David, Molly, Annika, Benson: January

Thursday, February 19, 2015

January

Annika loves Primary! Most days she asks "how many days until Sunday?" She sits perfectly still during music and sharing time. She tries to sing the songs and keeps her eyes on whoever is talking in front. It's pretty impressive for a three year old. I have a feeling it will be a different experience with Benson. There are only two other sunbeams, Cole Baker and Dayna Flores. The first Sunday, Annika was the only sunbeam at church. It didn't see to bother her at all. Her teacher is Melissa Hahn. She loves the lessons and songs Melissa teaches them.

My handsome boys in their matching church outfits. (not on purpose)

Annika made this crown in Sunbeams and wanted to wear it to Walmart the next day. I hesitated a bit when she asked if she could wear it. But, what better way to share the Gospel than through a sweet and pure child. One man did ask us if she was a princess and I told him it says "I am a Child of God" and that she made it at church. Thanks for the missionary opportunity, Annika! :)

Benson will never come to a Primary presidency meeting with me again, if I can help it. David had basketball practice so I just brought some snacks and the Dupalos and thought they would do all right. Benson lasted 20 minutes (and that wasn't a very peaceful 20) before he discovered he could open the door and get out into the hall. I didn't hear much of the discussion after that. Annika kept tabs on him and would come in and tell me the crazy things he was doing. For example, "Mom! Benson is naked!" (he had pulled one arm out of his sleeve and was running down the hall) "Mom, Benson is climbing the ladder!" (what? He found a step ladder in the coat closet) "Mom! Benson has a shovel!" (I laughed when I came out into the hall and saw what is pictured above) Benson just wasn't meant to be contained. He has a need for freedom.

selfies with daddy

Annika has been really into stories lately. She loves to hear stories from David's mission, our childhood, her babyhood, made up stories about crazy things, etc. In the picture above, she sat on David's lap for 20 minutes listening to mission stories. She kept asking for more.

After story time, she went into the other room and fell asleep on the couch.

I sent this picture to Abby to model the Under Armor shirt we found at goodwill. It was super tight in the arms especially. We decided it must be a youth size medium. But it looks pretty good on my pregnant bod. :)

Annika got roller skates for Christmas. She doesn't use them too often. But, I'm hoping she gets some good indoor practice and is ready to roll in the great outdoors this spring.

I asked Benson if he wanted to be in a picture with Annika. He walked over and sat down right in front of her. I love that sweet and silly boy.

We call this mega comfort: two blankets, three binkies, and a bottle. He gathered these items on his own. He loves his binkies and his cotton gauze swaddle blankets from his newborn days.

selfie time

The day we found out Baby #3 is a girl!!! David and I both had been thinking it was a girl. We are happy we don't have to think of a boy name. We have been planning to name her Esther Pamala for awhile now.

It was finally "warm enough" to take a walk. And this girl is a picture posing queen.

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one of the few couple selfies we've ever taken

Annika and Benson both love to sit in the space between the couch and the black chair. She made a tent for herself.

another Christmas present. This donkey is from Papi. It's pretty cute and they both love it!

This boy is ALWAYS climbing. He pushes the chair around the kitchen to whatever counter space he sees something he wants. It drives me crazy. Annika never did this. He is a curious and ambitious little boy. Also, adorable.