Slip N' Sliding

 

Natalie and her kids were able to come for about 4 weeks in the summer. We were able to do a lot of fun things with them while they were here, especially during one concentrated week of "together time." We went to Lagoon, had sleepovers every night, ate almost every meal together, and crammed a lot of precious cousin time. One afternoon, we pulled out some industrial plastic sheeting out of Grandpa's garage and laid it out in Jen's yard. We ran the hose on it and voila! A fun filled afternoon!

There are few things more precious than cousins who are your best friends. This is a great group of kids. We missed our cousins who were in Texas, but had so much fun getting the rest of them together. They absolutely love each other and are reaching such a fun age. Our distance has made our hearts grow fonder and we really treasure the time we are able to have together.

Fun Run 2013

The Fun Run is a big deal in our family. It wouldn't be if our kids didn't go in with such high expecations. But every year, whether they've trained or not, they have high hopes of medaling. Knowing that their hopes and dreams hang in the balance makes me a nervous wreck. This year, they really didn't train at all.

But without fail, they started the race with that genetic gift of Ross competition pusling through their veins.

Taylor started the race going blazing fast and couldn't keep the pace. Toward the end, she watched a couple of her friends (her biggest competition) race past her. She was devastated. She gave her all and was hyperventilating by the end. But, she ended up getting third place in the sixth grade.

Loryn placed last year and had her heart set on another win. Unfortunately, she didn't have a running partner this year (I tried, but couldn't keep up!) She had trouble pacing and didn't medal, but she did a wonderful job and we were so proud of her.

Fisher did so well! Our little kindergartner was super speedy. After running with daddy and Loryn for a while, he finally asked, "Can I go faster?" He left them in the dust and went on to run by himself and earn a 2nd place medal!

I can't tell you how proud I am of my kiddos, whether they medal or not. Something about watching them cross the finish line, totally spent and red in the face, makes me want to break down in tears.

Brrr! Spring Soccer

I can honestly say that I don't know if I have ever been colder in my life than I have been at my kids' spring soccer games. This one of Loryn's had to be right at the top of the list. I know it doesn't look that cold, but it was positively frigid. It was raining sideways, right into our faces. And the wind was gusting, knocking chairs over and blowing the ball backwards. Our poor girls muscled through this game like real troopers, but I'm sure they were downright miserable. I love this photo of our "dynamic defense duo," Katie and Loryn. Nothing like a family effort on the defensive line! And yes, those are the supportive sibling fans hiding underneath the blankets and chairs.

And Fisher. My sweet Fisher. You'd be hard pressed to find a little boy with more excitement for the game. He spends most of his time fist pumping, high fiving, jumping up and down, and giving his parents thumbs up. But we're feeling hopeful that actual playing will come in time! I love my happy boy.

Jameson and April Get Married!

Jameson and April got married on a beautiful spring day in April. It was a really wonderful day. April looked stunning and Jameson was beaming.

Jameson and April had been dating for about a year and a half and were so thrilled for them to finally get married! They were married and sealed in the Bountiful Temple and then had a lovely dinner at a very posh and luxurious resort in Park City. We were able to stay in the a super luxe condo at the resort that night after enjoying late night swimming and hot-tubbing. It was a wonderful weekend and we were so happy for the new couple!