Pick me!

Feel free to browse here, but don't get too excited. I'm totally gonna win.

Let freedom ring...and rootbeer be consumed!

This year, although there had initially been talks of a low key fourth with a BBQ at home and watching fireworks from our back deck (which I swear we will do one of these times) we ended up being out the entire day!

We barbecued with neighbors for lunch, but then headed down to Sandy city for their festivities. There was a children's carnival with bounce houses and booths, and food and live music to keep you entertained during the day. The parade started at 6, and I have to say it was pretty decent!Trin spent a few minutes at the beginning pouting because I refused to let her get this backpack with a stuffed animal attached to it. See exhibits A and B. But once they started throwing candy, everything was smiles and rainbows!

Spencer's parents and two little brothers, each with varying levels of enthusiasm, joined us and were die hards 'til the very end of the fireworks! We were able to see my fam, and Sara and her fam over the weekend as well.

I recently had a conversation with my neighbor that initially had to do with some petty things that both of us had similar complaints about. Things quickly turned, however, to discussing the fact that there are so many things, core important things, that we are so lucky to have and enjoy. I am immensely grateful to those men and women serving that make my peace of mind possible, that I can raise my children to know that they can say and be and do whatever they want, and that the people they dream of becoming are only limited by themselves, not their government or the ravages of war outside their back door. Thank you Torree and Jesse. Thank you!

Trin's graduation...again

This was Triniti's third year of pre-school, but I have been far and away most impressed by this year. It was a specific pre-k curriculum, and the things that she has learned and grown from this year astound me! She is sight reading like a pro, has a really good grasp on basic math, and probably most importantly has become much more self-confident. She is so stubborn and strong willed, which is why it was surprising that the only suggestion that her teacher ever had for me was that Trin could stand to, well, stand up for herself a little more.

She aims to please everyone, so it breaks my heart to think that she lets herself get taken advantage of because she's just trying to keep everyone happy. It's something that we've been trying to work on at home...the idea that she needs to listen to her teachers at school and church, but when she knows something isn't right, it's okay to speak up! I worry sometimes that it stems from me maybe demanding too much or being too strict, and even if it's not that, that this trait will be something that causes her heartache later on.

Wow...all I wanted to do was post some pictures of Trin at graduation! I just hope that I can instill in my girls a sense of strength and independence; confidence in the perfect little daughters of God that they are. I really would be okay if they stayed 5 and 1 forever!

We love Miss Maria!

Did I mention my dad came?

Love you, little girl!