The waitresses sang to her, but since Kate is just three days older, they also sang to her too!

American Girl Doll Bistro has been one of our favorite parts of Mall of America.

Secrets? Something is obviously pretty silly.

This year Ellie...

*started kindergarten and successfully transitioned to all day kindergarten mid-year

*learned how to read and advanced quickly through many reading levels at school

*was pricked, poked, and x-rayed more than you can imagine and was amazingly brave

*saw a pediatrician, allergist, opthamologist, ENT, infectious disease doctor, two gastroenterologists, rheumatologist, immunologist, neurologist, and two geneticists

*Planned out which house she's going to buy when she is 'big' (the only one she knew for sale close to mom).

*Cried over the thought of delivering a baby because she doesn't want it to hurt (this kid is 6 going on 20)

We continue to search and wonder how to make Ellie feel better. I'm determined to find the answer. She has horrible mouth sores, lots of pain, vomiting episodes, and a handful of other really miserable symptoms that are so persistent. She's been doing a bit better as of late, but please keep her in your prayers.

Spelling

I'm pondering the fact that one of my second grader's spelling words this week is "fertility."

Hmmm....