a true picture of summer

This is a pretty typical picture of my kids on any given summer day. Dirty, knees and elbows covered in bandaids, swimsuits...always, eating cool treats, HAPPY!

Happy Birthday Ashley!

A very happy birthday song from some easily distracted girls. Hope you have a great day Ashley! We love you and miss you.

I'm Having a party!

For all of you out there that are looking for that perfect swimsuit for the summer...your in luck. I am having a Modbe party at my house on Saturday, June 21st from 10:00am to 1:00pm. If you have never heard of Modbe, or want to see what they have to offer see http://www.modbeclothing.com/ I love their swimsuit selection for this year. Please come and take a look and bring a friend too. If you need directions to my house please call me. 545-6505

Camping Extavaganza

Camp Zarahemla

This past weekend we headed up to Camp Zarahemla for a little family camp out. Tara and I had planned this about 2 months ago and we invited any and all of our family members who wanted to attend. I was excited about this trip because I haven't been camping for probably 6 or 7 years and so I forgot all the before and after work that goes into camping. Anyway we got there on Thursday evening. We had beautiful weather, although a little chilly at night for my liking. It was so amazing to be out in nature, and so nice not to have TV, cell phone service (well, I didn't at least, I think I might need a new plan, because everyone else seemed to have service) or computers. The kids did a talent show for us the first night, which featured Luke as our family comedian. We also enjoyed canoeing, fishing (didn't even get a bite) and just sitting by the campfire enjoying one anothers company. My family is amazing, and all the before and after work was totally worth it. The freezing cold night on a air mattress that felt like a giant ice cube was worth it. Thanks to Tara for getting everything arranged, thanks to Jenn for traveling all the way up from Provo to camp with us, thanks to Nate and Staci for giving up the father and sons to camp with us, and thanks to Mom, Dad and Ash for making the trip. I will always have fond memories of this trip. Now off to switch my 17 load of laundry.

P.S. Thanks to Dave for the pictures...my camera is not working.

Chad and his fisherwoman daughters on a little canoe ride

I cant tell you how many times I put these little shoes on those little feet and saw that little bum crack. Funny girl that Emma is.

my patient little Hannah fishing without ever getting even a bite.

Rebekah's motto has always been "safety first" . I love that wispy blond hair blowing across her face. So cute.

One year ago today...

One year ago today, this beautiful marriage took place

at one of the most beautiful places on earth.

We are so lucky to have Ashley in our family. She is always so happy, and my girls think she is perfect. Although you two aren't together on your 1st year anniversary, we are glad we get to see Ashley while she is home visiting. Marcus, I hope you have a good day, sorry you are alone, but your beautiful bride will be home soon. Thanks for sharing her with us. We love you guys. Happy 1st Anniversary...and many many more.

Here are a few others that wanted to say happy anniversary...

Our big announcement

Well, I've been a little nervous about posting this but....









































Well, it's been a long time since we have had one of these around our home....



































The girls are so excited and Chad is so happy to have some more male influence in our home....






































We were nervous that it had been too long and we wouldn't be ready to take another on, but....



































we finally did it....we got 3 new kittens

Ok, so I am not a good animal photographer, but this was the only one I could get with all three of them in it. A friend of ours was pretty sure that we not only needed a kitten but three of them. They had 13 of them and she was trying to get rid of them. They are cute, they keep my kids occupied OUTSIDE, and I can't complain about that. They poop in a box and hopefully catch mice. They are all males, so no baby kittens at our house. We think they look a lot like Chad...except for the hair.

A weekend of emotions

Maybe after reading this you will think I am too emotional but oh well here goes. Yesterday we went down to Hermiston go to Jess's (Chad's youngest brother) graduation. At first, I must admit I wasn't too excited about sitting through an entire graduation ceremony. I think they are usually too long and boring and the seating is uncomfortable. However I found myself enjoying it more than I expected. As Jess walked to the front to receive his diploma, I felt so proud of him for his accomplishment. Not only did he receive his diploma, but last month he received his Eagle Scout award and he graduated from seminary. I was so proud of him and so that was my first emotion.

After all of the graduates had walked there was one last student. He didn't look like your average student. He was in his late 60's early 70's, used a cane and had a white beard, but he looked just as anxious as the rest of his classmates. They introduced him as a Vietnam vet who had left for war before finishing high school. When he returned he just never found the time to get his diploma, but he promised his wife and kids... and now his grandkids that he would do it and so he finally did. When they presented him his diploma the superintendent, who also had also served our country, had gone behind the stage and changed into his military attire, and so he presented him his diploma dressed military style. I found myself again feeling so proud of a man I didn't even know. Tears were streaming down my face and I was feeling a little silly, but proud for people who sacrifice to serve our country.

After the ceremony we went over to Chad's parents house for some graduation partying. We were having a great time with family and good friends. I was able to meet some of Chad's family's friends from years ago. They shared stories about the "good ole days" and I was thankful to have married into such a wonderful family, with wonderful family stories, and that accepts me as one of their own. Awhile into the party we found one of the family dogs in the front yard and realized she had been hit by a car and that her back was broken. Even though I am not an animal person and really not a little yippy dog lover, I found myself very sad over the loss of this four legged family member. The little kids all reacted to this differently and Sarah was definitely my saddest girl. She would always walk, or be walked by, Lily and loved to cuddle with her on the couch. Hannah tried to seem sad and concerned, but her fear of dogs made me believe that deep down she might have been a little relieved that one less dog would be at grandmas house. Rebekah and Emma just had a lot of questions. By the end of the day we were ready to head home and I was grateful for the emotions that I had felt. I have realized that as I get older I can't hide my emotions as well as I used to, and so when you see tears falling over "silly" things, it's just because I'm getting older. Thanks to everyone who endured this post and made it to the end.