Princess Party

Sarah went to a super fun Princess Birthday Party for her friend Faith. The little girls all wore their favorite princess dress, they made crowns, and even played princess soccer. I was glad to see Sarah excited (and willing) to wear one of her princess dresses. She got a cute trunk full of dress-ups for Christmas, and wouldn't put any of it on (except the shoes) for at least 8 months. She would have friends over, and they would dress up, but not Sarah. Now I think she enjoys dressing up, though she only does it when she has friends over.

Notice the red carpet coming down the stairs... it was all too cute, from a mom far more creative than me.She may even be a princess for Halloween this year. For Halloween last year, while all of her preschool friends were princesses or cheerleaders, she wanted to be a spider. I love that little girl. She could care less what everyone else is doing and will just do her own thing. She was a dang cute spider too.

Sarah's First Haircut

We finally convinced Sarah to get her hair cut, or trimmed really. I know... she's 4 already! Her hair came in so evenly and cute that we didn't need to cut it until now, when it was just to hard to comb through. I was worried we would lose her curls, but I think they are still there.

Thanks to Kresta, our neighbor and friend! She was able to convince Sarah that it was ok to get her hair cut. I don't know if anyone else could have talked her into it (except maybe her aunt Terri). Now she wants Kresta to cut her hair again, and again...

Grandpa's Baptism!

On Wednesday, Rob had the privilege of baptizing his dad. It was an amazing experience. Tears of joy were shed by just about everyone. We are so pleased that he has come to accept Christ, and make covenants with our Father in Heaven. I know that he will truly be blessed for his decision, and his faith will help him through the difficult times ahead. I know that our Savior made it possible for families to be together forever, and baptism puts him on the path to make our family forever. We are so proud of you Grandpa, and so happy for you and our family. Words can't even begin to express our feelings.

Our nephews Logan and Brandon gave nice talks on baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost. After Rob baptized his dad, he was confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and given the gift of the Holy Ghost by his old home teacher (and friend) Dennis. He had been their home teacher back when Rob was growing up in California. None of his family were active in the church, nor really wanted much to do with it, but Dennis was faithful at visiting them every month and befriending them. It was he that ended up baptizing Rob, and was even a witness at our wedding in the temple. He and his family are pretty much just part of our family now, and we are so glad that they now live in Utah. It was great to have their family at the baptism. Dennis with his daughter Tori

Maybe the happiest of all was Grandma.All those in attendance at the baptism. Grandma's sisters Jana and Sandy (with Babe), Grandpa's sister Diane (with Tom), our family, Tara and Steve's family, Charity, and Dennis and Gail's family.Weston showing what he thinks of the baptism.One of the missionaries (Elder Barton) that taught Grandpa while he was in the hospital in Washington, came home to Salt Lake just a few days before the baptism. It was awesome to have him there.

Nathan the photographer. He thought it was cool to go around taking pictures of everyone.Me and SarahMatthew, cute as ever.

Happy 4th Birthday Sarah!

Our Sarah turned 4 years old on Tuesday. I can't believe how big she has gotten! We had a low-key cake and ice cream party to celebrate. Rob's sister Charity was flying in from Houston, so we weren't sure how the whole timing thing would work. We were right to be cautious, and not plan a big shindig. Rob and Nathan went to the airport, only to find her plane had mechanical problems and hadn't left Phoenix yet. So... there was another trip to the airport that evening, right in the middle of Sarah's party. We're glad you're here Charity! She had to leave her family in Houston still without power from Hurricane Ike. Anyway, back to Sarah. She had requested a circle cake with sprinkles, that's it. I felt sort of guilty because that seemed just to simple. But with as busy as things have been this week, I got over the guilt pretty easily, and was glad I didn't have an elaborate cake to make.








She loved her shopping cart and play food! She also got a cute pony with a rider girl.

It wasn't long before she was setting up shop, ready for Nathan to visit her grocery store. I looked at the floor and thought, "what were we thinking?! buying something with so many pieces to get spread all over the house." Oh well, she loves it!

Matthew and his cousin Adam playing outside.I can't resist posting such a cute picture of Matthew.

Grandpa Z. and I got a kick out of this.

The other day Sarah wanted me to film her dancing. I probably shouldn't post this, but it is just so funny. Where did we get this silly girl?! So... in tribute to the birthday girl, here it is. We love you Sarah!!!

Grandpa R. is Here!

Grandpa and Grandma R. stopped by for a visit Saturday on their way to Tara and Steve's house. Grandpa was released from the hospital last week, and had just a few days at home before heading to Utah. We are getting him into the Huntsman Cancer Institute, so he needs to be close by in case he has any troubles and needs to get to the hospital. We are glad he will be getting the best treatment possible, and also will be close to us. It was so good to see him and Grandma. He looks great, and has a cute bald head. We went to church with them on Sunday and hung out at Tara and Steve's house. Grandpa has decided to be baptized on Wednesday, and we are thrilled! He had the missionary discussions while at the hospical in Washington. He seems very humbled by his illness, and grateful for the support he has received from his family. Really they have been great! They have always had someone with him and Grandma. So many people have stepped up to help. While Tara was with them for the past 2 weeks, aunt Jana stayed with her kids. Charity's mother-in-law flew in from Georgia and stayed with her kids when she went to Washington. Sena missed a lot of work to be with Grandpa, and made it possible for her son Jayson to spend time with his Grandpa before leaving on his mission last week. The list goes on. We love you Grandpa.

Rob's Grandma came up from Price to see her son. She is so glad to have him close enough for her to visit! We are too.Grandpa's sister Debbie came with Great Grandma.Grandpa's other sister Diane and her husband Tom came up as well. Grandma with DianeGrandpa and TaraWe celebrated Grandpa (65), Madi (3), and Sarah's (4) birthday.The kids always have a great time playing together. They enjoyed eating apples right off the tree.

Rob, Logan, Brandon and Steve playing a fun game of "the Construction Game." Well... maybe Steve wasn't having such a great time.

Logan's Baptism and Farm Fun

We went to Idaho this weekend for my nephew Logan's baptism. It was great to be there with him. Logan, we are so proud of you! Way to make good choices, and be such a good example to my kids!!!

Logan and his dad Lane.

We were glad to be there this particular weekend, because Lane was released from being the Bishop of their ward, and we got to hear him and my sister Linda speak in church.

Every time we visit Linda and Lane's house, my kids go home wishing we could live on a farm too. Sometimes I really wish that as well. My favorite saying from last time we visited Linda, came from my niece Erin. She came running to her dad saying, "Dad, they have a dog, a trampoline, and a horse. They must be rich!" That they are, in so many ways. Matthew loved looking at Megan's horse Kai with aunt Terri. His favorite though, was the chickens.

Nathan's 1st Goal!

Nathan has been a real hustler at his soccer games lately. I had the camera out, ready to take great action shots... He was very motivated to score a goal (partly because I was bribing him with $1 for every goal :). He had some close shots, and we were cheering for him as loud as we could. Then, Sarah had to go to the potty. Wouldn't you know it- when we got back, the other parents said Nathan had scored a goal. Not just any goal either, but the game winning goal (they don't keep score in this league, but apparently some of the parents do). Rob had taken a really ornery Matthew to the car, so he missed the goal too. (Sigh) They said that when he scored, he yelled and threw his arms in the air. He later told me, "when I scored, I got a lot of cheers." I'm so sad I missed it. Hopefully there will be more. He is loving playing.

Here he is demonstrating how he kicked the ball in.

Nathan and his teammate Hyrum. Hyrum is really good and scores most of the goals. Nathan is learning to be more aggressive, but it still just doesn't seem to be in his nature.

Visit with Great Grandma

On our way home from the reunion, we stopped at Rob's Grandma's home for a visit. It's been a hard few weeks, but she is grateful for the daily updates on her son (Rob's Dad). We had a good little visit with her, she is so cute and sweet. Here is a message from her.

The kids enjoyed seeing their Great Grandma, and playing with her dog Taz. G Grandma hadn't seen Matt since he was a little baby.

Family Reunion

Every Labor Day weekend we head to Huntington Canyon for Rob's family reunion. Rob needed to be at the hospital in Washington with his Dad this weekend, so I decided to go alone (alone- as in with three kids, but no Rob. Yikes!). I was a bit nervous about going, not because it was his family reunion, but because camping with 3 kids by myself is no picnic- if you know what I mean?! Rob's family is great, and I feel totally comfortable being with them. I've been going to this reunion for 12 years now, so I know everyone pretty well. We spent Friday night at Tara and Steve's then headed for the reunion together in the morning. I was so glad they were going! The kids had a great time playing with cousins, doing crafts, and getting wet. The reunion just wasn't the same this year. We all missed Rob (or Robbie as they call him down there :) and Grandma & Grandpa R. The tone was subdued, and everyone was really mellow. We didn't even do karaoke this year. We were too tired. I'm sure the family auction didn't make nearly as much money with Grandpa not being the auctioneer!
We miss you Grandpa & Grandma and Rob!

Tara planned the kid games and craft this year, and it was so awesome! She did a pirate theme. Here the kids are tossing "cannon balls" over the net to try and sink the opposing pirate ship.

Ahoy thar maties!I just couldn't resist taking this picture of Brandon sleeping with his mouth open. It was all good until Uncle Gary woke him up with a wet squishy ball. He opened his eyes to find his Dad taking a picture of him, and his younger brother laughing at him. It didn't go over too well, but was funny nonetheless.Matthew had a great time, and proved to be a challenge for me to keep up with (as I knew he would). He had fun running around, chasing dogs, getting wet, and climbing on things he shouldn't. He was also very tired and ornery, and refused to take a nap. The next day I heard comments like "What a different boy he is today. He's all smiles." Amazing what a good night's sleep can do! He always has a look that seems to say, "now...what else can I get into?!"

Kennedy and Madi sit with Aunt Jana, watching the horseshoe tournament.Steve and Klover won the horseshoe tournament this year- imagine that! How did they get paired up together? I felt bad for Skyler (also in the picture) that he got paired up with me. I am not very skilled at horseshoes-I stink! Uncles Gary and Kenny

Kodi, Jana, Gary and Babe working on a delicious breakfast.

Those that make it all possible- Sandy, Marleen and Bret. Thanks for the fun reunion!

Sarah was good to play with Matthew.

Nathan still can't get enough of his bandanna. Weston is a cutie.

We were glad Jana was able to bring April's kids. This is Cassie. She looks just like her mom.

Sarah is a real sweetie, except when really tired. Hooray for naps, and a good night's sleep!We survived the reunion, and the trip home in the pouring rain. I was able to get the tent up by myself and we made it through the reunion with only a few bumps and bruises. Thanks to everyone that helped me with the kids. We had fun stopping at Laura's and Tara's on the way to and from the reunion. I'm thankful for our families! You all are so awesome. Thanks Rob, Sena, and Jayson for missing the reunion to be with Grandpa. We love you!