Logan's Guitar

Logan is still enjoying the guitar he got for Christmas. He watches videos and teaches himself songs. I really enjoy listening to him play! One of our best Christmas purchases, for sure!

Hair

Ali's been asking me to braid her hair at night...

...so in the morning it looks like this!

Jake's Baptism

On April 22, 2023 Jake was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was a happy day, with lots of family and friends who came to support him.

My cousin Michelle was sick, but she sent Lindsay and Liam to represent the family.

Jake's friend William was baptized at the same time, which was really fun!

So proud of our Jake!

Family in Town

We had all three grandparents come into town for Jake's baptism. They were each here for about a week, and were able to pack a lot of fun into those days!

Sunday dinner with everyone.

Portillos, of course.

Since our visitors were mainly here during the week, we let the kids skip a day of school if they wanted to. Ali and Logan had too much going on, but Jake and Eli enjoyed going to the Riverwalk and the bookstore with me and Grandma Quillen.

We also had my dad take family pictures at Cantigny. We had less than an hour with everyone there, but we managed to get several spots of the whole family as well as individual pictures of Ali and Logan before they had to rush off. The rest of us took our time, and then explored a bit. 

Time always goes too fast, but we were so grateful for their visit!

Choir Concert

Eli's choir had a fun concert with local 5th graders to help get them excited for Junior High choir. It was short and sweet, and we were able to finally get a shot of Eli's two choir friends (the three of them are the only boys in his choir). 

Permits!

We have two permitted drivers in the house! Here they are in front of the car that will be theirs once they have their licenses- the same car in which we brought them home from the hospital!

Happy Birthday

Happy birthday to the most amazing 8 year old!! Jake has been planning his party since December 25th in the afternoon! It was fun to make all his dreams come true. Ali and Logan were out of town for youth conference, but Eli spent a lot of the days leading up to the party helping to get things ready. It was a Bad Guys themed party, so Eli drew pictures of all the characters, and helped to decorate the basement with them. He also dressed up and acted the part of a bouncer at the doorway of the party (which in turn confused, delighted, or scared Jake's guests).

Jake's friends (or rather, their moms) hit the gift-giving out of the park, so between the perfect gifts and 15 friends coming to celebrate, Jake had a fantastic day. We certainly count ourselves lucky to have such a smart, creative, and funny eight year old in Jake. 

Youth Conference

Our Stake made the genius choice to hold youth conference now instead of the summer and took the kids to Nauvoo. Weather in the 60s instead of the 90s and no crowds? Yes, please! The leaders did an amazing job, and the kids had a great time.

Outside

It's finally getting warm enough to spend some time outside, and we're loving it. And yes, Jake is randomly wearing his hot dog costume in April.