Cousin Time

We kidnapped Lauren for the long weekend and exchanged the twins in return. They have been with Tina and Steve and Lauren has been with us. Kenna has enjoyed having her older cousin dote on her and play games constantly and at any given time! They have watched movies together, gone to the rodeo, drawn pictures, written stories, gone to a movie, made bracelets and just "hung out". Its been fun. Addy came over a couple of times and joined with them in their activities and Sadie came for the movie and nail painting activity.

Lauren, Kenna, Addy and Chandler on top of a mountain by our house. I wish I could have captured the view that is seen from that point.

Three girls before crawling under the covers...Kenna, Addy and Lauren!

Lots of fun with various toe nail polish. It is interesting how they all wore flip flops. Could it be in the blood?

New Resolution: Take More Pictures

OK - So, we have had an eventful month. Lots of out of town visitors have come, Russ had his 20 year HS Reunion, the boys and Russ went to Fathers/Sons with the Scadden Uncles and male cousins, and we've had some vacation time with dad here and there. What do I have to show for it? Basically....Nothing but embedded images in my mind. I failed yet again to take pictures. I could blame it on the fact that our camera was lost in March or the undeniable truth that Brenna took her camera with her to MS, or even the reality that the camera I really want is too expensive. Truthfully, I'm just a loser mom who has not documented all the events taking place through pictures.

I decided today when I saw how large our garden has grown and the produce it is giving us, I needed to find another solution. Thus, I'm going to use my phone camera to take pictures of everything I can until I can afford to get the good camera Russ and I have been eyeing.

I did manage to get this picture of my kids and Drew Robertson playing with them at the Herriman Beach. It has been fun to have Drew over to play with the boys...sort of a second generation thing. His dad, Mike, grew up with me and we hung out tons during our teenage years. I can't count the number of homes we toilet papered! Good times! Anyway, Drew has been in town visiting his aunt and came to stay the evening with my boys, played at the beach, joined the neighborhood group of boys in night games, and in general...fit in like an old shoe.

Brenna, The July-Absent Member of our Family

Russ and I picked up Brenna this morning from EFY and are happy to have her home with us for a few days. She had a great time, obtained keen insight to gospel questions (deep concepts) and is currently washing and packing to leave for MS early next week. I don't know how we are going to function without her but I'm so very glad she has this opportunity to visit family, help with a new baby and find out further of what great stuff she is made. Love you Brenna-Brat!

(Her group of girls at EFY 2010.)

With a bit of enthusiasm and a touch of sadness...

...2010 All Star Season has come to a close. Our fourth of July weekend was spent running to and from the ballfield, up to Kaysville for extended family pictures, washing uniforms, parades and more baseball.


Tanner is a bit fierce on the mound as this picture shows. He did well in this tournament hitting and even slugged some balls that I thought were nearly out of the park.

The team was concentrating on what was before them. They had warmed up but not yet played (notice their uniforms are yet white) and the team they were facing had a reputation for being relentless. Our boys did their best but alas, the reported opponent was a bit harsh.

The black and white photo of the Herriman 12 & U All Star's Baseball Team!

Herriman Days Parade

This past weekend was the Herriman City Days Celebration. Saturday morning's activities began with a very long parade. Since we are closely associated with the Herriman Community Garden (and have a plot there this year to grow our vegetables), the French Family and our family put together a "garden type" float. Our kids rode on the trailer and threw candy and seed packets. I was quite surprised at the number of people who came out to support the parade. Herriman is a relatively small place but still, there were 77 floats/trailers...not to mention people attending the parade!

The kids were getting hot as we were preparing to start our journey in the lineup. The sun was out and it was 90 degrees at 9:30 in the morning this day!

Chandler got out of the trailer a little later with the older boys and marched up and down the road handing out goodies to the younger children sitting on the curb. He really thought he was super special and just as big as everyone else. I wish I had captured a picture of his big smile.

Later that afternoon, we attended Tanner's All-Star game. Though his team lost this game, he pitched four innings and only walked 2 players the entire game! I've never seen him so confident on the mound. It was a good feeling to watch him conquer his nerves and do so well!

Steven Lord came to the ballfield to join us and spent the night with us. We grilled and then attended the evening festivals at the park. Jerrico Road performed and then they had quite a fireworks performance. Steven and the kids road on some of the carnival rides during the evening hours.

Sunday morning, our bishopric was changed. I know Bishop Hess needs a break - as does his family. However, it was a sad day for me. So many experiences and tiny miracles occured when we were moving into this house and Bishop Hess was a part of those...though he is unaware of how he played a part during many of those occurrences. He has been influential in Brenna and Tanner's lives, as well as my primary age children. The morning was bitter-sweet!

Our new bishopric will be awesome too. The bishop is a fun loving man with a great heart. His counselors will be very supportive and helpful as well. Russ was called to serve as the Executive Secretary and will be busier. Thats okay though. We felt change coming and I'll take this change over bishopric any day. :)