Back to School 2016

This year school started July 25th! We had a wonderful summer. I'm finding that an 8 week summer vacation is the perfect length. My kids never get bored but are pretty happy to get back to see their friends. 

Chase is now in 4th grade

Zoe is a 2nd grader

(she's made it tradition to wear zebra on the first day of school)

Maeley is in 5th grade

I love these kids! They are such good kids. I know I say it every year but they are growing up too fast! 

Girls camp 2016

At the end of April our area had major ward and stake boundary changes. Our neighborhood got put into a brand new ward. Our new ward also is in a brand new stake. With crazy changes like that just months before girls camp we went with our old stake. I was called to be the 2nd counselor in YW. This was my first time ever going to Girls camp as a leader. Also because the stake had Trek it was only Beehive camp.

Here are some of the girls practicing for their skit. 

Because we made a 9th ward and there aren't 9 values they made one up and a color. 

We were gratitude and purple. Also our mascot was the raccoon. 

Besides the rain the first day it went well. It was fun to get to know the girls better and for the girls to bond together. As a newbie (and the rest of the leaders) to YW we were happy it was a small group and a shorter camp as now we know what to expect and what to do differently next time. 

These girls are so full of energy and have such sweet spirits. 

Chase's 9th birthday

This year we had 2 birthday parties! One with each side of our families. Chase had such a great time choosing the cake he wanted, tweaking recipes and helping make each one. 

Brownies with mint ice cream, whipped cream and Andes mint chopped on top. 

Laurel made these awesome cookies! 

Chocolate cake, with Reese's brownie ice cream and chocolate icing.

 He was pretty darn happy. I think he was surprised to get Star War's t-shirts because I do not like Star Wars but he does and that's what matters.

4th of July!

To be honest I can't remember what we did for the 4th of July. But looking back on these pictures sure puts a smile on my face. I love my family. They bring me so much joy and happiness. What we did or didn't do doesn't matter but its the wonderful relationships we have and the love we share that do. 

The Circus!

Shortly after the performance we went to the Ringling Bros. and Barnum Bailey Circus Xtreme! We went with Derek's Uncle Troy and Aunt Teri and their family. It was so much fun! Our kids had never been to the circus before.

Sadly his was the only picture we got of the 5 of us. 

Waiting for the show to start watching silly clowns. 

We had a great time. It was so fun watching the kids watch some of the performances. They totally got into it. Zoe loved the tigers the most. The tight rope watchers were incredible and the poodles were hilarious. Overall the whole show was great! So glad we went.

Kids Summer Performance

Way back in June we signed all 3 of the kids up for a performance class. It was for a couple hours each day for a week. They learned songs, choreography, and simple speaking parts for a Mary Poppins performance that they performed at the end of the week. I had to really persuade Chase to sign up but in the end he loved it.

Getting ready to start! 

These kids were so great! I love watching them try new things and gain new interests. Zoe had already done a couple performance classes and enjoyed having her siblings with her this time. 

Father's Day

 The kids were so excited for Father's Day. They love finding gifts to give dad. This year he got some hiking clothes, t-shirts, and a tie.

Dad brings out the crazy in the kids!

Happy Father's Day! You are a fantastic father. The kids really look up to you. 

This is a picture of the treat we made for Derek. Chase was very involved in finding the right recipe. And then when we found one he gave his opinion and tweaked it to be better. It sure looked amazing and they all enjoyed it! Chase sure is becoming more involved in the kitchen. 

12th Anniversary

Derek and I celebrated our 12th wedding anniversary back in June. Because it was a Thursday we just went out to eat at Zinburger. One of the few places I can safely eat at. That's ok, I love this place! 

I love being married to my best friend. Sometimes it feels like we just got married and others it feels like much more than 12. We really do love spending as much time together as possible. Projects are still one of our favorite things to do together. I'm so grateful for all Derek does for our family. 

This past year these were the highlights

-we sold our Expedition and bought a Chevy Traverse

-last summer I found out I have an autoimmune disease and many food allergies

-We painted our kitchen cabinets

-We painted our table and chairs

-Derek started a new position at work

-We took up hiking

-Finally started utilizing our backyard and bought a patio set and umbrella and have enjoyed countless meals together

-We painted the kids bath and master bath

-We added ship lap to the kids bathroom

-We replaced the counter tops in the bathrooms

-Derek built new mirrors for the bathrooms

-Our ward got split and we are in a new ward and we got put into a brand new stake

-I got a new calling at church- Second Counselor in YW

-Derek got a new calling- Gospel Doctrine teacher

And much more.

Can't wait to see what this next year has in store for us. 

A little surprise for the girls

When we got back from Colorado the girls had a fun surprise waiting for them in their bedroom. 

Sheets! 

These sheets fit their personalities perfect and they even match their room. When Derek and I saw them we couldn't pass them up. It's funny how such a small and simple thing brought so much excitement to Maeley and Zoe.  

I'm not sure Zoe will ever grow out of loving zebras.