Happy 4th!

These were our celebrations of the 4th. We all had a wonderful time swiming, splashing, socializing, laughing, canoeing, fishing, creating our very own fireworks show, eating, and then laughing some more!

New Glasses

Joshua went on his first temple trip here

with the youth from his ward.

He's sporting his cool new glasses here too!

Here is Joshua on a scout campout here.
He has a phenomenal scout troop here too, by the way!

Feliz Cumpleaños!

Little Owen celebrated his first birthday with a giant pinata that Joni's sister made for him. Once he figured out that we all wanted him to hit it with his little stick, he looked at us all as if we were a bit ridiculous, but it didn't take him long to think hitting the pinata made for a riotous event.

After all the candy was gone, this is the only little sweet that Madeline ended up with. She didn't really care, though. She just thought everyone was acting a bit preposterous.

Just a random picture of us miniature golfing with Tyler and Makena. Fun times!




More birthday fun! We went to Rachel's house to celebrate her 10th birthday!

Prima Ballerina

I made these Tutus for Madeline and she is crazy about them. This photo session was such a cinch and at the same time completely delightful and entertaining. Madeline was adorable, acting as if she were Little Miss Prima Ballerina.

Cousin Fun!

The kids have thoroughly enjoyed spending time daily with their cousins. We have been so busy having fun, that I hardly even took any pictures. This is just a glimpse of what we've been doing.


All the boys are already on swim team. Cameron just finished his swim practice and I found him playing D.S. at the pool with his cousin. Boys, you can do that at home. The pool is for swimming.

Madeline, having no sisters, is having a great time with her girl cousins. Makena swam with Madeline while the other boys were having swim team practice.

We got to see Fro's family before they went off to England and this is the only picture I got! I think I need someone to send me some pics:)

Madeline ran off to play at her Uncle Paul and Aunt Jennifer's house. It's nice that they have such a big yard to run around in!

Madeline at Cameron's Game

Our boys are well into baseball season and I thought this was funny. This is what Madeline was doing today during Cameron's game. She found another little girl to play catch with. Mike thinks she looks like a natural. I say, let's try ballet first:)

Another Broken Bone!

Joshua has really done it this time. He has broken his ankle and sprained a ligament. He did manage to play five games of baseball this season and he happened to be a star player on his team, mostly playing first base and some pitching. His team was on a winning streak (and actually still is), but the sad part about that is that Joshua can't play anymore. The orthopedic surgeon said he's out for the season, but we're holding onto a little bit of hope that Joshua might be able to participate in playoffs.

So, how did he do it? Joshua was playing football in the rain at a scout campout. Joshua is one of those kids that just goes all out in everything he does. We think this is a wonderful quality that Joshua possesses, if only it didn't always lead to injury!

Needless to say, things have been a little tough at our house. Joshua is reading again even more than before! I am happy that he's an avid reader, though. The worst part for me is, he can't help me out anymore! Believe it or not, he used to be able to vacuum our entire house in just a few minutes. He was always helping with Madeline and now that is rather difficult because Madeline requires someone who can run after her very quickly. Joshua also can no longer pass the sacrament at church. This is kind of sad because he only turned 12 about 5 months ago. He also can't run up the stairs and take a super fast shower anymore. He has to sit in a tub with his leg up. This means people are waiting a little longer for the use of that bathroom. Joshua is taking all of this with a pretty good attitude, though. We will all be very happy when he is healed!