Family Reunion

Monday through Wednesday we went camping with my family for our family reunion. My parents were in charge and the theme was Christmas in July. So we did some of the things that my family traditionally does at Christmas time. We had a pinata.

And of course we decorated a Christmas tree. The tree really was cuter than it looks. The kids strung popcorn on it and they dipped pinecones in peanut butter and then bird seed. We made snowflakes and then that night we put battery operated tea lights on it.

The last night Santa Clause came. Here are Emmy and T.J. with their presents.

We also did traditional camping stuff. Shawn and Lindsay brought the biggest marshmellows I have ever seen to roast. Believe it or not, that is what Emmy is eating.

Shawn also set up a zipline which was the hit of the reunion.

And we played "Minute To Win It" games.

The camping in a tent with 3 kids under 4 could have gone better and we could have done with a little less rain, but over all we had a good time.

Pioneer Days

We went to Taylor to celebrate the 24th of July. We started Thursday night with my mom's family reunion. They had dinner and a dance. The kids loved the dance.

Even Addy found a dance partner.

The next morning they had races and games for the kids.

 I got to see my favorite uncle. My uncle Keith lives in Arkansas and I don't get to see him very often. This is Emmy singing for him.

Saturday morning we went to the parade and Jamie put his car in the car show.

We didn't go to the rodeo but Wyatt, Trace, and Tommy won second in the grocery race. Sunday was Wacey's homecoming. He talked and sang and did an awesome job. It was a fun filled weekend.

Addy's Birthday Part II

On the 19th, we celebrated Addy's birthday along with Denise's birthday with the Espersons. Here they are blowing out their candles. This picture is so typical of Addy right now. She is in the stranger-danger stage. I think she is more attached than any of my other kids were. Which is kind of weird to me because she gets less one on one time.

She got lots of fun toys and clothes and books. Thank Espersons!

Let it Snow

The zoo had winter in July yesterday. They had snow for the kids to play in, radio disney was there, Fry's gave out free push up pops, there was a firetruck there and then they got to play in the splash pad. It was a good day. Oh ya, we saw a few animals too:) Emmy loved the snow. She kept throwing it at T.J. and he kept getting mad at her.

Boys vs Girls

Emmy was putting on a pink dress this morning, getting ready for church. This is the conversation that followed.

T.J.: "I want a pink dress."
Emmy: "Boys don't wear dresses. They wear prince stuff."

Yesterday she was telling him that he was her prince and he needed to kiss her. Do you think I let her watch too many fairy tails?

Addy is 1!

Addy turned 1 today. It seems like with each kid the time just goes faster. We had 2 fun days of partying. We combined her birthday party yesterday with Wacey's coming home and had the Hancock's over for dinner and a swim party. And then tonight Jamie's parents came over for dinner and ladybug cake. It was fun to get to celebrate with both families.

Here she is opening her presents. We got her a new baby doll. Her grandparents and aunts and uncles got her lots and lots of new clothes. She is going to be one styling girl.

She had to have help blowing out her candles, but she definitely didn't need any help with the cake.

Addy is such a good girl. She is just so happy. It takes very little to get her to smile. Happy Birthday Addy! We love you.

Welcome Home Wacey

Wacey got home from his mission yesterday. My parents spent 10 days touring Ireland with him. Here are the kids waiting for the plane.

Wacey lived with us for 9 months while he was going to school right before his mission and so he has a special place in his heart for Emmy. I was afraid she wouldn't even acknowledge him and it would hurt his feelings. But she acted like they were old friends.

We are glad you are home safe Wacey and are proud of you serving a great mission!

Funny and Not So Funny

We decided we would take the kids to Organ Stop tonight since Jamie had the day off and we hadn't really done anything fun with them today. So we were driving over there and Emmy kind of starts whimpering and I asked her what was wrong. She said, "T.J. picked my nose." I just started cracking up. But then we got there and we were waiting in line and I felt something wet on my foot and so I looked down. I had a bottle for Addy and I thought it must be leaking. But no, Emmy had just puked all over the floor. So needless to say, we didn't get pizza tonight. Poor girl. She isn't having a good day.

Happy 4th of July!

We got to spend a fun evening at Jamie's aunt's house last night celebrating.  I didn't get any great pictures. Here is what happened when I told them to smile while we were waiting for the fireworks to start.

Growing up, the 4th of July was second, only to Christmas, in holiday importance at my house. It was something we looked forward to all year. We always got new clothes to wear to the rodeo and always got woken up by the firing of the anvil. I missed being in Taylor this year. I missed getting to watch one of my brothers or dad ride. I missed the pageantry of seeing an American flag held by someone riding a horse running at top speed. I love this country. I love those who serve to give me the freedoms that I take for granted, and I especially love those who risked it all, to make it happen.