Did You Really Just Say That???

Macie is 3 1/2 years old going on 10. She hangs out with the older girls in the neighborhood and completely thinks she is right on their level. Bless those girls' little hearts, they put up with her and are very nice. Macie has been a little sad lately because the neighbors have gone back to school and she isn't old enough to go yet. After the first day one of the neighbor girls had a couple friends over to swim and they let Macie tag along, floaties and all. Well, apparently one of the dads was watching the girls in the pool. He is a little older looking and his hair is greying. His daughter was talking to him and called him "Dad" of course. My smarty pants 3 year old said, "Hey, that's not your dad. He's your grandpa." I don't even know what to say about that except I am SO embarrassed. I'm glad I wasn't there because I don't know what I would have said. One of the other girls told me about it. I know she wasn't trying to be funny or mean, she was just speaking her mind. Oh my Macie. Please don't do that again.

By the way, this is her dance picture that I scanned in. Isn't she gorgeous? We're working on manners so she can be beautiful and well mannered. Here's to hoping.

Summer Vacation

A family vacation was long overdue, so we packed up and headed to San Diego. Macie had been asking to go to the beach for a long time and we figured she would enjoy Sea World as well. We were right, the kids loved it. We had an extra fun time because the Baldwins came along.


Packed to the max and ready to go. Thank goodness for portable DVD players.


Macie meets sea lion.


Ty is not a fan of sea lions. Actually, this was probably the only time he cried because the barking startled him. Ty loved the animals and was very into seeing everything.


Hello Shamu. I didn't get a picture of them, but the Palmers met us at Sea World too. They live in San Diego now so it was great to see them for a bit.


Macie touched her first starfish in the tide pool.


The boys spent a lot of time doing this: Devin and Josh chatting, Ty and Alex watching/sleeping in the strollers.


The massive walrus was the grossest thing we saw all day. He came right up to the glass and proceeded to chew his lunch in our face. Maybe we were in his face. Anyway, it kept going in and out, in and out.


Leaving Sea World with Ty's lone souvenir.


We spent a day at the beach in La Jolla.


Mom and her buddy.


I love this picture. It's one of the rare moments Macie and Tigi were sitting down.


The girls spent most of the day running in and out of the water. Luckily the weather was quite nice and not as cold as I expected.


Ty doing what he does best: being a boy. He loved sitting around and playing with the sand toys. I'm sad to say this was my deprived child's first time playing in the dirt. Ever. Did I mention I hate sand?

I'm pretty sure we were the cutest family on the beach. Okay, okay, the Baldwins cut a close second.


Our girly girls.


The little buddies.


I really liked Macie having a friend with her the whole trip. These two are so cute together, when they don't fight of course. We had so much fun that we may have to drag the Baldwins along on all our vacations.


Ty was hoping he could drive home.


I had to pry his chubby little hands off of the steering wheel so we could go home.


We played hard.

Called To Serve

Yesterday we went to the airport to say goodbye to Josh's brother, Brent. He is serving a mission in Brazil for the next two years. We are very proud of his decision to dedicate two years of service to the Lord and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with others. We have no doubt that he will be a great missionary. We'll miss you!

The Fourth

Pre-parade attire. The Summerlin parade was actually really good this year and not as hot as I remember it being in the past. Josh stayed home with Ty while he napped. Sadly, no pictures of the parade itself.


We had some friends over for food, swimming and fireworks. Morgan and I were roommates freshman year at BYU. We both have two kids the same ages and genders, so it's always fun to get together. Me and Ty, Morgan and Alex.


The Baldwin and Waldrons. Ty was long gone in bed and Alex is asleep in his daddy's arms.


Tigi and Macie had a great time watching Josh set off the fireworks. Macie kept saying, "Daddy, will you build more snates?" She liked the watch the quiet, uneventful snakes grow on the pavement.


I love this shot. This is right when Josh lit the first sparkler and went to hand it to the girls. They did actually play with them, although Macie was a little timid about it. She seemed to remember burning her toe the year before.

We had a great time celebrating with great company. I always love the feelings of patriotism and gratitute for the freedoms we enjoy on the this day. We are able to celebrate because of those who fought and still fight for our freedom. Thanks to my dad, brother, and husband for being numbered among those who do.

All Alone

Josh went to the lake today and won't be home until tomorrow. He gets to enjoy a house boat, water sports, cliff jumping, and BBQs. Humph. At least I got to kiss and snuggle my kids goodnight and will wake up to their smiling faces around 7 am. I love my little buggies, but MAN do I wish I was at the lake too!

I Wanna Be A Beach Bum

Macie constantly talks about going to the beach, and Josh finally has a day off this week so we can head out there. I am not a big California beach fan, I prefer Cancun thank you very much, so I don't really know where the best place would be to go for a day. What beach would you pick? Please leave a comment and let me know because we want to leave Thursday night. And as for my California friends, I expect some input!

My Rock-A-Hula Girl

Macie had her first dance recital last weekend. She looked gorgeous and did a wonderful job. But really, do you think a 3 year-old in a hula costume could not be the cutest thing you've ever seen? I tried to contain my excitement the whole day because I didn't want to make her nervous, but when we were in the audience before the recital started I couldn't hold back any longer. Josh's brother, Brent, was the lucky one sitting next to me while I bounced around my seat and couldn't stop talking. The whole show was very entertaining (Bunker Dance does a fantastic job), and we finally got to see our little hula girl come out for one of the final numbers. Videotaping was not permitted, so I only have still shots until the video is sent out.  

On stage right before the music started. Macie is the second from the right. 

Curtain call, right after they took their bow.

One of her many poses. I love the did-you-take-the-picture-yet expression.

This is half of her class. Macie is second from the left.

We failed to bring a change of clothes, so she wore her outfit to dinner.

 
And to the ice cream shop.

Some of Macie's biggest fans: Kip, Jarrett, Mel, Sadie, Mom, Dad, Brent (Sondie took the picture, and Lisa and Paris had to hurry home.) Thanks for coming and supporting Macie.

Honestly, this was one of my proudest moments as a Mom. I got to see my little girl work hard at something without our help, and show off her accomplishment. I can't describe how great it was to see her smiling face on stage and know she was having a great time. I'm not ready for her to be this grown up yet...it's too fast.  

In Your Face

Have you ever seen someone happier to eat blueberries, apples, prunes and squash? 

You Said It Bill

I decided to take a 4-day trip to visit my parents last weekend. Josh couldn't go so I was on my own with the kids. At the airport. On the plane. Outnumbered 2 to 1. What was I thinking? The flight home was more hectic than the first since Ty didn't fall asleep in my arms and Macie didn't quietly watch the video ipod like they did on the way there. Luckily the flight was only an hour and a half. 

After I got home and called my parents my mom told me about this Bill Cosby clip, Jeffrey. I looked it up and had to laugh because I could identify with it. It is hilarious. My favorite part is the last few seconds when the mom gets off the plane and sees the dad waiting there. I couldn't stop chuckling to myself about it all night. 

My children weren't running around the plane like Jeffery was, but they were LOUD. Lucky for everyone else on the flight, we were in the last row, projecting all the way up to the front. Ty yelled "da-da-da-da" a good 75% of the flight while throwing things and trying to put them in his mouth all at the same time. 10% was crying, another 10% laughing, and maybe 5% silence. Macie couldn't help singing out loud along with her videos. During our approach the other people were treated with her made-up songs about castles, glitter and princesses. After spilled drinks, food everywhere, and my large headache we finally arrived. I reached my breaking point when Josh was late to pick us up. I was waiting around with 2 carseats, 2 suitcases, a stroller, and another wandering child all by myself. I almost punched him in the face. Thank you Jeffery, I no longer feel so bad.

Video Time

Life seems so busy these days that I hardly seem to take pictures anymore. At least I pull out the camera every once and a while for videos. Here are two cute clips that are pretty recent. My little buddy likes to clap for us. I can't get enough if it. Pardon our lack of clothing, we just got out of the pool. The second video is Macie with her cousin Sadie. The first 15 seconds are hilarious, especially if you know Macie and Sadie's personalities. My little Macie is a bossy one. I believe she was putting Sadie in her place.





By the way, Macie rarely uses physical force. The little "tap" on the face was quite a surprise.