Welcome to our "OOL"

I had to laugh when I saw a sign on someone's pool that read:

"Welcome to our OOL. Notice there is no "P" in our pool."

Alex and Remy suited up for an afternoon swim with baby sister Adalyn.

baptized

Tori was baptized on the 9th of July.

We had around 60 family members in attendance and lots of ward members and friends.

It was bittersweet seeing my oldest child in her second WHITE dress.

The next white dress she will be wearing will be her WEDDING gown.

Where has the time gone?

Tori requested Grandma Udall to give the talk on Baptism and Uncle Quin to give the talk on the Holy Ghost and Grandma Hatch sing.

Her American Girl doll had a white dress to wear on this special day too...thanks to Aunt Carol.

Every last detail was remembered.

Including a new WHITE monogrammed towel that said BAPTISM on it for Tori thanks to my dear friend's very talented daughter Kyla.

Her hair was carefully braided in an elaborate braid by Aunt Adriana.

She received a white heart pearl bracelet to wear on her special day from Mom and Dad.

The display table adorned beautiful portraits of Tori in her white dress thanks to Laurice.

Garrett overfilled the font and flooded the bathrooms and hallway a half an hour before the baptism, but then delivered the most beautiful blessing on our daughter.

Everyone left with a white sugar cookie as a Thank You for attending Tori's special day.

We had all family members over to our yard for some great Mexican Food, glass bottled soda and a pinata for the kids.

It was a magical day and I couldn't have done it without everyone's help.

Thank you. I know Tori thanks you too.

We live in such a special place and we are so blessed to have such a special family that supports important events such as this.

Doll House

Ever since I was a little girl I had a doll house.

We played for hours in our doll house.

It was the center for all our imaginary creations and games.

We learned how to decorate in the doll house.

When we moved to Utah we had an exact replica of our house built into a doll house.

This doll house has made two moves and is now being loved and used by my children.

It gets an annual face lift and the kids always get to help with the decor. 

They love furnishing this house.

Painting it.

Cooking plastic food in the kitchen.

Rocking baby dolls to sleep.

Having tea parties in the living room.

And many great conversations.

It now has its own landscaped yard.

This doll house is worth its weight in gold.

It is so cute and even has a second story with a miniature stair case inside.

My kids dream about the next time they get to play in Grandma's doll house.

I must admit that I sought refuge in this doll house even as a teenager. 

My kids spend hours and hours in the Doll House.

It has been well loved and cared for. 

Tori's Trip to Utah

Tori got the opportunity to travel with Uncle Travis' Family to Utah.

She stayed with Grandma Laurel Udall for 10 days!

They had so much fun and did something different everyday.

She even spent her 8th birthday in Utah.

On her birthday her aunties dolled her up and had a little photo shoot with her cousins. This is one of the pictures.

My little girl is getting so big.

While in Utah she got to eat out LOTS...go to the movies...visit museums...

swim...watch fireworks...

attend parades...shop...visit Great Grandparents...play with cousins...hike Bridal Veil Falls...visit book stores...water parks...manicures...

tennis camps...b-b-q at the lake...and much much more.

Thank you Mom for taking good care of my first born. We sure do miss her around here.

All my kids want their turn to spend time with Grandma on their OWN vacation when they turn 8 too.
While away Tori sent me emails and the first one she wrote said,..."don't worry Mom, I'm not homesick because Aunt Janelle and Aunt Louisa look like you."

{her 8th}

Today my Tori is eight.

She is away from home spending time in Utah with her Grandma and Aunties.

She is such a good example.

Tori knows right from wrong and isn't afraid to correct anyone on it.

She has chosen to be baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

She requested to be baptized today...on her 8th birthday.

Since we live so far away we had to wait until all of our family could make it.

It means a lot to her.

Family is so important...after all 

that is all we get to take with us into the next life.

Happy Birthday Victoria! We love you and miss you!

father's day

father's day

love

my heart melts when he handles our children

they respect their dad

he can do everything in their eyes

admiration

a deeper love for each child and me that words cannot express

we love our daddy

Just the 6 of us

My friend Laurice took our family pictures.

They all turned out amazing.

She has a great eye.

I had to bribe all the kids, with Popsicles, to smile their best and not cry.

Everyone did amazing...except for Garrett.

I had to pull his ear a little.

He hates having his picture taken.

He did not get a popsicle.

Maybe next time he will earn a treat...just like his children.