BUTTER

Forever Family

September 9, 2008 was Mom and Dad's 9 year anniversary, and we celebrated the best way we could think of. The boys looked like angels when they were brought into the sealing room. X was a little cherub at the altar where Grandma Lora held him. He looked quite at home in the temple: all white and sweet. And Oliver was a well-behaved little man as he sat on Shayna's lap. Brent's uncle Alan did an exceptionally beautiful job officiating the sealing. Heaven was tangible. Thanks to our dear family members and friends who joined us last Tuesday night in the Jordan River Temple for this special event. We took lots of photos afterward. We look a little wind-battered, but we feel very blessed.

My Favorite Place is Close to Brother

Six Month Check Up

X was six months old on August 21st. His check up was delayed because our pediatrician's wife had a baby on our original appointment date. But we got in to see the doctor on Wednesday, and here is our report: 18 pounds 11oz ( 77%) and 28 inches (93%). 100% cute. Lennox was very brave for his shots--he only cried briefly. He is sitting up well; and when he tips over, he scoots himself backwards on his tummy. He is endeavoring to give himself a concussion, we think. He bucks and squirms and throws himself around. He's a madman in the bath and always leaves the whole bathromm drenched. We can't believe how quickly he is growing and changing. By the way, on August 4th, Lex was the same age Oliver was when Oliver became Big Brother.

Finalization

We spent a special morning downtown at the courthouse on Thursday for X's adoption finalization. (Quite a feat to arrive within 20 minutes of our 8:00 am appointment. Oliver doesn't usually even get up until 10:00.) We were lucky to have Judge Robert Faust, son of the late President James E. Faust, preside. He was so cute with Lennox. I was about to pass X to Brent while I took the stand, but the judge said to bring him up. Lennox sat on Judge Faust's lap while I answered our attorney's questions. His Honor had a vast stash of teeny beanie babies behind the bench, and he gifted X a token giraffe. After the proceedings had ended, he let Oliver sit in his chair, chew his gavel, and choose a little plush toy, too. Brent helped Oli select a bear with the Union Jack on its chest. The judge, father of seven, mentioned that "Lennox" is a family name in his family. How do ya like that?

After court we headed to Little America for a hearty finalization breakfast. Thanks to our dedicated grandparents crew: Mimi and Pa, Grandma and Grandpa Morley, and Great-Grandma and Grandpa Stuker for their undying support. And special thanks go to Aunt Nicole, Uncle Ryan and cousins Jackson and Henry for getting up at the crack of dawn to join us from Eden, while they were in town (or nearer town) from Denver.

Lennox is our own squishy boy! But he always has been, thanks to Heather, his wonderful birthmother. Now we're looking forward to our temple sealing in a week or so.