3rd Place - Utah State Softball

We were so proud of Abby. Her softball team took 3rd place in the state tournament. They took first in the tournament here, locally.
This was Abby's first year in fast-pitch. She is an awesome hitter and is getting better and better at fielding. She played 1st base most of the season with some little bits at pitcher and at 3rd. She was definitely one of the best on her team (unbiased opinon, of course). Anyway, we spent many days out in the hot sun watching games, but it was worth it and so fun to see them do so well.
GOOD JOB ABBY!!!

Daddy/Daughter

Recently Nick and Abby went together to the Activity Days Daddy/Daughter Activity. They had a lot of fun even though they had to leave a little early so Abby could get to her softball practice. They had a hotdog roast, played games, and listened to a nice talk by the Bishop. What a great dad and a great daughter!!!

4th of July

We continued our fun family tradition this year for the 4th of July.
We got some pizza
Staked out our spot
Ate pizza and homemade brownies
Set up in our chairs
and
Watched the fireworks
(almost from ground zero).
Everyone had a great time. The twins were so cute. Grayce would watch with her eyes and mouth wide open. Emma would scream in delight each time one would shoot off. Grayce finally figured out how to see them light off from the ground and she would give us a "here it comes!" right before we would see it. They were so cute. We were wishing we would have had our video camera that night.
All of the kids (and us) had so much fun. It is such a payoff for us as parents to see them so excited and enjoy something so much. FUN, FUN, FUN!!!

Lehi Round-up Float

I was the lucky one that was put in charge of the float for our ward this year. It was SO MUCH WORK. We were fortunate to get the Activity Days girls to come and help for an hour one day (the perks of being over Activity Days, I guess). But, it is finally done and the parade is over. We actually enjoyed working together on the float (Nick and I). It was a lot of late nights after the kids were in bed. For a first time float builder, it turned out okay. However, we will happily hand the job over to the next victim next year.

Our Oregon "Heaven on Earth"

We love going to the Oregon Coast. It has to be one of the most beautiful places in the world. Our kids love the ocean and we do too. We had a great vacation. We even went whale watching and Nick got to go deep sea fishing. We spent days on the beach playing in the water and beach combing for some great treasures! It was so much fun and we can't wait to go back. Maybe after the baby is the twins' age!! I think making memories with the kids has to rank up there with my absolute most favorite things to do!!
We enjoyed some rock climbing on the beach - that is Nick to the left, starting the rock climbing journey.
We visited Multnomah Falls on our way out - we took some great pictures of the kids there. Even Emma and Grayce posed long enough for a quick shot.
We saw some beautiful sunsets over the water.
Abby liked spending some time at the end of the day going out on the grass at the hotel with her paper and pencil to capture the view in drawing - that is her pictured above drawing the sunset (she is being observed by Tyler).
We also found a great little stream that feeds into the ocean. It wasn't too deep as it pooled up right before it got to the ocean shore. The kids spent a lot of time swimming and playing in it (it is also pictured above)!
ALL IN ALL - IT WAS MAGICAL!!!

Abby Graduated

Abby graduated with flying colors!! She was happy and sad today. She is really excited that Bry is getting her teacher for next year!
These are pictures of Abby with her good friend, at a class party, and with her teacher.

Bry Graduated

We officially made it!! These are pictures of Bryant's best friend this year (in his class), his teacher, and of course - him!!

Tulips

We had the most beautiful tulips this year.
We planted them last year and were pleasantly suprised when they came up even more beautiful than we thought they would!

Swimming

Our family loves the water. We took the twins for their first "real" trip to the pool not long ago. True to the family trend, they loved it. Of course Emma dove right in and got wet right away. Grayce was a little more cautious. But, by the end, they were both loving it!! SO MUCH FUN!!

PATIENCE - it's a virtue, right???

I would that ye should be humble, and be submissive and gentle; easy to be entreated; full of patience and long-suffering...

I just had to document a few of the things that have happened lately. Nick and I have been praying to have more patience with our kids .... I don't know that I would recommend this course of action however - unless you are prepared! :)



These first two are pictures we took of Grayce after being properly introduced to Emma's teeth:


Next, after a fun day of playing outside, we are now prepared for naps and baths!!


Emma was sleeping so peacefully for her nap. She was so quiet and we just knew she was far away in dreamland. Until... we went to get her when she "woke up". Somehow she had gotten ahold of a pen and had taken it to her entire tummy. Lukily, baby wash takes ink pen right off of skin!!


In case Emma didn't really convince you, the girls have a real creative side. When they are done drinking their beverage of choice (usually milk), they like to create liquid art on the kitchen floor. Sometimes when they are done Grayce will ask for a "wet white" - which translates from Grayce speak into Mommy speak to "wet wipe" - so that she can clean up her beautiful creation!!


Finally, after too many minutes of quiet in the house, we went to check on the girls. They were happily reorganizing the kitchen drawers:



Now, don't get too soft on me and feel as though they are just youngin's that don't really know they are causing patience-trying right and left - and I have proof... After their mischievous endeavors, they go to their favorite hiding spot so as not to be discovered!
Hurry and climb up on the couch!

Crawl into the coveted spot.

And, just in case they can still see you, cover your face!!