Swim Lessons

She started off scared and would barely put her face in the water. 3 weeks later she can swim like a champ. Well, not to me of course but to everyone else. She is a stubborn, little stinker for sure.  Hopefully, lots of practice over the summer will only help her get more confident and safe in the water. Best money I ever spent. Now if only they had potty training camp!!

Scarlett just loved Ms. Juliet 

We loved going to my moms every day and hanging out with Emily and the boys. No better way to kick off the summer than 3 straight weeks in the pool. Seriously, hours and hours every day!

Nick's Weekend

The second weekend in June is always Nick's weekend. It is both his birthday and fathers day, lucky man. We did some celebrations this past week for him and he is deserving of everyone! This was an extra special birthday because is turned the big 3-0! 

 For his birthday I planned a fun date to his favorite Thai restaurant and to see Superman 3D (our first 3D movie!). To have hours together without kids was SO nice. Our usual dates always feel rushed or cut short. For his birthday we had all he time in the world and it was wonderful! Lucky man also got to spend all of Saturday playing golf with friends. He partied it up like he was 20 again :)

Father's Day we celebrated on Monday with his family with a swim party and bbq. How lucky the girls and I are to have Nick. I can think of no better example to our girls than Nick. He is kind, hard working, forgiving, loving and genuine. There is no one better than my Nick!

Cool 3D glasses

 Best dad to these two little girls. He even watches Cinderella and Little Mermaid over and over!

ps the watch he is wearing was his much desired birthday present. I am big on surprises and this year he was surprised! 

Water is the Game

We have been in water every day of June. Not just for a minute or two but for hours! It has been so hot and the way we survive is being in the pool or lake or playing with the hose. We have loved it. Summer is by far my favorite season. There is just a feeling of "do whatever you want" and I can be lazy. When we spend all day in the pool the kids zonk out early. That gives me the whole evening of freedom. Oh yes!

First time drinking out of the hose... oh, childhood at its finest!

Always in just a diaper these days...it's too hot for clothes

Love this little girl. She loves Cinderella these days and begs to watch it. She is big on saying "maybe one day". It goes like this, "Hey mom can I pet a bunny... maybe one day okay!"  

May Adventures

These past couple of months have been a blur. I am starting to get frantic because time is passing too quickly! I love this stage of life and want nothing more than it go nice and slow. But I don't always get what I want. Here are some of our May activites...

We got a seasons pass to the Children's Muesum and love to go in the afternoons. It's not busy then and I just let my girls lose

We took a fun trip to St. George to see Brian Regan and see my nephews baptism. 

Scarlett killed some "cute, little baby ants". Those were her words. 

Watched our friends Guinea pigs which Scarlett called chipmunks. It was fun but even better to give them back. I can handle animals is short durations. 

 Memeorial day we went shopping, played some golf and of course ate too much.

 Scarlett and I got to on a spur of the moment boat trip. Best part... Alice and her craziness was taking a nap at home:)

Picnics, water, and lots of time outdoors

It's Summer

Yesterday I was at my parents house letting the girls play on their new swing set and basting in the not-so-hot sun. My dad got back from a bike ride and said "well, lets go to the lake". An hour later I was water skiing and enjoying the most beautiful day. Scarlett loved spending time on the boat even though she did not want to get in the water. Nothing brings a smile to my fast quicker than a boat ride. The hot wind blowing in my face is magic and just like that it is summer!

Breakfast of Champions

Breakfast is a big deal in our house. Both girls wake up and immediately beg to EAT! Here's our morning...

Always has to watch cartoons. These days it's Tinkerbell, Wonderpets or Cinderella. 

Mother's Day 2013

"Young women need mothers and mentors who exemplify virtuous womanhood. Mothers, your relationship with your daughter is of paramount importance, and so is your example" Elaine S. Dalton 

I have been thinking about my role as a mother a lot these past months. Mainly, how best to raise righteous and loving daughters. Emily and I were talking a couple months ago about our grandma LaRue and her role as a mother. She has always been faithful, service oriented, and kind. Since I was young I have caught my grandma kneeling beside her bed saying her morning prayers. I would run to her wanting breakfast or a toy and she would sweetly shoo me away. It was her time to communicate with her Savior. Her prayers were heard and brought about miracles for her family, especially her children. " I have come to know that faith is a real power, not just an expression or belief. There are few things more powerful than the faithful prayers of a righteous mother."  During conference I felt an urgency within me to sit and listen to Elder Boyd K. Packer's talk. I was doing house work and "listening" when he began speaking. I felt I needed to listen with my whole heart to his message. As I listened I felt the love of my Savior pour over me and peace fill my heart. Through my faithfulness I can, like my grandma, bring about miracles for my family.

The greatest joy I have found in motherhood has been my personal growth. To be a better mother I must be a better  person. Motherhood has strengthened my testimony more than any experience could. To my children, thank you for bringing me closer to my Savior. 

She has been in love with these wings. They are on her all day and even took a journey to the grocery store. All day I hear " I want to go up in the sky and fly like a butterfly." Her favorite book is "Fancy Nancy" and wants to where her sparkly shoes and dresses. Each day is a delight with this sweet girl. She has a tender heart and loves her family!

"Hold me"

"Alice, where's your eye?"

"Where's your ear?"