Sean' Baptism

My youngest child, Sean Thomas Caviness, was baptized on Saturday, August 11, 2012 by his dad, Chris Alan Caviness.  Sean was so excited to get baptized.  Being the youngest of our clan I'm sure that for Sean it seemed like it was for ever before it was his turn.  The wait turned out longer than originally planned as well.  We accidentally planned our Caviness reunion during the Stake baptism that Sean should have been baptized at.  So, Sean had to wait an extra month before his baptism.  It was all worth while.  Both sets of grandparents were able to be there and cousins as well.  It turned out to be a special day for both Sean and his cousin, Alyssa, who decided she also wanted to get baptized.  It was most certainly a wonderful family filled and spiritual day.

Dad and Sean stand by the font.  Sean is beaming with anticipation.

Halle, Sean and Chad.  All excited for Sean's baptism.

Chad, Halle, and Sean with Nanny and Grandpa Hansen.

 

Our Earthly Family.  One step closer to being an Eternal Family.

Dad and Sean ready for the big event.

A picture with Grandma and Bompa Caviness.

Cousin fun while waiting for family pictures.

Family picture time.  Lindsey Bates, Halle Caviness, Chad Caviness, Sean Caviness, Jackson Caviness, Justin Caviness, Jenny Caviness and Alyssa Caviness.  Sherri Bates, Craig Hansen, Patricia Hansen, Lara Caviness, Chris Caviness, Herm Caviness, Jeraldine Caviness, Jeff Caviness, and Linda Caviness.

Grandparents and grandkids.

Goofy time.

Lindsey and Sean

Lindsey and Halle.

Alyssa's turn to get baptized.  Uncle Chris get to perform the ordinance.

Alyssa and the missionaries that helped prepare her for her baptism.

Family picture of Jeff's clan.

Alyssa with Grandma and Bompa.

Baptism twins - Sean and Alyssa.

Swim Meets

Chad and Halle took on a new challenge this summer - swim meets.  They started participating in swim team last summer.  But, they only went to the practices and didn't want to compete at all.  This year I decided they needed to do the meets.  Chad was very excited and Halle did is grudgingly after accepting many bribes.  The meets were much more fun than I thought - I really got into them.  Chad and Halle did really good too.  Unfortunately all the swimmers are inside the pool and all spectators have to stay outside.  That means there is a fence between you and your child - doesn't make for getting good pictures.  Oh,well.

Halle competed in the medley relay, the fly, the breaststroke, and backstroke.

Halle gets ready to breaststroke in the relay medley.

Halle getting ready for her next event.

A smile for the camera.

On her marks for the fly.

Great dive Halle.

Halle comes in for her finish.

Ready to start her backstroke.

Chad competed in the fly, butterfly, and breaststroke.

Chad lines up in his assigned lane.

Coming in with the fly.

Almost at the finish with his butterfly.

Aaronic Priesthood Scout Encampment and Cub Scout Day Camp

Our whole northwest region had a huge Scout Encampment for the Aaronic Priesthood this summer.  As Chad had not turned twelve yet he was invited for just the weekend (Friday through Saturday) with his dad.  There were a number of different activities going on  (Chad's favorites all involved weapons), they got to camp out, and there was plenty of food to eat (that made it all worth while for Chad).  It was also very hot, dry, and dusty.  Chad and Chris came home having had a great time and also covered in grime.

It was also a very spiritual experience as well.  Chad actually got up and bore his testimony at church the next day about his time at camp, what he had learned there, and what he was feeling at that moment (the spirit prompting him to bare his testimony).  It was a wonderful moment for both Chris and I to see our son be touched by the spirit and to do something he has never done before.  Chad is really growing up!

Chad shows me his how dirty he got on Friday.

And this is how dirty he still is on Saturday.

Right after Chad's adventure Sean got to have an adventure too.  Sean turned 8 years old - just in time to become a Cub Scout and attend Cub Scout Day Camp.  He was so ready to start doing things he had seen his older brother do.  He joined right in with everything and had a great time for 3 days of Cub Scouting.  It is still hard for me to believe that my youngest is getting so big.

Sean is ready for a full day of Cub Scout Day Camp.

August - Fishing Fun at the Kemp Property

I love summer and I love the heat.  The end of July and first part of August are my favorite months here in the northwest.  I can finally be warm and enjoy the sunshine.  School is out and it is play time for the Caviness Family.

We started this August out by doing some fishing.  Herm has a friend who has his own pond and frequently invites us all up there to go fishing.  The kids have a great time and it doesn't usually take very long for them to catch a few fish.  I'm glad the kids enjoy the experience - as for me I've never enjoyed fishing.  I don't like putting worms on hooks, I don't like waiting around, I don't like pulling the hook out of their mouths, I don't like watching the fish slowly die from lack of oxygen, I don't like holding fish, I don't like the way they smell, I don't like gutting fish, and I don't eat fish.  So what is the purpose?  I don't know yet. (I guess sometime in the apocalyptic future my husband and kids will be able to fish and feed us - I would have to be desperately hungry to eat fish!)  But it seems like a summer activity that just has to be done.

Sean catches the first fish and dad helps him get the hook out.

 Sean has a starring contest with his fish.

 A proud moment for Sean.

 Looks like Chad has caught a fish.

 Chad holds his prize.

 Halle is next with a catch.  I'm so glad that Chris helps the kids.  My job is to just take pictures.

 One happy girl.

 Sean with another fish and the evil eye.  Watch out fish - Sean is going to get you.

 Halle catches another fish with the help of her Bompa.

 Another happy moment (at least for Halle - not for the fish).

Sean wants to try fishing from the bank instead of the dock.

 And yes, Sean catches yet another fish.

 Way to go Sean.

Halle takes a break from fishing to jump on the trampoline.

Halle going for a front flip.

Over she goes.

Another rotation.

And she lands.

Halle goes for a back handspring.

And there you have it.

Sean's next catch is a wild mob of 'seaweed."

Chad's turn on the trampoline.

Doing a front flip.

And down for the landing.

Sean's turn for some action.

Over he goes.

A sideways landing?!

Chad catches a huge one.

Making sure the fish gets a good camera angle.

Sean enjoys swinging on the rope.

Halle stands on the the rope platform.  The older kids use this platform to start their swing on the rope, swing through some trees and then splash into the pond.

Sean likes being king of the tower.

Chad takes a turn on the rope swing.

Hang on!

Halle's turn.

Come back - don't jump into the pond.

Dad and Grandma watch Sean fly through the trees.

Chad is now king of the tower

Mom's turn.

Bompa had to try too.