Priesthood Blessings

Kaige had been sick with a high fever and just miserable.  We had asked him if he wanted a blessing, and that scared him.  He wasn't interested.  We had planned to go visit Robert in the hospital and since we couldn't get him much more sick than he already was we stuck to our plan.  As we walked the hospital parking lot Kaige asked if he could have a blessing.  I had him repeat to Josh his request and we were excited that he was interested in it, and excited to ask Robert to help.  As sick as he was he was very happy and willing to exercise his Priesthood.  What a special thing it was for all of us.  Kaige was a different kid leaving that hospital and already felt much better.

Robert has since passed, and I am so thankful for the ability he had to give Kaige a blessing.  Kaige remembers it and has brought it up to us several times since his Papa Hoopes has died. 

My brother Qadry is maturing into a great guy even more since he joined the Air Force.  He is on his way from TX to CO and got to come home for a couple of weeks.  During that time he was to be ordained an Elder and receive the Melchizedek priesthood.  We spoke to Kaige about this special blessing, and that we were going to the church to be there for Qadry to get the Priesthood.  He then reminded us about his Papa and Daddy giving him the Priesthood blessing when he was sick.  Little did I know, he really thought they had literally given it to him.

We were at the bookstore buying an oil vial for Qadry and Kaige wanted one of his own.  I promised him that when he received the priesthood, we would get him one of his own.  He looked at me and declared.  I ALREADY HAVE THE PRIESTHOOD! Papa and Daddy gave it to me at the hospital.  REMEMBER MAMA?!?!  Oh sweet boy, I remember.  I'm so glad you do too!  He is too young to completely understand.  But not too young, to forget special things and feelings.  I am so thankful for the Priesthood in my life!

Disneyland September 2011

 

At a ward dinner some moms were talking about how much fun it is to go to Disneyland and mentioned going before their kids are three so they get in free.  I never wanted to take kids to Disneyland until they were five and could remember what our money was paying for.  Well I mentioned this to Josh and he got very excited about the possibility.  Before you know it we were planning and wanted to go before Kaige's 3rd bday.  If I take work off, my bosses have to take work off to cover child care so I rarely ask for time off.  They had a family reunion planned in September and Josh was off so it wasn't long before we were planning a trip to Disneyland.  Kaige was a little younger than I had wanted him to be, but the timing worked and I was happy that it was just after school had started in the middle of the week, so hopefully we would be missing the crowds. 

Josh's dad and step mom decided to meet us there for a day.  It's always more fun when we vacation together.  We do things we wouldn't normally do, they spoil us and we splurge a little more.  The first morning they treated us to a character breakfast.  It was both a success and a bust.  Kaige was terrified at first.  Dess bought him a book to collect autographs and that was the best $5 spent.  He still was nervous but he wanted them to sign his book.  The food was delicious and it was wonderful to have all the characters come to you.  I was just too dang sick to really enjoy it.  That was the case for the whole trip.  Poiette and pregnancy doesn't really mix well with much, especially Disneyland, and especially with a record breaking heat wave. 

Kaige really did love it!  He went on the Buzz Lightyear ride at least 20 times.  It was fun to be able to get off and walk right back on, and we did...over and over again!  He also loved the Bugs Life bumper cars and "tea cups". Both Josh and I just couldn't do that.  The first ride we went on was Matterhorn.  Not a good choice.  The ride is rickety and the white monster with red eyes gave the poor boy nightmares for weeks.  He also got freaked out in the Bugs Life movie, but that's ok...he is our shy boy and loved most everything.  He can't wait to go back, and he wasn't too young.

We kind of decided as a family that if we can afford it we would make it a tradition to go before the youngest turns three.  That's before I realized, I would probably be pregnant the next couple times.  Blah!

Wildlife World Zoo May 28th, 2011

My sweetheart decided that it would be fun to take the family to the zoo on Saturday.  I was thrilled at the idea but didn't think he was serious since he was working Friday night until 6:30 Saturday morning.  But to my pleasant surprise he was serious.  It was Kaige's first time to the Wildlife World Zoo and he already anticipates his next trip.  We had a great morning together.

Penguin feeding.

The animals at the petting zoo went a little crazy!

I don't always get the opportunity to have pictures with my little man.

 Kaige wasn't all that impressed with the Bird feeding, but one day he will think it's as cool as I do.

 Feeding the giraffes is always the highlight of that zoo.  Kaige isn't sure about that long wet tongue.

California Day 1 April 25, 2011

Our trip to California was packed with family fun. Our first day we took Kaige to a small little country store that had a free critter corral to enjoy. Kaige could have spent hours there looking at all the animals.

Luke Days 2011

I was so excited to go to Luke Days with my boys! The Water's family met us there and it was a wonderful family outing. I was worried about two things. The noise of the jets and Kaige's first experience with porta-potties. Both kind of scared him a little, but he got over it and enjoyed his day. Josh got him shooting ear muffs and they were perfect. We are looking forward to taking him again in 2013.