Cousins!

My sister-in-law and her 3 boys came to visit us. My kids were so excited when I told them cousins were coming over to play and they were spending the night. We partied pretty hard and we had a great time!  We went to pump it up!

 The kids ate lots of pizza and had way too many snow cones.

 They played in costumes all afternoon and went on a treasure hunt.

 The 2 two year olds bonding over an iphone game.

 Luke and Jack.

 All the monkeys livin it up at the park and splash pad.  We had so much fun and are so glad they came. Hope they come back soon!

Lake Mead with Mark & Jenny

Uncle Mark and Aunt Jenny called and asked if they could take Kate and Luke to the lake with them for the day. Honestly at first I was reluctant to let them go.  The thought of having them at that big lake without me there scared me.  I really trust Mark and Jenny and I knew the kids would have a magical time so I agreed to let them go. The kids were SO excited when I told them where they were going and who they were going with.

They had so much fun kayaking around.  They loved being at the lake and they love Mark and Jenny.  They said It was, "the best day ever!"

Our New & Improved Backyard

When we moved into our new house we were happy it had at least a little yard but not so thrilled that it was straight up gravel.  I didn't really take any before pics of it but you can get the idea from this pic.

We shoveled up all the gravel and wheelbarrowed it out of the yard. See ya gravel. Then we wheelbarrowed a bunch of sand and soil into the yard. The boys loved playing in it.

Luke and Steve leveled and compacted it.

Then we layed some beautiful luscious fake grass.  I love it! The kids love it! What's not to love.  No maintenance, soft, green, non itchy grass. We also planted some real plants around the border. They are pretty and lovely and make me happy.

At the other end we layed some pavers.  I think it turned out great! The kids are really enjoying it.  I'm so glad they have a nice little play space.  They play out there all the time.  Even when it's crazy hot.

We also have a little covered patio and in that back corner we are growing tomatos, raspberries, peppers, strawberries and pumpkins. 

So happy with the way it turned out! I love, love, love it!!!

4th of July

We had another great July 4th this year.  The weather was cooler than usual but it did not put a damper on our party.  We tie-dyed shirts to wear I was impressed how well they turned out. My kids have some serious tie-dye skillz!

We spent the day at Grandma & Grandpa Edington's eating, hanging out with family, and swimming.

Ashley and Jenny Lynne planned the opening ceremonies for our Olympics this year and did a great job. It was a Hunger Games theme.  Kate and Luke were the delegates for our district.  They  were so excited to participate and they were so cute. Don't underestimate them, they look sweet but there sting is deadly.

Steve and I were charge of the Olympic games this year. The games we planned were; biggest splash, best dive, most creative dive, most painful, ice cube melt, donuts on a string, water balloon toss, salty seabiscuit contest, synchronized swimming, hold your breath the longest, best dessert, best salsa, fishing game, best patriotic palace, and races. We had medals for for the 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place finishers for each competition and there was a trophy for the person who won the most medals.
It was super fun. Luke was on a roll and won a ton of medals.  He is fearless on that diving board.

 Wes is a maniac in the water.  He thinks he can swim.  He loves dunking his head under the water and when he comes up he is all smiles.  He loves the water!  He had a great day. He also thoroughly enjoyed following Julie's dog Fifi around. He really annoyed her, I'm surprised he still has all ten of his fingers.

After the games we had our sparkler parade and Grandpa passed out glow in the dark necklaces and toys to everyone. Then we went out front and enjoyed watching some fireworks. It was really a great day.  A perfect combination of all my favorite things swimming, family, and food. I'm so grateful to be an American and for all the freedoms that I enjoy.

It's July 5th now and he is still sporting his goggles and medals.

Kate turned 5

For Kate's birthday she decided instead of having a party she wanted to go to California and celebrate with my parents and brothers.  So we packed up and went.  We drove down Thursday night. Friday we went to Magic Mountain it was really fun and the kids loved it.  Saturday we went to the beach and that night we celebrated Kate's birthday with presents, family, and pazookies! Sunday we drove home.  It was a really fun trip.  Kate loved every second of it. She felt so special and loved, which was exactly what I was going for.  (I took lots of great pics but my camera deleted most of them)

 Kate is growing up so fast.  She is such a sweet girl.  I am so proud of the little lady she is becoming.  She is so nice and patient with her brothers.  She is a happy little thing and is almost always in a good mood.  She is very obedient and very rarely needs to be punished.  She loves arts and crafts.  She also loves stuff.  She has piles and baskets full of random things she drags from one room to another.  There is hardly enough room for her in her bed because she insists on having her stuff in bed with her at night.  She loves fruits and vegetables.  She is SUPER excited about starting kindergarten.  She is good at making new friends.  She can hardly wait to meet her baby sister.  She has big plans for the two of them.  She loves swimming. She is thoughtful and helpful. She is a beautiful girl inside and out! I love you Kate. Happy Birthday.

It Doesn't Get Old

Jason tells me at least 20 times a day he loves me.  He will be right in the middle of something and then he randomly pauses long enough to tell me he loves me.  His little voice is so sweet and I smile every time I hear him say it.