Here Comes Trouble!

Look who is here for a visit!

Jeffrey and Atlas, together at last! Watch out, in a few years, these little guys will be quite the handful!

 All of us at the park this afternoon.

 Atlas thought it was very entertaining to see Jeffrey on the floor...  

 I think I've said the word "cute" a thousand times in the past 4 hours. Can you see why? :)

Double Baby Blessing Day: Eden & Jeffrey

The morning of July 7th, Eden Catherine was blessed. That afternoon, we blessed Jeffrey West at our house. Grandma and Grandpa traveled from Illinois to be with our families for this special time. Here are some of the pics from my camera. 

Tom gave a beautiful blessing to Jeffrey. When he gets home from his trip I'll have to share the blessing with you.

 Kirk (holding Louisa), Dad, our bishopric rep & friendly neighbor, Larry, our newly baptized home teacher, Cory, Jeffrey & Tom, our old school home teacher, Bob, Don (Tom's dad) and brother-in-law.

 Our littlest man with his natural faux hawk. He has Tom's cowlick (just like Laura, too).

 The ladies. My photo of baby Eden and baby Jeffrey didn't turn out - if you have one on your camera, please share it with me! These babies are sure cute!

4th of July with the Pearsons

Just a glimpse of how "big" Jeffrey is now. 

Handsome Tom at Ape Caves

Jeffrey with his cousin, Sarah

 4th of July with Allison and Hannah's families, Grandma Ann & Grandpa Don

Laura and Annie on the teeter totter on July 4th

Laura can now hold Jeffrey by herself...on the couch...for 2 minutes.  

Outside playing games with the cousins 

Jared and Tom 

Laura, Kathryn, Karen, Ann, Marianne and little Becca

Birthdays (sort of!)

Yesterday we celebrated America's birthday. 

Today we celebrated Tom's 34th birthday. 

Here are pictures of Laura's 1/2 birthday party. Her theme: "The Incredibles!" 

We started out taking turns bench pressing trains (like Mr. Incredible does in the film)...

Then went out back and ran as fast as we could (like Dash-Dash does in the film)...

Running fast is one of Laura's favorite things to do. She is serious about it. Just look at her expression!

The "Super Seamstress" (which turned into a team effort with Ann, Laura and Fifi) made masks and capes for all the kids!

Super Laura blowing out her birthday cake candles.  

Baby Jack-Jack Jeffrey got in on the fun for a minute or two. 

Happy Father's Day

to all our excellent dads, brothers & brothers-in-law. 

We love you very much!

-------

"I heard it's Father's Day," little Jeffrey said. He looked up at Kathryn and asked, "What is so great about YOUR dad?"

 "Well...he is a great protector..."

"Kind of like this?" Asked Jared. 

"Sort of..."

 "He had many identities, almost like a superhero. He worked and served and supported us in our life decisions..."

"Kind of like this?" Asked Laura.

"Sort of..."

 "He has many traits that have been passed along to his kids and grandkids."

"He is there for our special days," says Laura, "and he makes me laugh!"

 "He is fun to be around," says Jared. "I remember him calling me a little beast."

"Ah, I understand," said Jeffrey. "I hope Grandpa gets to take a little nap today - just like me!"

Another Jeffrey picture

Another sneak preview of Jeffrey at 10 days old.

 

Little Jeffrey 10 Days Old

Jeffrey West

 Born 5/18/13 - Mount St. Helens Day

7 pounds 14 ounces

20 inches long

 

Siblings meeting each other for the first time on May 18th, a few hours after Jeffrey was born.



I loved this shot because Laura looks a little shell-shocked. :)

Tom and Jeffrey.

Hanging out in the recovery room together.

 Dancing on the floor.

 Little bird legs!

 Tiny little ears!

 This is what he looks like in his carseat.

 Grandma Stephanie - doing double-duty with our family and Kirk's family this week.

 Jeffrey and his cousin, Becca, who is about 18 months old.

 His favorite sleeping spot - his dad's chest.

 Handsome little man after his first bath at home.

 Squishy face!

 This is what we see a lot of during the day...not so much in the early hours of the morning.

 Kathryn and baby.

Happy Mother's Day!

Mom, we are so grateful for you. Here is something to enjoy when you have a moment!

One of the things we did today was attend the Spring Piano Recital where both Emily and Laura played the piano. Sadly, I didn't get Emily's on video (I was sitting off to the side) - she played really well! Maybe Kirk got it on his phone. I recorded Laura's performance (I awkwardly used my laptop because it's our best "video camera" right now) and hope you enjoy a flashback to the beginnings of my piano days...

Happy birthday, Kayden!