Camping in the great outdoors

After having a fitful night's sleep in our tents, we awoke to a scrumptious breakfast of...poptarts--The breakfast of champions. :)

What a place to spend time with the kids! It was beautiful and there were so many places to explore. We had to warn the kids about touching the cacti. Instead they climbed the rocks and flew kites. Lots of fun! The only problem we had was that the wind almost blew our tent away.

One activity that Aaron found extremely fun was throwing rocks into the lake. He had total concentration.

Abby thought it was great that we let her go up and down the rocks by herself.

After playing all day, the kids were ready to head up to the tent for some more fun!

Pioneer Day Part II

These pioneer children didn't walk...they rode the handcart.

Aaron once the watermelon eating contest was over. Very proud of himself.

This is Aaron being a 'pig!'

Pioneer Day

Aaron and Abigail were in a watermelon eating contest. Aaron was excited that he got to eat like a pig. Abby was just glad when it was over. As soon as someone won she asked me to cut hers up. But they were good sports.

Aaron, Emma, Jacob, and Abby enjoying the scenery at Pioneer Day.

Don't jump!

Emma was in the nail hitting contest...at least she was until she hit herself in the head with her hammer. Ouch!

While Aaron was hitting his nail he was so focused. He got a little frustrated that the nail wouldn't go into the wood. It kept going at an angle, but he kept on trying.

Family, family everywhere

Spending time with Nana and Grandpa.

More time at the temple

Uncle Mike, Grandfather, Granny, and Aunt Julie. Families are forever.

Mike, Julie, Hayden, and Hope. What a great experience it was being able to share that experience with them!

Jacob and his Uncle Jake! What a pair!

Abigail dancing with the flowers.

a day at the temple

While at the temple for Julie's (Josh's sister) sealing, we tried to get a family shot. Sad to say, but this is the best that we managed to get.

Me and the kids...outside waiting.

Abigail just playing around.

Emma Grace.

Josh and me...one of the few shots we have together.

visiting family

Emma and Hope loved sleeping together. Aunt Julie read them a book to keep them ready for bed.

Aaron and Hayden 'bunked' together.

Dance recital

Josh gave Emma some flowers after the recital. She was so excited!


After the recital was over, they had group pictures. I'm not sure why they did it then. Emma kept yawning...which was natural because it was almost 10:30. However, she was still really excited. She can't wait for dance to start back soon.

Fun times

Abigail enjoying a little water time.


Emma, Aunt Wendi, Logan, and Aaron just relaxing.


Aaron learning to "swim" underwater.


Me just hanging out at my sister's. Don't you love candid shots?

Dad Power

This summer has been crazy. Josh is back in New Mexico working while I'm visiting family and playing on the east coast. For Father's Day the kids helped me write a poem to put in the card we were sending...however earlier this week I realized Josh was TDY and wouldn't get the card in time. So I figured I would post our lovely prose here so he would get it on Father's Day. The card had the words 'Dad Power' written on the front.

Our dad's the best there ever was
And we know it's true because
We see him helping us each hour
Using what we call "Dad Power."

He tells us stories and helps us out.
Dad makes us happy if we start to pout.
He likes to bake cookies and share them too.
He takes us camping and to the zoo.

Our dad is easy to approach
And he's a real good soccer coach.
Dirty diapers don't faze him any
And bike rides...we have gone on many.

He may not leap buildings in a single bound
But we're always glad to have him around.
He makes us laugh and he always showers
Us with his unique "Dad Power."

My Daddy is my favorite Pal

I am very grateful to have had my dad in my life. Over the last few years we have developed a stronger relationship. I have been able to share with him the happiness and the hardships that I have experienced and he has always been supportive and encouraging. I am lucky to have him as a father and a friend. I love you! Happy Father's Day!

I asked the kids to fill in the blank for 'Papa is ____ years old.' These are their answers: Emma - 79, Aaron - 59, Abigail - 3...which might look bad at first glance. But when you average them together it comes to 47 years old. Pretty accurate! They love you lots and can't wait to see you!

Candid answers

Jacob, obviously, didn't answer the questions. However he did cry the whole time I was asking the other children the questions. I think it just shows how much he misses his dad. :)



My dad is 2 years old.
My dad is handsome today.
My dad likes to make food.
My dad always says I love you.
My dad enjoys playing with toys.


My dad is 29 years old.
My dad is handsome when he goes to church.
My dad likes to make cake.
My dad always says thank you.
My dad enjoys playing soccer.


My dad is 28 years old.
My dad is handsome when he brushes his hair.
My dad likes to make cookies.
My dad always says Thank you.
My dad enjoys playing with my cars with me.

To summarize...our dad is polite, has a sweet tooth, and can clean up nicely. But most importantly he loves to be with us. We love our dad!

Recital time!

This is a conversation between Josh and Aaron during intermission.

This is just a portion of Emma's ballet dance from her recital in May. I'm still trying to figure out technology. More to come later.

Summer Fun

Well...we have been away from home for two weeks now. We packed our bags and left our current hometown of Clovis, NM to take a summer trip to visit family. We came to town to see Julie's family get sealed in the Atlanta temple. What a special experience! Several times since then Emma and Aaron have talked about when they get to go to the temple. They thought it was so neat that Hope and Hayden got to be in the temple. The kids and I took Josh to the airport...after all, someone has to earn money so I can play all summer. :) We stayed at Julie's house for a week and had a blast. The kids played all day--even in the wee hours of the morning. Their days were filled with fun, and I think we even managed to leave before they got tired of each other.

We are currently at my mom's in Guntersville, AL. We've already gone swimming, which Jacob loved. I must admit that it's a bit interesting feeding 11 people at every meal but the kids have enjoyed playing 'restaurant.' We have our waiters and waitresses to help serve and our busboys to help clear the table and wash dishes. Sneaky aren't we!?! Although it's been a lot of fun here, I still have not gotten used to the oppressive heat. We have about 8 more weeks left of visiting family and friends...then we'll head for home in time for school to start. I'll post pictures soon.

Race Day

A group of us ladies from church have taken up running. Somehow we were convinced to register for a 10K race down in Roswell, NM--Thanks Alex! We're living proof that anyone can do it. :) We were tired but very proud of ourselves.
Kara, Tina, Alex, and me...No one sent me the memo that we were wearing blue shirts. :)

Miraculously, I came in 3rd place in my age group. The kids were so excited that I came home with a medal. I ran it in 1 hour 3 minutes.

Me and Tina after the race. Don't we look lovely!?!

Alex Wixom and Kara Lott chillaxin'. :)

Once the race was over, we went back to the hotel and showered. We went to a really cute Italian restaurant then roamed around Target for 3 hours. We continued our shopping excursion (although our choices were meager) and finally left Roswell around 9 that night. It was a day full of fun! I'm so grateful I have a sweetheart who encouraged me to run and for my kids who are so easily impressed by my "accomplishments." Families are great!

All grown up

I can't believe how quickly time goes by. Jacob is almost eleven months now and can get to almost anywhere he wants to. He stands up on his own and cruises along whatever he touches.

He's our little funny man.

Garden time

While a friend was out of town, Emma, Aaron, and Abby took over watering their garden. They had a lot of fun doing it, but I was grateful my friend got back before we killed it. I don't possess a green thumb at all.

Renaissance Fair

Every year at Mesa Elementary (Emma's school) they have the Renaissance Fair, a fundraiser where each grade runs several booths. You buy tickets to do the different activities (Book Walk, duck pond, and of course we had to buy pizza and cotton candy). I was just going to take Emma but Josh's TDY was extended one day so we all ventured off to the 'fair' together. The kids had a blast and I got my workout for the day.

On the way out...

Emma was a banner carrier for her class. She was so excited and wanted to wear her 'high heels' and a dress in honor of the occassion.

This is what we looked like when the fair ended. The last thing we did was Rapunzel's House of Hair where they all got their hair spray painted. I wasn't excited about spraying their hair until I found out that it would use the rest of our tickets...then it would be time to go home. Even Jacob was good while we were there.

Life's been crazy

Here she comes....

...and she keeps on going.

The last few weeks have passed by in a whirlwind. I have officially taken on the position of "soccer mom." I feel like I am constantly driving one of the children somewhere. What's bad is that two of the kids are too young to do anything yet...which means this is only going to get worse. :) Emma started the soccer season this spring and absolutely loves it. She also really loves dance. How do you make them choose? Saturdays are game days for soccer and it is so fun to see Emma and Aaron in their uniforms excited to go play. As long as they enjoy it, I'll spend my Saturday mornings cheering them on from the sidelines. (Although between you and me, I'd rather be home, sitting in my pajamas, and eating a late breakfast. Hey...a girl can dream!)