Tristan Turns 5

The kids all made animal ears to wear.



After learning of my pregnancy, the kids became pregnant with stuffed animals.



And, after short labors, delivered them. Unfortunately, I miscarried and had to have a D&C at 13 weeks. (I'm glad they didn't act that out.) I was a bit discouraged, but the kids took the news harder. Jocelynne cried. Chloe, upon learning that the baby wasn't healthy enough to survive, begged me to eat more salads. We've since discussed the plan of salvation and explained that the baby is just waiting for a better body. We're all at peace and the kids have a better understanding of life, death, and God's tender mercies.



The "Brownies."



The "Blondies." They are all sharing the same bed, by the way, with two at each end and their feet a jumble in the middle.



Joss and Chloe at a Mardis Gras parade. Mardis Gras is a big deal here, with the schools and university getting 3 days off. When people ask me if I observe lent, I give Landon's standard answer: "I'm a Mormon -- it's like every day is lent."



Tristan and me at his birthday party celebration. 5 years old! He's thrilled to start kindergarten, which he calls "big school," in the fall. When I asked him not to leave me because I'll miss him too much, he replied, "Mom, I'm going to leave you. You can look at my picture all day if you miss me."



I built him a cake. :)



Chloe, the ham, with Logan, who just wants to be eating his cake.



Landon with his boys.

It looks like we've finally bridged the learning gap that was created by our 2 years in Costa Rica (Chloe didn't attend kindergarten and Joss skipped most of 2nd grade). They both earned all As and Bs on their last report cards and are above their grade level for reading. Yay! Now we can focus on conquering the beastly common core math.