Busy Days

We try to stay busy these days, which isn't hard to do.

Between play dates with friends, Happy Feet (Soccer) at the gym and Story time at the library, our mornings keep us moving.

After the librarian finishes with stories, the kids always get to make a neat craft having to do with something in the books she read.  This week it was a raccoon mask.

I promise Miriam was having fun, it's just harder to get her to smile for the camera these days.  Poor Eliza would enjoy these outings much more if she wasn't stuck in the stroller.  As soon as she learns to walk...

Miriam has recently figured out how to ride her bike and is always asking to go for a ride.

It's crazy to think my little girl is old enough to ride a bike (with training wheels).  As she grows and gets older, I am constantly reminded of her increasing independence, which is an exciting, but scary thing.

We also went to the "Preschooler's Playdate" at the Crystal Bridges Musuem.  We met up with some friends and Miriam had a blast.

Stan usually comes home for lunch, but today I asked him to meet me at the museum to help with the girls.  But I wasn't the only one who needed a little help.

As a young girl, I always pictured my hero (or knight in shining armor) on a white horse wearing an expensive crown on his head.

My imaginings have changed, and in my world, this is what a real Prince looks like:

Myself and my two friends all had young babies as well as our toddlers (one with twins).  It was very busy at the museum and a LONG walk to the cars.  Thank goodness Stan was there to help with the older girls or it would have been a complete disaster with lost children and short tempers. 

Stan is definitely my hero!

5 Year Anniversary

Every year for our anniversary, Stan and I get away for one or two nights to celebrate, just the two of us.

The first two years, it was easy to do.

Year 1- Branson, Missouri.

Year 2-Eureka Springs, Arkansas.

Year 3-Kansas City, Missouri.  

At this point we became very grateful for my sister living close by and being willing to watch our children so we could get away.  Also, at this point, getting away was much more special.

Year 4-Tampa, Florida (in combination with picking up the van we purchased).

Year 5-back to Kansas City, Missouri.  

We stayed at the Westin and had some fancy food.  This is a Cobb Salad by the way.

We went to the Hallmark Crown Center and visited a few shopping malls.  We just enjoyed spending time alone together.  

And the highlight, attending the Kansas City Temple.

5 Years ago, Stan and I were married in the Mt. Timpanogos Temple for time and all eternity.  What better way to celebrate that marriage than being in the temple?

5 years have gone by fast.  But in many ways, I feel like I've known Stan all my life.

I feel so fortunate to be married to such a wonderful man.  The Lord has truly blessed me beyond what I ever thought would be.

The last 5 years have been great.  That doesn't mean there haven't been hard or down times.  But looking back, I can hardly remember those. 

Here are the biggest two highlights of the last five years:

The birth of Miriam,

and the birth of Eliza.

And a few others,

Buying our first home. 

Taking yearly vacations as a family:

Cruise in 2008

San Diego in 2009.

Canada in 2010.

New Jersey & New York in 2011.

And coming up next month, Florida in 2012!

We love taking trips together as a family.  It was one of our financial goals to always save up to take these trips.  This is where some of the best memories are made.

It's been a great five years and I look forward to the next five (and many more after that!)

4th of July

I love National Holidays.

I love that Stan gets the day off work and we get to have parties and gatherings with friends and family.

This 4th of July one of my best friends, Renee, invited us and another family for a lunch barbeque and a mini-pool party for the girls. 

They had a blast!

 What a genius idea, putting the slide in the pool.  The girls played in it for hours.

I just love the faces this girl makes!

 

That evening we went to my family's Ward party.  Eliza had fun eating her share from the potluck bar.  She is loving table food and will hardly eat any pureed food anymore.

Miriam wandered around, spending a few moments with Grandparents and cousins.

Her chat with Grandma.

And then with Grandpa. 

Even Eliza got her share of being passed around the family.

And Stan did his share of visiting too.

 

Then, the kids favorite part, the candy drop from the airplane:

Miriam enjoying her candy.

They attach streamers to the candy so you can find them in the grass.  Here is Miriam (and Daddy's) spoils.

 Notice the dead grass in the picture?  This is the first year that I can ever remember it being so dry in our area they had a burn ban on the 4th of July.  Sadly, we didn't get to see any fireworks.  Hopefully we'll get some rain soon!

Brother Kelsey always entertains with some live music.  Miriam was so enchanted when he started singing and playing.  She requested "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star", and he invited her to come sing.  I almost got teary it was so sweet to hear her sing!