Alex and Trevor's birthday bash

Alex's birthday is July 9th, Trevors is July 13th, and Jim's mom's birthday is on July 12th so we had a big combined swimming party down at the Douglas's in Hurricane. Everyone had a great time swimming and playing on the big slide. I made the boys a swim cake that turned out to be the source of a lot of laughs. It turned out so cute but traveling in the air conditioned car was no match for the 100 degree weather outside. Needless to say, the cake melted. We decided it was a great example of how we would all look in a few years if we didn't wear sunscreen.

My garden

Jim and I worked very hard to have a garden this year. We moved the kids playhouse by ourselves (mostly Jim's brains and muscles...I can't say I was much help)to give us a bigger garden plot. I was really worried that nothing would grow (as our soil looks like baked clay even after a good soak) but Jim kept telling me to be patient. Our garden has been very productive and we have all enjoyed the fruits(or vegetables) of our labors.

Texas trip

In July, we traveled down to Fort Worth, Texas to visit Jim's brother Dan and his family. It was our first big trek as a family and it turned out to be a wonderful experience. We traveled down with Jim's brother Nate, which was a great help. The kids took turns riding with Nate and Jenny and helping entertain Lincoln. It gave us a little extra elbow room in the van and helped everyone get along better. Our trip down was a bit eventful as Maddie got sick the first night. The next evening Ellie got sick, so needless to say I was very happy when we finally arrived at Dan's house. We were so excited to spend time with the Texas cousins and the trip was well worth the drive. We went to the Fort Worth Zoo, a jump house, the Bureau of Engraving, and enjoyed cooling off in the neighborhood pool. We really enjoyed Dan and Shelby's hospitality and loved spending time getting to know the cousins.

FRUSTRATION!!!!!

ok.....I am so frustrated!!!! I have been trying to update our blog for two days now and can't seem to get my photos/slideshows to upload correctly. I would love some input from all you technology savvy people out there....I would really like to change the design of our blog too. I have seen several people that have "scrapbook pages" on their blogs.....I would appreciate any input and I will keep trying to get our blog updated.......

lazy summer days

This summer was filled with many great adventures. From the time school ended in May, it seems that we have been constantly on the move. From birthdays and baptisms and surgery to our trek to Texas and our move a couple weeks ago life has been crazy....and I think it has only just begun!!! We did have a few lazy summer days when we were able to savor the best things about summer (watermelon, sleeping out on the tramp, swimming, and enjoying God's country here in Cedar City). Enjoy the pics!

Summer

Summer has come and gone so quickly........and I have so many exciting adventures to add to our blog. The kids are all in school now so I will try to get our blog updated so you can have glimpses of our wonderful summer!

Ellie turns 8!!

Ellie turned 8 on May 29th. She was so excited for her birthday and for the opportunity to be baptized. I was so proud of her desire to be baptized and her understanding of the choice she was making. She has wsidom beyond her years and continues to amaze me. She has been such a great example to many of her friends. She invited two of our neighbor friends to her baptism and explained to them all about baptism and the Holy Ghost. One of the girls, Lanie, said she wants to be baptized someday. Ellie was baptized by her dad and Jim confirmed her. The spirit was so strong and brought great peace to many. We love you Ellie!!

Preschool graduation

Maddie graduated from preschool the middle of May. Sammy, Danson, and my mom drove down for her program and by the smile on Maddie's face you could tell it made her day to have them there. She kept standing up and waving all through her program. They sang songs about things they learned throughout the year, then Maddie's teacher told stories about some of the kids. One of the stories was about Maddie. She asked her teacher if she could come to our house and play. She told her we have three seats in the back of the van so there would be plenty of room for her to ride with us. Mrs. Willden was a great teacher and really helped Maddie get excited about learning.

kindergarten graduation

Zack is now officially graduated from kindergarten! His kindergarten class performed several songs that they learned throughout the year. Zack sang his heart out, especially when they sang his favorite song "small packages". He practiced singing it all the time at home...some of the words are "good things come in small packages, small packages, like me....good things come in big packages, big packages, like you...." I guess the saying is true...you really learn all you need to know in kindergarten. Way to go Zack!

After his program we went to Dairy Queen and celebrated with ice cream. The kids stood and waved to all the cars going down main street and had a great time.

Bubbles

We have a furry new addition to our family. The kids have all been begging for a pet (especially a dog) but we do not have a fence and did not feel up to the responsibility of a dog yet. Alex's best friend had two litters of bunnies and the kids convinced us that they needed a bunny if they couldn't have a dog. He has been a fun addition to our family. The kids love taking care of him and letting him hop around the yard. I have even enjoyed sitting in the backyard watching the sunset and snuggling with him on my lap. Even Jim has admitted he likes our new furry friend.