TRADITIONS...

is the theme in our home right now. Kaylee is working on a YW's project which requires her to research the history and traditions of her ancestors. Scott's grandmother also turned 80 yrs. old today. We are reminded of all the wonderful traditions she has carried on with her family. I am so inspired as I read some of the amazing blog posts and hear what special things families are doing together. Scott and I have some fun traditions of our own, especially fun holiday traditions. But we would love to hear what you do together with your family. Please, tell us a fun family tradition you have. It can be something simple that you do every night before you go to bed, a family vacation you take every year, or a holiday tradition. We'd love for you to share something with us!

I'm Back!

There has been so much going on this last month that I don't think I could write it all on this blog, nor would I want to...

However, my heart goes out to the families who have suffered through tragedies recently. My thoughts and prayers are with them.

On a lighter side, here are some quick highlights of this month:

Gracie learned a new word; Spiderfly-a scary bug

My boys share a bunk bed but they both always sleep on top. Tonight when I asked Ryal to get in bed, he said, "Mom, I don't want to sleep with two guys in my bed!"

After a long day at Kindergarten, Ethan asked, "Is tomorrow Saturday? I don't want to go to school tomorrow & tomorrow & tomorrow!"

The week before school started, I put my kids to work. Just picture the Chicken Dance playing in the background, over and over and over!

Kaylee completed one of her YW Projects by organzing all of the toys in the house!

Higher Ground Company Dance began August 11th. I don't think I've been so busy in my life! It's exciting, but very, very time consuming.

This is Noah, out of the bath for two minutes, rummaging through my Higher Ground Dance stuff. It's what I feel like all the time!

Ethan is starting to really like his new primary teacher...who did this to him on Sunday, (Bro. Chiles!)

Kaylee started Jr. High at Taylor!

Ethan started school at Porter, but has now been accepted over at Franklin East. Can you believe I don't have a picture??? I will say that he picked out his own outfit on the first day of school. He was decked out in Spiderman apparel and accessories. He said outloud while arranging his ensemble, "this is so cool!"

Noah had a little family B-day party.

CHEESE!

We postponed the party especially for Holli, my sister who is here from BYU.

Last weekend, my mom, Kaylee & I drove to Bullhead City for the Cinderella Director's meeting and pool party!

Kaylee with Denise Swartzman, Az. State Director

This was their incredible pool!

And backyard!

Mom, Helen & I

Ryal started pre-school this week with Mrs. Merrill at A-B-C Express-he loves it! We've almost made it through August...it's a miracle!

Happy 1st Birthday Noah!

Noah was the first child I've had that hasn't come unexpectedly. My water broke in the middle of the night on all 4 of the pregnancies I had before him. He has always done things a little bit different than my others.

His first six months, he never slept longer then 2 to 3 hours. He kept me up every night and I was exhausted all the time! He's always been a true "baby". Loving to cuddle. Whining and whimpering if I left him for too long. He was the first baby I have ever had that did the REAL curl lip cry if his feelings got hurt. He also purrs himself to sleep...so cute! He has been such a joy. He loves being close to mom and dad, which is why we seldom ever leave him anywhere. We love that he always wants to be with us.

His baby nursery theme is baby giraffe!

He is LOVED by his brothers!

This little outfit he has on was Ethan's when he was born. Then Ryal was born one year later on July 5th, and wore it home from the hospital. It was fun to put Noah in it also.

Noah gained weight quickly...my biggest baby ever!

My friend Tiffany and I were pregnant together...taking late night walks, hoping to go into labor anytime. She had her little CASH one week before I had NOAH.

These 5 kids are such a blessing in my life, and they really do love eachother so much! And all of them are so good to Baby Noah!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NOAH BOY!!!

Our Trip To CALIFORNIA!!!!!!!!!!

We got there at about 11am & headed straight for the beach!

What's the best thing about the beach?

Sand up your swimsuit!

Funny, funny!

Ryal loved riding the waves, but was scared of the water and sinking in the sand. So, he would ride a wave like so...

Crash on the shore...

And run like mad on all fours for the dry land!



Skyler and his friend Levi came to CA with us too... Brock, crashing in the waves

Uncle Mike

Scott, TJ & Tressa got to play a couple games of soccer while they were there. We also got to watch Lilly's game.

We hit the CA malls. Gracie got Sleeping Doody glasses.

We got to take the kids to LegoLand...that was so much fun! They had so much for the little kids to do!
Gracie went on her first roller coaster!

Ruby was a good sport all day!

The kids favorite thing the whole day was getting their face painted!

Haylee & Kaylee were good sports taking care of the kids all day

They had a whole water park area

And off came the face paint

They LOVED getting tattoos!

This was Ryal's favorite ride. They give you your own driver's license and you drive on your own.

Scott thought this was amazing! All made from lego's except for the tires!

The kids dug for dinosaur bones!

Ryal tried to bury himself...

Everything there is made out of lego's!

We spent the next day eating at Ruby's on the Seal Beach pier...kind of a tradition in our family.

My boys!

Noah was showing off for the camera...

We celebrated Scott & Chase's birthdays! (Scott just loved being sung to-ya right!)

Other CA tradition-pedicures!

Nancy bought my boys a cake and we celebrated their summer birthdays!

We put together a game of Domino's...our other family tradition. Tricia & Chase against me & my grandma...Grandma and I kicked their trash!

And we hit the Outlet Malls on the way home...of course!

Fun Trip! We LOVE going to CALIFORNIA!!!