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.