Before Much More Happens....

....and it will, I wanted to thank my niece, Beka for spending this past week with us. The kids enjoyed her so much. She always had some fun game or idea for them to play. They built a "house" under the stairs, rode bikes around the block, did the slip-n-slide, not to mention the help she was to me babysitting when I needed it.

The Church History Museum

While Beka was in town, we decided it would be a good idea to head up to SLC and see the "I am a Child of God" exhibit at the Church History Museum. It was nice to have an extra set of eyes and hands to keep track of the kids. We had a ball and I would encourage those of you who can to make an effort to visit. The display was so interactive and the kids had so much to do. My brother TJ also came to join us. Then we had fun walking around Temple Square.
I just wanted to take this chance to say how grateful I am for my wonderful kids and husband and how much it means to me for us to be an eternal family, one that started at the Salt Lake Temple, almost 9 years ago.

Darci's Baptism

Yesterday, our niece, Darci was baptized. It was such a special occasion with all the family that came to support her (barring the huge accident on I-15 that took 40 minutes to get through). I was especially touched when Darci called and asked Rachael to sing a solo during the program. She did such a good job singing "When I am Baptized" but what made it most special was for her to do it for her favorite cousin. Congratulation's Darci, we love you very much and are so proud of you!

Super Summer Shin-Dig!

We booked it home from Darci's baptism to make it to Omniture's summer party. Considering that Keith's previous job had no family parties, not even one where a spouse was invited, I was unsure what to expect. OH---MY---GOODNESS, what a blast!!!! It was held at Electric Park at Thanksgiving Point. I'm not sure what the kids loved most, the rides (a ferris wheel and something called the Tornado), the face painting, the games, the blow up slides and climbing wall or the endless supply of free drinks, sno-cones, cotton candy, popcorn, churros....Holy Cow, need I go on?!?!?!? There was also entertainment, and a spectacular firework show, the best I have ever seen! Needless to say, we can't wait until next year. Here's some pics of all the fun we had!

Gettin' Down and Funky!

Thanks to my niece, Beka for catching this video!

My Last Night.....

Well, it's been quite a week. For those of you who didn't know, Keith has been on a week long camp out with the teachers quorum since Monday. Maybe I'm a little wimpy but 5, almost 6 days home with my kids and no reinforcements takes quite a bit out of me. Luckily I have family near by who try to keep me busy and offer up their homes as a brief res pit for the 5 of us from our house. See, it's not the easiest thing to pick up and go anywhere with 4 kids ages 6 and under. And although my children are very well behaved (little angels really ;)) we didn't venture out too much.

Now, if I was a complainer I could mention that this is the 3rd year in a row that Keith has been gone for the entire week of a YM camp out and not only that, he told me that this year he'd only go 2-3 days max. I've had mixed feelings all week about this whole camp out. My thoughts have been positive or down right nasty in content depending on how my day went. Why does it seem that my husband is the one that always has to go? Can't someone else step up to the plate and give our family a break (and some vacation time back)? And then other nights I've been happy to be able to support Keith in his calling, hoping that he makes a difference in the boys' lives and that they realize what a sacrifice the YM leaders make for them.

Let's put aside the fact that two days ago our toilet broke and none of the kids decided to tell me about it (it's in their bathroom) until it was overflowing from the lack of being able to flush it. Or how at 2 am the sprinkler next to our front porch broke and I walked out the front door to see what was going on only to be soaked by the geyser creating a mudslide in my front yard. Oh, and let's not forget how I took down the blinds in the basement and kids rooms for a good cleaning only to have 3 out of the 4 of them fall completely apart. I spent the rest of the day removing the old and installing the new blinds all on my own (thank you very much).

But then again, I'm not a complainer.

But mostly, I just miss the companionship of my best friend. He really has been busy and stressed out for at least 3 weeks leading up to this event and I will be grateful to have him home and hopefully back to himself after a week long retreat with nature (and a bunch of teen aged boys). Today, just as I didn't think I'd be able to read one more story, fix one more ow-ee, get one more person something one more time, there was a knock at my door and here's what was on the other side......

There was nothing to stop the tears from flowing at that point even though the poor delivery girl looked at me like I was crazy. Suffice it to say, I made it through one more day and hopefully Keith will be home by lunch time tomorrow and I can get a nap. Thanks for the flowers honey, but most of all for thank you for thinking of me and knowing how to love and take care of me even from miles away! I love you and will see you soon!!

Eyes

The other day, by accident, I took a picture of Claire's eye's. It turned out to be a really cute pic so I shot some of the other 3 as well. So, as a fun little game I thought I'd see if you know which eyes belong to which child. I know this is extremely obvious..... but fun nonetheless.

A.

B.

C.

D.