Bad Catch-up

So here is the problem with playing catch-up...I don't remember if I have blogged certain things or not.  So, if you have seen these pictures before, sorry.  I just want to capture as much as I can.  In the middle of August, Shane learned that he would be able to go to Germany and I could go with him.  We had about 3 weeks to get everything planned.  The same day, I learned that my co-worker would be quitting and I would need to temporarily go full-time to fill in and to train the new hire.  This all hit at a crazy busy time with Max's baptism, school starting, etc.  It threw our entire family for a loop!  So, my good intentions of blogging more regularly, were thrown out the window because I was just trying to survive.  So, here is a mishmash of a few things and then I will for sure blog about our trip to Germany.

London Swimming Lessons

Max at Swimming Lessons

Playing at the splash pad at the Riverwoods

Shopping fun

Picnic at Sundance

3K Run at the end of the school year, yes this is very late!

Max's buddy, Slade, who stuck out the whole race with Max.

Max with his rooster.  He brought this home from school and it turned out to be a rooster.  The day after this we had to take the rooster to a farm.

Bath time with cousin Addy

If I have posted this, sorry, but this is Max's favorite teacher, Mrs. Madsen.  She is phenomenal and Max grew leaps and bounds in her class.

Playing in the rain!

Andrew helping the kids to make an army of water balloons.  Glad I wasn't on the receiving end of these.

London at the dentist before a filling.  She was so nervous and with the gas she was SO agreeable.  I need to get some of this for at home.

Max's swollen ear after being stung by 2 wasps.

Football Buddies!

Max's first day as a cub scout!  Thanks, Grandma for the picture as I was working full-time that day and didn't get to send him off.  I was so sad, but at least my Mom was on the ball.

Family Pictures 2013

This year we did family pictures with the Mortimer clan.  It was a lot of fun and the pictures turned out great!

Anna, Matt & Jonah Greene

Dan, Isaac, McKell, Millie, Eli and Ivy Mortimer

Us

Jake, Julie, Frank, Addie, and Louie Suazo

Us

Nate, Carrie and Ele Gross

Grandkids with Grandma and Grandpa

Had to post the hugging one!

The Mortimer siblings and parents

Mortimer Siblings and Parents

Parents

The whole bunch!

It's Great to Be 8!

Our little man was baptized on August 31st, 2013.  I can hardly believe it.  He looked so excited and handsome.  He was a little nervous about everyone watching him, but I talked him through it and he was great!  He was the only one from our ward, so he selected the whole program.  Here is what he had:

Conducting/Presiding: Grandpa Mortimer (Because he is our Bishop)

Opening Song: When I Am Baptized (Uncle Joseph led the music and Aunt Sarah played the piano for this one.)

Opening Prayer: Kabren Baller

Talk on Baptism: Uncle Dan

Musical Number: Grandma Mortimer sang "My Heavenly Father Loves Me".  Mom played the violin while she sang and Aunt Carrie accompanied.

Baptism - Dad baptized.  Uncle Jason and Aidan were the witnesses

Talk on Holy Ghost: Andrew

Confirmation: Those who participated in the circle were - Dad, Grandpa Mortimer, Uncle Dan, Uncle Nate, Brother Manwaring, Baca, Uncle Troy, Uncle Jason, Uncle Tyler

Closing Song: If the Savior Stood Beside me.  Uncle Joseph led again and Aunt Carrie played the piano.

Closing Prayer: Aunt Shezrae

The day after he was presented to the ward as the newest member.  Shane got up and bore his testimony so Max wanted to.  He headed up and sat next to his Dad.  Shane went first and then Max.  Max was the last one to bear his testimony.  He started his testimony and then was overcome by the spirit.  He broke into tears, finished and then literally ran down to me and hugged me.  There was pretty much not a dry eye in the entire congregation.  It was very special and I realized what a tender spirit I am raising and how I need to do so much better, and yet, that I must be doing something right.  I am so proud of him.  I am so proud that he wants to be a member of the church and the example he is to me.  I love you Max!

Max's Birthday Party

We don't do birthday parties every year, so when it comes time for a party, apparently, the entire neighborhood and school class will be invited.  It was a lot of fun!  Max wanted a spy theme, so we sent out little file folder invites that invited them on their mission.  We played spy games, including a scavenger hunt that had to be decoded from morse code.  We also did an obstacle course for training and a pinata that was a little army guy that we said was self-defense class.  They all seemed to enjoy it, so success in my book!

Some of the first to arrive.

Austin about to hit the pinata

Armando had the best hit and army guy lost.

Little bomb cupcakes.  Not my best, b ut we were a little pressed for time.

All the kids with what was left of the army guy

Max and Vicky Gonzalez

Max and Gabe

Max and Armando Garcia

Max and Austin Long

Max and Garrett Geddes

Dallin Heal and Max

Kye Larson and Max

Turner Geddes and Max

Max and Mason Fox

Ethan Chandler and Max

His cousins, Millie and Isaac came as well, but we didn't get their pictures.

Max at Tucanos with Mom and Dad for his birthday dinner