Happy Happy Birthday Ella Dear!

I cannot believe my baby is 5 years old. It has been 5 years of pure joy. Here are 5 things we love about Ella.

1. That smile! Need I say more.

2. She is genuinely excited about everything we do. She fills our house with happiness everyday.

3. She says the darndest things. " I WILL kiss frogs" Mom: "Who gave you that attitude", "Jesus gave it to me!"

4. She knows what she wants, always. Sometimes it's a pain, but I know in the long run it will serve her well.

5. She loves her Family and is always free with the hugs and kisses.

Please share your favorite memories of Ella.

Why I Love YW...

So, most of you know that I got released from working with the YW in our ward last week. It has been 4 amazing years. When they told me how long I had been in, I couldn't believe it. The time has flown. So after sobbing for 2 days I have now composed myself and have had time to reflect on all the amazing experiences I have had. But, after 4 years of serving in YW the most amazing experience happened last night. We were sitting down to dinner and Kyla was telling me about a play date she had just gotten home from. She was invited to get in their hot tub and when the girl went to get her a swim suit she only had bikini's. Kyla told her, "I can't wear a bikini" When the girl asked her why she said, "I go to church, my mom works with the young women and they sang a song about being modest. That's why I don't ear a bikini!" That particular roadshow was over two and a half years ago. I am so grateful for those YW who set that example so when my 7 year old needed to make a decision she had those wonderful girls in her head singing, 'If it fits to tight, then it just aint right, try to dress like me, go for modesty."
So now it is off to Primary for me. It has been hinted that I will be teaching the 8 year olds turning 9 next year. I am looking forward to this new experience.

Magic Kingdom

So the first stop on our vacation was a day at the Magic Kingdom. Besides having to pay double the price to stay the whole day, we had a fantastic time. The weather was cool and there was not a line in sight. If we would have known that before we went in we probably wouldn't have paid the extra. Ella's dream came true when she got to have her picture taken with Mickey Mouse, Jaden on the other hand did not like having to put off Minnie's advances. Ella and Kyla loved staring in Belle's storytime. Kyla plays a mean Misses Potts and Ella got to rescue Belle as Chip. There are pictures of the other children, but I don't have those organized yet. Next on my list of things to do (Not really next, but I'm trying to get it done) It was a fantastic way to start our vacation.

Jaden's first swim meet

Please excuse the screaming in the video. For all of you who know me this is a common occurrence at sporting events, not just for my son :) It's because I was a swimmer and you learn to yell extra loud so people can hear you under water. I think I am more excited then he is. (No, I'm not!)

Jaden had a great meet this weekend in Ashland. He started the meet off with the 200 freestyle, then swam a 50 backstroke, and finished with the 100 freestyle. He was fantastic. I was really nervous because he had just started learning how to dive and that he would do belly flops on his starts, or that he would lose his goggles, but none of that happened. He didn't even get disqualified on his backstroke turn. (He ended up doing both, he hit his head on the wall, then flipped on to his stomach). I am so proud of him. After he swam the 200 freestyle I turned to Jeremy and told him that I thought I was about to cry, don't worry I was able to keep my emotions under control. He is excited to get back to practice today so he can start working on the breaststroke and butterfly for his next meet on Nov. 7th. And yes, I will be hoarse on Nov.8th.

Happy Birthday Kyla!

Why we love this girl!

1. Always happy, she always has a smile on her face. Her joy is contagious.
2. She is so smart and loves learning new things.
3. She is fearless when it comes to trying new things. I'll post the iguana pictures later.
4. She is a fantastic sister. She always plays so well with Ella. They are truly best friends.
5. She is a beautiful ballet dancer. I am so proud of her for making it in the Nutcracker this year.
6. She is always willing to lend a helpful hand.
7. She knows her mind. She is a very strong willed young lady, but she is always willing to compromise to make others happy.

We are so grateful to have Kyla as a part of our family. She always brings a smile to our faces. We love you and hope you have an amazing birthday!

Please feel free to leave any memories you have of Kyla.

Preview to Vacation Pictures

OK we do not have access to all our photos at this time. We kept filling up our cards so we would download them onto my father in laws laptop. We are waiting to get a disk with all the photos on it. Here are some gems that made it home with us. I just couldn't wait to post them! Enjoy.

Here we are at an Iguana Farm on Roatan. Lucky for us it's feeding time.

Look at those Iguanas eat.

Oops, One got to close! But don't worry Ella stayed calm and collected.


We parted as friends. Ella's bravery even encouraged Grandma to give it a try.

Way to go Ladies.

OK, One more gem just to wet your taste buds. This is us at Finding Nemo is Epcot. Check out Ella's full facial smile. It looks painful doesn't it? The funny thing is we have multiple shots of the same smile. She really gets into it, no doing things halfway for her.



Stay tuned for details on the whole 13 day long adventure. It was an amazing vacation and I am so glad we will have these memories to share for a lifetime.

Happy Birthday Jaden!

10 Things I LOVE about this boy!

1. He loves his family. He is always an amazing example to his sisters and is so good at showing them how much he cares.
2. He has a more cautious nature like his mother, but never lets his fears stop him from trying new things.
3. He works hard at everything he does and is so responsible.
4. He is self motivated. I never have to wake him up in the morning. He is up and dressed and ready to go.
5. He has an amazing mind. He asks such thoughtful questions I sometimes forget how old he is.
6. He loves to cook! He makes mean pancakes. Of course my favorite is when he brings me breakfast in bed for no reason.
7. His enthusiasm for scouting. He loves all things outdoors.
8. He is great at setting goals. He has almost got his black belt.
9. He loves to snowboard and is so excited for this winter!
10. He is going to be scuba certified and we will get to go on so many adventures together.

We love you Jaden and can't imagine not having you as a part of our family. Thank you for everything you do. Have a happy, happy birthday!

Feel free to share your favorite memories of Jaden. I'm sure he would love to read them.

All Grown Up!

I can not believe that my baby is growing up. She just lost her first tooth at 4 1/2. That seems a little early to me. Do you remember when your children lost their first teeth? Please comment and let me know. I m nervous because Jeremy keeps telling me that the age they start loosing their teeth has a strong indication of when they will begin puberty. I want to put that off as long as possible.

When it rains in Hell...

We have had a heat wave, baby! Week when it's been reaching 107-110. So imagine our suprise when we went to find hail the size of marbles falling from the sky.

New Haircut

I am in the process of growing out my hair, so to begin I had the best hairdresser ever, Jet, trim my hair so that it is all one length now and will grow out evenly. She is a magician, she can make even an awkward time look good.

What I did last week!

I just got home from one of my favorite weeks of the summer. That's right last week was Girls Camp. I have to say we have it pretty cush at Camp Esther-Applegate. We have cabins, flush toilets, showers, and mess hall complete with cooks. Life doesn't get any better. This years theme was "Back to Basics" hence the military vibe. We are also on the shore of Lake of the Woods which allowed for some fantastic 5:30 am swims across the lake and back. Perfect for triathlon training. This year I even put my head in the water the entire time. I didn't open my eyes, but baby steps right! I am so grateful to the wonderful women who woke up to canoe with me. I couldn't have done it without you.

No need for words!

Nose bleed Clara. As you can see she was fine.

It just seemed to effect her fashion sense.

Chubby Bunny

Expert beach towel volley ball player!

pass the life saver anyone?

Looks pretty one-sided. Margie never

learned squirt gun etiquette. Too

bad for Trina.

Aren't they beautiful? You'd never tell they were in the

middle of a 6 mile hike.

The girls on the 2nd year hike
unfurling the virtue banner


Not shown are the pictures of me with over 60 mosquito bites. The one drawback to camp this year. Oh well, a few bug bites won't keep me from having the time of my life. Thanks for the great times ladies!

Lake Siskiyou 4th of July continued

What a view.

Sisters!

I love this picture. Ella and Troy both

having a hard time because they don't

want to get bounced off.

Camping 4th of July weekend @ the Crags

Hurricane Harbor