Littlest Brother

I can say from first-hand experience that there are a few distinct advantages to being the youngest sibling. Joey is so lucky to have three older brothers who each love him, entertain him, and protect him. I love to see my boys develop sweet nurturing skills towards their baby brother--giving him his binky anytime he is fussy, pulling wacky faces to try and make him smile, and always happy to hold him for a moment while I finish a chore. While Hank and Max are tending to Joey so sweetly, Ben is also great at helping Ben. Ben is great at getting Joey toughened up with a few love swipes, friendly pinches, and brotherly head-butts:)

Daddy Dearest

I remember when Aaron and I were dating, I became very nervous at the fast pace it seemed our relationship was taking. Before I knew what was happening, we were already discussing marriage. I remember feeling absolutely floored! Marriage?! It was crazy--I was just 20 years old! But, everytime I would think about my future and try to picture what my life looked like down the road, I would have the most calm, peaceful feeling because I just KNEW that Aaron would make a great Dad. And I was right. Nearly ten years and four babies later, my suspicions proved to be right--Aaron is an amazing father. He is adored by his sons; they are lucky to have him as their Dad. We love you, Aaron!

Father's Day started with letting Dad sleep in (kinda) and then treating him to a special breakfast--eggs benedict, his favorite. After breakfast, the boys presented Aaron with the rocks that they had painted for him as presents.

As a gift, I had the boys draw pictures and fill out this questionairre, which I included in a photo book for Aaron.

After church, we changed clothes, packed up, and headed off to American Fork Canyon to meet up with our extended Grover clan for a Father's Day BBQ. It was a fabulous night and we had a great time enjoying Utah's natural beauty.

When I called my Dad this evening to wish him a happy Father's Day, he said he was sure that when we were all in heaven, awaiting our turn to come to earth, that he raised his hand for the priviledge of being my father. I'm pretty sure he got it backwards; I lucked out to have been born to an honest, smart, caring father who has always provided for our family and presided over our home in love and righteousness. Thank you, Dad. I love you.

I also have to mention and thank my dear father-in-law for raising such a worthy, hard-working, and just plain good son and for being such a sweet grandfather to my children.

#35 Temple Square

We had such a good time taking the boys to visit Temple Square on Saturday. Just being on the grounds of the Salt Lake Temple was very powerful. I was able to point out to Hank a bride and groom, freshly sealed, and have a really sweet discussion about eternal families. In the Visitor's Center, we viewed murals depicting Christ' life--it was a proud mom moment when the boys were able to describe to me what was happening in each picture. Later, while touring the old conference center, we were able to observe a pair of sister missionaries bearing their testimonies to an investigator. Just being in their presence, I could feel the power of their testimonies and I felt the Spirit testify to me of the truth and purity of what they were saying. I felt so proud of those missionary sisters, whom I've never met, but who so courageously shared with others what they knew to be true. It was just a beautiful day and I felt so lucky to be able to spend it with those that I love most.



At the Deseret Bookstore, the boys picked out a couple souvenirs: a "Missionary in Training" badge and a missionary figurine.

I caught Max driving his little missionary figurine on the walls and windows of the nearby City Creek shopping center all afternoon.

Short but Sweet

One of the perks of living in Utah is that, odd as it may seem, Utah is travel hub--people always seem to be stopping by or passing through. We've been so lucky to have so many family members visit us in Utah--the boys love to play with their cousins. This week, the Cooks stopped by for a quick visit. We got to play together at the aviary and picnic-ed in the park, stayed up late playing games, and toured Temple Square. Come back soon, Cook family!

Like Brother Like Brother

It appears that Joey is taking after his brothers and is becoming a big baby--I guess you can't fight the genes.

Joey's 2 Month Stats:
     Length: 24.6" (90%)
     Weight: 13lbs 3oz (76%)
     Head Circ.: 40 cm (39%)

Joey is so lucky to have three very protective big brothers. Hank held Joey's hand while Joey got his shots and Max told the nurse that if she hurt Joey he would "do karate with his shoes on." Better not mess with Baby Joey.

Move Over, Tiger Woods!

The boys idolize Aaron; they do what he does, they say what he says, they like what he likes. So its no surprise that the boys have taken an interest in Dad's favorite pastime: golf. After their first lesson this week, I asked Max what he had learned. His response: "I learned to golf the ball in the hole." Well, there you go! Three-years-old and already knows how to golf the ball in the hole--a golf prodigy!

Hank is 6!

I am so glad that this little boy--bright, funny, caring, and special--was born into our family six years ago. Happy Sixth Birthday to my sweet Hanky-boy!

On the night before his birthday, I took Hank out on a little date to the shaved ice shack where we got to spend a little time together and I asked him a few questions about himself.

Q & A with Hank Grover

Q. What is your favorite color?
A. "red and orange"

Q. What is your favorite movie?
A. "Tin-tin"

Q. What is your favorite thing to eat?
A. "French bread is my favorite thing to eat, but shaved ice is my favorite treat."

Q. What would you like to be when you grow up?
A. "policeman, fireman, tow truck man, garbage truck man, and pump truck man."

Q. What was the best part about being five?
A. "Disneyland"

Q. What are you looking forward to most about being six?
A. "Presents"

Q. What makes you so special?
A. "I help at stores. I'm good at chores. I'm smart."

Q. What is your favorite song?
A. "Mary, Mary"

Q. Where would you like to go on your mission?
A. "California"

Q. What is your favorite subject in school?
A. "Writing letters"

Q. Describe your idea of a perfect day.
A. "Everyday would be Christmas. But then Jesus would get sick because He would have too many treats because it's His birthday."

Hank's special day started bright and early--he came running downstairs at 5:45 a.m., ready to open presents. We sent him back to bed and held him off until 7:00. Then it was time to open up the presents!

Weird as it may sound, the boys love to watch Youtube videos of various peices of construction equipment and work trucks in action. Hank has become a bit of an officianado when it comes to trucks, so for his birthday he didn't just request the cheap-o kiddie trucks from Walmart. No sir. He asked for the real-deal German-made model trucks. He was in heaven when he opened his presents and discovered a working crane and a semi-truck with fork lift.

Dad bought Hank his first set of junior golf clubs--just in time for golf lessons next week.

Needless to say, Hank was spoiled rotten. He even got cash from Nana Z and a slip and slide from Nana Grover.

Hank and Max decorated Hank's chocolate birthday cake by themselves.

Max helped Hank blow out the candles just a little.

Instead of a typical birthday party, Hank chose to celebrate his birthday with an over-nighter at a hotel. The boys got to swim in the hotel pool until late-late, and then they even got to stay up eating candy and popcorn while watching Home Alone 2 from the hotel room. In the morning, it was breakfast and more swimming. Hank was not happy when it was finally time to get out of the pool, check-out, and head home--I guess that means the party was a success!

Here's to another awesome year with my favorite Hanky-pants! Happy Birthday!