Our First Family Camping Trip

Doesn't this picture sum up the trip....well at least for everyone but Scott. This was on the way to the campsite up Mt. Charleston. The kids loved the bumpy roads, why did we pay so much money for Disney World? This was more fun than any ride we went on there.
Look at that DIRTY face! I think this is why we don't camp much. I am not a huge fan of going somewhere for the weekend so I can come home stinky and dirty with a ton of laundry. Well, it may grow on me who knows. Maddy definitely got the most dirty. She did not have any clean clothes by morning. She spilled gatorade all over her and just loves to play in the dirt. She did not come from the same mold as Haley that is for sure!
Well, we survived! Even Scott who did not want to go in the first place. Then he was in charge of cooking the burgers for dinner and the old grill we brought did not end up working, so we had raw hamburgers and ended up having to cook our hot dogs in the fire. (this did not make Scott happy, he prides himself on his BBQ skills). Then our 3 man tent did not accomodate our now family of 5 very well. So Scott decided in the middle of the night to go and sleep in the truck. I am not sure which was worse. He was freezing and had several kinks in his body.

But after a refreshing morning run his spirits were much better and I think he admitted it was an ok time. The company was great. We went with the Butler family, the Meyer Family and Melanie Johnston and her foreign exchange student Sara!

Field Day!

Haley had her field day in May! They plan it when a regular 9 month school would get out, however because she is in year round school will not be out for her until July 17th. I was so glad that I got to go and watch her. She loves to have us come to her classroom and help out so it was extra fun for her to have us there on their big competition day.

Here she is running in the potato sack race. Their teacher Mrs. Winters was real competitive, they her class was on task and paying attetion all the time. They did not end up winning, but they did take 2nd place!
The highlight of the day for Scotty was this ladybug that landed on his arm. I think he showed everyone one of the kids in Haley's class.

Here is her class. Each class was a different planet. Haley's class were Mercury! Haley is in the front row on the far left!
Scotty thought he was so big sitting in line with his sister. He cannot wait to go to 1st grade!

This is Haley and her best friend in her class Skyler. They had a lot of fun together this year! Haley is so thoughtful. She made sure throughout the events that her sister and brother were getting gatorade breaks when her class did. It was in the high 90's or low 100's that day. The kids loved the water brigade game so they could cool off with the cold water on their heads! It was a fun day and I am glad I got to be there with her! I love you Haley.

Preschool Graduation

I know it is now September... and preschool graduation was clear back in May, but I am determined to update the family on our fun summer adventures... even if it takes me until Christmas!!!!
This was the second year that I did a co-op preschool with Scotty. Kim, the girlfriend who organizes it is fabulous. I cannot believe how much he learned and how much he loved it! The first year I felt overwhelmed every time it was my week to teach, but this year it was a breeze. I was way more confident and just had fun with the kids! I LOVE this picture of Scotty. It totally shows his personality. Miss Kim gave awards to all the kids at graduation and Scotty's was the "SNICKERS" award. Can you guess why? He was always making everyone laugh. This is no surprise to anyone that knows him!

Miss Kim put on a great program with 4 or 5 songs, each with costumes and actions! Scotty had a great time. He loves to sing and knew the words and actions to all the songs! One thing about him is he is not shy and is quite the performer!
In this song he was a villian and got to spray goo (silly string) at the audience. He was the envy of all the boys!
This pirate song was my personal favorite. Not to mention the cool homemade sword he got to keep. Miss Kim is truly amazing.
This song was dedicated to their dads. They sat on their laps and gave them a rice crispy treat kiss. The other thing that came out at the program was that Scotty was the ultimate instigator of the discussion, "My dad is better that your dad!" In his eyes his dad can do anything!!!

Here is is preschool class, with exception of Emmitt who got cut out of the picture. Ethan, Greyson, Scotty, Gage, and Madison (the only girl). We are proud of you Scotty!

Surprise Baby Shower Fiasco

I know I have not blogged in forever, and I will give you updates on our crazy summer soon.... I think.

But tonight was worth a post, kind of an embarrassing putting myself out there post. I am in the Young Women's Presidency and we had a great activity planned tonight. It was to learn self defense. Yes, I know that I am 9 months pregnant but I was excited to learn some new tricks and will try anything even with my huge belly.

I worked very hard today to have dinner ready before I left. I was making taco soup, which Scott does not particularly love, so I had a breast of chicken left over from the other night and I BBQ'd him up some fajitas. He said he would be home at five, and I was getting ancy when 5:45 rolled around and I had not seen him yet (this started my irritation). Well he did make it home, I was hoping to show him the car seat and stroller I wanted to get for his approval (yes I do not have a carseat yet and I am due in 2 weeks, BUT I have the most adorable crib bedding!!) but there was no time , I was hot from grilling in 100 degree weather and as I am getting my things to go Scott ask me, "are you going to wear that?" (this is where I get upset) I said, "yes why not" He says, "well it looks like you have been doing housework all day." I try to hold back the tears and say, " we are doing self defense I am supposed to wear something comfortable." Then he gets the glare and I walk away. I admit I looked in the mirror, went to my closet, then out of spite did not change my clothes. I was going to show him.

Well, I am of course fashionably late at this point, but not worried because this activity is combined and surely they are still doing opening exercises with the young men. When I walk through the door all the Young women are there with some of their moms and they yell surprise. The activity was not self defense, but a surprise baby shower for me! I was so shocked that I had to walk back out side because I started to cry. I instantly realized my husband was trying to help me without ruining the surprise and I was so rude to him. Now I have embarrased myself not only for my very very casual dress but I was crying.

The leaders got a kick out of it, who knows what the girls thought. Oh well. It was a fabulous evening and I had a great time. Thank you beautiful Young Women and leaders for all of your gifts and the continual love and support you show me every day! You guys are the best!

I learned something tonight. That my husband does always have my best interest in mind and I should not be so quick to get defensive. He loves me and would never intentionally hurt me. Next time I will listen to what he is really saying and humble myself and follow his advice. I love you Scott. Thanks for forgiving me so often!



Hopefully I will get pictures soon and I will post them!

Rare Sunday!

It was a rare Sunday in April when I got the kids ready for church and we had some time to take pictures in the back yard. We even managed some shots before Scotty got dirty. This is a rare Sunday, because I usually do not have any spare time before church. Scott's high council responsibilities take him away before we get up in the mornings and right up until we go to church and many times later. That means that I am flying solo every Sunday getting the kids ready for church. I usually have them at church on my own as well. It actually has gotten easier and the kids are really helpful which makes my job so much easier. I do have to say that Heavenly Father has really blessed me though. Ever since he has had this calling my children behave really well in church. I attribute this to blessings because that was not the case when Scott was able to attend church with us. I think Heavenly Father knows that I would not go if they didn't behave. Not to say that I haven't gotten up and walked out of Sacrament on occasion. Enjoy their beautiful smiles!! I tried to get one with all three, but they didn't turn out too good. For some reason they liked to buddy up together in twos!

Haley Turns 7!!

I cannot believe that my Haley is 7 years old. She is such a mature little seven year old as well. Sometimes I think that is a detriment to her. She understands way beyond her years which creates unneeded concerns and worries. The only thing she should be worried about is what she is going to play with next. She is a great help to me though and a great shopping partner. For her birthday this year we had a family party. Since it was on a Sunday we had a big dinner with the three sister missionaries serving in our ward and the Butler family (who we consider family). Then opened presents and ate cake and ice cream. It was a quiet but fun day!

Scotty helped me fix her breakfast in bed!
Here is the dinner. Haley couldn't wait for it to be over so that she could open her presents!
She requested a fairy cake. She was really into fairies at the time. Her and her friend Breanna have gone on many a fairy hunt. I love her imagination and creative mind! One of her favorite gifts was a book about how to see and catch fairies.
I think she had a wonderful day! We sure love her a ton. Her brother and sister adore her too!
I am going to write 7 of my favorite things about Haley. Thanks Kelly for the idea!

1. She has a very bright and intellectual mind
2. She is a great big sister, Maddy will run to her for comfort sometime instead of me!
3. She is kind and always concerned about others feelings
4. She has a testimony of the gospel and often reminds me of the things I should be doing or not doing.
5. She has a great sense of right and wrong and always wants to do what is right.
6. She loves to draw and create things
7. She is beautiful

WE LOVE YOU HALEY!!

A New Committment and Boy's don't use nail polish

I am back! I hope! Life seems to get away from me. I have such great intentions of getting on the computer and recording all the fun happenings in our life and then I fall asleep. I really don't have a good excuse for being too tired since I get to take a nap almost every day. Yes, Scotty still naps everyday with Maddy, so that means momma gets a nap too. After lunch is my favorite time because we lay on the bed and read a few books then curl up together. And I have to say that my tough and rough little man is the best snuggler of the three. Those are some of the best times for me!

Here are a few pictures I took of Scotty a couple months back, yes we are going to catch up ! This is for you Grandma's and Grandpa's. One day Madeline got out my bag of nail polish and wanted me to paint her nails. She loves to have pretties on her nails. I told her I could not do it right away, but maybe later. So, I went about doing whatever it was i needed to do and walked back into my room and smelled finger nail polish. I instantly thought the worst...that Maddy had spilled the nail polish on the carpet. I followed my nose to a remote corner of the room and found Scotty looking sheepish painting his nails. He not only painted his fingers but his toes as well. Needless to say Dad was not happy and could not believe that I would take pictures, let alone tell anyone this had happened. I thought it was hilarious...gee what can you expect living every day between two girls. And the poor kid will have one more to deal with in a couple of months. Thank goodness he is all boy, or I might be concerned! By the way, if you notice in the pictures, he at least chose blue nail polish!!