I Vant To Suck Your...

When did that Dracula cloak first emerge? I remember a few Frandsen boys wearing it. Benjamin, you'd make Stephenie Meyer proud, you look so good in that costume.

Heart Breaker

You know you were, Benjamin.

Benjamin the Blond

Remember that fabulous, thick, yellow-blond hair of toddler Benjamin? And those stocky little legs? Benjamin, you were a most satisfying baby to have around.

Handsome Frandsens

This was in 1994--Gabrielle was a senior, Rosalynde was in the year of London (right?), and I had been taller than all of my sisters since junior high. And the little kids, of course, are adorable, as always. Mama, you made that dress for me--remember?

Happy Birthday to Daddy

Daddy, it took a lot of searching to find a picture of just you and one of your children. You are so often the one behind the camera. Thank you for these years of treasured pictures that we now have (despite the fact that we often groaned when you had us stand still for yet one more picture :), and thank you for the way you made each one of your children feel treasured and loved and of infinite worth. We could not have asked for a better father, and you continue to encourage and love and challenge us in ways that make us better people. We love you!

Happy Birthday, Polly!!!

And my other baby is 3 years old!!! Polly, your mommy has been gunning for you to get here since she was three, too. I love you, my Pollywog!

BENJAMIN!!! (Yes, Yes, Yes!!!)

Okay, Benjamin, you've totally been shafted of your Birthday Week o' Ben. I blame that partially on my daughters, and partially on the fact that I totally forgot that your birthday was the 23rd when I was creating the post for the 22nd (which is why it had nothing to do with, you know, you). BUT, I'm going to make up for it. Week o' Ben starts on Monday and will continue until Rachel's birthday, at which point Month o' Twins will commence. That should get us through the doldrums of winter. So let's start out with one of my favorite--toddler Benjamin.

Yes, there will be a few of these.

Handsome Brigham, practicing up for when he'd be meeting Christine five years hence (or so).

Happy Birthday, Cici!!!

Wow, my baby is one year old today. I am the luckiest mommy in the world. Thank you to my mommy for getting me started!

A Day of Doctors

If I remember correctly, I think that more than one Doctor Welch was hooded that day. Is that right, Rosalynde? This is a little bit of inspiration to my siblings who are in the throes of late-winter studying.

Ever wonder where that came from?

Yes, that garage was new at one point. How I loved playing with it--taking cars up the little elevator, filling them up with gas at the gas station, turning them around on the turntable at the top. Mama, do you remember where you got that to begin with?

Jacob Having Fun

Does anyone else see some Jack Welch in this picture of Jacob? Something about the eyes... Or maybe just the obvious athletic prowess :). Jacob obviously didn't worry that much about gender-appropriate colors on his bikes.

All-weather Rachel

Snow boots and a swimming suit--Rachel is ever prepared. I love this picture because (a) Rachel is so darling; and (b) Polly is going through a boot phase as well right now--she wears her froggy boots several times a day, occasionally with only her undies and a shirt :).

My name is _____, as you can see, I am a frog.

Can you quote this song? (do I even have the words right?) In honor of Eva auditioning for the school play a couple of weeks ago, here's a picture of one of the earlier Frandsen thespians. Gabrielle, memories you want to share?

Daddy, Champion of the World

This is from a file entitled "1973_Summer_Honeymoon." Daddy trying to impress his new bride, perhaps?

Here's to Love

Happy Valentine's Day, all you young lovers out there!

Fun with Mama

So Mama, how exactly did you still have the energy to play with even your youngest kids?

Frandsen Young'uns

This is how I will always remember the "little kids," because this is how big they were when I graduated from high school. No wonder I want to have a lot of kids--who wouldn't, when these are the little ones I grew up around?

The First Daddy

And while we're on the topic of Baby Jane's arrival, here's a picture of Brigham's predecessor into the realm of fatherhood. Proud first-time daddy and beautiful eldest daughter.

Welcome, Baby Jane!!!

Okay, I'm a week and a half late in doing this, but let's put up a picture of baby Brigham to welcome the arrival of our newest baby Frandsen.

The Whole Armor of Ben

So, was this a Gospel Doctrine lesson? A Seminary lesson? Or simply a very effective Family Home Evening? Mama, we were so lucky to grow up in a household where teaching the gospel was as much a part of your daily work as washing the dishes.

Classic Mama

This is an iconic images of Mama that captures something very pervasive in my growing-up years. Mama was a much sought-after woman, and I remember running to answer the phone and take messages for her on many occasions!

The LA Zoo

I have so many fond memories of the LA Zoo. Waiting in line to see the baby panda (that line seemed FOREVER), going through the cool, dim marsupial house, seeing the elephants. I also have a distinct memory of this picture right here. Any other LA Zoo memories out there?

Honest, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave

Did I get the order right? We have quite a few Scouting pictures, but I thought this was one of the best. Brigham, Benjamin, and Abraham, what role did Scouting in the Church play for you?

When I have grown a foot or two...

Grandma and Grandpa were the first missionaries I knew. Thanks for your wonderful example! And thanks for all the souvenirs of the Philippines that you shared with us! The hand chair, Daddy's name placard, the go cart, our dragon table--there were so many things from the Philippines that fed my imagination as I was growing up.

On the edge...

Okay, Abraham, one more picture epitomizing the critical juncture of life at which you've arrived, and then we'll move on with some other pictures. Hope your birthday week has gone splendidly!

Trivia question: Do you remember where we are here? What year it was? And on a slightly related note, what was your most memorable summer vacation?

Happy Birthday, Miles!!!

This isn't a picture of you, Miles, but it's a picture of your mommy with a baby that looks an awful lot like you! We love you, Mr. Miles per Hour! You are just as wonderful and delightful as they come!

And a very happy birthday to you, Miss Lucy!!!

Happy Birthday, gorgeous Lucy! We couldn't ask for a sweeter, cuter, nicer, spunkier little 5-year-old! This isn't a picture of you, but it's a picture of your beautiful mom and handsome dad on their wedding day. I remember that day very well--I loved all of the cakes on the table, the beautiful canopy in the church--it was such a beautiful day to have your family get started!

Happy Birthday, beloved Abraham

Abraham, you are a very special boy born at a very special time in our family. We are so, so lucky to have you in our family. I love you!

All grown up

...and looking very handsome. Abraham, you got tall fast!