Birthday pictures!

I love updated pictures! Since all of the kids' birthdays are in a six week span, we always get a photo shoot done around this time. Of course, Aunt Wendy did an awesome job! Plus, they were taken on the coolest roundabout in South Jordan! I also have my favorites on the right side of my blog.

April, 10

Taylee, 7

Brynn, 4

Justin, 1

3 weeks of fun!

Every time the kids are off track, I truly feel like it is a 3 week vacation! I take full advantage and try to squeeze in as much as possible. I was terrible this off track and didn't go picture crazy like I usually do. We had a great time and we are always sad to see it end...

We started off with a trip to the zoo! I learned on that trip that Justin doesn't want anything to do with a stroller. He cried almost the entire time he was in it.... which meant I was pushing with one hand and holding him with the other! The giraffe knew it was picture time!

We finally planted a garden after living here for 8 years! We decided to make it a family garden, so we won't be the only ones pulling the weeds! The kids had so much fun and are loving all the sprouts that are coming up!

Of course.... our fabulous trip to California to visit Grandma, Papa, and Kyle! I didn't want to bore you with a bunch of pictures since that was my last post!

We did so many more fun things such as going to the bounce house, hitting the chocolate factory for yummy caramel apples, and visiting the local parks... but my camera wasn't around.

Tyler was nice enough to watch the kids so I could take a quick overnight trip to St. George. My wonderful friend Cristine was sealed in the temple and I was so glad I was able to be there! Thanks for going with me Alissa! Bummer... we didn't take any pictures of us.

Now the countdown to summer break is on!

Reunions and water!

The kids couldn't have been off track at a better time! Kyle was finally done serving his two year mission! We were able to head off to California to see him and have Justin meet his uncle for the first time! This was a trip full of firsts for Justin and lots of time spent in water!


I just thought this was a cute picture of Justin and Molly having a stare down!

The girls were so excited to see Kyle!

This was one of Justin's "firsts!" He was a little unsure of the pool, but bravely stuck it out! (notice the grip he has on Dad's shirt!)

I think the girls turned into Mermaids on this trip!

Tyler was just so excited and proud to see Kyle!

Pismo Beach was FREEZING... but they didn't notice!

Justin was loving the sound of the waves crashing on the beach!

This was another one of Justin's "firsts!" He finally got to meet cool Uncle Kyle!

It took Brynn a while to warm up to Kyle (he left when she was just shy of 2 yrs. old), but they became buddies in no time! (she wouldn't look at the camera!) This was also the final picture as our trip was over and they were saying good-bye. We love you Kyle and are so proud of you! We had a blast! Thanks Mom and Dad for always spoiling us with good food and fun when we visit! We love you all!

Happy Mothers Day...

to all mommies, even if you aren't one yet.

A baby asked God, "They tell me you are sending me to earth tomorrow, but how am I going to live there being so small and helpless?"

"Your angel will be waiting for you and will take care of you."

The child further inquired, "But tell me, here in heaven I don't have to do anything but sing and smile to be happy."

God said, "Your angel will sing for you and will also smile for you. And you will feel your angel's love and be very happy."

Again the child asked, "And how am I going to be able to understand when people talk to me if I don't know the language?"

God said, "Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet words you will ever hear, and with much patience and care, your angel will teach you how to speak."

"And what am I going to do when I want to talk to you?"

God said, "Your angel will place your hands together and will teach you how to pray."

"Who will protect me?"

God said, "Your angel will defend you even if it means risking it's life."

"But I will always be sad because I will not see you anymore."

God said, "Your angel will always talk to you about Me and will teach you the way to come back to Me, even though I will always be next to you."

At that moment there was much peace in Heaven, but voices from Earth could be heard and the child hurriedly asked, "God, if I am to leave now, please tell me my angel's name."

"You will simply call her, 'Mom.'"

- Unknown

A peek at my party!

Mom sure made a big deal over me turning one! She thought it went by way too fast. I was pretty excited for the big day after watching April and Daddy open all of their presents the week before! First thing in the morning they let me open a few presents. I had so much fun tossing them around. They made fun noises!

Mom has always decorated everyone's door on their birthday. Then you get to walk through it! I might not be able to walk... but it sure was fun pulling on all of those strings!

"WOW" was all I could say when I saw all of the colorful presents waiting for me! Oh... and the cake.... I couldn't wait!

Mom couldn't get over how different it was to have a "boy" birthday! She was loving all the balls and cars I was opening! So was I!

There it was..... the cake I had been keeping an eye on! I thought they were going to feed it to me, but no! They wanted me to dig in! I didn't like the feel of the cake. It made me messy and felt kind of funny. I didn't cry, but I didn't touch it either unless they made me!

It was a fun day! I was pretty spoiled, but then again, I always am! I just had my one year well baby check-up and I need to gain some serious weight. Maybe I should consider eating cake every day! Thanks for all the birthday wishes!

Justin is ONE!

It is so hard to believe that you are ONE today! It feels just like yesterday when I was told that I was finally going to get my little boy.....

..... on May 1st, 2008 we were so blessed to have you join our family!

Daddy was on cloud nine that day and continues to be your #1 fan! We fought over holding you that day and we still do.... boy you're spoiled!

You chose to come to a home with the sweetest sisters on earth! They were so proud to hold their baby brother. You were the first one they wanted to see after school. Here it is a year later, and nothing has changed!

We had a hard time getting you checked out of the hospital. You decided to fail your hearing test, your bilirubin was too high, and your body temperature was too low. Somehow, we were able to bring you home....

..... and we have enjoyed every second of it! You have come into our home to take us on a beautiful journey. We are beyond blessed to have such a sweet angel to look up to. You are an amazing little boy and continue to show us how strong we all can really be. I love you sweet angel and look forward to all the many birthday years I get to enjoy with you. Happy Birthday little guy!