Priesthood Ordination for Batman

Look at this boy.  Isn't he so handsome with his hair all nice and combed?  Just for the record, he hates his hair combed this way, but he was a good sport and let his mom have her way on this one Sunday.  It was a special day, so his momma wanted him to look sharp.  

In our church, twelve is a special birthday.  For the boys it means that they get to receive the Aaronic Priesthood.  A couple of weeks after Colson turned twelve, he had the Aaronic Priesthood conferred upon him, and was ordained to the office of Deacon.

Funny story about Colson's special day… Before the ordination took place, Colson had an interview with our bishop.  After the interview, our bishop asked Colson what name he would like to be called by when he would call him up to the pulpit in sacrament meeting.  Without missing a beat, Colson replied, "Batman".

Batman?

What the bishop meant was if Colson had a nickname he would rather be called by.  The only nickname he has ever really had, besides Bubba when he was a baby, was the nickname Ownie, given to Colson by his little sister, Vivian, when she was just learning to talk.  We have never called him Batman though, so I'm not quite sure where that came from.  Colson is always full of surprises! :D

So the bishop didn't end up calling him "Batman", but while he waited for Colson to walk up to the pulpit, he did tell the Batman story to the congregation.  After that, Colson did have the nickname of Batman.  For the rest of church anyway.  That boy cracks me up!

After church, my mom and brother and Trent’s mom and dad met us at our bishop’s office, where Trent ordained Colson to the priesthood. It was such a special moment. Colson was all smiles. We love him so much and are so grateful for the wonderful young man he has become.   

Kindergarten Program

I absolutely love the end of year Kindergarten program!  It is the cutest thing ever.  And these pictures are the only thing I have to show for it.  I thought I was videoing the whole time, only to find out at the end that my phone was still set to camera and not video.  I still feel sick about it!  But at least I have these pictures of my darling boy.

 I don't remember all of the songs they sang, but I do remember getting teary thinking of how much my sweet boy had grown over the course of the year.  Oh boy, it was all I could do to not bawl like a baby!  I have a way harder time when my kids finish Kindergarten than when they start.

Preston and Mrs. Winkler.  She is the most wonderful Kindergarten teacher ever!

Mother's Day Fun

We celebrated Mother's Day a day early this year since Trent had to leave for the airport at noon on the actual day.  We got together with the grandparents and uncles for a BBQ at mom and dad Stock's.  After some yummy food, we walked up to the park for some outdoor fun.  Pre warning, I went a little overboard on the picture taking.  I think I wanted to get as many pics as possible since I knew we wouldn't have very many family get togethers once we moved.  Anyway, here are some of my favorites.

It looks like gramps is trying to teach Colson how to fly!

These guys and their Cokes.

Swing wars!

Our little hissy-fit baby. ;)  Her daddy was only trying to keep her from falling and breaking her neck.  I know, so mean!

We can't help but make fun of her a little bit when she gets going.  Such good parenting, I know.  We gotta get our kicks in when we can!

I love this man, fat face pose and all.

All the mommas.

Throwing rocks.

I love the bluer than blue Colorado sky.  But not as much as I love this kid!

Buds, mastering the monkey bars.

These two are best friends.  Jillian thinks grandma Guercio is her own personal person.

Buds and grampy tossing the ball back and forth.

Trent tried his darnedest to get Dustin to smile for the camera.  All to no avail.

They're still friends.  ;)  I see a photobomber!  That Trenton is one sneaky dude.

Oh boy, I love this girl!

Best buddies.  Colson is ever so good to his little sis.

Trenton, trying his hardest to outweigh Dustin on the teeter totter.  Not going to happen bud!

And this girl.  Get her in a swing, and life is oh, so good.

Look at that smile!  She gets really, really giggly in the swing.  Oh how I love that laugh of hers.  Best. Sound. Ever!!!  I wish I could bottle it.

Lovebirds.

Gramps, always a kid at heart.  But that's why he's so much fun!

Finally, Dustin is more evenly matched.  :)

More tears.  She was so disappointed to be leaving the playground after only getting to play for almost two hours.  Why are her parents so mean?! ;)

I am so grateful for the many wonderful times we were able to spend all together as a family while we lived in Colorado.  I can definitely say that we don't have any regrets that way.  All of us were able, and always willing, to take time for each other and make memories together.