Choo Choo

After I got back from Sharon's, the children and I left to go to Utah about 5 days later.  First we went to see my family.  It was so great to see my Mom and Dad. It would be so nice to live closer to my family.  Only seeing them 2 times a year isn't enough.  The days were full of playing with cousins, watching olympics and worrying about my kids teeth.  We went to see Dr. Gifford, a pediatric dentist I used to work for, and found that Larke had some issues.  Once I decided not to worry about getting it all taken care of while in Utah, my trip got much better.  Vernon took us for a train ride around their neighborhood.  The kids loved it.  I enjoyed it too, except that I got a little bumped up.  I love being with my family.  It is full of such wonderful people that I respect, admire, and adore.  My kids absolutely loved having cousins to play with for hours on end.  They got to have a cousin sleep over at Vernon and Shelly's.  They are such gracious hosts and I am so grateful for all the love they always show to us all.  I especially enjoyed beating Shelly at Wacky Sixes by 2 points.  Ah the victory of it all.

My Sister Friend

Miss Eliza

Sharon and her girls

Camilli Lily

Sweet Baby Vivienne

Sharon is my bestest friend, outside of Matt of course, I love her gobs and bunches.

I had such a busy summer.  It started with tonsilectomies, adenoidectomies and tubes in ears for both Larke and Rushmore.  Visits from my sister Juleen and Matt's sister M'Recia and her husband Brent.  Girls Camp and then a long awaited visit to see my sister Sharon and her family in North Carolina.  I got to spend my time playing with her girls and loving on her baby.  I had a lovely time visiting with them all.  I chased, jumped on the trampoline, chased and played with Eliza and Camille.  Vivienne was beyond sweet and I loved getting to snuggle such a little, beautiful, and perfect bundle.  I enjoyed getting to be with Sharon all day.  I miss having her by me all the time.  She is such a great friend.  We laughed and cried and talked and just enjoyed being in each others company.  I am so grateful to Matt and his Mom for making it possible for me to go.  I wish I could express how wonderful it was and how much spending some time with my sister meant to me. 

How Can This Be...

Rush is 3!

Jumping on the tramp with M'Recia and Brent!  It was so fun to have them there for Rush's birthday.

We have had this pinata for a couple of years, waiting for the right chance to use it.  Rush's 3rd birthday was the perfect opportunity.  The kids all enjoyed taking a whack at it and of course the candy at the end made it extra fun.  Matt pitched it to Brent and he knocked poor Pooh's head clean off.

Rush really wanted a froggy cake and this was the best I could come up with.  I thought it turned out pretty cute and he loved it.

I really liked this picture of M'Recia so I had to add it somewhere.

Rush has had a big year.  He lost a fingernail, got his tonsils and adenoids out, got tubes put in his ears, and learned how to use the potty.  He has also gotten really good at jumping on the trampoline, climbing and running around like Superman. He gives totally awesome hugs and kisses.  He is still in a little bit of a hitting phase, especially with his siblings, but I think he is getting better.  He is such a fun boy.  He makes me laugh every day.  He loves playing with toys, being outside, playing with polly pockets, dressing and undressing himself, pretending to be a baby or a puppy or a kitty or a dinosaur or anything else he can think of, and singing songs.  My life would be so incomplete without this boy.  I love him so much.

Fireworks Rock!

I love the 4th of July!  It is one of my favorite holidays.  We started out the day with a Ward Church activity that we did a lot for.  It was busy but oh so fun.  Pulled pork sandwiches, American History Jeopardy with Matt dressed up like Alex Trebeck, relay games for the kids and a massive water balloon fight where I successfully got at least 12 people wet including the Bishop.  There is nothing better.  It really was a lot of fun.  Plus we got to have M'Recia and Brent there which made it even more fun.  We had a quiet afternoon and then LeAnn and Eric came with cousins and more fun, good food and games.  The fireworks show was awesome and Matt always makes sure to have glow necklaces for the kids and treats for us all.  This year while we waited we had Angel Food Cake with strawberries and Whip Cream.  Yummy!  Then everyone got an extra shot of whip cream in their mouths because who doesn't like to shoot whip cream into their mouths really.  It was a great time.  I love my family so much.