Cherry Hill 2010

Along with July comes our annual trip to Cherry Hill with Brett's family. This year, because everyone had so many obligations we ended up squeezing it in at the end of July. Along with the end of July comes the summer thunderstorms that Utah is known for. For only the 2nd time in the 15 years that I have been going to Cherry Hill with the family, we got rained on this year. We got kicked out of the waterslides on Saturday night because of lightning and then it rained ALL night Saturday night. Thunder, lightning, and rain are not fun while you are trying to sleep in a tent. The kids had a great time and made memories they will never forget.

She Did It!!!!

I have mentioned before that Brynlee is taking semi-private tumbling lessons from the guy who was her teacher at UDA this last year. Last Saturday they were working on aerials and he was only spotting her with one hand-just enough to make sure she was high enough off of the ground. Today he was spotting her with one finger and sent her over to the other floor to work on it by herself. A few minutes later Erin came running over saying, "She did it!". Sure enough-she did an aerial all by herself. The first few attempts she landed on her butt but the more she practiced the better she got and soon she was landing on her feet. She was so excited and I can't believe how quickly she picked it up. Way to go baby girl!!!!

One of Those Days

Ever have one of those days? Today was one of those days. Brett is out of town and it's hot outside. The kids don't want to go out and play but they don't want to get along either. I love, love, love being able to stay home but it is very challenging, especially when the kids are out of school. I hate yelling at them but I find that I do it more and more frequently. The 11 year old is bored and picks on his brother. The 6 year old is bored and doesn't listen. She likes to make a mess and then stuff everything under the couch and claim she cleaned up. The 3 year old is cute but she gets into things too and likes to hit her sister when she doesn't get her way. I know I should be enjoying this time with them and I really am trying but sometimes it's all so overwhelming. I have no "me" time-EVER and that really wears me down. I guess I am just having a poor me day and really needed to vent.

Cowabunga Bay

Thanks to my mom we were able to go to Cowabunga Bay today. The kids had a blast. The waterslides were perfect for the boys and the lazy river was perfect for the girls. The water was warm and the park didn't get too crowded until later in the afternoon. The park was small enough that I felt comfortable letting the boys do their own thing because I could pretty much see them from wherever I was at. Thanks again Mom!!!!

Harlee

I had to post these pictures of Harlee because she is so dang cute. She absolutely loves skirts and the more frilly the better for this girl. She always has the cutest poses for me. She cannot wait to dance and shows me everyday how she can do a pirouette and a cartwheel. I sure love that girl!!!!

Tumbling

I have Bryn signed up for some semi-private tumbling lessons with the coach who was her tumbling teacher at UDA this last year. She goes on Saturday mornings with 3 other girls, including Erin. Brynlee's goal is to have her back handspring by the end of August. Terra picked the girls up this week and said that both Brynlee and Erin almost have their Aerials. They needed minimal spotting from Jimmy and mostly it was to make sure they were high enough in the air and didn't hit their heads. Way to go girls!!!!

Birthday & Baseball

Today was Brynlee's Birthday and the last thing she wanted to do was go to The Bee's game. We promised her we could sit on the grass and that afterwards we could go get some ice cream. She ended up being very glad after all. We ran into The Zettler's who were there with Alex's All Star team for the Field of Dreams. They came and sat with us on the grass and the boy's took their seats in the stands. They came with us to Cold Stone afterwards for ice cream. There is nothing cuter than 4 girls loaded up with sugar at 11:00 at night. Happy Birthday Brynlee.

Happy Birthday Brynlee Hope

Today my baby girl turned 6 years old. I remember the day she was born like it was yesterday. I was so excited to finally have a girl. When she was born the Dr. said, "It's a Girl!" and I had to ask him if he was sure. She has brought a different spirit into our house. I love the passion that she has for dance and reading. She is an amazingly smart little girl with an infectious grin. She makes friends easily and thrives in their company. Happy 6th Birthday Brynlee Hope-we love you!

Girl's Night Out

For Brynlee's birthday party this year we did a "Girl's Night Out". We had all the girls come in their PJ's. We had snacks, painted toenails and fingernails and they all made friendship bracelets. Mostly they all wanted to run around and play. Most of the girls were dance friends, one was her BFF from school and the last was a girl she has known for a lot of years. The girls had a blast. My ears hurt by the end of the night from all the screaming. Brynlee was in heaven and I don't think she could have wished for a better birthday party.

Happy Birthday Harlee Bug

I can't believe that my baby is 3 years old today. I can't help but smile when I think about how special she is. She brings such joy and a special spirit to this house. She is always smiling and always following her sister around. She is the first to wake up in the morning and always has a smile for me even if I don't. Happy Birthday Harlee Bug-we love you!

Happy Birthday

We had our family party to celebrate the birthday's of both of our princesses tonight. It's hard for either of them to have to share but we try to make it special for both of them at the same time. We kept it really small and had BBQ Hamburgers and Hot Dogs and a whole bunch of yummy salads.

The Gateway

We ventured down to the Gateway with our friends The Hoggan's to let the kids play in the fountains. They love this place. After 4 hours they didn't want to leave. More free fun and all I have to pay for is parking.

South Salt Lake Fireworks

It's become an annual tradition for my side of the family to meet at Granite High School to watch the fireworks every year. They do this the night before the 4th of July every year which actually ended up on July 2 this year. The kids have fun dancing to the bands and this year they actually got to go on a few of the bouncy rides they have. Harlee didn't love these but LOVED the fireworks. I don't think any of my kids have ever loved fireworks at her age.