Trip down memory lane

Sam & I were trading oatmeal packet trivia over breakfast this morning when he started naming off the presidents of the United States. I was visibly impressed. "Yeah.. but do you now the 'Fifty Nifty United States' song?" I asked. After a blank stare from Sam, I then proceeded to sing (yes, over breakfast. Kind of scary.) and made it to Michigan, got stuck, picked it back up at Oklahoma and made it to the end. Naturally I had to look the song up on YouTube to ease my bruised ego. Anyone else learn this song in 4th or 5th grade?

For Jamie

So, I've been trying to learn Lightroom and am being very slow, and I know Jamie's been patiently waiting to see some pictures of her new baby! I love having a neighbor with a newborn. Such easy access to an awesomely cute subject. I'll post more when I get this program all figured out! Thanks for being patient!

Volleyball Season

Has officially started! I can't even tell you how much I love the sport. I played for 3 years in high school (middle blocker) and intramurals practically every year since coming to BYU. Now, I haven't always had the best team, but it's been fun. Keeps me on top of my game, you know? The best part is that we planned my last pregnancy around volleyball season. Seriously.

I got invited to play co-ed city league this year and we had our first two games last night. FAN-tastic! I think in the last however-many-years-since-high-school I've never actually played a position. We've always just rotated and played where we stood. Last night I played setter in a 5-1 rotation. It was seriously the the most fun I've ever had. I forgot how much I miss it.

And, to go from middle blocker to setter... I'm liking the switch. Especially when the MB's on our team are both over 6'. They can have it.

Radio Flyer Tricycle

A must have for any 3 year old. Or so it seems. Rachel is getting really good at this. She can go up and down hills, stop using her pedals, go "fast, fast", and follow the "road" we outlined in sidewalk chalk in our parking lot. We've taken her to the Provo River Trail in Provo Canyon, as well as to nearby parks, and around the block. As we were returning to our house the other day, she looked at us and said "my leg hurts!" Yup. That's exercise kid. Get used to it.







Oh- and Andrew likes it too!

Catching Up: More Birthday Fun

I've really been behind. August was crazy busy for us. We had Rachel's 3rd birthday party a month early due to the fact that some of her best friends (including my brother & sister) were all leaving at the end of August. We had a princess friend party on a Saturday morning complete with tiara decorating, and her own cardboard castle. We then had family over the following Sunday for dinner, presents, and castle cake. Smashing success.

Didn't I tell you it was a guilty pleasure? Wilton has some awesome cake pans...

Opening presents... we bought her WAY too many. Oops!

Her favorite (probably could've gotten away with "only") birthday present. She loves her tricycle!

1 Year Old Cake Smashing!

I've been wanting to try this for awhile, and wadda ya know? My baby turned 1! I can't believe he's this big already. I love him so much and he has such a fun personality. I'm not sure how much he loved his cake because he seemed to stick it in and the push it right back out again. I think most of it ended up on the floor. We had fun anyway. Happy Birthday Andrew!









This is Andrew asking for "more".


We had a family party on his actual birthday (Aug 24th) with a car cake. I have to admit that making and decorating cakes for my kids is a guilty pleasure. Sam & I have so much fun designing, making frosting, and spending time together in the kitchen. I just wish my kids' birthdays weren't so close!

Josh & Barbie's Wedding

I don't even know what to say. I'm so excited for my brother and his new wife! They are seriously amazing together. And, they know how to throw one good party. They were married in the SLC temple, we had a family luncheon upstairs in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building, and their reception downstairs in the Empire Room. Simply stunning. Great food, dancing, and fun company. Thanks you guys! I love you tons! **LOTS of pictures to follow!**

Thanks to my second shooter, Brett, as well. He was so great!

Barbie's Bridals

I can finally post these! My brother told me he'd be upset if I posted them before the wedding and he accidentally saw them. So, I was a good little sister and waited. Isn't she gorgeous? Check out the beadwork on her dress. It's simply stunning. I should have a preview of their wedding shortly!

5 Years and Counting...

Wow?! Has it really been 5 years already? Sam & I were sealed in the Timpanogas Temple on August 19, 2003. We celebrated by taking a night off from the kids (we had some amazing friends spend the night at our house with our kids. Yes. They love us. A lot.), eating yummy food at The Melting Pot in SLC, and participating in an endowment session at the Salt Lake City Temple. It's crazy how much has happened in the last 5 years.

• 4 months in New Zealand
• 2 bachelor's degrees
• 2 Kids
• 4 Apartments
• Almost a Master's Degree & on to a full time job!

I'm so grateful for my best friend. I love you babes!

Garden Party Frock Giveaway

Here's a link to a seamstress I picked up from someone else's blog. Her stuff is quite cute and she's giving a Garden Party Frock this week! Wouldn't it look so cute on Rachel?