Sweet Little Grace...

Today after arriving home from yard sales, Grace told me to stay out of the kitchen for awhile. When I was told to return, this is what I found. What a sweet girl who knows the way to my heart- FOOD!

Baby Update: 7 more days or less!!!

If this little man doesn't jump out before then, we will be at the hospital in exactly 1 week to extract him from my growing belly, and I cannot wait! I just want to hold him and see his black hair and little hands and toes and lips. I can't wait to watch the kids with him, and see Trav with another baby in his arms. I will be sad to see Willow move out of the baby seat and graduate to real "big girl" status- but I am excited as well. Everyone is beyond ready and hoping anyday he gets here. I had my appointment on Tuesday but she didn't check my cervix. I was kind of bummed because I wanted her to strip my membranes, which she normally does, but- nothing. She cancelled my last appointment and said, "regardless, we will have a baby next week- see you Friday at 6:00 AM!" and off I went. 7 more days at most... I can do it right??? I think I'm about ready. I have everything washed, folded, diaper bag packed, hospital bag as ready as it can be, electronics charged, bins organized, baby furniture clean and legs shaved! I still need to sanatize the breast pump and stroller I just got for $ 3.00- but other than that and constant house work- I'm set! I look forward to my stomach not being the constant conversation piece, or my neighbor joking at how HUGE I am, and being able to walk noramlly again- but most of all, being able to hold my new bottle of Advil in my arms and know after the longest 39 weeks of my life- I can consume them if I so desire. I cannot wait! I'll keep you posted!

4th of July...

On Wed we woke up early and went to the church for breakfast at 7:45, we came home and rested/played/slept until 5:00 and then went to Edith & Max's for the rest of the day for dinner and fireworks. It was a nice relaxing day. We had been out in the sun all day the day before and I knew the kids and I wouldn't be able to handle another 2 to 3 hours in the heat at a parade, so we skipped all the fun stuff and just had a day at home. The neighbors over at G-ma's put on quite the firework show that night and the kids loved setting off their little stash too. ) enjoy fireworks but think it's a total waste of money. I think if everyone saved that money and put it in the bank, the world would be better off, but oh well, until then I guess I'll enjoy the "sparkles.")

G-pa Max...

I am blessed to have the greatest father-in-law on the planet. I know of no other 72 year old man who makes quilts for the Relief Society, (36 since October and bed size to be exact! only 1 has been a baby quilt!)and has a "mini Olympics" with his grandkids on the 4th of July. When we arrived at G-ma & G-pa's for the 4th, we ate and layed around for awhile. I quickly told the kids go play outside, but no one wanted to go. I started thinking up all these "olympic" games and the girls started to jot them down. after a list of about 10 or more, they headed out in the heat with their G-pa trailing behind to play and be the timer person. When I went outside to check on them- I found my father-in-law on his hands and knees racing around the front yard as fast as he could while timing himself as well. He also participated in the flamingo stand, eye blinking contest, bear crawl, standing long jump, arm circle race and stool jumping contest. It was one of those moments I will cherish. We love you G-pa Max!

4th of July Breakfast...

Every year we head over to the church at 7:45 Am to have breakfast at the church. Tristin helps with the flag and every year it kind of gets me when I watch him. Apart of it is pregnant hormones, another part is seeing him in his scout uniform and another part is that he is growing up so fast. He's 10 and I can't keep him little and innocent anymore. Although he still kisses my cheek and gives me hugs, I'm still struggling with him growing up. He has 1 more year left in Elementary school and then it's off to Middle school to be corrupted in many ways. Oh, little man, stay mine forever, please!

The Park...

On Tuesday the kids and I drove over to the "water park" to met up with Annikan, Rosie, Lara (and later Angie) for the day. We arrived at noon and stayed for 4 1/2 hours. It was great besides the horrible sun burns we all recieved ( the kids are still recovering!) we sat and watched the kids play for hours and it was great. As we were leaving, a guy showed up with his pet turtle ("it's a tourtois, Mom") and the kids were totally amazed by it. We went home, dropped off Tristin at Liam's, crashed and then sat in the heat AGAIN for t-ball later that evening. We were so tired that day.

Computer problems...

For the past week 1/2 we have been having computer problems and I haven't been able to post. It's given me a few more minutes to get projects done I guess, but it wasn't fun with it down. Luckily Trav is amazing and after buying parts, something to do with the Mother board and hours later- we are back!

Ribfest...

If there is one thing my boys love, it is ribs. After helping a lady move last weekend for HOURS in 90+ degree weather, up and down the scariest staircase imaginable- we drove to the "Ribfest" and let the boys claim their reward for serving that day. Ribs it was! I just sat and watched handing out baby wipes to everyone as they devoured the entire heaping plateful of food. It was fun, but WAY too hot so we only let the kids play for 10 minutes after eating and then we picked up some yummy donuts and drove home. It had been a long, hot & tiring day for Trav & Tristin and I was glad to be back in my air conditioned home!

God & Country Concert/Fireworks...

Every year we head out a week before the 4th of July to watch the "big" fireworks at the God & country Concert/Festival. We just go for the fireworks and the kids love it every year. It's always fun to hang out with the girls as we watch our herds of kids running around in their Pj's, laughing in delight at staying up WAY past bed time. I hated every single picture of Lara, Annikan & I and can't even believe I'm posting them! I totally look like a whale and it's so gross, but here's to memories with friends! Love you guys.