4th of July

The 4th of July is a big deal in our house. We did the same thing we always do, but as our friendships here in St. George grow stronger our times together become even more enjoyable. We had some friends over for a bbq and swimming then fireworks in the street (just like we did when I was a kid). Our pool was filled with 17 kids all day long. We ate, swam and ate some more. When it got dark I make chocolate chip cookies, the kids sat on the grass and the dads lit the fireworks. The best part was the background music (Elvis's patriotic songs) courtesy of Kevin Suman.

What we did: Swimming, eating, fireworks and good company

What we ate: spinach salad, pasta salad, veggies and dip, watermelon, fresh 7-layer bean dip and lots of bbq

What we listened to: Elvis' patriotic music

Emma June's Pink Birthday Party

Emma June loves pink and Dora. Her 3rd birthday isn't until next weekend, but I couldn't wait that long. So I threw together some pink decorations and invited a few friends over. I've seriously scaled back on the parties. I used to go over-board with bounce houses, theme coordinating and inviting lots of friends. Now I'm perfectly satisified without games, a small meal (even just cake) and a handful of dear friends. Emma June had a great time. She danced as we sang Happy Birthday. She and her best friend Jak Jak fought over her Dora toy and were in awe of her new kitchen (which still remains in its box).

What we did: Ate pizza and cupcakes, sang happy birthday, and enjoyed watching Emma June open her gifts.

What we ate: I made white spinach, artichoke pizza and cheese pizza, pink cupcakes with amazing vanilla-pudding-cream filling, and pink sherbert punch

Who was there: Gigi, the Anderson family and neighbors Tom and Matt

Salt Lake City Getaway

A few weeks ago we ran up north to Salt Lake City, or "Utah" as they call it here in the south. We were gone for only 3 days and made the most of that short time. On Thursday, after we got there, we went to Trolley Square and ate at The Spaghetti Factory then walked around the mall. We went back to the hotel and swam in the pool. On Friday we went to Hogle Zoo then to Temple Square. On Saturday we slept in, at least until Emma June climbed out of her pack and play, lifted my eye cover and told me quietly "that's enough". We packed up and loaded back into the car and went to the Living Planet Aquarium in Sandy.

What we did:Trolley Square, hotel swimming, Hogle Zoo, Temple Square, Living Planet Aquarium

What we ate: Spaghetti Factory, Red Robin, Maverick Gas Station in Fillmore and lots of Holiday Inn Express cinnamon rolls (holla)

What we listened to: Jack Johnson, Great Lake Swimmers, and Government Issue

Anniversary and Father's Day

Every year our wedding anniversary and Father's Day fall within the same week. For our family the celebrations go hand-in-hand. David and I both went through our lives without our fathers. While it was difficult to grow up without a father we were blessed with many men who took their place. This is especially true for David. His life was filled with special men who filled the void. These men saw a young man who lacked direction and they did not hesitate to step in and guide him. These men showed by example how to be a good father and husband. They also taught him how to be a responsible hard worker. So many of us are concerned about over-stepping our boundaries. We are afraid that it's not our place. But I know, from experience, that everyone's life is our place. I have learned throughout my life that when someone appears to be in need that I should trust my instincts and reach out. Trust me that I don't always do that. I'm just so grateful that the men who reached out to David (namely the men at Oasis Church) did trust their instincts. Today I am blessed to have an incredible father for my children. A man who spends time guiding and nurturing our children. Also, we were able to celebrate 11 years of marriage. Our marriage is a result of the love and support offered by so many along the way. They say that the best way to be a good father is by being a good husband. I cannot agree more and that's why I love that Father's day and our anniversary are within the same week every year. Every year for Father's Day we make a t-shirt with the kid's handprints

Spring Recital

I'll never be able to express how touched I was by the cuteness this day held. Sophia and Emma June both danced in the spring recital on Saturday afternoon. Sophia has been dancing for over 3 years and Emma June just started last January. When I was about 8 my grandmother was the seamstress for an esteemed dance teacher in San Marino, CA. I was given the opportunity to take lessons from her. But, being that I was just a kid, I wanted to play with my friends instead of take dance lessons. I dropped out of dance. I didn't have anyone motivate me to continue. To this day I regret that missed opportunity. It brings me joy to motivate my girls (Emma June doesn't need any motivation) to follow through. I love seeing the joy in their eyes when they've completed a recital. It's a true sense of accomplishment. Not to mention both girls looked adorable in their fancy costumes.

Singing in the Rain

One of the best things about living in the desert is the random thunder storms that happen from time to time. We were just hangin' out in the front yard when this storm rolled in. We were graced with bright lightening, loud thunder and a torrential down pour. Watching children play in the rain is such a joy.

A Day Out & About

We are so grateful to live in such a beautiful place. Sweeping vistas and farm lands are at our front porch. Dramatic landscapes, prestine mountains and countrysides are just a short drive away. Last week we piled into our car (both dogs too) and took a short drive to Kolob Reservoir. We've heard how beautiful it was but have never been. We went the back way, up to Cedar City into the mountains and off highway 14. We were taken-away by a peaceful country road with aspen groves on each side, winding creeks and fences that zig-zagged along the road. Names and dates as far back as the 1930's were etched in the trees. We stopped along the way to run through meadows and to feel the peace of this special area. The kids frolicked and we captured some great photos. When we got to the reservoir (which is really just a small lake) we set out some chairs and took in the landscape and serenity. It was truly a place to be seen and experienced. Purple wildflowers of different shades surrounded the lake and ducks filled the water. After we hung out around the lake for awhile we headed back home by way through Zion Nat'l Park. Passing through the park it felt like we were in a different part of the country. The two landscapes (before the reservoir and after) couldn't be more different. Zion Park is famous for it's ginormous red cliffs, red sand and dark green pines. Our day trip lasted for about 4 hours and we can't wait to go back. It's times like those, when we step outside of our everyday routine, that I'm able to reflect on life and remember what a joy it is to be a family.

The Oma

We left California for Utah over 4 years ago. My Oma (German grandma) was sad to see us go and said she'd never come to Utah to visit. After years of begging she decided to pay us a visit. Unfortunatly, we couldn't make her happy...but you couldn't tell by the pics. She stayed for about 2 weeks and the kids loved having her around. Our kids love their family and it makes them so happy when family comes to visit. Great friends are important to have and in many ways they can fill the role of family. But, nothing can compare to blood and years of memories. So here's a toast to family members...even the grumpy ones. Note to self: enjoy every moment whether you feel like it or not.

Friendship Party

I'm always down for a party! We called this party the Friendship Party. At the end of May we invited all of Sophia's friends from the neighborhood with cute Scooby Doo invites and got a Scooby Doo cake from the market (yes, we even got a fancy cake). We served fruit salad, green salad, cake and punch. The kids all swam for a few hours and me and some mom friends hung out and enjoyed an afternoon of friendship.