Matt's graduation

Matthew Charles,  I'm so proud of you for accomplishing this HUGE step toward your career! The past two years at SUU have been long at times, and definitely time consuming for you.  Not only were you putting so much of yourself into your school work, you were balancing working full time, serving in fairly demanding callings at church, AND we welcomed our favorite time consuming little past time right in the middle of one of your semesters. Jaden is so lucky to have you as a daddy, because no matter how busy you are there is always a little bit of time to wrestle and play. You've had to stretch yourself in brand new ways to fill all of the roles in front of you. You were a student, ambassador, first counselor, team leader, husband, father, CNA, provider, and now you're a graduate!! And a soon to be Critical Care Tech! (Hooray for getting into a new work environment! You are a sweetheart in the nursing homes, but I know this is going to be a much more interesting job for you!) Thanks for being such a hard worker, but especially for making our family your priority. We pretty much think you're the greatest!!  Love, Mom and Jaden. 

They asked anyone who had served the country to stand and be recognized when the swore in the graduates from SUU's ROTC. :)

The Keynote Speaker, Reverend France Davis

SUU's President, Scott Wyatt... who coincidentally was the President of Snow College when Matt graduated there with his Associates degree. :)

Mike C., Matt, and Jennifer

Matt and Grandma Wilde

He's kind of a hottie right? ;) 

Glimpse into the future? ;)

Mike G., Matt, and Vicki

Mike C., Matt and Jennifer again

Matt with his wonderful and supportive parents! :)

Left to Right: Mike G., Vicki, Matt H., Reed, Mallorie, Grandma Wilde, Matt, Jaden, Me, Jennifer, and Mike C.

Some great grandbaby bonding time at the Graduation dinner we did!

This is one of my very favorite pictures from the day. :) Cute moment between cousin Reed and Grandma Jen!

Grammie Marilyn, Matt, Me, Grandma Barton, and Grandpa Barton. :) Love these sweet people!

My dad, Mom, me, and Matt. :) 

This balloon saved the day for our grumpy little Jaden.

11 Months!!

Holy cow... is this even real life?? My baby will be one in a month. I'm in denial, just so you know. I just barely brought him home from the hospital.;)

Jaden boy, you are getting so big and fun! You never stop talking (or yelling) throughout the day. I wish that I had something to translate your jibberish into english, because I'm dying to know what all these stories are about. ;)
You still only have two little teeth. You've been working on a bunch more for what feels like forever, but they're stubborn and don't want to pop through yet!  You're walking all over the place even with shoes on! We've been loving the warmer days lately, I've been letting you walk down to the mail box with me. We take at least 20 minutes to get down there, because everyone else's door step looks so inviting. ;) All the rocks and leaves along the way look very delicious as well.
You are a lid kid. Everything that has a top or lid to it (or anything that seems like it should) is sooo inviting to you. You're such a little smartie pants, you've got it figured out! That seems like bad news for me though because you're getting pretty darn close to being able to open your snack containers...  You like to find the opened bag of marshmallows in the pantry every so often when I forget to close the door, and shove as many as you can in your mouth. Haha, I try so hard to be serious and tell you no, but it looks so comical that I just end up laughing every time. You're going to be a hard one to discipline. ;) I love you little man. Your daddy and I get so excited every day watching you learn and grow into this big personality. :) You're pretty awesome. 
(Since I didn't get the chance to take 11 month pictures like the rest of the months (ya know... diaper and giraffe....) I'm just going to throw in these gems from the farm earlier this month. :) )

I LOVE this smile. I love this boy. :)