Sydney's baptism

Sydney with Grandma Dee Dee and Aunt Shannon
Dad and Sydney

Sydney with Grandma Liz, Grandpa Jerry, Jill, and Ethan

Grandma Dee Dee, Aunt Shannon, Sydney, and Leah

Sydney and Ethan

Sydney was baptized on August 8, 2009 at noon in Chandler, Arizona. We were so excited to have some special visitors come to town for the big event. We had Grandma Liz and Grandpa Jerry, Grandma Dee Dee and Aunt Shannon, and Taylor and Sara Syphus and family (Ethan, Christian, Michael, and Luke). Sydney was very excited about being baptized, when she got out of the font she had a big smile on her face. I asked her how she felt and she said she was really happy. This was Christian's first opportunity to baptize someone. After the baptism and lunch, we went swimming. The kids had a great time together. The adults were really tired from staying up too late and watching movies.

We've had a great weekend and wish we could see our family more often!

Tessa comes for a visit

The girls loved having Tessa (Allison and Ted's baby girl of 51/2 mos.) come for a small visit. Jill kept saying that Tessa's hair smelled so good. Leah wanted to be the little mommy to her. She wanted to give her the pacifier, take her out of her car seat, give her big toys to play with, stuff the bottle in her mouth, etc. Sydney bragged to her friend that her Aunt Allison is a really good cook and makes the best chocolate cake (she's never said that about me). The girls were sad to see them go. We wish them the best in NC!

Sydney's GR8 Bday!!!

Anna and Sydney at Glitterbox, all beautified!
Jill, Sydney, and Anna at Polar Ice

Yes, those two front teeth are finally both in...

Leah gets her wish, too (as usual).

Sydney had a delightful birthday. First, her BFF Anna got to come over after school on Friday for a sleepover. I took the two girls to get their hair and nails done. They had a ball! Then we went and looked at the adorable doggies at the pet store (of course) and drank smoothies. Back at home, the girls along with the neighbors and Jill and her friend Daisy (and I can't forget Leah, too) all had a fashion show with music from Christian's ipod (he's always such a sport). The girls went to bed way too late and woke up way too early. The next morning Sydney opened her presents and played Wii -- Dance, Dance Revolution - Disney style and Hannah Montana -- World Tour. Leah probably had the most fun of anyone and now knows the lyrics to "Best of Both Worlds". Christian took the girls ice skating (Jill, Sydney, and Anna) and to McDonalds for lunch. We had cake and ice cream after dinner and we had to blow out the candles twice --once for Sydney and once, again, for Leah, who is sure its her birthday, too. Now, I am officially done with birthday parties until next year!

BTW...her most exciting present was her new cellphone (because Anna has one). Yes, I swore my kids would never have one. But, then I thought, this isn't the 80's, the times they are a changing. Her biggest surprise was getting a call from Uncle Brandt in Iraq, she thought that was pretty cool. She also loved to talking to her Grandparents and Aunt Shannon, too.