Birthday party

Emma and Lizzie turned 23 and I think 21 this week.  Their family came down and surprised them at their birthday party at Grandma's house.  It makes me so happy to visit with these nieces.  They've both been through very difficult things, some very recent... some very much in the past.  They've both found very different husbands that fit them very well.  Lizzie got accepted to the nursing program and is working very hard towards her goal.  Emma is trying to prepare herself physically and mentally to be a mom.  I love them both dearly.  

They played pin the flower on the knight.  They had flower magnets that were thrown at Robert in his metal outfit.  I never would have thought of such a fun game and it was a blast!

Ada missed most of the party because of her game and trying to find her some cleats that morning.  Evelyn and Samuel B decided that they would voluntarily share their candy with Ada.  Evelyn's sweet heart never ceases to amaze me.  

Two of the four cousins this age.  Five if you count Millie, who's a year older. They're growing so fast.

Matthew is starting 9th grade next year.  I got to talk to him about some of the classes he gets to take.  He's looking forward to German and mostly to his engineering classes.  He is definitely an inventor at heart.

What get together wouldn't be complete without a long and complicated game?  They had fun and I'm glad they're good friends.  I'm so proud of both of these nephews too.  Jacob has tried for 4 years to be ready to be a full time missionary.  The only thing holding him back is something that is hard to control with his medication... but watching him prepare and become a young adult has made me very proud of him.  He's worked hard at some hard things.  Even if he doesn't get to be a full time missionary, he is 4 years better.  Robert is working hard at his job and on his health.  He's funny and is great for hugs.  I can't believe he's in 11th grade.

These three cuties were all about the legos this Saturday.  Seth, Samuel and Isabel.  Seth and Ellie are good buds.  Seth likes rough and tumble, but you'll always find Ellie trying to convince him that playing house with her is better... and he usually does go and have lots of fun.