4th of July Weekend

Go Mike Go! This is one of Mike's many races this summer! He did 3 rides that were 100 milers. This was the end of the Tour de Riverton which was a 34 miler. The kids had a fun time waving in Dad at the finish line. After the race my sis-in-law Becky met us at Riverton Park for a fabulous time at the carnival. The kids loved all the carnival rides! Then we got a Little Caesar's pizza (which is Ben's absolute favorite) and went to a park and played. It was such a fun day!

Jaxon loved the train! He did not want to get off! He would have stayed on the train all day!
Hailey wasn't quite sure she wanted to ride this roller-coaster. She told me it was scary but fun. Ben and Donnovan loved every second!

Hailey was in heaven in her purple starship

Summer of Swimming!

So this has been a fabulous summer with lots of swimming! Here are just a few pictures of the many times we were able to go swimming. We have gone at least once a week. I decided it wasn't such a great idea to take my camera when we went swimming so I don't have too many pictures. We are lucky enough to have a pool just a couple of streets away from our house. We also had a lot of fun going to the swimming pool with friends in our old Riverton neighborhood. Last summer Hailey would usually just last 10 or 15 minutes and get cold, so we didn't swim a ton. But this year, both Hailey and Ben are my fishes and love to swim! They are both great jumpers and had a blast. Eliza was usually sleeping in her car seat on the sidelines while we were swimming. But, Eliza also did great in the water. One swimming day when my mom joined us, she sat in the water and splashed for 45 minutes.

Zoo with Cousins

This was a great day at the zoo with my sis-in-law Becky and her two cute boys. The kids all had a ton of fun, we love the zoo!

This was so funny, Ben loved was trying to get the elephant to squirt him and it took a few tries before it finally did. Hailey was not so happy when she got sprayed!

Father's Day Sleepover Fun

Every summer we sleep over in tents in my parents backyard and watch a movie on the back of their house. This year we combined our sleepover fun with Father's Day and my mom's birthday! It was such a fun night! We had a fabulous BBQ dinner, and everyone opened their great presents! We set up our tent city in the back yard, and the kids had a great time playing in them. Jacob joined us this year, and even set up his own tent in our backyard. Hopefully he had fun at our crazy family traditions. At dark we started the movie Up on the back of the house. Aly made her famous "sticky popcorn" and we had a great time watching the movie. Everyone headed for their tents to sleep and I took the long 3 minute journey home to sleep in my bed, and Eliza slept in her crib. Mike and Hailey were sleeping on our air mattress and half way through the night the mattress was half blown up and it was flat by the time they woke up. So Mike got little sleep, but as always Ben who can sleep anywhere slept great!

I love celebrating the father's in my life. Thanks dad for all that you do and all that you have done throughout my life. Having little children makes me more grateful for all of the camping and other adventures you took us to. I'm grateful for the example you set. Thanks Mike for being the most fabulous father to our children. Our kids adore Mike, and he is the perfect hands on dad! We also got to go to dinner with Mikes family on Sunday. I am thankful for my father-in-law and all he is willing to do for our family and children. I love all the father's in my life! Happy Father's Day!

Tent City

Watching the movie UP

Best Dad in the World!
(with a great glow-hat)

Ben's Graduation from Preschool

Yes, I now have an almost kindergartner! My amazing Ben graduated from preschool! Ben spent two fabulous years with Ms. Amber. Ms. Amber was the greatest teacher! She spent so much time preparing and teaching Ben and his friends. He learned everything from ABC's and how to read to composers and artists and everything in between. Ms. Amber always told me how much she loved Ben in her class because he always showed so much enthusiasm for everything they were learning and doing. This is Ben, he is so excited about life and learning. He was always so disappointed when he was sick and couldn't go to school because he was worried he would miss learning something.

The last month of preschool they were learning about dinosaurs. One day they were talking about meat-eaters and plant-eaters. Now, Ben has heard a hundred times about meat-eating dinosaurs, but it didn't sink in until one day at preschool. Ben asked Ms. Amber if dinosaurs were made out of meat, because they were talking about how dinosaurs sometimes ate each other. Ms. Amber explained that yes they were made out of meat, just like we eat the meat from cows or chickens. Ben exclaimed, "What? We like eat real chickens!" I guess the secret is out! I always thought he understood where everything came from, but I guess he is a real city boy!

A while ago at school, Ben asked Ms. Amber how long he had to be good to return to Heavenly Father. Ms. Amber usually wouldn't address such issues at school, but she knows that we are both LDS. So, she explained to him that he had to try to be good for a long time, for his whole life. Ben asked if she was sure about that. She said yes. Ben thought about that for a little bit, and then said "okay I can do that". This is my sweet Ben, once something is explained to him he thinks about it - processes it in his own way- and then he completely accepts it as fact. Oh, how I love my Ben! I can't believe that he is on his way to kindergarten. He was sad to leave his preschool friends and Ms. Amber (he asked if he could bring her to kindergarten). But, he is so excited to go to kindergarten, and is counting down the days until he starts.

Sad Eliza

Eliza is usually a very happy baby and rarely cries! She cries when she is hungry or tired or needs me. I couldn't resist taking pictures of her sad faces one day. I don't know why, but I think her sad faces are the cutest. When she starts to cry, I usually start to laugh or smile because she looks so cute, and then she stops crying.

Mike was his normal super dad and took the 3 kids into the Dr. while I was working on June 11th (Hailey's Birthday). Eliza needed her 4 month check-up and Ben needed his kindergarten check-up. Eliza weighed in at 16 pounds! She was in the 85% for weight, and the 50% for height and head. I have so enjoyed Eliza's infancy. Maybe it is because she started sleeping through the night early or maybe because she is such a cute happy girl. She has such an amazing relationship with Ben and Hailey. They can just talk to her and she laughs. Eliza is my perfect 3rd baby!

Hailey is THREE!!!

I can't believe my sweet Hailey is 3! I was getting her up from her nap the other day, and I looked at this tall beautiful little girl, and I thought when did my Hailey get so big? Hailey is my girly-girl who loves anything PURPLE! For her birthday she wanted a big girl bike, and it had to be purple. Her fabulous bike-riding father special ordered her a purple bike, which made her so happy! We didn't get pictures of everyone who came, but we had such a fun party at the aquarium with family and friends! We decorated cupcakes in little mermaid fashion, and Hailey couldn't wait to eat one. But, the minute we start singing happy birthday to her she grabbed a piece of pizza and started eating that instead, silly girl. Hailey's favorite part of her party was playing games in the sunken ship. We just set up a little bean bag toss, and a ring around the birthday cake games. The kids loved playing the silly games, and loved the silly prizes. It was a perfect birthday day!

Officially we had her birthday party the day before her birthday, but you couldn't convince Hailey of that. It was so cute, when we got home from the party I was going to get her out of the car, and she raised her hands up and excidetly said "Mom I'm 3!!!!!", she had the biggest smile on her face. We have been counting down to June 11th for a while, and she was so excited to turn 3.
This is one of my favorite pictures of Hailey. This is December of 2007, making Hailey about 6 months old. She had the craziest hair until she was about 9 months old! My happy little red-head! Hailey was born June 11th 2007, and was 7 pounds 11 ounces. She has brought so much joy and happiness into our family. Hailey and Ben have been good friends from the beginning. Hailey is my little fireball, and she brings so much spunk into our lives! We love you Hailey, Happy 3rd Birthday!

Memorial Day Weekend Motorcycle Fun

We were able to head out to the Pony Express trail in the west desert for some off-road motorcycling. Mike was getting in late Friday night from D.C., so Mikes parents came and got Hailey and Ben and they headed out for some camping in the desert. We have taken Ben motorcycle riding since he was tiny. We told him he would be going to camp in the desert overnight. On the way to the camp sight, Ben was asking grandma and papa where all of the sand, cactus, pyramids, and camels were. I guess he thought he was going to the Egyptian desert. They had a fun night sleeping in the Utah desert, and then we drove out with Eliza Saturday morning. We had so much fun motorcycle riding. Ben and Hailey couldn't get enough rides with their dad.

I love Hailey's motorcycle riding outfit, this is so her! Girly, but loved every second of riding with dad.

One of the great entertainment of the day was searching for colored bb's. Ben decided he needed a bird's eye view, so climbed up this tree to find more bb's. It worked, he actually spotted some from the tree.
Eliza was the only one who wasn't a fan of camping. It was cold, windy, and smoky from the campfire. She was not happy when she was outside! Luckily, we had the motor home to hang out in. I made Mike take the kids on all of their rides. I love motorcycle riding, but am not brave enough to take my kids yet.

This BB gun is Mike's Fathers Day present. He got it a little early, but we had fun with it.

Fun with Friends!

Mike was out of town in Virginia this week for work. We were able to have a couple of really fun days with friends. Isabelle and Ryan were able to play with us one day, and we went to the park and had a blast. Isabelle slept over that night and we were able to go to the zoo in the morning.

When we put the kids to bed at night we ask them what they want to sleep like. We usually get answers like; a red eyed tree frog, bear, princess, purple turtle, etc. I asked Ben what he wanted to sleep like and he responded that he was going to sleep like a prince. So, I said goodnight prince Ben and he said goodnight princess mommy. I think that might be the best title in the world!

These are pictures of Ben, Ryan, and Isabelle. They are 3 best friends caught in a 5 year old love triangle. Ben told me when he was 4 that he was going to marry Isabelle. I told him that would be great, we love Isabelle. Then Ben, Ryan, and Isabelle all went to the same preschool this year. Ryan and Isabelle were already friends, and Ben and Isabelle were already friends. So, Ben and Ryan soon became friends. Ben told Ryan he as marrying Isabelle, and Ryan told Ben that Isabelle had already agreed to marry him. Ben still tells everyone that Isabelle is his best friend, but he is sad because she is going to marry Ryan. I told Ben that he just needs to fight for Isabelle! But, my Ben is 100% trusting of anything pretty much anyone says. So, he says that unless Ryan changes his mind he can't marry Isabelle. Too funny!

Ben also told Mike that he was his 3rd best friend. Mike asked who his first and second were. Ben said that Isabelle was his first best friend and that Ryan was his second best friend. I guess dad has been moved out of first place.

Ben still tells everyone that Isabelle and him are twins. Ben and Isabelle were born on the same day, October 19th 2004. I try to explain that they are friends with the same birthday, but he is convinced that they are twins! My mom was great to help me all week with the kids while Mike was gone. We hung out at her house at night, and she came to the zoo with us. I'm pretty sure that Hailey would love to go live with Mormor, oh how she loves her Mormor!

These are random pictures. I love my fat happy baby with all of her many rolls! Eliza started sleeping through the night in the middle of May. It has been so wonderful to get more than 2 or 3 hours of continuous sleep!! She started sleeping through the night before she reached 4 months old, she is by far the first of all my kids to bring me sanity. The next picture is of my kids in their minivan jungle. While Mike was out of town we went to a flower sale, and filled our minivan to the brim with our good finds for our new yard.

Aquarium Field Trip

Here are some pictures from Ben's preschool aquarium field trip. Hailey, Eliza, and I were able to tag along with these cute kids. We have a membership to the aquarium and my kids love going to see the fish and animals.

I love this picture of my princess kissing the frog!

We were getting into the car to go to the aquarium and Hailey said "Mom are you 30 fat?" I thought, yes I am 30 and fat. I asked her what she meant, and she said "well I am 30 fat and I was wondering if you were 30 fat too." I figured out that we had weighed Hailey recently and she was 30 pounds, and she was wondering if I weighed the same as she did. I was relieved that my Hailey didn't think I was 30 and fat!

Mike Likes to Ride His Bike

These are some pictures of Mike on his first 100 mile bike ride! He completed the Salt Lake Century on May 15th, way to go. He rode with 3 of his friends, luckily it turned out to be a perfect day for riding. He has two more 100 milers planned for June, the MS and the Diabetes Race for the Cure. I am definitely not in any of these pictures, I could probably make it 10 miles!

Trip to the Zoo

We were lucky enough to have Mike home on a Thursday, so we took the opportunity and went to the zoo. It was a perfect day, 60's and a little overcast. It sprinkled on us once, so we went into the ape house. But, the zoo was mostly empty and it was so much fun. We got a year membership as a Christmas present from my family, so this will be the first of many zoo adventures. Thanks family!

Hailey found a squirrel friend!

Mothers Day Brunch

This is one of the 3 reasons why I love being a mother!

This is our 2nd annual Mother's Day Brunch at Thanksgiving Point. We went last year and loved the food, so we had to return! My mom, my Mormor, my Aunt Marcia, my sister Aly, and my sis-in-law Nicole were all able to make it this year. We missed my sister Bri, who had to go to work. Eliza also got to come with the girls and she slept the entire time! The food was amazing, and the desserts were divine. We had so much fun, and I haven't laughed like that in a long time. Thanks girls for a wonderful start to Mother's Day weekend! That night Mike and I were able to ditch to kiddos. We grabbed Subway, and went for a row in a boat around Daybreak Lake. It was really windy, but we had so much fun!

Mother's Day was also fabulous! Mike made me a fabulous breakfast and lunch! My favorite presents were cute cards from my cute kids! We were able to go over to Mikes Grandma Margaret's house and visit with his family and have dessert. Then we headed over to my mom's house for more dessert. A weekend filled with dessert, that's my kind of Mother's Day! I love living so close to my mom now! We have never lived far, but it is so nice being a 3 minute drive away! My mom watches my kids on Friday's so I can work. I am so grateful for the wonderful relationship they have with their Mormor. They look so forward to their Friday's. Thanks mom for everything you do, and being such an amazing example of a fabulous woman!

Eliza's "Princess" Day

Eliza's blessing dress is very special to me and my family. My Mom made this blessing dress out of her wedding dress. Aly, me, and Bri were all blessed in it. When I had Hailey, my Mom asked if I would like to use it. I was so excited that I could pass this tradition onto my daughters. So now Hailey and Eliza have also been blessed in this beautiful dress.

Four Generations of women: Eliza & Hailey, me, my Mom, and my Mormor
My parents and Eliza

Some of our family that was able to come to Eliza's blessing

My handsome boys

Our church starts at 11 am, so we decided to have a breakfast over at our house before the blessing. We bought way too much food, but had a great time together. I am so grateful for family that is close and supports us in everything. I am so grateful to have such an amazing husband, and hear the blessings he has given to each of our children. I am so grateful that my little miracle Eliza is healthy and happy, and we are able to have this amazing day! When Ben saw Eliza in her blessing dress, he said this must be her princess day, and yes this was a perfect princess day.

My Kids Say the Craziest Things

Ben:

"These socks make me happy with joy because they are so soft"

We were watching American Idol and Casey James was singing, and Ben said "is he speaking our language?"

Ben made me a Mother's Day card at preschool it said: "My mom's hobbies are taking care of Eliza, and if my Mom could do anything she wanted to she would watch American Idol at night, and she is 5 feet 2 inches tall" (I am 5 feet 5 inches tall)

We were driving and the song Shake Your Booty came on. Ben asked "Mom what is your booty?" I told him, and he responded with "Why would someone want you to shake it?" (5/12)

Hailey:

She asked "are we going down the town to see daddy at work?" (5/6)

I was taking the boys to school and Hailey had a water bottle of Ben's that has his name (Benjamin) on it. I could tell she was thinking hard about something. She asked "who's water bottle is this?" I said that it was Ben's, and she said "it can't be Ben's because Ben's name doesn't have an M in it, and that there is an M in mom." I explained that there isn't an M in Ben but there is an M in Benjamin. Then it hit me that I am talking to my 2 year old, and when did she learn to read her letters, and that there is no M in Ben but an M in mom.

Girls in the "Chariot of Fire"