Big Girl Bed

We got Karalee a new big girl bed today. I found the 4 poster frame on craigs list. I love craigs list! We are hoping that she will go down to sleep easier if we lay down by her.

Trail Ride

Last weekend we went to Snowflake for a family trail ride on Saturday and to brand my Dad's calves on Monday. These pictures were taken during the middle of the trail ride when everyone stopped for lunch and to change out a few riders. Chad, Spencer, and Annalyn rode the second half of the trail ride, which probably ended up being about 4 or 5 miles. Bryant rode most of the way, but he started getting sleepy about an hour or two into the ride so Chad called me when they got close to 4 mile knoll and I picked him up and took him home. Just before they started the second half of the ride Spencer ended up getting to ride Chester by himself, but we didn't get any pictures of that. I was kind of nervous watching Spencer ride away on that big horse all by himself across so much country, but he did great. He was really slow at first, but Chad said he quickly learned how to kick the horse right and he learned how to make him run and rode all over the place. I am so proud of him. He would make a great cowboy for Grandpa if he lived close enough to the ranch. There were a few casualties on the ride which kind of put a damper on the weekend. My brother Shon and my Dad got bucked off. Shon was ok by my Dad got pretty banged up and had to go the hospital where they found out he had 8 broken ribs, one of which was broken in two places. He is home recovering now, but he will not be cowboying for a while.




Bryant on Mumble, Ashton leading



Spencer and Annalyn getting ready to go



Chad and Bryant ready to go



Annalyn and Spencer



Isn't this a great picture!

Thank you Jennifer for taking pictures for me!!!

Spencer's Kindergarten Graduation

Spencer had his Kindergarten Graduation this morning. It was nice and short. They sang some songs, gave out some awards, and recited some poems. Spencer is happy to be able to go to bed "whenever he wants to" now that it is summer. We'll see how that goes. :)








Aren't those smiles the best. It's funny when kids try too hard to smile.

Bryant's Preschool Graduation Party

Today we hosted a Graduation Party for Bryant's preschool. It was so much fun. The kids are still outside playing on the waterslides. Here are a few pictures and a video.

Fun Pictures

Here are some pictures I took the other day of the kids when they got the sunglasses out




Doesn't Bryant have the cutest grin!



Cool Girl



Silly Spencer



Cool Dudes

Real Life Mario Kart

This evening while we were playing in the yard Chad created a mario kart race for the boys in their jeep. Here are some videos.

Bryant's 1st race

Spencer's 1st race

Bryant's 2nd race

Spencer's 2nd race

I love blogging!

I love blogging, I really do. During the last couple of weeks I have been able to re-connect with lots of friends that I have lost contact with. I love searching through people's friends and family lists to find friends we have in common.

I took this picture of the kids the other day. Spencer is holding the steering wheel to the Wii Mario Kart game. I gave that game to Chad for his birthday last week and since then our home has been all Mario Kart all the time. I do draw the line from time to time and I make my children go outside and ride bikes or jump on the trampoline. I know, I'm a horrible mother. :) Spencer just came in a few minutes ago crying because while playing Mario Kart he made his kart jump and he hit himself in the nose. I had to laugh because it was just so funny. Luckily Spencer knows I love him an didn't get all offended.

Krispy Kreme, Jumping Rope, & Playing with Cars and Trucks

Krispy Kreme just opened up again in AZ after a few years of being out of business. My mother-in-law is so great she called me while she was in line and offered to get me a box. Of course I said yes! I am so proud that I have only eaten one doughnut so far. Spencer got one too, but Bryant hasn't done his work yet. So sad, I'd love to give him one when his work is done.

Here is a short video of Karalee jump roping. She wants to learn how to jump so badly. She tries every time we ask her too and it is so cute. I wonder what the age is of when children can actually get both feet off the ground?

Here is a short video of Spencer and Bryant playing with their cars and trucks. I spent over an hour cleaning and organizing the play room today and seeing them play in there together so nicely made it all worth it. It is amazing how a clean room is much more inviting for them to play in than a messy room.

Hip Hip Hooray!!!

After one week of Karalee crying bloody murder during each nap time/bed time because she doesn't have a pacifier anymore, she finally went to sleep without a fight. Here is the strategy that finally worked. I took her into her room and started rocking her while she ate a fruit snack. She had a drink of water and was content to rock until she fell asleep. There was no crying involved this time!!! I feel so blessed. And another great blessing, she didn't even cry when I transfered her from my arms into her bed. It is a great day!

Another great thing that happened today is that Spencer brought a note home from kindergarten today that says that he recently too the Morrison/McCall spelling test that measures a child's approximate level of spelling proficiency. He scored a 2nd grade 7 month score. Congratulations Spencer!!!

Sunday Afternoon

Here are a few pictures that I took this Sunday afternoon. Sunday is most often my favorite day of the week. Chad is home, we almost always get a nap, there is no tv, no video games, and no chores to be completed, just family time. Plus we always try to go visit family or invite them to our home on that day. Chad is great at coming up with fun things to do on Sunday afternoon with the kids to keep them busy and happy.--My favorite so far is his giant dot-to-dot game played on our family room rug with little strips of yarn.

First timer

Ok I've done it. I created a blog. I probably shouldn't have because I know I will spent too much time at it, but I really wanted to make one, so I've told myself I will control myself and I won't neglect my responsibilities. I need to get my house clean so this is going to be all I write for now, but check back again later and I will get some pictures up.

Smile and have a fabulous day.