Torin gets baptized!

Torin was baptized!

Jacob has been talking about this date for years - after figuring out that he would be old enough to perform Torin's baptism. They have such a close friendship - Torin looks up to his older brother, and Jacob builds up Torin and loves to be with him. It was one of the happiest moments we have experienced as parents as Jacob and Torin stood in the font together as Torin chose to make baptismal covenants.

We had some special guests - John, Vicki, and Bentley, and, of course, Nana and Papa.

Sarah's mother, Beth, and Jared's friend Crystal from Dayton, and Torin's friend Brady and his dad Brandon came too.

Torin is a sweet boy that is sincere and loving. He is kind to others. He loves being with his family and is quick with a hug. He snuggles in close. He loves to do all the things with the family.

The outtakes were pretty classic!

We were so happy for Torin! What a proud day for him and for our family.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TORIN!

Happy 8th birthday to Torin! It's hard to believe our littlest is 8!

Torin celebrated with burgers and hot dogs, and we had George, Tracey ,and Ava over for ice cream cake.

One of my favorite parts of holidays is that all of the kids love giving each other gifts. After every gift, Torin went around giving hugs. Hugs for everyone!

The celebration will continue next weekend - we're excited for his upcoming baptism!

Getting summer started right

LAST DAY OF SCHOOL!!! Next year, Kate and Liam will be in a brand new Edwin H Greene School in 5th grade, and Torin will be in 2nd grade.

Even Jacob and Claire got to leave while the sun was out since seminary is closed.

Summer brings out summer activities. We enjoy biking to Walker Bros Ice Cream.

Jared' work got us great tickets to a Reds game - right behind the Reds dugout!

We got the boat out and took trips out to the summer. It's always fun - we had to pick and choose our spots since we had a number of available days that had a high enough chance of rain that we decided not to go, but we got a few trips in.

An apparently very bright day trip to Kings Island

where the MEN got to ride the BEAST (including Torin!)

and Torin got to ride the helicopters while Jared took Kate and Liam on Orion (Torin isn't tall enough to ride). Orion is Kings Island's new 300 foot tall ride - and it is awesome!!!

I can't remember what we're doing in this picture, but doesn't Dani look happy just to be with Jared?

Morning paddles at Winton Woods are one thing Jared lives for! Jared comes home super happy after ever time paddling.

 

Another driver!

We have another driver in the house as Claire passed her driving test!!! And then she asked Dani to drive home from the DMV. 

We're proud of her and excited that she has her license.

Crop Division doings

2021 was a great year for the Crop division! We had a great planting season, strong growing season, and very good harvest, and at the end of the year, after record-setting profits, the Crop Division was awarded the President's Cup for the division of the year at AFG.

This year, our managers meeting was at Hilton Head South Carolina. 

The hotel was right on the beach, which meant beach runs for Jared.

We went golfing a couple times,

and Jared led a group going paddle boarding.

In the harbor on the way back, we saw a manatee! Jared was so excited, especially after not seeing one in Florida.

Also very fun - the personal-sized Tabasco bottles at breakfast!

Spring time

We spent one Saturday morning at Bear Creek camp building a platform. It was good working with the Pratts, Dauns, and others from the ward.

Near the end, we let Liam use the reciprocating saw. He was pretty excited (he was definitely NOT excited most of the earlier day!). Dave narrowly averted disaster!

I love Torin's spelling! "Chrofe" = "Trophy"

Papa joined Jared and the younger boys for some reading time. Torin is doing a great job learning to read!

Dani joined Liam's class for a field trip to Pipkins.

Spring time is hammock season! It is so nice laying the hammock reading or just relaxing.

 

Kate especially loves the hammock. 

Liam continues to play well on the cello. We love hearing him play. He has so much potential.

Dani and I had a date night to a hot pot restaurant in Sharonville. We weren't sure what we were eating the whole time, but it was pretty tasty - and spicy!

The wings made for a very cool picture!

WE are happy to be back in the school not being required to wear masks for concerts!

Spring is also the time we can get outside for date nights. We didn't do much biking in 2022, and when we did, it was often close to the house. But it is always fun to get outside!

and finally... the pool is officially open!!! YAY!!!