Spring Break in McCall

For spring break, we rented a cabin on the lake in McCall with all of the Heiders. We were also celebrating Jan and Lee's anniversary.

We spent a lot of time just hanging out in the warm cabin. We watched movies, played games, and the kids spent a lot of time outside making a snow fort and sledding hill. We had 13 adults and 20 kids! It was noisy and so much fun.

This must have been a fun-filled day...knocked Bret and Porter out!

We spent one of the days at the local hot springs. It was so beautiful, but a bit chilly.

I volunteered to watch the babies while everyone else swam. It was about 45 degrees outside, so Porter, Max (Kirk and Annie's baby), and I hung out together and watched all the fun. We had a good time ourselves.

Officially a Heider!

March 4, 2010

Porter officially became a Heider.

We were able to bless him that weekend and on March 11, exactly 4 years to the day after we were sealed to Miller, Porter was sealed to us in the Twin Falls Temple. Do you think I remembered to bring my camera to either of those huge events? Apparently not. I am trying to track down a picture or two from family members. If I have any luck, I will get them posted!

Fun in Island Park

We spent another fun weekend at the cabin. The boys spent most of the time outside in the snow. They love racing down the driveway...

...and then hiking back up with the sleds. It's not really very steep, but it's lots of fun on a beautiful day like this was.

I am certain this is where Bret got his incredible babysitting skills!

Bret forgot his boots...or I forgot them if you ask him. This was the best we could do for him to be able to go out and try out the new snowshoes.

Our new favorite cabin activity is snowshoeing. It is so much fun. The snow is almost gone this year, so we will have to wait until the snow flies again.

Life with Porter

Adjusting to two kids has been a lot of fun. Porter is the perfect fit for our family.

This is Bret's version of watching Porter.

Miller loves to hold Porter. He is a little possessive. My first Saturday back to work, Bret was alone with both boys!! He wanted to take a shower so he put a movie on for Miller in the basement and put Porter in his swing in the bathroom with him. When he got out of the shower, Porter was missing. Panicked, he ran through the house only to find Miller and Porter cuddling on the couch in the basement. Miller's explanation for getting Porter out of the swing, carrying him across the house, and down the stairs?

"I just wanted him to watch Kung Fu Panda with me!"

Of course, Bret never told me a thing about it. I had to hear it all from Miller.

Pics of the boys

A friend of mine called and asked if she could take pictures of Porter and Miller. She did a great job. Check our her blog on my blog list, Set in Time Photography.

This one was for Bret. So cute! Can you tell Miller likes to have his picture taken?

I love this one. So sweet. Miller is constantly kissing Porter so we could hardly get him to look at the camera.

I had so much fun with this. Thanks, Bethany...I love them!

OUR MIRACLE!!!

We finally have our miracle! Porter Austin Heider was born December 29, 2009 and a few short hours later, we received a call that he was ours! What a difference a phone call can make. It was a long 24 for Miller who had to wait to meet him until we brought him home from the hospital.

Once we brought him home, Miller wanted to hold him and hasn't wanted to put him down since. At the first of the year, we told Miller that if we prayed every day, that Heavenly Father would bring us a baby. Nothing like that very last day of the year! He was starting to get a little impatient. He kept asking if he was saying enough prayers because all of his cousins were getting little brothers and sisters and he wasn't. It was an answer to his prayers and the prayers of many, many others!

We are still in shock that this little guy is ours!

We couldn't wait to get home to see how Miller would react to the new little addition.


I was able to spend the night in the hospital with Porter, just him and I. I didn't sleep for a moment. I was too excited for Miller to have a little brother and I couldn't stop thinking about all the things that I needed to do to be ready for this little guy at home. It's a good thing it was a boy! That I was semi-prepared for.


Miller meeting Porter for the first time. He was so excited but not quite sure how to react. He just looks at him and says, "Mom, him's so cute. Him's so handsome. And he is my bud." I love watching him bond with the baby.

Miller can say Porter, but for some reason he is calling him Quarter. But he says it like an Italian Mafia member..."Quarta!" It is so funny. We are having a lot of teaching moments. And Miller is so helpful. He wants to help with everything. I hope that lasts!

Thanks to everyone whose thoughts and prayers made this miracle happen. I know so many of you were actively helping us find our miracle. It means a lot to have such a great support system. I know you are all as excited as we are. And probably just as shocked. We love you all and can't wait to share this little miracle with all of you.

Christmas

Christmas Eve. Back from dinner at Grandma's house and getting ready for Santa to come.

Spreading reindeer food. How else will they know the way to our house?

And who doesn't love matching pj's. If only Bret let me do it more than once a year!

Treats for Santa. Miller didn't want to put out milk. "Santa wants hot cocoa. It's cold outside!"


The best part of Christmas is watching your kids enjoy the magic. There is nothing better.

Miller loves opening the presents. He didn't really care what was inside, he just wanted to keep ripping open more wrapping paper.

Enjoying the spoils of the day. And I mean spoils. It's hard not to go overboard with only one kid to buy for.

Trying out the new scooter at Grandma's. And extremely thrilled about it.

This is the Christmas chaos at Grandma's house. It is like a race once she gives you permission to charge the room. 11 adults and 18 grandkids all fighting for space to check out the gifts. It is so much fun. I love to sit back and watch.

Grandma big gift this year for the grandkids was a body pillow. Last year they all got a great cuddly blanket with their names on it. The parents were all so jealous, she gave each one of us one with our name on it. Awesome. There is no more fighting over Miller's blanket anymore.