Happy Pioneer Day!!!

July 4th Fireworks

Saturday it was raining off and on almost all day and so we weren't sure if the fireworks were going to happen that night. But luckily the rain held off enough that we could enjoy a great show surrounded by family and friends.

Notice the dark clouds. And of course Mikayla's blue eyes which I love. This is her pre-show. She was all smiles and having a great time.

Once the fireworks started Mikayla was like this the rest of the show. Poor girl.

Here's Austin telling the fireworks to be quiet and not scare Kayla. He enjoyed watching the show and shouted out the colors of the fireworks--especially when they were red and green ones (his favorite colors).

Toy Story 3

On July 3rd, me and Craig took Austin to his first movie in the theater. I underestimated how popular the movie would be and the theater was packed by the time we got there so we ended up about the 4th row from the front. But Austin had a great time and kept focused on the movie the whole time (except when he went with Craig to get popcorn/drinks). Austin's favorite part was at the end of the movie when the toys are headed towards the big "fire". At least I am assuming that was his favorite part because when someone asked him about the movie that is the part he mentioned. We had a great time and can't wait to do it again!!

Happy Anniversary!!

We celebrated our 7th anniversary this year and did so with a weekend together in Branson. It's amazing how fast a 4 hour drive can be when you are alone without the kiddos!

We went to the New Shangai Theater and saw the Chinese acrobats perform and it was an amazing show!!

We stayed at the Suites at Fall Creek which was wonderful and there was lots of things for us to do there at the resort: swimming, hot tub, mini-golf, tennis, horseshoes, shuffleboard. It was great being able to do these things together and just enjoying hanging out with each other without all the other demands, distractions, and responsibilities that we have at home.

And since Craig let me plan our trip, I convinced him that we should go Ziplining, something neither one of us had ever done. After gearing up, we headed up the hills in this Pinzgauer Swiss Army Troop Carrier.

Our tour was called Prospector in the Dark which entailed 7 suspension bridges and 4 ziplines. It didn't begin until dusk. So for the first 2 ziplines there was still some light but by the 3rd zipline it was completely dark. It was a thrilling experience and so much fun!!!



Can't you just see the enthusiasm on my face?? Even Craig commented on how excited I looked as we were ziplining through the Ozark Mountains.

Thank you Craig for sharing in this experience with me and for 7 wonderful years of marriage. Can't wait to see what other adventures life will bring to us in the future! I LOVE YOU!!

Friends

Austin's relationship with Mikayla has made major changes since the day I brought her home from the hospital. It has been great seeing it change from one of jealousy, to tolerance, to actual friendship which is where we are now--hurray!!

They are becoming great playmates and entertain each other very well. It has definately been a struggle getting them to this point but now that we are here I am loving it!!! Of course they don't always get along perfectly, but it is nice to see them sharing, and laughing together, and running around together and talking to each other. The other night I picked up Kayla to put her to bed and Austin gave me a sad face and said "but I won't have a friend to play with." Aww, moments like these make all the struggles so worth it!!

Sweet baby girl!!

My baby is no longer a baby!! Kayla is getting so big. She is such a sweet, silly, little girl and we are so lucky to have her in our family! Her biggest discovery is that her voice can do more than jabber and scream---she is discovering new words daily. I love this milestone because you never know what word they will learn next, plus it means we are on the way to communicating easier. Kayla will say 2-3 word sentences. Some of my favorites are hearing her say "wuv u" and "I want one" and "amen" after the prayer is said. She is a great singer....she sings ABC's, twinkle twinkle, and happy family all very well. She is still a great eater. She has become a little bit more picky lately, but overall eats a large variety of food unlike the boys in our family :)

I truly enjoy watching her play and her feminine side is starting to shine through. Recently she has started covering her dolls or carebears with blankets and saying "nye nye" to them. She also loves to accessories and enjoys putting on necklaces, sunglasses, shoes (whether her own or someone elses), and even attempts to put on clothes even though she is already wearing some. And for some reason she wears her princess crown like sunglassess even though I will put it on the top of her head. She loves her hairclips and will gather them from the bathroom drawer and run around with them in her hand (if only she would leave them in her hair).

She is no longer afraid of the carwash but has discovered a new fear: a whoopy cushion. Austin discovered one at my mom's house one day and Kayla is terrified of it for some reason.

She is a great listener. When ever we say "time to brush your teeth, or get your shoes, or brush your hair" she will take off running for the mentioned object. And often she will run around on her tiptoes.

She gives sweet kisses and hugs and is such a joy to have in our home!!!

Mormon Messages

Have you seen the newest Mormon Message??? It is great one for mothers...and I love the kid trying to play in the toilet....haven't we all been there??

Motherhood: An Eternal Partnership with God