No Fear

Last week we had the cousins over for a water day. Logan, (Adam and Anita's son) was one of the youngest kids to go off the slide. He was so fun to watch. he absolutely had no fear. We'll have to do it again real soon.... I love all my cute nieces and nephews!

Deacon again

We got home from dinner on Sunday to find out that Deacon had been on the loose. He knew he was in trouble from the minute we walked in the door, but we were impressed that he only destroyed 1 pair of shoes (mine!) and roll of toilet paper.

Trouble

If anyone out there is wondering if we still have Deacon and how he is doing , then here's the update.....Deacon is now a pretty good sized dog, this pic was taken a few months ago and he is still growing. He no longer goes to work with D.J., (that ended a long time ago). My kids are now the kids that have dog hair all over them everywhere they go, (pet peeve of mine). Our cute play house outside now looks like white trash, (he has torn up all the carpet around the base). We will be lucky if our cherry tree survives (he has eaten the bark off the tree). He doesn't like his big new kennel that we had built, (it's outside and he's used to being inside), but with all that said, there are more pros vs all my cons to having him, he is part of our family, very adorable, it's nice to have a big dog for protection, he 's helped us get into shape,(with all the walks we take), and most of all, I love to see the kids and D.J happy.

A Shower

Today Nalaya and I went to Laya's primary teachers bridal shower....... She asked if it was going to be at the church and I told her no, then she said oh yeah, they don't have showers at churches.... She also asked the funniest question she said "will they get married with their clothes on, or just naked?".......Then we got home and Laya was telling Noelle about the shower, she said" they didn't even get in the shower!! Right mom?"............. I would love to get inside her mind for a day.

Timpanogos Cave

Last weekend we hiked up to Timpanogos Cave with our "BRAM" friends. The Rusch's gave us a free night stay at the Timpanogos Inn, in Lehi, so we stayed there Friday night and hiked on Saturday.

I didn't realize until I posted these pic's that Nalaya must not have enjoyed it too much.

We had a fun time and enjoyed watching Noah hold a slithery snake.

San Francisco

D.J. and I celebrated our anniversary this year in SF. A big thanks to Peggy for watching the kids for us, they had a fun time, and so did we.......... (D.J. could hardly wait to try on the robe they left for us in the room, haha.)

Happy 15th Anniversary D.J!!!.......I'd do it all again...and I wouldn't change a thing. I love you so much!

This is why I love Mother's Day.

This is from Noelle.

This one's from Noah. I love the purple lipstick!.... Nalaya was sad that she didn't have a gift for me so she grabbed a piece of paper and drew me a picture, (unfortunately it was with a pencil so I won't be able to post it). Nick wrote me a nice poem... D.J.was great and was probably glad when the day was over, because I milked it for all it was worth.

Nick's 14th Birthday

Nick celebrated by having a party Saturday night with some of his good friends. (Yes, I know it was a boy-girl party and this-hopefully-will not be happening with Noelle anytime soon!)

He recieved some great gifts. This was one of his favorites.

Happy 4th Birthday Nalaya!

We had fun celebrating Nalaya's 4th birthday. She was so excited to have a barbie party and to have it at the park with her cousins. It happened to be awesome weather and I know she loved every minute of it, because we catered to her every want and need. HaHa.

I think she will be well stocked with barbies for awhile.

She loves her new bike.

Ellie

Today was a very sad day as I learned that we will not get the chance to meet our little niece Ellie from Haiti. She passed away Sunday due to a sudden illness. Our hearts go out to the Gordon's, as we know how much love they already had for this beautiful little girl.
Michelle and Scott were able to spend a week in January with Ellie. They formed an instant bond with her, but through the long adoption process they could not bring her home. Michelle was excited to go back in June for a second visit still not knowing when they would be able to bring her home. What heartbreaking news to excitingly open a new e-mail from the adoption agency only to be told the devastating news. I am so sorry. I know there are no words for the grief you must be feeling.

Noah's Activities

To get ready for the First Grade Field Trip, Noah's class made sandwich boards of their favorite animal. Noah, (of course), choose a dog. He loves projects, so this was right down his alley.

Having fun at the zoo with some of his friends.

Check out noah's self portrait for the class t-shirt. I love it!

Noah's last soccer game was today. He had a great season, with 5 goals! He has come along way since last year. I actually think he may have an aggressive bone in his body. I am sad to see the season end, it was a lot of fun. Thanks to Grandpa, Grandma, Anita, Jacob and Logan for supporting Noah at some of his games.

Nick's Last Run

This was Nick's last track meet for the year. He ran the 400m and did great! I love that he worked really hard and recieved 2 hours of exercise everyday. I wish I could say the same for myself.

Oh, I have also been tagged! Thanks Nat. I am supposed to open up a book and turn to page 123, paragraph 5, first sentence. Ok here goes....the book I am reading is, The Glass Castle, (a great book, by the way,thanks Ember!) here is what it says.......The piggy bank special that Wednesday was a 1956 Oldsmobile, which mom bought for two hundred dollars.

Well, now I get to tag my fellow bloggers. I tag Michelle, Lezette, Liz, Anita, and Lisa. (Iknow Anita and Lisa don't have blogs yet, but I am hoping you will soon!)

State Tumbling Competition

We spent most of Saturday in Heber City at the State Tumbling Competitions. Noelle placed 4th in her level on the floor! She has worked very hard this year and has improved so much.

Miracle....an event that seems to be scientifically unexplainable.

Who would have thought this day would come? Eric, (my brother-in-law), was baptized today by his friend Mark. He had been secretly taking the discussions and wanted to surprise Sheree.

These are the sister missionaries who taught Eric.

Eric, you are awesome and thanks for letting us be a part of such a great event! We love this picture.

Not only did Eric get baptized, but Noah lost his first tooth today. This day is one for the record book.

Picky Eaters

We enjoyed a wonderful meal tonight along with a ton of Drama!!!! Julie and I have always enjoyed sqaush so we thought we would share with our children. BAD IDEA.

Little Sahara (sand dunes)

Happy to be here. We have been going to the Sand Dunes for the past 4 years. D.J. has always promised me that he would never climb Sand Mountain (should be called Death Mountain), but this year he gave in to peer pressure. Thanks to Garrett, Mckelle and Jay.

Due to the weather, we spent a lot of time in the trailer. Rod had fun showing the kids a few of his magic tricks.

They were impressed.

Ahhhh, how nice!