Our Little Man is growing up!

Since Evan turned eight, he has taken on this new sense of "grown-up"-ness. At age eight, he became eligible to join cub scouts. He absolutely loves it and enjoys learning new things. He had to build a birdhouse and I included some pictures of him building a birdhouse with Dad - I couldn't resist the picture taking opportunity. He also loves helping me in the kitchen - as you can see, he loves making sure the bowl is clean!

Evan's Baptism Day

Evan was baptized on December 6. 2008 by his Dad. Evan was so excited to be baptized - I don't think he was able to sleep the night before! Evan shared his day with one of his friends from his Primary class, Gabrielle Zelaya. We are so proud of you Evan and the choice you have made to be baptized!

Hayden receives his Eagle Scout Award

On November 23, 2008, there was an Eagle Court of Honor held for Hayden. He received his Eagle Scout Award. He worked so hard for it - he earned over 33 merit badges and helped improve the safety of a school parking lot and plant trees for the school. He headed up the whole project and learned all about organizing an activity and being a leader and learning to delegate different responsibilities. We are so proud of him. He had so many people help him along the way(especially Steve Daniels - Thanks Steve!) - how proud we are of him! Way to go Hayden!

Evan turns 8!

Well, the youngest in our family and the last birthday of the year was finally celebrated - Evan has always had the hardest time waiting for his birthday! It is so painful for him - especially when his older brothers and sister have their birthdays all within 4 weeks of each other - and then he is expected to wait for two months before celebrating his! Evan is definitely the sensitive one in our family - he has such a tender spirit - he eyes can just fill with tears so easily - and he is so lovable - he is always willing to give you a hug whenever you need it! All he wanted for his birthday was a new skateboard - we took him to the mall where he was able to pick out what he wanted - he was in heaven! Grandma and Grandpa bought him a new "element" hat which he can't seem to take off - he just loves it. We can't imagine our family without this little guy! He certainly makes us feel complete!

Koen turns 12!

Even though I am a little late in getting this piece of family news on our blog, Koen's birthday was a milestone in his life and ours. On Koen's birthday, he received the Aaronic Priesthood and was ordained to the office of a Deacon. We are so proud of him and his willingness to take on this sacred responsibility. To describe Koen in a few words is like asking someone to put an elephant in a paper cup. It can't be done - this kid is one of a kind. When he enters a room, you KNOW it. When he opens his mouth, you KNOW it. We know that each child is given their own unique personality and talents, and Koen has many things to say and share. Koen has such a love for life, he loves people, he loves to learn, he asks lots of questions, and he is sensitive to the needs of those around him. I can't imagine our family without him - he makes us laugh, he makes us question the job we are doing, and most of all he brings a HUGE smile to our face. We love him more than he'll ever understand or know.

First Day of School

Hard to believe, but with the starting of school a new chapter has begun in the Hyde Household. Hayden is a Freshman this year, Koen is starting seventh grade, Rylee is in fifth and Evan is a big second grader. My once "little" toddlers are growing up - it really just seems like yesterday that we moved to Heber and Hayden started third grade and Koen started first grade. It really does go so fast - I am trying to cherish every moment, the things they say and especially the things they do. They are my greatest treasures!

Summer Fun!

The one thing that we love to do as a family is to go boating - we live within 15 minutes of three lakes and know that we are blessed to be so close! Our boat allows us the time to be together and to also enjoy it with family and friends - Everyone no matter what age has a great time! We have a huge three person tube, kneeboard and wakeboard to play hard with - the favorite has been the tube - and Hayden is working hard to master the wakeboard and ski slalom.