Family Pictures

Well, we finally went and took new family pictures. The anticipation and planning of such is a high stress event for me. No wonder we hadn't updated in 3 years. And I never fully like the pictures until a year or so later. Right now I still see little things that if I could just tweak this or that, they'd be perfect. We got a CD with all the shots they took on it that the lady said was perfectly OK to blog with--no copyright infringement going on here. Well, below is a a sample of some. Kirt and I couldn't agree on which family shot we preferred, the black background or white.(Neither one of us were a fan of the brown one). So, just for curiosity sake leave a comment with your vote. We did buy both, but it's a fun little debate we're having Ü

Baptism

Dallin was baptized yesterday by Kirt. He was a mixture of excitement and nervousness. From his smile here you can tell it was a happy day for him. As well, as for all of us. We were so grateful for our family that came and ward friends. We were especially touched by our many neighbors/friends not of our faith that accepted our invitation to share this event with us, too.

We are so happy for Dallin's decision to follow the Saviour and the example he is setting for his younger siblings. We love our Dallin!

An extra special treat this day was that Grandma and Grandpa Nelson were able to come! They had been serving a mission in St. George and got released a few days early to come to the baptism. This meant so much to Dallin. We all enjoyed their visit this week :)

First Day of School

The first day of school came early this year, August 6th. Dallin just getting over being sick, so not too happy here, was off to 3rd grade. And Elaine, excited to walk to school with Dallin and neighborhood friends was off to 1st grade. Taft wanted to be a part of it all too, so we packed him a juice box and pretzels for his walk to school. Dallin and Elaine both got male teachers, a Mr. Hamlin and Mr. Harris. Crazy coincidence!

Taft really enjoyed walking to school and after dropping Dallin off at his line we waited with Elaine in hers until the teacher came. Well, poor little Taft was so sad he had to leave, he was convinced he was going to school with Elaine, today :( After a few tears he came in the stroller with Brigham and every couple of hours asked when Elaine and Dallin would be back--sweet.

Happy Anniversary

This month Kirt and I celebrated our 10th anniversary!

I can't believe how the time has gone by. I guess, the old adage is true, 'time flies when you're having fun'. It has definitely been a wonderful and busy 10 years. 4 kids, 5 houses, 2 states, college graduations, job changes; we're finally settling here in Arizona. I'm so grateful for the last 10 years we've had to spend together and look forward to an eternity more.

For our anniversary Kirt surprised me with a day at Saguaro Lake. Well, it was a week after as on our actual anniversary, we were camping with the boy scouts--nice timing :) He rented a wave runner for the day and we played on the lake for 6 hours, just us. It was fabulous!

We pretty much had the lake to ourselves in the morning. The day and the scenery was so beautiful.

I was a bit of a wimp when it came to really speeding around the lake, so Kirt took the wave runner out for a solo spin. Although, I did get more courageous as the day wore on. It was a blast!

San Clemente Vacation

This past week we went to San Clemente, CA with the Watts family for a little camping and beach trip fun. This pic was taken our last day after playing hard in the sun and dirt for 5 days so we all look a bit "swarthy" as Kirt says. It was a great trip and the Watts were so fun to be around and the kids really enjoyed hanging out together. Thank you Watts Family :)This post may be a bit long with pictures, but I enjoyed everything so much it was hard to pick favorites. So enjoy scrolling through them, the photos mainly speak for themselves.

Beach Fun!

Dallin and Elaine loved playing in the surf. The last time we took them to a beach Elaine was a baby and Dallin about 3, so it was a new adventure for them.

Just hanging out with the kids. (I'm using Elaine as a 'cover-up' here).

Daddy digging with the boys. This is basically all Taft did on the beach, dig and dig and it was heaven to him. The water scared him and Brigham would scream if I even got near it holding him.

On our last day at the beach Brig finally was enjoying the sand and stopped screaming if Mom and Dad touched the ocean.

Elaine was a Boogie Boarding maniac. She loved it!

Kirt also enjoyed diving into the surf on the Boogie Boards.

I like this pic b/c it was our last moments at the beach and Lori convinced me and Sara(Stoddards were in town and joined us this day) to make the most of it , leave my warm towel and dive into the cold water one last time for some Boogie Boarding. I'm glad she did, it was a blast!

Legoland Day

We took one day out from the beach to go to Legoland! The kids enjoyed going on many rides and seeing the Lego statues. It was a fun little adventure, but we don't think we'd go back. A bit subpar compared to Disneyland and geared to the younger kids. But we're glad we went, it was fun to see the kids enjoy themselves.

Lego Star Wars--Dallin was loving it!

Thomas the Train--Taft was giddy!

The kids with their Lego Licenses. That was one of the big highlights and must do's for them. They even took a driving test--yikes!

This was typical of most of the rides. A little vehicle to spin around or go up and down in. It was great b/c Elaine was able to go solo on them which she loved. Kirt and I were Taft's riding buddy. There were a couple 'bigger' rides, but the hour long line was not possible with wee ones in tow.

I love this picture as Briggy is the same size as the little Lego men--funny!

Camping

This was our first time camping for more than one night as a family. It was surprisingly enjoyable :) Kirt was excited to use his new dutch ovens and whipped up some tasty vittles. The last night we had the yummiest peach cobbler as Lori suggested it and then we all craved it :) The kids loved getting dirty and sleeping in a tent.

A fun shot of all the kids hanging out. After a day at the beach we'd come back and shower everyone off before dinner. They all look so fresh and clean. They made friends with a boy from the campsite next to ours who hung out in the evening with us. He had an English accent --a little Harry Potter according to Dave. Dallin got his address so they could exchange Pokemon cards.

Tide Pools

After packing up camp and a lite brunch at 'Surfin Donuts' we stopped by the tide pools in Dana Pointe. Unfortunately, the tide was in so we didn't see too much anongst the rocks. It was a fun little last hurrah with the Watts before our long drive home from our fabulous week in San Clemente!

Fire Station Fun!

On tuesday we went with a group of friends to tour the Gilbert Fire Station. After the tour I concluded that Firemen have it pretty good. They work 10 days a month, have a gourment kitchen, a well equipped workout room, big screen T.V's, leather recliners to watch training videos, own bedroom as they are encouraged to nap to be well rested. Sign me up!!!

Hanging out by the fire truck. The kids enjoyed running around the station, although Taft was surprisingly reserved. Just in absolute awe, I guess as he LOVES anything to do with fire trucks.

Here's those recliners I mentioned. The kids quickly filled up the cozy chairs. Even Briggy recognized the quality resting place and was happy to snuggle up with Elaine.

The fireman pole!

This was the highlight, I think. Dallin and Elaine couldn't wait to see it. Fireman Hans demonstrated going down, but due to liability issues this was as much fun as the kids could have on it.

A fun shot of our group learning the ins and outs of the fire truck.

A Happy 4th!

We had a fun and relaxing 4th of July. The kids think it's fun wearing their 'flag' t-shirts together. And yes they say 2007--I'm a bargain shopper. Except, today I went to Old Navy to grab some for next year at 50% off and they'd sold out of T's before the 4th--bummer!

For a little afternoon entertainment I got the kids some waterguns. Dallin is obviously having a blast drenching his sister. Since it was 112 degrees out, she dried fast Ü

We invited the Woodard and Linford families over for BBQ dinner and swimming. We had a great time with them just chatting and hanging out. They're fun company and the kiddos all seemed to get along great. We have been blessed to make some neat friends here in Arizona (that includes those of you not pictured here) Ü

After dinner it was refreshing to take a dip in the pool. Although, after the kids got done splashing or rather attacking Erin and me, we were quite drenched. I think I still have water in my ear.

What kind of summer holiday would it be without ice cream! We polished off the night with some treats and while letting the kids run wild Dad's played air hockey and Mom's visited.

This day was definitely an upgrade from last year when we'd barely moved here and just went out to chinese food on the 4th Ü

Happy Birthday Dallin!

Our Dallin is 8 years old! He has such a fun personality and a big heart. Dallin is really smart, too, which keeps Mom and Dad on their toes Ü He is really a good kid and we are so happy to have him as part of our family. For his birthday celebration he wanted a pool party with Pokemon cupcakes, so here it is. . .

I just don't get Pokemon, but Dallin loves to collect the cards and play with his friends. So, if it makes him happy so be it; I created this little treat using his Pokemon figures--he loved it!

Dallin had fun with his school, church, and neighborhood friends. They went swimming. . .

. . .ate pizza and cake, opened presents. . .

. . .and swam some more!

Later that day we celebrated again with. . .

Mom and Dad. . .

. . . and siblings!

Dallin ended the day of festivities with taking his new remote control boat out for a spin.

Happy Birthday to you, Big D!

Summer Crafts

I love this picture as I think Taft looks like a little garden gnome :) They created a garden scene with flowers, bees, and ladybugs out of 'fun foam' on a hat. Elaine and Taft have been enjoying doing some crafts together this summer. Elaine is very meticulous and loves to spend time creating, whereas Taft wants me to help him so he can get it done real fast and play with it. Dallin joins in sometimes if it's not too silly or he's not playing wii at the neighbors. It's great having an indoor activity to keep the kids busy and developing their creativity.

Bangs!

I was looking for a change, but not wanting anything too drastic, so I went for some bangs. I don't think I've had bangs since high school. I guess, I envisioned the puffy ones from the 80's, but the stylist convinced me that some that whisp to the side are very in. It's been kind of funny as someone will look noticing something different, but not quite what. So, yes I did get bangs, subtle change which I can handle.

Swingset!

The kids love hanging out in the 'clubhouse' as they call it of their new swingset.

Dad spent a couple Saturdays and some weekdays in between to drill, screw, hammer and piece together a playset for the kids to expend their energy on.

It was well worth all the labor. Just look at these happy kids at play :)

THANKS DADDY!