A Papa Pastime

Pastime - an activity or entertainment which makes time pass pleasantly.

My kids always know they can talk their Papa into pushing them on the swings in his backyard. Playing on this swing set my dad made for his grand kids in the backyard, is one of the things my kids look forward to most about visiting Nana and Papa on a trip to Utah. We spent some time there a couple of weeks ago (over Father's Day) and it was nice hanging out with my Daddy (he's currently unemployed so he had more time than usual) for his birthday and Father's Day.

Reagan and Will

Will

Lyndsee's turn

(Look closely at the "Will" picture of Papa to see a classic look on his face.)

Our Seven Year Old

Taylor is 7 years old now! Where does the time go? This year was supposed to be the year that we didn't have a friend party but it kind of turned into that anyway. I knew she would love sharing one of her favorite places (McDonald's) with her friends so I picked up a bunch of her little girl friends in one car and Eric drove our other three kids in the other car. This was all a surprise to Taylor. I enjoyed listening to the chatter that goes on between little girls of this age and seeing Taylor thrill in her little surprise for the evening. She loved and appreciated what we did that night which made me smile. I hope I can always get it right.
Her friends Kaitlyn, Riley, Lilly, and Abi all contributed in making Taylor's birthday a great one. In Taylor's words, "it was fun!".

Memorial Weekend--Having fun near home

Taylor's final dance concert for the year was on Friday night of Memorial Day weekend. Its always so fun for her to get on stage and fun for us as her parents to watch her dance.

The next day we went for a 4-wheel drive down to a beach along the Colorado River. It was a beautiful day and because the access to this area is limited to most vehichles, we felt far from the crowds. The water was nice along this stretch with lots of shallow water and so we let the kids get wet.

We went with our friends the Davidsons who are loving their new jeep.

After our drive which we started in Boulder City, we noticed the big Veteran's Memorial Cemetary and thought it would be appropriate to stop and remember those that have served our country. It was a sight to behold with all the little flags that were placed at every tombstone.
The kids looking on.
Reagan

More Fun Pics

After getting my sister's pictures from our St. George trip, I couldn't help but post more of the memories I want to keep.

Eric brought his ropes and harnesses and let the kids dangle from the swing set. The resort was so nice to put our family right next door to my sister's family on the bottom floor in front of the playground so that the kids could play with each other easier and we could watch them easier. This little thing made such a big difference in the quality of our stay.

Don't you love this face! My niece Megan.

More pictures from our hike in Zion NP.

This is Erin and Adam's family

Reagan toward the end of the hike.

Will Graduates from Preschool

Singing about how yellow and blue make green.

Reading a little book to us all. I've been amazed that he has learned to read some very simple books. I knew that he was more than capable so I was glad that his teacher got him started.

Acting out a story about kitties. This was so cute and he did such a good job playing his part very seriously. I loved watching their little graduation program because Will sang louder and participated with great enthusiasim. I imagine he will miss going to preschool and hope he enjoys Kindergarten just as well.
Will has enjoyed this year being able to walk down the street by himself (with Mommy watching from the driveway) to preschool. Will and Miss Heather his preschool teacher.

St. George and Zion National Park

I so badly need to catch up on my blogging! So I may keep this a lot shorter and go into less detail than I normally would. (Some of you are probably breathing a sigh of relief.)

We went to St. George a couple of weekends ago where we met up with my sister Erin's family. Drove to Zion National Park and hiked the 3-mile Emerald Pools hike all the way to the upper falls with a 20 lb. baby on the front of me. Go me!

Beginning of the hike -- Kids with their cousins

Despite being heavy, Lyndsee was a good baby for the hike and even napped a little.

I had never done this hike with my kids before so it had been a while. DO IT if you haven't done it lately. It was so cool and beautiful and the waterfalls seemed to be at their peak.

My "not so little" family.

Will and his buddy Kyle checking out the waterfalls.

Swim time at the condo is always a favorite part of a trip.

Lyndsee's first time in a swimsuit preparing for a dip in the kiddie pool.

Will

We visited the Jacob Hamblin home in Santa Clara which even my small children found very interesting and played at the water feature in downtown St. George near the Tabernacle. We had a picnic in the park on the new quilt my sister Dawn made me and watched the kids play and nap. I really need to post more pictures as I think about this trip so don't be surprised if you see more to come. We had more fun than 10 little pictures can depict!

Just a blurp about our week

Taylor - Still has an ear infection we can't seem to get rid of. Its not too bad though because most of the time it doesn't hurt but she will be starting a 4th round of antibiotics today. She enjoyed going on 2 field trips this week at school. One to the Lieds Children's Museum and one to Anderson Dairy where she got ice cream! She does really well in school and gets all A's. We hope she will always maintain those kind of grades throughout her educational career.

Will - Bore his testimony for the first time in sacrament meeting last Sunday. Though we feel its important for our kids to express their testimonies, I try and encourage them to do it at home as I fear that their only objective in sacrament meeting would be to show off or speak in the microphone. This may have been Will's intent but he really wanted to get up there so I told Eric he would need to go up with him. When he approached the mic, he didn't say anything at first so Eric started to prompt him with words for him to say to which Will responded with, "I can do it myself" and then proceeded to tell everyone that God loves us and we love him and that Jesus loves us and we love him (his own words and not Eric's). I don't know about anyone else but I felt the spirit testify to me that Will has an understanding greater than I give him credit for and I was reminded for that moment of the love our Heavenly Father has for me and my little family.

Eric's parents were in this meeting as they were in town for a last visit on their way to their mission in Baton Rouge, LA. We loved hearing about the MTC and the things they have experienced so far and look forward to hearing more about their missionary life over the next 18 months. We love you Grandma and Grandpa and know you will be blessed for your service!

Reagan - Tells me everyday "I LOVE you Mom". After getting after her for coloring on the wall, she told me she didn't like me. But it was only moments later after seeing me sulk that she told me "I love you Mom!" again. She is a sweetheart and a stinker rolled up into one and I love her too.

Reagan and Lyndsee are going to be the best of friends

Lyndsee - Weighs 18 lbs. 11 oz. and is 26 1/2 inches long. She is 95% in weight and 75% in length and head. Its so funny to me because she weighs the same as Taylor when Taylor was one year old and we couldn't turn her car seat around yet. Lyndsee is sitting up and is enjoying toys which is nice for Mommy because they can keep her entertained for longer stretches. She's also talented at taking her binki in and out of her mouth.

Mommy - I'm excited because I found out that I get to participate in the Alumni Chorus for the Mormon Youth Symphony and Chorus reunion concert which is part of the Temple Square Concert Series. I really look forward to joining my voice with others in baring testimony through music. I enjoyed 6 years with the MYSC from 1993 - 1999 and I look forward to stepping back to this very big part of my life and experiencing it again. Since I don't live in Utah anymore, I didn't know if I would be able to take part in this way but alas, I only have to attend the rehearsals the week of the concert. It will be so fun to be in the Tabernacle again and sing under Robert Bowdens' direction.

Eric - Has been running and biking again as he works to get into his swimsuit for summer. ;) He always works hard at work and at home and I just love my man.

OK so that was a little more than a blurp.