Savior of the World - Revisited

Ryan and I got the opportunity to attend a production of Savior of the World in Tacoma a few weeks ago. Having just participated in the production done by our ward we were excited to see what the differences would be. This was a multi stake production. Five stakes to be exact. Looking at that Ryan and I were amazed once again that our little Bettendorf Ward was able to put on the show. Well, a lot of memories were brought back. Here's what we discovered. This production had a lot of cool effects. They had a live orchastra, an actual boat, a fancy set with all the props including pregnant bellies for both Mary and Elizabeth. But they were missing the "heart" that our ward put into. In Bettendorf those who played married couples were indeed married showing true relationships on stage, and while we lacked in fancy props, I felt more on the boat as I remember Bro. Jensen casting the nets, then I did when a real boat was there. Because we didn't have to travel across 5 stakes for practices and rehersals, because we saw each other regularly we had true emotion and interactions and it just felt so real! I'm not trying to talk badly about the Tacoma production they did a wonderful job, but it will never be the same. I'm grateful to those who listened to the spirit and new how this would bless our ward, and for the opportunily I had to be in it!! With all the challenges it presented it was worth it in the end! Thanks Bishop, thanks Jim, and Thanks to all those who made it happen!!

Moving

So, I get online to blog after what (3 months, I'm pathetic) and I spend an hour reading everyone elses blogs! It's good to hear what everyone is up too. So, we did it. We drove for hours and hours across the world to move to Seattle. By the end Dylan would scream everytime you put him in his carseat and Brayden had watched the "Cars" movie probably 10 times. But, were here. We are trying to get settled into our small apartment, but not too settled (cause we're not staying here forever). Brayden tells me all the time how he wants to go back home. When I tell him this is our home now, he says, "no, our real home in Iowa" He has enjoyed being closer to grandma and grandpa (5 hours away). On our first trip to CDA, he was very upset because my idea of close to grandma and grandpa and his idea were very different. He said, "You said we would live close, this is not close." Once we (my mom and I) convinced him that it was only a 2 movie trip, instead of a 10 movie, he seemed okay with it. We are headed there this weekend in hopes to catch some waves in my dad's boat, and check out some places there.

Ryan's been kept pretty busy, but we have enjoyed spending Wednesdays with him as he has this day off. We are glad to get rid of the midwest heat, or should I say humidity. Nights, for the most part have been fairly cool, which is a nice change. Hopefully I can do a better job and keep everyone up to date. We miss you all!!

These are pictures of the pile of boxes in the corner of our apartment that are not opened because who knows where we would put it all. At least the living room is finally livable again, after our last rampage (we spent two hours opening boxes looking for a book, which we never found)!Time for another garage sale I suppose!

Happy Birthday Dylan (part 1)

Well, the newest member of our family is one year old and we can hardly believe it! Time has flown by so quickly of we have enjoyed this sweet little spirit in our home so much!! He definitely has personality and can take on his older brother in a heartbeat. He lets you know when he doesn't like something, and he's quick to show he wants to be close to you. Ryan's favorite is when he scoots back and plops his tush in your lap. He doesn't like to be cuddled so much but this is his was of being close. He loves to pull Brayden's hair as he tries to get his attention. He really loves Brayden, and Brayden has shown time and time again of his love for Dylan. As parents we couldn't ask for anything more! We sure love our two sweet boys!

Dylan got a birthday bath and what a cutie!! Look at all that chub. The very last picture he is trying to comb his hair.

(I am having to do these in different sections because for some reason it's not letting me upload photos, and I have no idea how to do a slide show.)

Happy Birthday Dylan (part 2)

We had a small gathering for Dylan, nothing to fancy. We had carrot cake cupcakes (of all different sizes) with cream cheese frosting. Dylan's cake was one of the large cupcakes specially decorated by mom. Who is by the way still working on the whole decoration thing. The last picture is Dylan in a birthday outfit that he received. Sadly, Dylan woke up from his afternoon nap with a fever, so he wasn't his complete happy self.

Happy Birthday Dylan (part 3)

Here comes the birthday cake! Dylan just stared at it like we were crazy! I put some frosting on my finger and stuck it in his mouth to try to get him interested. Nothing! Finally, for some reason we though he wanted the fork on the other table, so I handed it to him and that's when he decided to dig in! What manners for a one year old!

Happy BIrthday Dylan (part 4)

It would appear that Dylan finally has figured out this cake thing ain't so bad!

Happy Birthday Dylan (part 5)

Dylan seemed to have his fill of cake, and I'm sure in the second picture he is clearly thinking, "Enough partying for me, let's go to bed!" After getting cleaned up the last two pictures are of Dylan with some of his toys. Dylan received a high chair from mom and dad, and Brayden got him a drum that he just loves. Friends and family gave him several toys, books, clothes, shoes, and a new cloth diaper. Thank you to all those who love our little boy and spoil him rotten! And for all you skeptics out there, I don't care what you say, Cloth diapers are so darn cute!!
We sure love our birthday boy, it was a wonderful day!