Family Pictures

Isn't it amazing the way a picture can depict an entirely different experience than what really went on? To look at this picture one might think, 'Oh, look at that family- so happy, with such pleasant and well behaved children,' when it is really quite the contrary. Let's just say, by the end of this experience there were three screaming children covered in candycane and cigarette buds, a very frustrated daddy (there against his will mind you), and a mommy who was about in tears over the long hours she'd spent organizing to the last detail the perfect family picture (it's a personality flaw). Oh, and let us not forget the poor photographer... I'm pretty sure she'd never seen such a sight. All I wanted was to capture my sweet children in all their preciousness (because let me tell you- they really are angels). I was sure it had been a complete failure until... low and behold... Sharstin worked her magic. The pictures are beautiful, and she did it. She captured my children. I really can't thank her enough. More pics to come... stay tuned.

Rylie Goes to Preschool

Rylie has grown up so much in these last few months. She has been very excited to finally get to go to school like her big brother. Rylie really loves her big brother (in between really not loving her big brother... ha ha) and loves to keep up with everything he does. It's pretty darn cute. So here is our little Ry-bug on her first day of preschool. She is loving her teacher Miss Bonnie and having her friend Cali in her class. I am so thrilled she is having a good experience.

Kaden Goes To Kindergarten

After a couple month hiatus from the blogging world I think I'm back. I think. I haven't quite figured out where to squeeze "blogging time" into the ol' schedule. I used to squeeze it in late at night, but Parker keeps me on my toes and runnin' all day long so by the time I put the kids to bed and straighten the house- I'm pretty much spent!! Anyways, not that any of you wanted to hear that... onto my first item of business since being back in my official "blogger seat:"

My first baby boy is now officially a kindergartener!!

Kaden on his first day of school...

There are so many little boys in our neighborhood going to kindergarten this year. Here is just a small sampling of them...

Handsome little fella...

Socializing before school...

Kade-man and Stock-to-the-O!! Such good buddies.
Now if you want entertainment just hang out with these guys for a minute. Hilarious!! Here they are showing off their "get to know me" posters.

The worst part... watching them file into that school. I couldn't believe my eyes as I watched my baby boy walk out of my life forever. Okay, that's a little dramatic I know. It was only 2 hours and 40 minutes, but it felt like the beginning of something I didn't like... my children REALLY growing up. I think I've been in denial all these years, and it is truly happening. I didn't cry that day. But there have been many days since that have had me in an all out melt-down. I think I'm finally on the road to recovery for any of you that were wondering (I promise I'm not a drama queen- I just write dramatic :) Makes it much more fun.) Anyways, Kaden is happy as a clown to be finally going to the "big school" as he calls it. And we are pleased as punch that he is enjoying it and doing so well.

Way to go buddy! Keep up the good work!!

Rylie in Action...

Rylie and Gracie took a fun little dance/tumbling class this summer. They were so adorable dancing around, and being silly girls together. I don't think it get's much cuter than this...

Ry-bug doin' her stretches...

Parker observing... love that bum!

Rylie really loved the tumbling part...

I'm so glad they had such a fun experience with this! It was definitely a bright spot in our summer!!

4th of July Weekend

Well once again we spent our holiday weekend in Bear Lake with the fam. What is it about that place that just makes me hate to leave. Every time we drive away from that glorious body of turquoise water the kids are in the back seat waving and saying, "Bye bye Bear Lake... until next time. We'll miss you." Nic and I smile at each other and then begin plotting how we are going to sell our house and retire at the ripe old age of 30 to this wonderous place. The kids could live the sheltered life of a small town, and Nic and I could wake board our little hearts out. Now that would be the life... but then the responsible part of me pipes up and... ruins all the fun!!

There was fun at the pool...
Yes that is my Kade squirting that poor kid in the eye... what a bully!
Papa and Parker...

The boys working hard on assembling the shish-kabobs... let me tell ya, they were delicious!

Our festive dessert... boy was it yummy!

Papa Ben and Papa Bob chatting it up...

Parker getting his walk on...

Koda just relaxing and being a good boy...

The decorating of the t-shirts...

The finished products...

All 6 grand kids sporting their 4th of July T's...

We spent one of the days on the beach. The kids were in heaven.

Halli & Parker playing in the sand...

Oh, Parker... how we love you.

Uncle Erik helping the girls with some sand creations...

Parker ate his fair share of sand and seashells...

Cassie and her cute family...

Gracie and Rylie

The kids on the tube...

Who needs a boat when we've got Nic around...

Candace and her cute family...

Koda giving Nic some smooches... he sure loves his dad.

Kaden, Rylie, and their dad playing in the gooey sand...

Parker admiring the fire...

and doing some serious bonding with his Papa...

And to top it all off... fireworks in the driveway. What could be better? Except for looking out over that beautiful lake and seeing fireworks bursting from all around. Doesn't get better than that.

Happy 4th of July!!

Happiness is...

Endless hours of playing in the sandbox (or volleyball court) which ever you prefer.

Really, truly... endless.