Hey look! We are still alive! Yeah, I'm the biggest slacker ever.

Anyway, our family just keeps on keeping on - as I'm sure it is the same for yours! The kids are all looking forward to summer in about a month. Chad and I have a lot of projects we are trying to get done. I will try to do more postings! Of course, in the words of Yoda: "Do or do not. There is no try." So, I better just start doing them more often.

The Ultimate Adventure!

Marcus turned 6 this past August. We had an Indian Jones Party this year. I set up the backyard for the "Ultimate Indiana Adventure". The boys had an absolute blast. They each got a fedora and a whip and had to overcome obstacles to get the golden idol. We had ancient ruins, a snake pit, spiders, and even a giant boulder! (Thanks to his aunt Heather's exercise ball.) It was a lot of fun. Marcus and Spencer continue to play it even now - they run around the house and yard singing the Indiana Jones theme. I've even had to take them to the store with their hats and whips on. Naturally, it made a lot of people smile!

September is cursed!

So exactly one year ago, we spent a night at Primary Children's Medical Center because of Kaelynne's broken arm. This year, we were lucky enough to spend yet another night up there because Kaelynne got a bug bite right near her eye that swelled up and was a deep enough infection she had to receive an IV treatment.

Of course, she didn't mind too much. She could order whatever she wanted to eat, almost whenever she wanted. She got to play video games, watch movies, get a warm blanket anytime she felt cold, and pretty much be spoiled rotten by the nurses. Obviously a much better visit than last time. She is doing just fine now - she just has to take antibiotics for the rest of the week.
The boys are doing fine. Here is Andrew sitting in his bath seat for the first time. He was a little unsure for a while. Then he started kicking his fat legs and splashing a bit. I scooped up some water and let it pour in front of him. He tried with all his little 6-month old might to grab that pouring water and it was so funny to see him wonder why he couldn't get it! He actually rolled all that fat over the other day (from back to tummy). He is also learning to stay sitting up. He also is noticing how we are all eating different foods than him, and he doesn't like it! Later this week we will be able to start him on new foods - woo hoo Andrew!
Here's the other two monsters. Marcus asked me on Sunday if it was fast Sunday. I told him "No, not today." Then Spencer asked "Mom, is it slow day?" Oh, the mind of a child!
(I hope no one minds the "bathroom scenes!")

Hawaii was fabulous!

Yes - we just got back from Hawaii!
It was amazing! We went with Chad's parents and all his siblings. Our four kids were lucky enough to spend the week and a half with my parents and my sisters all helped out as well. Thank you family! This picture is from the Waiemea Falls area. This is atop the Pali Lookout - it is at the top of one of Hawaii's mountains and it is soooo windy! I had to keep a hold of my hat so it didn't go sailing.
It rained quite a bit, but Hawaii rain is wonderful. Downpour for a few minutes, then it's gone. We were driving past the temple and saw this double rainbow going over it (the second one is harder to see, but it is there!) Talk about a once in a lifetime shot!
This is just one of the amazing shots we got - this is overlooking what is called Rabbit Island, near Mokapuu Beach. Just stunning colors everywhere we looked!
I caught the waves crashing onto the rocks at Hanauma Bay - we went snorkeling here and saw some beautiful fish.
If you have never been to Hawaii, and you ever get the chance, go! It is everything you ever heard. Now that we have gone together, we would love to take the kids when they get older. The beaches are so enjoyable. We just had a great time and were able to spend a lot of time with Chad's parents, which doesn't happen very often. We are so grateful to Chad's family for a great vacation together and my family for helping us make it possible. Mahalo!
(means Thank You in Hawaiian)

Yeah, I'm a slacker, big time!

Wow - I have been lazy!

So, as you can all relate, life just slips by so quickly and I just realized how neglectful I have been. So, here is what we have been up to this summer:

Here is Andrew on the day of his blessing in June - what a sweetheart!

And here is the new Wright Fam all together... Spencer turned 3 years old on June 29. He loved getting these real tools and I (Melissa) made the tool belt to hold them all. Now he can really "help" Chad instead of trying to use his plastic hammer and getting all frustrated because the nails just won't go in! Too bad he doesn't look excited, eh?
Our Stake (Kearns East) was invited to participate in the Youth Parade for the Days of '47 in Salt Lake City. Our float was themed "Hands Around the World". Kaelynee was dressed as a pioneer (she's the one in the blue dress and bonnet).
I also dressed as a pioneer (blue dress) and Marcus chose to go as a Missionary. He even got to wear a REAL Missionary badge with his name on it! Elder Wright! Lucky Chad got to sit and watch the whole parade with Andrew and my parents. He just loves a good parade!

Auf Wiedersehen Oma!

Today our Oma went home to our Heavenly Father. We were able to visit her Saturday night and it was such a good visit. She was coherent and knew each of the kids. We talked for a while, took these last pictures of her, and said our goodbye's. We are so grateful she will not suffer in pain anymore and now she can be with Opa again. We will miss her beautiful German accent, her wonderful stories and the delicious gummy bears she always brought the kids!

Andrew's a Month Old!

We can hardly believe Andrew is a month old already! We have sure enjoyed having him home with us after that scare he gave us with his oxygen levels. We have all spent the last few weeks getting to know him and loving him. His brothers and sister are good helpers and are constantly giving him hugs and kisses. Andrew grabbed the remote, a full bottle of formula and threw himself a wild bash to celebrate and this was him afterwards - totally partied out!