Little Sweeties

David's Brazil trip - September 2016

Back in Sao Paulo!

A chapel:

The Sao Paulo Temple:

And, of course, Fogo de Chao:

Complete with creme de morango:

September 2016

Dad temporarily had a motorcycle and gave the kids rides around the block:

Tyler on his motorcycle:

Dad had a day off after going to Brazil and took us to the park:

Anna's "edible state of Utah" project:

The annual school carnival:

This was Mary's last carnival! She and Jodi made the most of it:

Tiki took care of the lawn while Dad was gone:

Hard work!

When Dad came home, they trimmed it together:

Dad was gone during the fair again this year:

The four oldest kids participated in the tractor pull this year and did very well:

They were pulling a lot of weight by the final rounds:

We went to the circus for the first time at the fair this year. It was really something:

I got to go on a field trip to the IMAX theatre with Anna's class!

Sarah and Tyler and I found a splash pad that was still open:

I think Sarah had three outfits on--by the time we left, she was down to this:

Getting ideas from the emergency preparedness fair:

And burying kids in the laundry:

Austin's baptism - September 2016

Austin was baptized on September 3, 2016.

The day before he was baptized, Austin was playing basketball at school and was hit pretty hard in the eye. He had a bad case of chemosis (his right eye was about the size of a golf ball the night before), but the doctor said he would be okay to get baptized. Austin was very brave and went for it.

Our family sang, "When I Am Baptized" before the baptism:

I like to look for rainbows whenever there is rain

And ponder on the beauty of an earth made clean again.

I want my life to be as clean as earth right after rain.

I want to be the best I can and live with God again.

I know when I am baptized my wrongs are washed away,

And I can be forgiven and improve myself each day.

I want my life to be as clean as earth right after rain.

I want to be the best I can and live with God again.

Here's is Austin's baptism introduction, which he helped write:

Austin is the third child in our family. He has two older sisters, a younger sister, and a younger brother. Austin’s favorite Primary song is “Scripture Power.” His favorite scripture story is Baalam and the Talking Donkey.

Austin is very thoughtful and helpful young man. He make things fun for his brother and sisters. He takes special care of his little brother. Austin has a talent for noticing others’ needs. He is very generous with his time and efforts when he sees someone needs help or sympathy. Many times when I have been ill during pregnancy, he has expressed love and concern that has strengthened and comforted me.

A long time ago, Austin made the choice to follow his Heavenly Father’s plan and come to earth. He has decided to follow Heavenly Father’s plan on earth as well. Austin is showing his commitment to Heavenly Father’s plan today by following Jesus Christ and being baptized. Just like the song that he sang says, “[Austin wants] to be the best [he] can and live with God again.”

Austin particularly loves two things about the Savior: He helps us, and He is kind. We often see Austin following Jesus’ example by helping others without being asked and by showing love to others in our home. As he grows older, he will have many opportunities to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with others. We are so thankful to have Austin in our family, and we are very proud of him for choosing to be baptized.