Kennedy's 10!

My darling Kennedy will be 10 at 9am tomorrow morning. I could spend all day and night going on and on about how wonderful Kennedy is. She’s one of those people that others are always drawn to. She has the “IT” factor. I’m not sure where she got it but it’s there.

We had Kennedy’s birthday party early this year. A couple of weeks ago she got to invite a few girls for a swimming sleep-over at the motel. The one thing I have always been against are sleep-overs. This past year she has been invited to several sleep-overs and I’ve always let her go until about mid-night and then she would come home. I just thought that late nights are much better and safer. Well I finally gave in and let her sleep over once and now the cat’s out of the bag. I still feel it’s not a great idea, however on special occasions, such as birthdays I may give in a time or two, especially since we had our own sleep over.
The girls really seemed to have a blast. They swam until dark, had treats and then came in for decorating hats and playing games. The night didn’t end until after 3:00 am. One girl left at midnight and then returned at 5:30 am, waking all those who had just previously fallen asleep. I got a phone call from the girls at 6:00 am (I was in a room next to the two they had) asking if they could go get breakfast now. After breakfast, they went swimming until 9am. We all got cleaned up and ready for a parade that was going on that morning. After the parade I took them all home. It was really nice to have it over with.


Kennedy, I couldn’t ask for a better daughter. I wouldn’t change one thing about you. I love you with all my heart.

Rylee's new friend!

Friday a couple of boys found a snake at school and tried scaring the girls with it. To their surprise Rylee begged and begged them to give it to her. They did and she brought it home. Kennedy and her friends wouldn't even touch the thing, however Rylee was in love. She's my critter girl.

Surprise

Brian showed up last night for some sibling time he said. He drove from St.George after work and got here just before bed to take Ken, Ry and Jack to Maggie Moo's for ice cream. He stayed the night and then left at 8 am to make it to his class by 9 am. He's such a good brother.

Jack of course got cotton candy flavored ice cream. Notice the blue mouth.

One Out! Many more to go.

Rylee lost her FIRST tooth last night. It was an exciting moment, however the next morning was even more amazing when she found five dollars in her tooth fairy pillow with a special note. She can't wait for the next ones to follow.


Jack started Joy school.


And that night he fell and cut his forhead open on the bottom of his door.


Life continues.

I wasn't gonna...but I gotta!

Ok so I wasn’t planning on posting my kids off to school for the first day but they just look too dang cute not to. I got up just after 7 am to go wake them and came around the corner to find this. The two of them were sitting on our antique just as you come up the stairs, dressed and ready to go. It made me laugh.

I wish the entire year would continue this way, however I know that will not be the case.






And their OFF!

Brian's Back!

Last Saturday Brian returned home from a two year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Joao Pessoa, Brazil. I didn’t realize how much I missed him until he came home. I’ve always held a special place in my heart for Brian. He's one of those good people you have to love. I fell in love with him the first time I met him. He was ten years old. He was and still is an amazing boy. It’s still hard for me to say man, although that’s really what he is. We all look forward to him spending a lot of time with us. We are blessed to have him in our family. I am a much better person for being able to learn from him.

Kennedy and Max watching for Brian's plane.

Megan and Jack anxiously waiting for Brian.

He's HERE!

Kennedy and Max

Mimi and Rylee

Brian with all the little ones


The Girls

Ken, Ry, Ellie, and Siena

Jack and Claire (to bad their related, they'd make a cute couple)

My first float, We made a huge bowl of green jello salad with, what else, shredded carrots.

What are Utah mormans without Jello?

Hiking in the heat, a little CRAZY!

Family Reunion!

Niki, our shiba inu, had 3 puppies back in January. We sold two of them and kept one. It's been 4 months since we've seen the other two puppies so we thought it was time for a family reunion. I am a little biased however I have never seen more beautiful dogs.

Rylee and Max

BRAVO!

Last week was the opening week of the Utah Shakespearean Festival. I was fortunate to attend 5 out the 6 plays that will be performed throughout July and August. Kennedy and Rylee even attended 2 of them. Saturday we (Me, Steve, Ken, Ry, and Megan) saw "The Secret Garden". It was spectacular. The girl who played Mary was phenomenal. She couldn't have been more than 14 and was in almost every scene. We were also pleased to watch Brian Vaughn, one of the theaters top performers. Every time he is performing at the festival we are honored to see him. Another favorite was Shakespeare's "The Comedy of Errors". The costumes were wonderful and eye catching and the performers were top quality. The other plays I attended were Shakespeare's "As You Like It", "Foxfire" and "Private Lives" by Noel Coward. The only Play I did not see is "Henry V". I hope to see it before the end of the season, mostly in part to Brian Vaugh playing Henry. I can appreciate the play because I enjoy Shakespeare tremendously, however I believe I would not enjoy it as much as the others.

I would recommend to anyone living in or near Cedar City to take advantage of the renowned theater and festival that is here. People come from all over the country to see the Utah Shakespearean Festival in Cedar City and I am sad to hear that most residents here do not attend even one play throughout each summer and fall season. It is expensive, however when we consider the culture that we are privileged to have in such a small town, I believe we owe it to the members of the festival if not to our children to keep it alive, and the only way to do that is to attend. They really do hire some of the best actors I have ever seen. I hope it will be a great year for them.


We love it when Megan's here with us!

NEW INSPIRATION

Every week, or day for that matter, I recommit myself to my workouts and eating healthier. As I sat in the dentist's office waiting for all my children to have their teeth cleaned, I open a magazine and was hit with this picture. I ripped it out immediately (which normally I'm against). Dara Torres is my new hero. We'll see how my commitment goes waking up to this picture each morning.

Rylee's 6 year old pictures

(taken only a few days before she managed to acquire scars on her face)