Reunited

Yesterday I got a text from Marisa that they were coming down for a quick visit and she wondered if she could come visit.  I was so excited!  She also asked if Gray could play with Cole.  Gray was thrilled! Just like Marisa and I they picked up right where they had left off- like no time has passed.  So grateful for ture friensdhips that distance and time does not affect!  I told her that we need to fly out and visit them next time!  I think Gray and I need to plan a trip!

Draper Pool 2016

 Yesterday we work was a little slow so I decided to take a few hours off in the afternoon to take the kids to the Draper Pool.  We went a few times last year and loved it.  This year was even better.  The kids are at such a more manageable age and we had the best time!  I love spending time with blessings of mine.  We really do have so much fun together!  I love my life!

Finding Dory



Today we got to go see Finding Dory and invited Mimi to come along.  I am loving this new phase of life where we can all enjoy a movie together!  All of the kids were so good and so was the movie.  It was so cute with the best message on how you can do anything even if you have struggles.  What a fun day and so nice to have a few hour break from work to enjoy an afternoon at the movies with my favorite people!

Seriously darling

For singing time in primary on Father's Day, Sister Kenyon chose someone to put on "daddy's clothes".  She chose Gray to come to the front of the room and with each song they sang he put on another piece of clothing.  He looked so so cute!  I love the confidence of this cute boy.  He has no problem being in front of the group and belting out the song as loud as he can!  I can learn a lot from him!

First Time

On Sunday Luke got to pass the sacrament for the first time.  I cannot believe he is old enough to do this!  And what made it even more special is that Joey got to pass with him.  Luke looked so handsome in his white shirt tucked in and tie.  He did an amazing job!  So proud of my oldest son and for the example he is setting for his younger brothers.

Father's Day

When it comes to father's our kids hit the jackpot!  Joey is truly the best example and he loves our children so much.  Not only is he fun, makes them laugh, plays games with them but he also provides them with a beautiful life.  He wants them to have it all but more importantly he wants to teach them how to be great people.  I feel so blessed to know that if they strive to follow in his footsteps they will be amazing!  Happy Father's Day to the BEST man I know and feel so blessed to love!* I love that smile in the first picture!  He was laughing because he said we got him new "panties"!  So funny!

Brennan's surprise party

On Friday night we headed over to my mom's place for a surprise 18th birthday party for Brennan.  I cannot believe he is 18!  I could not believe how many friends showed up!  So fun for him!  He just recently got his mission call to Paraguay Asuncion Mission- the same mission that Don went to!  He leaves October 4th.  We are so proud of him and excited for all of the experiences he will have!  Happy Birthday Bren!

Family Night at the Park

I must admit that it is really difficult to be mom and work so much during the summer.  Often times I feel like a failure as a mom because I cannot be having fun with them all day.  I made a decision to make the most of the time that I do have.  So Joey and I decided it would be fun to go grab a pizza and go to the park.  It was a little windy but we did not care.  It was so fun to have some time together.  Nothing beats watching the kids have fun!

Trying something new

On Sunday morning Tag brought me the new yogurt and asked if he could try it.  I couldn't believe my ears.  It has been a long time since he has wanted to try something new.  He got a spoon and enjoyed!  I was so excited that I sent Joey a few pictures while he was at his bishopric meeting.  So proud of you Tag and pray you will continue to broaden your food horizons!

Tag's first boy/girl party

On Saturday Tag was invited to Roxee Beach's 4th birthday party.  It was a superhero themed party so Tag decided to wear his "super" Luigi costume.  He was a little nervous to go all day but decided he would dress up and take her the present that he had picked out.  Once he got their he decided to stay.  He had the best time and came home to tell me all about it.  He even included the fact that the cake tasted like playdough!  I am so thrilled with the progress that he is making.  A year ago there is no way he would have gone to a party and had such a great time!  So grateful for these opportunities that he is given.

Scout Camp

Bright and early on Monday morning Luke left for scout camp.  He barely turned 12 and now here he was, leaving for a week!  I could not believe it.  I must admit that I worried about him so much while he was gone.  I hoped he was having a great time, making friends, not minding sleeping on the ground, etc.  He made it home safely with many stories to tell!  Joey went to family night on Friday night with Nash and Gray and Luke was so ready to come home with them.  He did not think he could sleep there one more night! So grateful he could go and have this experience.

Our new friend

The other day the kids spilled some cheez its in the backyard.  We looked out the window and saw a squirrel feasting on the crackers.  He must have been thinking that he hit the motherload!  It was so cute to watch him!  Love the little friends that life in the mountains brings!

Harlee's Tonsilectomy

On Tuesday Harlee had her tonsils and adenoids removed.  A couple of months ago we were ready together out loud every night.  I noticed more than ever how stuffy she sounded.  I started thinking about this and how she snores and chokes on her food.  I suggested to Joey that I should take her to an ent.  He was shocked at the size of her tonsils and recommended we get them removed as soon as possible.  I made the appointment for a day I thought Joey would be in town and he ended up having to go out of town last minute.  Thankfully Darolyne came and stayed with the other kids.  Harlee was so nervous and cried all through the exam.  The nurse called in a hospitality nurse to walk her through the procedure.  She seemed to calm down and was so brave as she walked back into surgery.  The surgery took about an hour.  She struggled to wake up and said some funny things like "There is paper in my throat" and "Take this out" regarding her iv!  She is such a trooper and I just know this was the right decision.  I look forward to a much higher quality of life for our sweet Harlee.  Hopefully she recovers quickly!

Staples Round 2

When we were at the airport to get Luke I honestly had a breakdown with Joey.  I was so tired of him traveling and so overwhelmed.  I remember thinking Heavenly Father I cannot take one more thing!  While I was making dinner that night my friend Jen came over.  We were chatting and Luke came in screaming that Nash cut his head open.  Sure enough he did and it was pretty bad.  We decided to take him to the ER.  Two staples later and he was on his way to being healed.  He was so brave and I was super proud of him.  I came home to a clean kitchen and Jen folding my laundry.  I know that Heavenly Father knows we need to go through tests and difficult times in this life.  But I know without a doubt that he sends us little blessings all along the way.  Jen was the instrument for these little blessings on my crazy night!