Wednesday, January 26, 2022

"Hit Zack?" - Nick


 Nick has an incredible vocabulary for a 2 1/2 year old.  He also says some pretty funny things - and doesn't always pronounce things correctly.  For example he says "I want to fight Zack" like "I want to F Zack".  It makes the bigger kids laugh - so he does it more.

The other day all the kids were messing around with this large Mylar balloon.  Kallie grabbed it and had control of it when Nick approaches her.  Kallie tells Nick she will give it to him if he hits Andrew with it and not her.  With zero hesitation Nick turns around, walks over to Andrew and hits him - then returns to Kallie with a smile and his hand stretched out.  It was epic.

Friday, January 21, 2022

Sunrise

This place is beautiful.  It makes having to get Zack to the bus stop at 6:40am all worth it.



 

Tuesday, January 18, 2022

Goodbye Elder Ericksen

I can't believe it's actually time to say goodbye to Ethan!  He did the MTC at home (COVID new standard) and was set to go to the Chile mission, but was just reassigned to the Ventura, CA spanish speaking mission!  He leaves on Wednesday so we went up to say goodbye and enjoy Ethan's favorite meal and dessert.  We are going to miss him, but are so excited to watch his adventure!  He will do such great things!

  

Nick was really, Really, REALLY happy to see Chris's family again!




 

Sunday, January 16, 2022

Nick's new accessories


This just needed a permanent place on our blog.

 

Senior Swim Night

Ben has loved being on the swim team.  It is hard work, long practices, long meets, and lots of time - but he has really grown.  The other night he had senior night where they recognized the seniors and had a special ceremony for them.  Unfortunately Christopher had to work late that night and I wasn't aware I would actually have to walk with him in the ceremony so I was covered in spit up, hadn't showered yet, and looked homeless.  Thankfully I was able to rope Taryn into walking with us.  I'm so proud of him and how hard he has worked!  I hate that this is his senior year.  I'm not ready!



 

Monday, January 10, 2022

Xander - 5 month weight check


Because of Xander's scary weight at his 4 month check (45% down to 7%), we took him back to the doctor for a weight check to make sure he was gaining.  It was perfect timing since we had just gotten home from Utah and I wanted her to check his ears from flying.  I thought he'd be find to be honest, but NOPE!  Double ear infection!  I asked her how I was supposed to know...he is always so happy and hasn't rubbed his ears or been upset!  This kid is always so happy and good natured!

I was thrilled when his weight came in at 15 lbs 7 oz (25%)!  This kid was more than ready for solids!

 

Saturday, January 8, 2022

Xander's Blessing

Honestly I didn't think this was going to happen.  At first we had a hard time getting the two bishops to chat, then we couldn't find a date/time that worked with most, then people got covid and we would be leaving Utah before we could have them retested....and so on.  Thankfully there was a massive snow storm in the east and our flight was canceled four time - which, great for us, we were able to make the blessing work last minute!  I was absolutely thrilled.  Bonus?  We got to have family there with us!  Papa, Grandma, Amy, Megan, Shelley and kids came to support us.  Xander was blessed by Christopher, Papa, and the Alpine bishopric member Bro. Zippy.  Christopher, as always, gave Xander a beautiful blessing where he spoke lots about his name and the symbolism of it.









Grandma does it again.  This incredible lady made Xander's blessing outfit in just a day or two.  I don't know how she does everything she does!  I'm convinced she never sleeps.  How special that his outfit was made by his Grandma!

Xander Bankz Baby Blessing

January 8, 2022

Our dear Father in Heaven, we lay our hands upon this baby today to give him a name and a blessing.  And the name that he will be known on the records of the church and throughout his life is Xander Bankz Erickson.

Xander, you come into this world with a great legacy on you already.  With a great example of grandparents, and great grandparents, parents, sibling, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Who love you and have shown you so much love and attention in your life.  And all of that is very much indicated by your name.  For your name means to be a protector of the people.  And your middle name is made from the first initials of all your siblings.  

We bless you that you will be very close to your siblings.  That not only will you be a protector to them, but that they will also be a protector of you in this life.  To bind our family together.  For you are the last child in this family.  The binding glue and the cap stone.  And you have completed us. 

And so we bless you that you will also have the pow3r to bring completion to the life of others as you influence and interact with them.  That you might be inspired by the Spirit to help those around you find peace and closure in their lives.  That they might look to you to feel the spirit to feel calmness and get guidance and that you might be inspired in those moments to give the proper counsel. 

And to throughout your life to bind people together so that they might be protected, for when people come together in a group and work together for a common purpose that is the greatest protection they can have.  We bless you that the happiness and contentment and the joy that you have existed throughout your early months might also be a defining personality trait throughout your life. That you might find happiness and joy in all situations that even in your darkest moments you might be able to see both sides.  And to find hope and happiness and then to also share that happiness.

We bless you to bring peace and happiness to your mother and to your father and also all your siblings and that you might draw such from them also.


 

Thursday, January 6, 2022

Xander's First Tooth!

 Mr. Xander got his first tooth while we were in Utah on January 6th!  Is there anything cuter than a little tooth popping out on a baby?!  Tooth #2 looks to be just around the corner!