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.

Rylee turns 10!

Sweet Rylee turned 10 years old on August 14. The item at the top of her list was a hamster - but unfortunately her mom and dad did not agree. Lost hamsters in the house are not her parents idea of fun. But she understood and settled for a karaoke machine instead. :) She also received lots of new clothes (really cute ones from her Grandma and Grandpa and Aunt Elida and Uncle Aaron), Hannah Montana pajamas, gift cards, and lots of fun stuff. Our sweet Rylee is growing up to be such a young woman. She is always so mindful of others and loves to be able to help anyone at any time. She loves animals, and you can always find her playing with her dogs, Tank and Dash. When she grows up, she wants to be a veterinarian. Right now at this time in her life, it is the perfect career for her. Rylee can hold her own with her brothers - she has learned from being in the middle of two boys that she has to be able to take care of herself. And sometimes if they have little spats - they are the ones who come out crying. She loves the color pink and we just finished decorating and painting her room in a really light shade of pink. Rylee keeps all of us on task - always reminding us what we need to do and what we haven't done (she is going to make a great wife and mother!) Thank you Rylee for being you - we love you and all that you are to us! You make our lives complete!

Hayden turns 14!

Hayden turned the big 14 on Tuesday - wow! Can't believe how time has flown - just seems like our blue eyed, blond and bald little baby just came into this world. What an incredible kid he has turned out to be - We are so proud of him and the choice he has made thus far in his life. He is a huge help to his mom and dad - and he is definitely his father's son! He looks like Jim, talks like Jim, and even walks like him! He has a love for cars just like his Dad - we have nicknamed him the "car whisperer". He can name any engine coming down the street and is almost as good as his dad at diagnosing car problems. He ceases to amaze us - how grateful we are to be able to call him our son - WE LOVE YOU HAYDEN!

We're tying our shoes!

A huge milestone has been reached in the Hyde household. At the ripe old age of 7, Evan has mastered the art of tying his shoes. It felt kind of like the whole toilet training process---when they are ready, they will just do it. So during Church last Sunday, I told Evan to take a shoe off and that we would practice tying his shoe. He was all for it. So after quite a few tries, he did it! Way to go, Evan!

Happy Mother's Day

What a great day! I was treated like a queen - The kids made a wonderful dinner, which included a spaghetti-like dish that was made out of ramen noodles and even seasoned with the enclosed packet! There was also fruit salad and a beautiful chocolate cake with sprinkles. It was a delicious meal. How lucky I am to be a Mom to such a wonderful family!