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!

No place like...

If you've read even just a few of my posts, at any point in time, I'm bound to have mentioned Thanksgiving Point. We have passes, of course. The Dinosaur Museum is one of our favorites in the winter, the Barn is great in the spring, and this time of year the gardens and Noah's Ark are among our favorites!

Last week we were lucky enough to have my grandparents and my uncle visit us! It really was one of the most enjoyable times, and I'm so glad that they were able to make the trip! We relaxed around the house, ran a few fun errands, and relandscaped the front of the house. Thank you, thank you, thank you Jeff! Grandma and Grandpa, we love you tons and already miss you!

Mac is 3!!!

My little dude is three! This birthday was so much fun to plan and just watch him. This was the first that he really knew what was going on...and boy did he party hard! June 2nd is his actual birthday, so that morning he was able to open his gifts from mom and dad. A brand new bike and super cool helmet were waiting for him downstairs when he woke up, along with a few other goodies. The following Saturday, we had the big friends and family bash at the park. He was spoiled rotten! Thanks everyone for celebrating with us!

Happy birthday, Maci!

My little niece, Maci, had her first birthday! We celebrated with cake earlier in the week, and then again with another party at Farnsworth Farms. The grounds are so much fun, free, and there's a wagon to pose on! What more could you ask for? Happy birthday, sweet girl! We had lots of fun!

Planeterium Fieldtrip!

Triniti has been attending Corner Canyon Academy this past year for her pre-k curriculum. It is the greatest little school, and I continue to be so impressed with them and the whole faculty. This month, to coordinate with their lessons on their world and the solar system, we went to the planeterium downtown. I think the highlight for Mac was riding TRAX all the way up. That is, of course, until he got to play on the moon. Triniti loved the dome theatre, and getting to spend the afternoon with two of her favorite friends, Abby and Isabelle.

Documented proof

It finally happened! No...I haven't convinced Spencer to move to California. And no...I still don't fit into even half of what I have in my closet. BUT! I did finagle my way to CA with my husband under the pretense that it was business for him, and managed to get a little family vacation out of it! The beginning of the week he did actually work while I stayed at the Chateau Hendrickson. I took the little people to Disneyland solo and did some local playing. Midweek, Spencer met back up with us and not only did he go to Dland with us, he purchased an annual pass! Now he HAS to go again to make the money worth it. Beautiful. (Insert maniacal laughter here.)

The latter part of the week we stayed in Oceanside for a few days, and then stopped in Vegas on the way home. Hurray for vacation, deliriously exhausted kiddos, time with my husband, and one stellar tan!!!