Eight is SO Great!

I can hardly believe that my first born is eight years old! The highlight of our weekend was the opportunity to see Jake as he made a choice to be baptized and confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I am so proud of the choice he has made to follow Jesus Christ. He is a wonderful, kind, and loving son and brother. We love him so!

Independence day

The 4th of July is one of my favorite Holidays. I feel so blessed to live in a country where I have so much freedom. I am especially grateful to be able to worship God openly, and even share my beliefs with others. I am so thankful for those who have fought over many years past so that we could be free, and retain that freedom. The 4th of July is a great time for fireworks and family, but most of all I time to remember and be grateful!

How I love to watch them grow!

Each year we plant a garden in our backyard, and we also help papa plant his many tomatoes. It is always a fun and exciting time. No matter what their age the children love to plant and then carefully attend to their own plants. I love the pride in their eyes when the plant finally produces fruit, and the joy in their smile when they eat it. I love watching my little ones grow! I have so much joy as I see the ways they have changed over the years. Hope you enjoy a look at our garden, now and in years past!

Is there anything sweeter....

Than a little baby body?

End of school fun!

The end of the school year is always a busy time. Trying to pass your math facts, one last spelling test, end of the year teacher gifts and programs. Jake had a great time singing in his last choir concert of the year, and of course participating in field day! We all enjoyed watching the concert which was outside. We narrowly missed the thunderstorm, but did get to enjoy a rainbow! Bravo Jake for all you accomplished this year! We love you!!!

What a photogenic family!

I am certainly not a professional photographer, but I do like to play with my camera! Today I set out with a few stolen poses from my sister in law, and a very photogenic family. In 45 minutes I snapped several hundred photos, and was able to narrow it down to my favorite 41. Don't worry, I won't include all of them! Not bad for a first try.

Family Pictures

Well, I was so excited to get a family picture! I prepped my children for days, and bribed Logan with everything I could think of. Did it work? Not really! Logan was a total terd!!! Luckily Lisa was able to get a few good shots despite my younger two boys' not so cute attitudes! Enjoy!!!

Being 5 is so much fun!

It has been a really fun past few months for Brayden. We enjoyed watching our middle child shine as he played his first team sport, soccer. He seemed to take right to it, even doing a running somersault after he scored a goal just like the pros! Brayden also "graduated" from pre-school, and will be starting kindergarten in two short months. I can hardly believe how fast the time goes! Brayden fills our lives with laughter, we are so blessed to have him in our family.

Our Little "Doll"

Our youngest son Gavin just turned two months old. My nieces like to play "baby doll" with him, and love him nearly to death. The other night we were at my parents house where my mom has a set of baby dolls for the kids to enjoy. They come complete with their own clothes, bassinets, and even rocking chairs. We all had a good laugh when we realized that Gavin could make use of all of the baby doll accessories. Here he is pictured with one of the babies in their rocking chairs. To give a little perspective, both of the rocking chairs are sitting on the seat of a chair in my parents living room. Happy 2 months Gavin!