Shaver Lake 2012

Shaver Lake is always one of the high lights of our summer. We have been going since Hyrum was 1, so thats 8 years now. This year was a little different without Kaley there. She always loved the time with all the family. We counted on her to bring DVD's , games and she was always reading the latest good book! It is fun to go back to somewhere you all spent time together and think back on the memories. But, it is also hard to look around at everyone and know that someone is missing. It was so good of Jeffery to join us. It would have been even harder without him there. The kids loved the time spent with all the cousins. It is such a blessing to be able to make special memories together.

Oasis of the Seas

So the last few times I have tried to load pictures I've had problems. Now I am behind and need to catch up on all our fun summer trips! Mike and I have been looking forward to our cruise without the kids for about 9 months. It was everything we hoped for. We were on the biggest cruise ship in the world and it was amazing! An outdoor boardwalk, lots of shopping, 2 wave maker pools for surfing, zip line, mini golf, arcades, lots of pools, great entertainment and food any hour of the day! We had Mike's best friend from high school, Nick, and his wife Kristin go with us. So much fun reconnecting with them. It was nice to have another girl around! We stopped at a private island in Haiti and spent the day lounging and swimming. In Jamaica we toured a plantation and saw Dunns River Falls. A beautiful waterfall that ends on the beach. We also went to the ancient ruins of Tulum at our stop in Cozumel. So amazing, and a view overlooking the ocean. I could go on and on about all the new experiences and fun we had but I mostly want to say that I recommend all couples take the time to get away from the kids!!!! We needed that time together away from lifes distractions. A time to relax, regroup and come home ready to be a better parent and spouse. Loved it!

Summer Vacation

We had a fun family trip to Utah to visit my new nephew Isaac. He is adorable and we loved getting to know him. We also went to a fun children's museum ( more like a fabulous play place). The kids loved the grocery store and kid sized house. There was lots to do there. Our favorite place was This Is The Place Monument. They panned for gold, rode ponies, saw a blacksmith at work, had a lesson in the school house and even washed some laundry by hand!

Lottie turns ONE!!!!!

My baby girl turned ONE!!!! She is such a fun little person to have around. She is an easy going girl and has completed our family! I love that her siblings still fight over whose turn it is to hold her! She is loved so much.

Our Buddy

It has been a crazy few month. Part of that was saying goodbye to our Buddy-boy. The best dog ever,period. His seizures had reached a point that we knew it was time to say goodbye. Hard for the kids to take when just weeks before they lost their Aunt. It is these unfortunate times that give you the chance to talk about the important things in life and what we believe in after this life.

Easter

A few Easter pics. I have wanted to do sailor outfits forever and finally did it for the girls! I love the pic of Lottie scrunching her nose! We call it her piggy face!

About a month ago Julia had a big haircut. Took off 9 1/2 inches. She loves it and looks adorable!