Friends

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JUDE! by Ren Wightman

This past Saturday (April 2) was Jude's birthday. Our oldest is nine years old! We've always said that he is the heart beat of our family. I believe my wife said it best: "Jude threw us into the challenging world of parenthood. His imagination is still alive and well. He still fights 'bad guys' daily with the plot getting more developed everyday. He is a spirited, stubborn, hard headed, active and a smart boy. He is one of the most fun kids to be around, always up for doing something fun." 

Since Abbey's birthday is eight days away we decided to do a joint birthday activity but only celebrated Jude's birthday (if that makes sense?). We took Cooper, Jackson, Maliya and Marisa to Provo Beach Resort for a few hours. After that we had pizza, came home and opened presents and had cake. Provo Beach Resort was surprisingly empty, which we were happy about. Probably because it was Conference weekend. Jude and his buddies did laser tag twice, spent their $10 arcade cards in a record five minutes, and played in the giant playground. All in all all the boys and girls had fun. We are grateful for all the friends both Abbey and Jude have. We're also grateful for the grandparents, aunts and uncles who thought of Jude on his birthday. 

From left to right back row: Cooper, Jude, Marisa, Jackson. Front row: Abbey, Maliya.

From left to right back row: Cooper, Jude, Marisa, Jackson. Front row: Abbey, Maliya.

Enjoying the birthday present Jude received from his great Grandpa Willis and VR. 

Enjoying the birthday present Jude received from his great Grandpa Willis and VR. 

The day before Jude's birthday, Grandpa Willis and VR dropped off some birthday presents.

The day before Jude's birthday, Grandpa Willis and VR dropped off some birthday presents.

The obligatory goofy picture.

The obligatory goofy picture.

I didn't get a lot of pictures of the kids at Provo Beach Resort, but I did snap this beauty. 

I didn't get a lot of pictures of the kids at Provo Beach Resort, but I did snap this beauty. 

ABBEY AND MALIYA by Ren Wightman

Abbey has one of the best friends a little girl could ask for in Maliya. These two are inseparable! Maliya lives around the corner and is the same age as Abbey. Maliya's family situation is very similar to ours. She doesn't have any cousins her age and not a lot of family in the area. This allows for the two to be together a lot. Maliya is quick to bring Abbey a note if she's sick, they attend a dance class together and are also in the same first grade class. Today they got to spend some time together in the park. Maliya also had dinner with us. While my kids were refusing to eat the dinner we prepared (and eating PopTarts instead) Maliya enjoyed meat and potatoes. What a gal! We are so grateful for Maliya and the happiness she brings into Abbey's life.