Siblings

Sometimes (well a lot of times) the kids are fighting. It is the usual struggle for supremacy in the hierarchy of siblings. However, the flip side is that although siblings tease, taunt, and beat each other up, no one else is allowed to give their brother/sister any grief. Evan said to me tonight, "Laurel is a good big sister. She always takes good care of Jonnie." One of my favorite things to watch is the love the kids give each other. They are all so precious. I now understand why it drove my mom crazy when we quarreled. It drives me crazy too! Everyone needs love and encouragement, and families should always be a safe place to just be who you are. Now the trick is to get my kids to learn this lesson while I am still trying to learn it myself.

Provo River Fun

A week and a half ago we went to wade in the Provo River. Earlier in the week I had my appointment with the surgeon, whose office was by the Provo River. Michael had the boys and it took over an hour to even see the guy. While I was tied up, Michael showed the boys the Provo River and then promised we would all go back on Saturday. Evan was so excited all week to go to the Provo River. Michael had a campout the night before and Evan asked every 1/2 and hour or so when it ws time to go to the river. Finally, Michael got home and we headed to the river. It was extremely slippery and most of the kids fell in at some point. They loved it. Just in case you wondered if I was brave enough to trek into the disgustingly slippery, mossy water I put a picture of me with the kids in the river, to prove my bravery and willingness to do yucky things for my wonderful children.

Back To School

Laurel and Lindsay went back to school on Monday. Laurel is in the second grade and Lindsay is in the first grade. They are such great daughters. I can't believe how much I miss having them around. I am looking forward to doing lots of learning with them this year.

California Dreamin'

Jonathan in line for Toy Story Mania ride. He loved looking at everything.

It was pretty hot that day at California Adventure. We took the kids over to Bug's Land where they had a place to get wet. They were totally soaked, but happy and much cooler. They even enjoyed soaking their mom with help from Uncle Brandon. It was sooo much fun!

We lucked out and got the kids in line fast enough to get a picture with Minnie Mouse. Some adults are shameless in their attempts to take a picture with a character and cut, push, and shove their way in front of small children!

We had to get a picture of the kids with WALL-E. They love this movie. This wasn't too long after getting soaked and they are already getting pretty dry. It was fun to watch the kids enjoy California Adventure. They are getting older and can ride more rides and do more things. Michael said he didn't go to Disneyland for the first time until he was 13. My kids are definitely spoiled! This was a great memory for them. I hope the pictures will always remind them of the people who love them and spent so much time making such a wonderful trip possible for them.

Fun at Grams and Grampa's House

Well we just got back from an amazing trip to California last night. We traveled down for one more week of fun, sun, and swimming before the kids start school tomorrow. The kids swam like crazy while we were there. They loved every minute of being in the water.

Laurel loved diving for the sinking torpedos at the bottom of the pool. Lindsay improved her swimming skills and was even getting her arm strokes up out of the water with her head down. Evan had a blast jumping into the pool, sliding down the slide, and laughing when people couldn't stay on the rafts. Jonathan was terrified at the beginning of the week, but by the end of the week he could swim around the pool with his life jacket on all by himself. The kids are so blessed to have so many wonderful people to love them. Thanks to Mom, Dad, Auntie Lindsay, Aunt Chelsea, Uncle Brandon, and Uncle Ryan for everything they do for us. You are the best!

Clogging Performance

The girls had a clogging performance on Saturday August 9th. They did a really great job.

This is a video of the kids doing the Cha Cha slide, it is a dance they do at the end of their classes for fun!

Happy Birthday Lil' Lindsay

My lil' Lindsay turned 6 yesterday. It is hard to believe how fast she has grown from a tiny baby to such a sweet, kind little girl who loves to help, share, and care for others. She had a really fun day with donuts for breakfast, opening presents, and then a Barbie Island Princess party with about 8 girls. She was even nice enough to invite her little brothers. Aunt Catherine and Grams were so helpful getting the party set up as well as the details during the party. Lindsay played hard and had a great day. Lots of family called her to wish her a Happy Birthday and she received many beautiful and fun gifts. Thanks to all of you for helping to make her birthday so wonderful.