Testimony

Jake bore his testimony for the first time in church today. He has gone up there multiple times to try and always comes down scared to do it. He even makes it to the microphone and then goes blank and leaves and sometimes cries in my lap that he didn't do it. We have the philosophy that when they have their own start to a testimony they will bear it by themselves. He did it today! All the kids were going up to do and and I nudged him on the shoulder, not saying anything, and up he went! He did wonderful even when he had to wait in line. We were so proud of him for having the courage to do it alone.

Jake

Jake just had his fifth birthday and we had a knight party for him. This is the third knight party in a row. Jake is full of love! He is so calm and chill. He can be the best peacemaker and entertains both his younger brothers better than anyone. I attribute Hunter's ability to pretend to Jake. When Hudson was born it was Jake who helped so much. Jax would go to school and Jake would take up the responsibility to be the big brother and he would shower, dress and play with Hunter. He is always willing to take Hudson and watch him and can make him laugh better than I can. Jake has sparkling eyes that show all his emotions and feelings. He has made huge leaps and bounds in preschool this year. He writing is awesome! Whereas last year he wouldn't even try to write a letter at all. He knows it all and wants to start to read. He watches Jaxon as school books are brought home and listens closely. I love that you admire your dad so much. You want to do everything he is doing and do it just like him. There is no one better to look up to as your hero. You are an awesome soccer player and I can see so much potential in it. You really are good at golf and baseball as well. Your swing in both are way above anyone else your age. Your imagination is always going and you can entertain yourself for hours on end. You love music and can memorize songs and words so quickly. Sometimes you will sit by the Ipod on the counter and just listen and sing all the words. You are quick to nurture and take care of others and I hope you always will be so loving. These five years have gone by so quickly and I'm sure the next five will only bring new challenges and potential. I love you.

Jake and Hudson

Since Hudson has been born Jake has been my very best help. More than I ever imagined. He rarely fights or teases Hunter and really on Tuesday and Thursday when he doesn't have school he pretty much entertains Hunter from 8am to noon. He has gotten Hunter in the shower and tub and got him all dressed. Even helped him brush his teeth. They plays cars together all morning and Hunter loves to imitate him. He has really taught Hunter to have an imagination of his own by showing him what a good imagination he has.

Cabin 09

Grandpa is always so much fun at the cabin and Jake counts on him to get extra candy and snacks when his mom isn't watching.

 A guilty sneaking snacks face.

 Jake was the designated "go fetch the arrows that Jaxon shoots guy" and like always he was happy to help and be involved in the action. Jake has always been so good and sharing and helping others feel happy and welcome. He is never afraid to say hello and tell you his name. Just happy to play and be with others!

Lake Powell 09

 Jake is finally able to do just what the older kids are doing and he has no fear at all. He was ready to knee board but his mom wasn't quite ready maybe next year. His facial expressions are a riot and he was just willing to eat snacks and hang out while we played endless rounds of Scrabble. Can't wait for next year.

Disney World and Cruise through Jake's eyes...

There was nothing better for a two year old than Disney World and a Disney Cruise. Jake was so good on all the airplane rides and it was so fun to see him get excited to see all these new things. The cruise was by far the best ever and Jake was all about the water. They had a rule that kids under 3 had to stay in the splash pad. We followed that at first but then Jake just wanted to be with the other kids. So I hiked up his swim trunks so you couldn't see the swim diaper and they never said anything because he was such a little fish! Sticking his face in and jumping in. No other 3 year olds were doing that. He loved the beach and most of all digging in the sand. What a fun trip!

Easter 2009

Some easter pictures of Jake, he had a fun time camping. Jaxon and him we so funny. Tiago, a friend of Jeff's from Brazil came with us and was funny with the kids and let Jake be silly with his mohawk wig!