Where Has Summer Gone?

Really. Where did it go? I know we had nearly 3 months with no school, but what happened to it?

I'll admit: By the time August rolled around, I was so ready for school to start again. My kids were feeling ready too. But then, all of a sudden (so it seemed), school started. Jacob and Riley went off to school Monday. Jacob is spending his sixth grade year at a different school this year in an accelerated learning program. Riley is happy to be back with her friends and some cousins this year.

So that I can remember that there was a summer, I'll post some pics of some things we did this year.

We played at the splash pad a few times. Always fun on a hot day. Although, my kids usually ended up playing on the hot toys. Go figure.

We played soccer and baseball with some families in our neighborhood.

We hit the zoo a few times. They've gotten some new animals as you can see from above.

Made it to the Lagoon a couple times. I don't love it, but the kids do and that makes it fun.


We went to the Oquirrh Mountains Temple open house. We were so blessed as a family to attend the open house together. Especially since we had already been to the Draper Temple earlier this same year.









We went to the Treehouse Museum with a free pass from a friend. Thanks! The kids had a lot of fun.













And, finally, the biggest project of all...we got grass! Who knew that could be so exciting? We love it. The kids can play in our yard. We even got our swing set put up. It took a lot of hard work (Nathan had lots of blisters) and we are so grateful to many people who helped out (including a local University football team that helped lay the sod).

So, that is where our summer has gone.

Happy Birthday, Nathan

So, Nathan has finally caught up to me. Today he is 33. Although, he will tell you that I am still older. Yes, technically, I am 1,193 months and he is a mere 1,188 months. Just a few of the things I love about Nathan:
He works hard.
He takes care of his family.
He tries so very hard to make me happy (not a simple task at times).
He enjoys spending time with our children and he's a good example to them (and me).
He supports me in my various roles...mother, callings, volunteering, and friendships.

I love you, Nathan! Happy birthday.

Second White Dress

Baptisms are always very special. Riley was baptized last month. This day was made extra special by sharing it with her cousin, Tylee.

Riley and Tylee have had a kind of special bond from the beginning. When Tylee deccided to show up three weeks early, she was born exactly one month after Riley. Then, my brother and his family moved down south and decided to bring Tylee back this way to have her blessed. Riley and Tylee were both blessed in our ward on the same day. They even ended up in matching dresses (not planned-her mom and I just happen to have picked out the same one).


So, this year when they both turned eight and my brother once again was far away, they brought Tylee up here to have her baptized. We were so excited to share this special day as both girls put on their second white dress and prepared to enter the waters of baptism.



We are so thankful we could share that day with many family and friends that came to witness Riley's baptism. And as the the poem by Elder Perry's daughter says,
"And if I try my very best,
Then richly blessed I'll be,
Wearing inside God's holy house
White dress number three."
But that's a long way off right? Just don't blink.

Lucky 13

Thirteen years ago I was blessed to be sealed to my wonderful husband in the Logan temple. I remember that day so well. How exciting it all was. It was so beautiful outside, a lot like today. The sun was shining, but it wasn't too hot.

Now, thirteen years and four kids later, I love him even more than I did that day. Each night I kneel down to thank my Father in Heaven for this wonderful blessing. The circumstances of our meeting were a little unusual, but it all worked out. We are meant to be together.

He works hard to take care of me and our family. He does whatever needs to be done whether it's putting in a yard or cleaning up pee. I look forward to spending all of eternity with this man. I love you, Nathan!

The Good Old (Primary) Days

I went to dinner with these girls for Jen's birthday. I had fun and it brought back some really great memories.

I moved into my house two years ago. I was having a hard time with the move. I left some good friends and a calling in my ward that I loved. I was in Primary. I struggled going to my new ward each week.

Then, I got called into the Bishop's office and was given a calling. Second counselor in Primary. I knew the 1st counselor and secretary from high school, but didn't know the president very well. It wouldn't take long for that to change. We all got to know each other so much better while we served our Heavenly Father together. I loved being at church, in Primary with those wonderful women.

I was doing my best to serve and got something so wonderful out of it. I finally felt like I belonged, like I knew I was suppose to be there. I gained some wonderful friends.

Callings have changed, but we continue to grow closer and I am so grateful to have these women in my life. Ahh, the good old Primary days.

Memorial Day Fun

Monday morning the family headed off to the dinosaur park. We had a lot of fun (along with a whole bunch of other people who decided that was a good place to be Monday).


This is a picture of Zach telling me that the dinosaur bit his neck.


After digging in the sand for some fossils, we left and headed to another park for a picnic and more fun.


Here we found some friends to play with.

And let's not forget the reason we have this holiday. Thanks to all the men, women, and their families who sacrificed their lives to bless our lives with the many freedoms we enjoy.

8 is Great!

My baby girl is eight today. Riley has been so excited for this day. Eight is a very special birthday. She starts going to activity days and she will be baptized. Yikes! She is growing up so fast.

She loves to write notes to Nate and I letting us know how much she loves us. She is so sweet. She loves to help take care of her little brothers and she always wants to give Jacob hugs. She really likes to do that when she sees him at school. Not exactly his favorite time for affection from his little sister.

I love that she loves to pretend. She is entertained for hours playing with houses she's built out of laundry hampers, pillows, blankets, and other items around the house.
I love you, Riley!