Smiles

Capturing baby smiles is always tough, but William sure has some sweet ones. He is really happy. Especially right when he's slept and eaten. He gets that from his dad.

Pumpkin Patch

We've gone to the same pumpkin patch every year since we moved here. Also, clearly I'm a sucker for holiday-themed clothing.

Road Trip

We took the kids to Utah so that William (and the rest of them) could spend some time with family. They had a great time at Grandma White's house, and the fall weather was beautiful.

One day we took the kids to BYU to hang around where Todd and I met. We took them to the Bean Museum, which is basically just a bunch of dead stuffed animals. Joseph was very concerned with what was going to happen in that building during the resurrection. Good point. He was also curious about whether his body was going to be put in a museum when he died. We said NO, and we will remember not to take him to BodyWorld anytime soon.

We also took a road trip to Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park. I think National Parks are definitely our favorite family destination and I have been pleasantly surprised at how accessible they are and how many hikes are available that even we can do. The kids love being outside and Joseph especially enjoys doing "awesome hikes."

William Shadrach Goodsell

We welcomed sweet William into our family on August 7th. Todd and I love him, and Joseph and Audrey also love their baby brother like crazy. He is a sweet little thing.

We named him William because Joseph's suggestion that we name the baby Phil Mickelson didn't gain much traction.
His middle name continues our family tradition of names from literary heroes. In the Bible, Shadrach was wise, brave, and unwaveringly faithful in a challenging world. Shadrach is also a family name of a great-great-great-great grandfather who did a lot of things worthy of gaining a namesake.

I can't talk about William's birth without giving a huge shout out to Todd's parents, my mom, and my dear, dear friend Lauren. Todd's family stayed with Joseph and Audrey while I was in the hospital. Four days after William was born, Todd had to go to Indiana for two weeks. My mom and Lauren both spent time with me so that I did not totally lose my mind and I would not have survived without them! Many other good friends also helped with meals and babysitting and we were well taken care of.

Life has been pretty crazy with three kids (hence the severely delayed birth announcement), but we are sure a happy little family right now!