New Pics and Video...keep reading!!!

This one wouldn't go on that post so here you go!!! Look at Rae's form...haha. She was awesome. She would wait for me to tell her and she would skoot her skis until they started going. So much fun!!!

Raegan Lee...our little skibunny!!!

Today was a day I would describe as AWESOME. Scott and I were able to take Raegan and Austin up to Sundance for their first ski day. It was a blast and they were unbelievable. Snow was falling all day. We hauled up there all loaded up in the Civic and parked front and center in a loading spot since my car wouldn't make it to the upper lot. Sundance has a rope pull that's free for anyone. Raegan and Austin were troopers. We went up the hill about 5 or 6 times. Both did a great job considering they were both skiing on skis that were two sizes to big for them and no ropes to hold them together. (We didn't get to the ski rental till about noon and they were out of small skis and those rope things.)



Above is Austin and Raegan getting sized up for their day on the hill. Shout out to Outdoors Unlimited at BYU for their 10$ ski/boot rental. What a deal!!!

Raegan and Austin at the end of the day. I did these last two photos in reverse order.

Raegan ready to ski!!!! I was amazed at how well she took everything and she wanted to do a bunch of it alone. I would go down the hill a little and have her ski to me. As you can see in the video, she enjoyed pointing her tips downhill and taking off. Listen to me yelling "Stop" even though she really has no idea how to. Please don't critique my coaching skills. I pretty much listened to the Sundance Ski instructors who were teaching other kids. Thanks Scott for a fun day.

Little Evan

This little kid had a wonderful Christmas (as did all of us!!!) and can sit by his railroad track all day long. I think the best part about Evan's Holiday season was the time he was able to spend with relatives on both sides of the family. He kept everyone laughing and had 3 nights in a row going to bed around midnight. This is a funny picture taken when we ate In n' Out. He was begging for his milkshake but we told him he couldn't have it until he ate his food. The picture says it all. He pushed his fries off his plate and said "I finished my fries, can I have my milkshake." We look over and see what he did and can't help but laugh our head off and give in to his request. Could any of you tell that face No? Didn't think so. We thoroughly enjoyed that moment as did Raegan.

Rae and Evan

Really just trying to see if I can upload video on here. Raegan and Evan gave us a little Sunday evening concert. Sorry about the poor picture quality. It's from my cell phone.

Raegan and Mayci

Raegan came down from her nap this afternoon and couldn't resist a little more snuggling with Mayci.

2 weeks old!!!

A few things happen anytime I walk past this little cutey...I am humbled when I think of the Lord's goodness...I just have to give her a kiss...I have to take another picture. :)

Pictures speak a thousand words...

Here is The Miracle....

and here are the faces of those who witnessed the miracle...

*big sister...instant love*

*big brother...'whoa, look at all that snow' :) *


*mom...look of unbelief...she is finally in my arms*


*dad...words can't describe*
*mom...watching dad's instant love wash over his face*


*does his face make you cry? makes me*

*proud parents...nothing better to share with the one you love*

*stop it Shawn, you're killing me*

*grandpa...looking on in the distance with a big smile*

*i love you*

*aunt becca...what a tender spirit you bring*

*grandma...unconditional love and pure joy*

*dad...trying your hardest to keep it together*

I will post some of Mayci from the hospital, but when I got these pictures from Rachel, these are the ones that really hit my heart. To see the unconditional love for our precious angel in the faces of those I love so much, tears just flowed from my eyes. I was so focused on my most special gift from God, that I wasn't able to see the others around me.

Shawn's tear-filled eyes and look of overwhelming emotion on his face makes me cry now. To share this moment with him and every one else who was there made this experience heavenly. The veil feels so thin, as if our Heavenly Father personally hands over His most precious creation right into my arms. The feeling is undescribable, and it makes me understand the difficult decision that everyone has to make....when you have to move on to the next phase of life...no more babies.

I'm grateful that transition is long in the distance because I will mourn when it comes my time to make that decision... so for now, I will hold on to, remember, and cherish that special day, one week ago. Each time I hold Mayci and stare at all her beautiful features...from the curves of her ears to the wrinkles in her forehead to her tiny little fingers and toes...the spirit that was alive and real in that small hospital room comes flooding back to fill my heart and home. This is what I will hold on to, cherish, and remember forever.

Thank you to everyone who was a part of this experience...you only made it more special...if thats possible:) I already can't wait for next time...sounds crazy...but it's true!

PS Rachel...thank you so much for capturing an unforgettable sight. And also a special thanks to Jamie and Jake for being there to care for my other little ones. I love you all!

Beautiful

What is beautiful? Well, right now, many things are beautiful to me, but the woman on my right hand up above is beautiful...in every meaning of the word. Mom...what you have done for me this past week is...I really don't have the words. You left today, and I was in tears. Tears of gratitude. And with the quiet that surrounds me now, I have been thinking of you.

What dad said the other day when they came down for dinner is right on...you are one of a kind. You are and always have been one of the most selfless persons I know. What you have done for me I only pray I can do for my children. You cooked, cleaned, laundered, dusted, vacuumed, and most importantly entertained. Evan woke from his nap asking where you were, and I have yet to tell him you have gone home. I keep telling him we will see you soon.

You are beautiful. I say that with tears welling in my eyes and swelling in my heart. Even though you have a 'potty mouth', I love everything about you and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all that you are.

I love you mom.

Quick Update

Mayci had her first Dr. visit. She has gained an ounce which surprised the Doctor a little. She has also grown a little more than an inch. We love having her around the house.

Didn't want to leave out Evan. He is now a little more than 2 1/2 years old. He is getting a little attitude which is sort of funny. He went and saw Santa but wouldn't sit on his lap for the picture. Now Raegan likes to take pictures of him telling him to "Sit with Santa." So included in this post is a picture Rae took of Evan sitting on a chair.

Best Friends

As you can see, Rae cannot keep her hands and lips off of Mayci. Rae is loving every minute of this experience. Mayci was sound asleep this afternoon when suddenly she started to cry. I walked in there to see Rae trying as hard as she could to put a beanie on little Mayci's bald head. As for Evan...he's just walking around the house singing "I don't know why she swallowed a fly, I hope she dies." (not in reference to Mayci) Basically he's oblivious to our new addition.

Mayci Jo Olmstead

Our sweet little angel now has a name. Mayci Jo Olmstead. Mayci and Farrah are now home and doing great. Here are a couple of pictures I took of her in her car seat when they got home.

Wonderful New Miracle

There are certain days in our lives that we will always remember. Today was one of those special few. I don't think there are words to describe the feelings, thoughts and spirit present at the birth of a child. Truly Amazing!! Farrah and I were startled awake at 5:30am and asked to report to the Hospital by 6:15. The roads were very bad and so we arrived a little late. Things were done quickly to get Farrah situated. She had a wonderful nurse and our Doctors are studs!!! Baby came with no problems and quite fast. Typical Dad...yes I forgot the camera. Below are a few cell phone shots. I will post others when I have a chance. She weighed 6.7 and measured 18 inches. My first look at her I saw Raegan and of course tears flooded my eyes. She is BEAUTIFUL...just like her mother. She does not have a name right now. Rylee, Maycee, Gabrielle, Gabbi, Jayden...any suggestions??? We are truly blessed to have shared this sacred day with loved ones. Thanks to everyone that was there and came and said hello. Farrah will be in the hospital tomorrow and may come home tomorrow night but if you have a chance, stop in and say hello.

I LOVE MY KIDS

Last night went something like this....

Evan: What are you eating Dad?
Dad: Carrots. What are you eating Evan?
Evan: Pirate Boobies...

10 minutes later. Evan catches Raegan trying to steal a snack from him. "Raegan, stop taking my boobies..." (it's a rice/corn snack from Costco called Pirate Booty)

We are excited for number three on Sunday. :)