Great to be 8

When we first held you in our arms after you were born, eight years old seemed like an eternity away. I could only picture in my mind what kind of little gitl you would be. I could have never imagined your long beautiful hair, your tender heart, your love of cats, your talent for drawing and making friends or that you would be such a light in our lives. Eight years old means new scriptures. Daddy and I had a tiff about me putting "Mckinley Reese" on them (rather than Mckinley Williamson)- my argument, you will still have them AFTER being married so- it will always be your name no matter what. We celebrated ALL month long in typical fashion- breakfast with a witch, school treats, Williamson Party, Mimi/Brayden/Mc party, sleepover/movie/dinner with Brynlee, and your baptism. I can't believe eight is already here. You seem SO big but so little all at the same time. We love you so much and are so proud of who you are and that you are forever ours. 

Your baptism day was one of those days that I would for sure revisit if I had a pensieve. I followed you into the changing room after you had just been baptized and I had this overwhelming feeling of love and gratitude to my Heavenly Father for this sweet, sweet daughter of God. You were literally glowing and we shared a special moment as I kissed your wet head and told you how proud I was of you. I couldn't help but cry. It was a day all about you and the life long covenants that you had made. So many people came to love and support you.

So proud of Mark. He gave a powerful confirmation and rocked his new suit like a champ. 

The one thing I know I did 100% right in my life was asking Alex months ago to come early and braid Mc's hair for her baptism. No one could have done better. Alex, your are one in a million and so glad that you were able to spend that special day with us. We love and miss you every day!

How lucky to share your baptism day with your bestie Maizy. Just the two of your were baptized that day! You even got to go to her birthday party later that day. 

Jamie Lee and I stayed at the church until 1:30 AM setting up the church for your special day. The display table screams Mc and was perfect! The self drawn portrait, kitties, Legos, your new scriptures and everything that seals your place in my heart as my favorite daughter.

My sweet and highly skilled baker friend Kelli, made these darling CTR cookies for the dessert table. 

I can remember very specific details about my baptism day. Boggles my mind that I just rounded that rite of passage with my own daughter. 

Enzo was less than thrilled and screamed, "No Church" as we walked into the chapel. 

I love this little eternal family of mine.

Halloween 2016

I love me some all Hallow's Eve. The kids are getting more involved (read, opinionated) about their costumes and the planning started months ago. Mc wanted to be Harley Quinn from the DC Super Hero Girls (NOT Suicide Squad) and when Target's costumes went on sale for 40% off, $15 for a costume wasn't a problem. Kingston, who decided he is afraid of ANYTHING Halloween, wanted to be a zombie but was pretty sure he didn't want the blood and gore or to go in the Halloween store to buy any supplies ("Mom, why can't Halloween be like Christmas?"). 

I had wanted to be Sadness from "Inside Out" for a few months and scored 2/4 items I needed from Savers and, the surprise of the century, Mark decided to jump on board as Anger and join me! We nailed it. Enzo LOVES Caillou, the rest of the world hates him so I couldn't think of a better, more scary/less committal costume. 

We visited Mary Ann and got to see Grandma Irene and then went trick or treating in lovely Fall weather around Mimi's neighborhood. The first door, Kingston says, "two pieces of candy down, 99 to go". It was the best night of his life- free candy for minimal effort. 

Book of Mormon in hand, protecting him from the evils of the Spirit Halloween store. 

School costumes. There were a few other Harley's but Mc was the only one that didn't need a wig. 

And every year, without fail, someone falls asleep on the way to Mary Ann's. 

Mimi's Halloween spread.