Swim Team

We had heard about the YMCA Summer Swim team but it wasn't until our neighbor asked Allie to join that it seemed like it would work for our family.  The daily 1 hour practice for 8 weeks of the summer seemed doable because carpooling was now in the picture.  The girls were very very excited about being on swim team.  I was hoping the excitement wouldn't wear off by the end of the summer.  I didn't want to be peeling Allie out of bed and fighting with her to go to practice.  We talked to Allie about making this commitment to swim and how you don't stop until it's over

The first swim meet soon came upon us

The girls were ready....swim caps, goggles, and their black suits

Allie in the water ready for the backstroke.  The first meet went well...Allie was 2nd place in the backstroke, and 1st place in breaststroke. We quickly learned the rules of swim team races; if you make a mistake at any point during your race you get disqualified.   Allie didn't 2 hand touch at the end of the breastroke and was DQ'd as they call it. We learned a lot from the 1st meet and are excited for the 4 more during the summer!  Way to go Allie!!!

Lake Powell-Dog Days

I can't believe 2 years has rolled around again and with it came one more baby to take with us to Lake Powell.  I'm not going to to lie, I was really really nervous about this trip which is not like me.  Allie knows how to swim, Will can't crawl, but Sophie had me worried sick.  I knew at times I would be caught up with Will and I knew Sophie would love to run around with the big kids.  Blake expressed he would be her buddy 24 hours a day and he hoped that would calm my nerves.  I still couldn't figure out why I was so nervous, if it was a prompting I needed to be listening to or if it was just me worrying about my crazy 2 year old.  Thank goodness for prayer and the comfort of the spirit.  After getting on my knees one night at bedtime and pondering about the trip, I woke up and felt totally at peace with our decision to go.  So 10.5 hours in the car and 3 kids later we arrived at Bullfrog!

Saturday morning the dad's got out early and started loading the boat with all of our stuff; this is a major undertaking and I am so glad I get to be on kid duty during this craziness

On the boat docks waiting for the dads

The crazy cousins on top of the boat riding down the channel...Sophie was immediately strapped into her life vest and didn't get out of it much during the trip.  Luckily she was a trooper about my analness and didn't seem to mind

One of our favorite things for the little ones is the inflatable pool we put on the top deck of the houseboat

The boys found us an awesome little cove to dock the houseboat for the week

Kid's jumped in the water and were immediately relieved of the 110 degree heat wave that set in for the first few days

Sunday morning we set out on a hike before it got to hot....we just love exploring up these little canyons



We didn't make it too far up before our little buddy needed to head back.  Will got sick on Saturday night right when we docked the boat.  He was still under the weather Sunday and continued with high fevers until Tuesday afternoon.  It was a little scary to be in the middle of no where with a sick baby.  Thank goodness for priesthood blessings and Tylenol

Sophie with mud on her face....not a fan of the muddy hike.  This little girl can't stand to have dirty hands, let alone mud in her mouth

Beating the 110 degree heat by turning on the slide

Everyone was jumping in the water to stay cool

Allie and Lucy

Monday we decided to beat the afternoon heat and work on crafts.
Boondoggles and super hero paper cups

Kindergarten Graduation

I think it's true to say that once your kids are officially in school time flies.  I can't believe we are at the end of  the year and Allie is graduating from Kindergarten.  Allie had a fantastic year and a wonderful teacher we are sad to say goodbye to.  

Mrs. Gilliam's cute afternoon Kindergarten class 2012-2013

One of the highlights of the end of the year is Field Day!  I was lucky enough to be the helper for Allie's class which meant I got to take lots of pictures

Allie and her cute friend Taylor squirting everyone with water

I was seriously dying laughing during this game of sharks and lifeguards...I love this picture of Allie getting taken under by the sharks while the lifeguards save her

Trying to avoid the water

Kindergarten Graduation Program

The kids all worked  hard on the decorations

The 3 kindergarten classes....at the beginning of the year the kindergarten classes had a tye-dying party.  Each class was a different color so that when they took field trips they could try and keep everyone where they needed to be

Allie showing off the 2 leaves she painted on the Kindergarten mural

Allie and Mrs. Gilliam.  We loved her teacher; very experienced, very loving with the kids, pushed the kids when and where they needed it.  Not gonna lie, I shed a few tears this day.  Watch out 1st grade...here comes Allie!!!

Soccer Season

Allie finished up her Spring season of soccer.  She had a fantastic season and it was fun, for once, to watch her and her team The Pumas play this season.  Allie's team has been stuck together since they all started 2 years ago.  The girls are in their 4th season together and they are getting good.  Soccer has clicked for Allie and she understands where the ball needs to get to.  She is very good at dribbling the ball and is speedy getting down the field with the ball.  Way to go Pumas!!!

Shots from the season

One of the best parts of the game is when the game is over

The girls run through a tunnel the parents create

End of the year soccer party!  We can't wait to see everyone again in the fall!

Kid's Spring Pics

Sure do love my cute bunch!!!  They are growing up to quickly and I'm so lucky to have a great photographer who can capture these moments for me.

Will thinks he is a big boy standing up with the girls

Will's shoot

My photogenic Allie girl...missing a few teeth these days

Sophie worked it for the camera this time.  My friend brought bubbles and marshmallows to help Sophie focus and cooperate.  I am so glad I have some great shots of my cute, stubborn, mind of her own girl.  Can't wait for 6 more months when my little Will turns 1 and I get some more pics!!!

Will at 6 months

I can't believe that this little man is 6 months old!!!  My heart just melts every time I see him.  It has been SO much fun to have a little boy, especially this sweet thing.  Will is constantly smiling, laughing, and having a good time AND also loves to cuddle and give lots of love

The absolute favorite game of choice is peak-a-boo.  I can throw the blanket on Will and he will just stay under it laughing at me as I tease him about taking it back off.

The tender side of Will...he will just lay his head down and chill on the floor

Will loves to have blankets over his face while he sleep

A crazy viral rash...I don't know why all my kids like to get weird unexplained rashes out of no where

Will taking down the fort....I guess he's too big for the play mat.  At 6 months Will is rolling everywhere

Will LOVES Max and I love that Max senses the love and will crawl in bed with Will at night

Will is loved and adored by his 2 big sisters and they love that they can finally include him while they play.  Will you brighten up our house and melt your mama's heart!