IT'S STILL SUMMER IN ARIZONA

This has been a fun trip, and this baby, Reagan, is such a good boy. He sleeps

6 1/2 hours a night, and is happy so much of the time. His sisters are good to him, and help alot, except Sabrina, who keeps giving him the binky backwards, patting a little hard on his head, and tries to get him when no one is looking. I'm sure she is trying to help, but hasn't figured it out yet. She is still a baby too.

Neil is home being spoiled by his daughters. They take him to movies, dinner and have him over for football and dinner. I'm sure he is having a good time. They even sleep over and I'm sure have ice cream and popcorn. He has it rough.

I do really enjoy the pool here after helping with the kids and fixing meals. It is so quiet at night there and I am up to 300 leg raises and 300 jumps and 200 scissors. The water is the perfect temperature. Today, after their naps, I am taking the oldest two over to swim.

Britt hasn't felt very well. She was so sick yesterday, but the antibiotic is kicking in and she is doing better today. Ben is at school or working on school projects all the time. He seems to love it.

I will try to add pictures to this blog for you to see the kids. They are sweet and beg me not to go home. It is hard for them here with no family. I hope you all wlll call or email to keep in touch. I miss you and my other little ones. Can't wait to see you next week. xoxomom

A FEW NEW PICS (REAGAN)

Just a few new pics of baby boy Reagan (or peanut, as his sisters call him). He is two days old and doing well. It will be 105 here today and we love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!

REAGAN BENJAMIN SKOUSEN

Well, we finally have name for the new boy. Reagan Benjamin Skousen. He and his mom are home and doing very well. He has to have a special lighted blanket because he is a little jaundice, but otherwise, he is great. He looks like a two week old, his skin is beautiful. His eyes and skin are like Brittany's, but he has Ben's look also. OK OK We need some Wallick genes in some of these little grandchildren.

Imagine coming home the day after you have a baby. Britty is doing well, but she sure misses her sisters. I wish you could all have a week here in the sunshine with her and the kids. The first thing they did when Britt got home from the hospital, is go to the little brother. Jessie made up songs for him, Katrina touched him everywhere, and Sabrina pinched his nose. They were great. She is a blessed mama......and so are we all blessed. Neil comes home tomorrow. Hope someone will pick him up at the airport. He has had a relaxing time. Lots of sun, swim, and work outs. He even took the older girls swimming today. This has been good for him.

Tomorrow we meet Kent and Mary Anne for lunch. They are getting their mission call. So they will leave before the end of the year. I will post more pictures tomorrow of the new boy!

NEW BABY BOY SKOUSEN (WALLICK)

I hope I can get these first pictures on of our new baby. He is so cute. He came at 10:25 this morning, after having a bout with the umbilical cord. He is 22 inches long and 8 lbs 7 oz. He has strawberry blonde hair and a quiet cry. We adore him already.

Brittany is doing well. She is feeling so much better. This was a long pregnancy, but well worth the waiting. She will be in the hospita an extra day, but should be home on Wednesday. Neil is leaving that evening for home and I will stay a few days till I start driving Ben crazy. I am proud of them and their little family. They are good parents, and their children are well behaved and close to the Lord.Tonight after we made homemade ice cream and when Sabrina saw it in Kat's dish, she put her head in it and ate it like a kitty.

We are blessed with #18 grandchild, and know Father is mindful of us and keeps us safe. We are blessed for all of you in our lives. In little ways, you bless us. We always know that you love us and share your sweet children with us. xoxomom

NO NEWS FROM TEMPE (ABOUT BABY BOY)

We are having a great time here in Arizona, but baby boy Skousen isn't ready to make an appearance. He is late, and we are waiting as patiently as possible for him to get here. Brittany is so tired and has tried every means to get into complete delivery, but to no avail.

In the meantime, we are taking in the sun, working on our tans, and enjoying the pool, not to mention Britty's cooking. She made her famous chicken cordon bleu, and tonight peach ice cream. But she is really ready for this baby to get here. Neil was suppose to go home Tuesday, and we are waiting to see if the baby boy will even be here. Neil is enjoying the gym and the pool during the day, and I am enjoying them after dark. Exercising in the pool is fun, and not hard on the joints. And it is really pretty here at her condos. The girls are great. Jessie and I have become very close.....I promised her I wouldn't leave until the baby comes, Katrina is beautiful and never stops talking, and Sabrina is everywhere...on top on everything, in everything, and mostly in a good mood. The BYU game really made Ben happy. Now all we have to do is get Scooter Skousen here and it will be complete. xoxomom

ps I really do miss your little faces and my grandkids also. Kiss them for me. It seems like a long time since we were home. And I especially miss the 70's and 80's. We are in the 100's here and it is a bit toasty.

PAYTON'S BAPTISM AND BIRTHDAY

We have had a good last week. Saturday Payton Rose Marie Wallick was baptized. She looked absolutely beautiful, even her hair was perfect. And her sweet, little smile was contagious. She is such a great example to all of us, and seems to always have a baby in her arms, helping everyone. We just adore her. Neil gave a lovely confirmation and blessing. It was perfect for her, and it was just an all around good day.

Ben had his birthday yesterday. I wish they would have been here so we could celebrate it with them, but we will be there soon. I am so excited to see the girls and hold the new boy. I know Brittany is just tired and ready to have him.

Fall is in the air, you can just smell it. I love this time of year and wish it would last so much longer. I always think of back to school this time of year. I am grateful for all of you and for my blessings. You all make my life complete and blessed.