Father's Day

What can I say, birthdays totally trump Father's Day! (Sorry babe!) That being said, Jon did get his moment to shine! The girls and I made him some fun stuff for his favorite hobby, golf. We made a "tee" cup full of golf tees and on all of the golf tees we wrote some of our favorite things about Jon. Madi's first favorite thing about her dad was his rough chin. :) She also loved that he plays with her, gives her lots of hugs and kisses, buys her treats at the movies, sings songs to her every night and watches Gilligan's Island with her. Tyli also adores her dad and she loves it when he comes home every day with a big hug just for her, tucks her in every night, reads to her and gives her horsie rides.
Jon really is such an amazing father! He waits on us girls hand and foot, deals with our emotional swings daily and loves us every moment.

Jon loved sharing these moments with his girls. He even acted excited over the cute tie card I made him. :)

Madi even decorated her Barbie for her dad. So funny!

Madi made this tie for Jon at summer school. He was definitely well complimented at church.

Happy Birthday....to ME!

Jon totally spoiled me this year. With this....
It is a Nikon D90. I LOVE it!! I have been wanting a real camera forever. Jon and I have both taken photography classes in high school and college and always have fun taking pictures together. I also was a "professional" photographer for Olan Mills for a while which I enjoyed. We just hadn't invested in a nice digital camera and decided now was the time. We didn't want to wait too long because our girls are growing way to fast. I definitely didn't want to miss all of those priceless moments.

Now we have to learn how to take photos again. I have a lot to learn about lighting and shutter speed and aperture setting, and I can't wait! It is a little overwhelming to think about all of that then consider learning a real photo editing program like photoshop. I am looking forward to it. Now if someone will just fit in a few more hours into my day I'll be good to go. :)


As far as my real birthday went, well, it was as good as it can be considering I shared it with my hubby on Father's day. Jon did spend the day with me on Saturday and also gave me some "alone" time. (Which some of it was spent running my first unofficial 10K with my friend Stacy. Yeah for us!) Then Jon took me lunch and shopping and dinner and a movie. It was great!

In church we had a fun day during primary. The kids were so happy and had so much fun. I totally loved primary this day. I try to hang on to these moments! Stacy surprised me with my very own birthday crown. Nothing makes you feel more important than when you are wearing a crown.

So many of my friends also spoiled me! With many phone calls, birthday cards, thoughtful gestures, facebook shout outs, text messages and singing telegrams (thanks Heather!), what more could a girl ask for?

Some of my good friends even gave me a night out with the girls. They showered me with icecream, books. lotions, soaps, decorations, chocolates and more importantly love! I can't imagine my life without these friends. They have been some of my greatest cheerleaders. I sometimes remember feeling so lonely before I moved here and now my life is so full of amazing people I am never lacking for a good time or someone to chat with. I honestly feel like I have been so blessed to be surrounded by such wonderful people! Thanks Gals!



It really was the perfect birthday. Thank you family and friends! I love you all!

Leapin' Lizards!

Madi has been in dance since she was two. This has been her first year of ballet, although I have been informed that it is actually called "creative movement" until she turns eight, which is when she will start learning official ballet. Good thing that was clarified because I don't think her lizard moves are exactly ballet poses. Regardless of what it is called, she has had so much fun! She has looked forward to dance each week. She has especially loved taking it with one of her best friends, Kate.

Madi striking her lizard pose. She does this front and center of the stage during her dance.

Not the best picture, but it gives you an idea of some of their lizard moves.

Madi and Kate have know each other since they were babies. They are lifelong friends for sure. They have taken dance together for the past two years and have had a blast!

Madi loves her grandma and aunts and they were at the top of her list to invite. They were good to sit through an hour and a half of ballet to see Madi perform for two minutes. I have told them they only have 16-20 more yeas of recitals. :)

Daddy surprised Madi with some flowers. She loved them!

You'll notice Ty missing from this picture. The recital was really upscale, live orchestra, amazing costumes and also no children under five allowed. Sorry Ty!

Madi had a great experience. She loved it so much, we are going to try it again next year!

Singin' in the Rain

The girls and I have had enough of the rain! It is seriously putting a "damper" on our summer. (Ha, ha!) We decided to embrace the wetness and enjoy it. So we headed out to our favorite lane for a splashy stroll. We had so much fun! It was so beautiful and clean. I went a little crazy with the photos but I couldn't help myself. Enjoy.






Ty is the only 2 year old I know that cries if you DON'T buckle her seatbelt. I'm the irresponsible mom who just wants to leave it UNbuckled so she can climb in and out when she wants.


I remember taking pictures with my dad. He loved photography. Now Madi is starting to see photos around her too. She spotted this dragonfly and fell in love. She snapped this photo herself.

Lagoon and a Mess

Every year with go with grandma and grandpa to Lagoon. This year is was rainy so we just went and rode the train and Merry-go-round. The girls loved it! They love this special memory with their grandparents.


This girl is killin me! I swear it's one mess after another. I think she was drinking the paint this time.

Bye Bye Truck

Jon finally sold his truck that he has had for thirteen years. Yes, he drove it all that time. It was his first car, I mean vehicle. :) He has worked on it and kept it running all of that time. Not once has he taken it to another mechanic. So it was a little bitter sweet saying goodbye. He'll miss having a truck, but I don't think he will miss fixing it when it is broken. I have to say I will miss seeing my greese monkey in action. He is pretty amazing!

Scott+Jen+Baby

YIPPEE!! Scott and Jen have finally got their baby! (Seriously...I am honestly tearing up just writing that.) She is so cute!! The best part is too see how happy they are. It is so great to see them so full of joy. I never thought I'd see the day when my brother would be giggling about baby hiccups. Well, maybe not giggling, but definitely excited. I am so happy for them. It has been a long wait. We love this little addition to their family.
We had a little celebration when we got to meet the baby. I was able to snap a few photos for fun. The best part is their giant smiles. :)









We also got a family photo. We are missing a couple of people, but at least we have this one. :) Thanks Nat!

Bake Parade

We had a neighborhood bike parade yesterday. What a fun farewell to music makers. The girls had a great time!