The Halloween of ninjas & cats

Linder Farms 2013

 

School pictures 2013

Very typical photos of both of them at this age-- Ben always tries his hardest to not smile for the camera, and Travis hams it up!

No accident

On the 4-year anniversary of Ryan's death, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland spoke:

I testify of the holy Resurrection, that unspeakable cornerstone gift in the Atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ! With the Apostle Paul, I testify that that which was sown in corruption will one day be raised in incorruption and that which was sown in weakness will ultimately be raised in power. I bear witness of that day when loved ones whom we knew to have disabilities in mortality will stand before us glorified and grand, breathtakingly perfect in body and mind. What a thrilling moment that will be! I do not know whether we will be happier for ourselves that we have witnessed such a miracle or happier for them that they are fully perfect and finally "free at last." Until that hour when Christ’s consummate gift is evident to us all, may we live by faith, hold fast to hope, and show "compassion one of another..."

(Full talk here:  http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/10/like-a-broken-vessel?lang=eng)

I love and miss you every day, big brother.

"Parents"

by Benjamin, age 7

Parents are special in many different ways.

They clean up all the days.

I [wish] they didn't make me go to school.

But I have to go to learn the rule.

If I didn't have to go that would be fun.

Do not just sit there, there's homework to be done!

Why do I have to? Is it Saturday yet?

You don't have to if you go to the vet!

What about lunch and recess? I thought [you] liked them.

You can have a snack when you get home.

And give the dog a bone.

Sometimes I bump my head!

When I go to bed!

On a rainy September afternoon

 An indoor beach picnic turned into a crazy face contest.

Things can get weird when the boys are at school and work.

11 years!

Scott and I celebrated our eleventh anniversary on August 17th. Eleven years! It feels like yesterday that our super young selves tied the knot.

Seriously, look at us. We were babies.

(Thanks again for the pictures, Char!)

For our #11, Janine-- the most amazing mother-in-law ever-- watched the kids all day. We went mini golfing, enjoyed a sushi lunch, crashed on a picnic blanket in the shade for a few hours, caught a movie, walked around town, and stuffed ourselves thoroughly on steak. Knowing that our lives would be getting rigidly scheduled over the next couple of weeks, we soaked up that day of unstructured relaxation. It was perfect.