Where in the World Are the Hamiltons Going to Next?

So we took lots of photos of the family and luckily we got several in which we are all looking. This one has almost all looking...But we are all looking ahead now to our new place of residence...

So we are on the move again. This time headed south...way south.

Right there in the middle of Chile - Santiago. We head down in the beginning of November. So we have three months of craziness (and a whole lot of Rosetta Stone hopefully before we head down).

Sweet and Sour

My boys have been asking for months to do a Lemonade Stand. I have been hesitant, but it seemed like the perfect hot day and they were ready to work to make it happen. They decided that they should sell brownies too in order to maximize profits (and it worked). Mason made brownies and they mixed the lemonade. They also made a really cute sign. I was proud of them. They made almost $5, well worth there 90 minutes on the corner. Plus they all said they had a really good time hanging out with their brothers. Hearing them say that made it all worth while.

One foot in front of the other

On June 4th I ran my first half marathon...well I should say I walked a lot of it. I trained, got ready, and then proceeded to get the stomach flu the night before. But being the stubborn person I can sometimes be decided that I was going to run this thing. Not one of my smartest decisions.

So one of my favorite people in the world and I hopped in the car soon after 5am and headed to the start line. All I can say is that I made it! The last few miles consisted of me talking to myself saying, "One foot in front of the other."

But the bright side of it all, is that the weekend was spent with great friends and lots of good talking. Our kids reconnected with their great friends (and Easton fell in love with their 7 year old). It was all worth it, any excuse to enjoy that good of company is worth it.

We rocked it! Congrats J!

Bowling on the Wii

Dallin and friend have birthdays just a few days apart, so we had a little celebration for them.

Sweet Dallin

Dallin celebrated his 9th birthday! Dallin really wanted to visit the Omaha zoo, so we packed up and headed out to spend a day at the zoo. If you have never visited the Omaha zoo, it is worth all the effort. It is truly amazing and Dallin LOVES it. So we got there, got out of the car, and Dallin promptly got sick over and over. He refused to go back home, so he sat in Easton's stroller and viewed the zoo while we pushed him around. Poor guy! We are planning a visit back in the next few weeks so we can see the rest of the zoo and Dallin can actually enjoy it.

Dallin just riding around

Grandma and Granpa Moring were here to celebrate with us.

Two days after the zoo was Dallin's actual Birthday, and luckily he was all better by then. He has been asking for years for a hamster, and this year I broke down. We are now the owners of a dwarf hamster. So far, so good.

Dallin is active and loving. He is outside right now with the neighbor kids and has been for hours, that is Dallin to a tee. He is the kid you have to call in after dark because he just loves being outside and being social. Dallin gives hugs and says "I love you mom," right when I need it. Dallin is kind. Dallin is fun to be with. Dallin is a middle child who does not like to fail. I love you bud!

Thank you

First and foremost I must tell you that I have been extremely stressed the last week and a half, but on Monday my stress level plummeted and the feeling of peace was overwhelming. Dallin had his cardiology appointment in which they were looking for a cause to his often numb hands and feet. His pediatrician said that there were two avenues to pursue - heart and nerves. The nerves he thought would be OK, but his heart the doctor was worried about. So for about 5-6 days I tried to be calm and convince myself not to jump to conclusions, but found my mind continually wandering to all the "what ifs." Then the last 6 days before the appointment I did have more calmness in that I felt that what ever the outcome Dallin would be OK. So the stress was less than at first, but still little thoughts would sometimes invade. But Dallin is heart healthy and all are happy for that.

Thank you to all for your prayers, they were heard and answered!

I wanna go...

This occurs many a mornings. Mom says, "Time to go boys!" And Itty Bitty attempts to tromp out the door with his brothers (Drew gladly helps him get ready). Luckily he just steps out on to the porch and then comes back in.



On Sundays after church we all sit around the table and look at the newspaper. Even Easton got in on the action a few weeks ago and Dallin photo documented it.

Growing UP

My oldest turned eleven a few weeks ago. Mason is not only growing tall (a fact he likes to comment on when standing next to me), but definitely maturing. He keeps telling me, "Not to long mom and I'll be as tall as you." Mason is diligent and intelligent. He likes to surprise me with service. He is focused and talented. His energy is endless (except when Saturday chores are involved). I love that he wants to take care of his brothers, though this is not always appreciated by his siblings, I am grateful that he wants to make sure that we are all doing our best. I love having one-on-one conversations with Mason, his thoughts amaze me. I love you little guy!



Mason had party with his good friends to play lazer tag and video games.



At home celebrating. When it comes to presents there is always many willing to help out.



This is Mason at his "crossing over." Moving from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts. I am very proud of his hard work in accomplishing this. He was very self motivated in doing this. He also achieved the highest honor a Cub Scout can achieve, the Arrow of Light.