A Fun Visit and Hannah's Dance Recital

Last week we were lucky enough to have my parents visit for a few days. We went swimming in the hotel, Hannah slept at the hotel with grandma and grandpa, and we went to Wheeler Farm and saw some animals. We just loved having them!

The main reason for their visit was Hannah's dance recital/performance of Mary Poppins. Chad's mom and sister also came down for the performance. We really appreciate the support of family! Hannah was a rag doll in Jane and Micheal's playroom. We weren't able to pictures of the actual show, so I took a few at home and then a few and the dress rehearsal, but I don't have any from the night of the show.

She did such a great job and now is constantly singing and saying lines from Mary Poppins. This morning she told me that I have a "cheery disposition" just like Mary! I am glad she thinks so!

Temple Square Adventure

This summer Hannah has been working on different jobs around the house and school skills. Every Friday we get to choose a special activity if she gets everything accomplished during the week. Last week was a trip to Temple Square. It was really fun. We discovered the children area in the Church History Museum. It was so amazing! Seriously, I never knew it was up there. If you get a chance you should go! We were sad that we didn't have more time to spend.

They had a tortilla toss,

a fishing pond next to Nephi's ship complete with a Liahona,

some Golden Plates,

and a table with food to feed the missionaries!

This was just a small part of what was there! It was great!

Of course we couldn't leave without seeing the Christus.

A funny side story: On the way back to the car my flip flop broke! We were still about a block and half away from the van! I was trying to keep it on with my toes and shuffling my foot. It was going ok until we were crossing the VERY busy street in front of tons of cars. It completely fell apart! I had to pick up my flip flop and run across the street and the rest of the way to the van with just one flip flop! I am sure I am going to get some disease! I am sure I was quite a sight with my big belly, pushing a stroller, and running with just one shoe! How embarrassing!

Flashback Friday: Ice Castles

Every winter in a nearby town a man uses sprinklers and hoses to make amazing ice castles. We decided to take to trip over to check them out for ourselves. They were really cool. They were huge and beautiful. Because the weather had been warmer and rainy some of the castles were melting so we weren't able to walk underneath them, but it was still amazing to see. The girls loved touch the cold ice and Chad and I loved to colors.

A Zooper Day

We purchased a year membership to the Hogle Zoo recently. We are excited to have a year long unlimited pass to the animals. We took our first trip last week and it was awesome! The weather was perfect and we were able to take our time. I didn't feel worried about not seeing everything in one trip. Both of my girls are animal lovers so it was a perfect day. We all can't wait to go again!

A Happy Father's Day

We had a nice, relaxing Father's Day. On Saturday we bought Chad a little grill and the girls helped him assemble it.

On Sunday we let him sleep in and made him breakfast-in-bed! Lucky guy!

Chad is an amazing dad! The girls just love being around him and miss him when he is not around. I love to see him interact and play with them. He is a great dad!

Flashback Friday: Christmas!!

So Christmas in June...We had a fun Christmas. We were happy my parents were home from their mission and we were able to stay at their house with them. All the family was there for the annual family breakfast and the Dance Around the Christmas Tree. Somehow all of my pictures are missing from both of those events! Sad.

Everyone else headed home, but my brother Chad and his family stayed for Christmas Eve night. We did the usual traditions of putting out the stockings, leaving cookies, milk and a note for Santa, and leaving food for the reindeer.

Christmas morning was fun. It was pretty quiet, but we enjoyed taking our time opening presents. Hannah got a camera and Grace got a baby doll. I also made fleece blankets for the girls. Chad got a fancy laptop for school and I got new running shoes and a book about preparing for a triathlon (little did I know that in a very short time my training would be put to the side when I found out I was pregnant!).

Hannah opening her main present. Can't you just feel the excitement (sarcasm!)?!?!

We had a great Christmas and it was fun to reminisce about it 6 months later!

Summer Reading Kick-Off Party

To start off the summer we headed to the library Summer Reading Kick-off Party. We didn't realize how big it would be or that everyone would be closing shop the last hour for a barbershop concert. There was a coloring craft of a paper boomerang. I explained to Hannah what boomerangs do and she was VERY disappointed after she threw hers and it fluttered to the ground! At least it was colored very beautifully! Grace and Hannah both loved to see the princess. Grace kept saying, "Princess, princess, princess!" But as soon as she sat on her lap she wouldn't even look at her or say a word! As soon as she got off and we started walking away she started saying "Princess, princess, princess!" We were only able to do a few of the activities, but we had fun! Next year we will know to get there early!

Grace's favorite was the music station.

And Hannah loved the inflatable slide.

One Year Down

Hannah finished her first year of school. It was a great year! Her teacher, Mrs. Wright, was great! She was so sweet and helped Hannah so much. Hannah looked forward to going to school everyday, which is so nice. She is excited about summer, but can't wait to be a first grader!

Flashback Friday: The Mighty Mustang

Back in December Hannah won the Mighty Fine Mustang Award at her school. She won it for "Always having such a positive and happy attitude"! I have to agree! She also won a blue rubber bracelet and a pencil. We were so proud of her! YAY Hannah!

An Update on Grace

Grace turned 18 months old on May 22.

She is in Nursery now! YAY!! She is funny little character. She weighs 21lbs (11%) and is 31.5in (46%). She is so silly and loves to laugh. She follows her big sister around and always wants to be included in what Hannah is doing. Grace loves to be outdoors.

She is really starting to talk a ton. Most of the time I have to be the interpreter, but we get along well! She loves to color which she calls "yellow".

Grace is pretty much obsessed with Elmo. She wants to watch it all the time, she has a little stuffed Elmo she sleeps with, Grace thinks that if anyone even touches the banana chair in our house that means Elmo is going to be turned on, and she thinks Chad's phone is exclusively made to play Elmo videos.

We love Grace and laugh so much throughout the day at the silly things she does!

Field Day

As school is coming to an end Hannah is having some fun activities. Friday they had Field Day! They had all sorts of fun games and activities.

The parachute

Waterless Water Balloons. It was not a very warm day so they skipped the water.

Popsicles and water bottle they could decorate with stickers. Despite the chilly weather all of the kids loved chowing down on popsicles at 10 am!

Flashback Friday: 2nd Annual Nighttime Playdate

This is a FlashWAYback!

For the past two years, my sister and her husband have attended the Morman Tabernacle Choir's Christmas Concert. We have the pleasure of watching her two kids. Hannah loves it because she gets to play with her cousins and stay up WAY past her bedtime!

They get in their pjs. This year we made a Christmas craft.

Had a yummy Christmas snack.

Then cuddled up and watched a Christmas movie.

We love having them and look forward to next year!

We Pulled it Off!!!

On May 26th my mom turned 60 years old. My dad had a great idea several months earlier that we should have a surprise party for her. After lots of planning and several times of people almost spilling the beans...WE PULLED IT OFF!!

All of my brothers and sisters and all of their kids were able to attend. It was a big group! All of the grandkids were so excited and proud that they didn't let the secret slip!

This one was super excited and couldn't stop bouncing!


This one just wanted to love and snuggle with her grandma!

Grandma opened a few presents. Including a book all about Grandma with questions about grandma answered by the grandkids. Cute and funny!

And it wouldn't be a birthday without a cake.


It was such an awesome party for an awesome lady! We love you Grandma Wade!!