:)

I would just like to take a moment to express my true love and feelings for my oldest daughter, McKendra. She is SO sweet, and likeable, and I love it when she watches the other kids for me. She is so amazing and I just love her to pieces. In fact, since she's so wonderful, I think I'll have to talk to my hubby about getting her a phone soon...

End of the Year Recitals

Here's Tali Boo in her super cool Hip Hop Class!

Dallin's Band Concert in Jr. High, complete with a clarinet solo.

"Concert Master" Dallin warmed up his group.

"Tea at the White House" 5th Graders dress up as the person that they have studied and prepared a report!! Lissa with buddy Elizabeth (truly her name)

Lissa was Jackie O. (Who truly had a tragic life)

Here's a quick family picture after academic night for Lissa! May is jam packed with so many recitals! Wowsers!

Academic night celebrates "Golden Scholars" who are individuals who rec'd straight A (Or no more than 1 B the entire school year) Way to go Lissa!

Lego Land Fun

While McKendra and Mom were at Girl's Camp all week, Dan took the other four kiddos to Lego Land. Thanks Grandma and Grandpa for watching/spoiling the kiddos for the fun couple of days you were here! WE LOVE SUMMER!!!

A few blessings and chuckles

My sweet daughter Lissa is about 5'1" and her foot has grown 3 sizes this year. She is officially a size 8.5 in womens! She is 10 and stands a head taller than all her classmates. This chickie is going to be tall--no doubt. Well she needed some new summer sandals and we bought her some, and then in a moment of "I DON'T KNOW WHAT" I agreed that she could have THESE as a second pair (as it was BOGO people) Anyway, she is not allowed to wear them to church or school, but she has worn them around the house (for comfort no doubt) I have some regrets, but am partially amused. Yes! That is a 3 inch heel you see!

Look at these 2 handsome boys working diligently over a scrumptious Mother's Day dinner! Big D truly went the extra mile. He brought me Ghiradelli chocolates with money he earns refereeing soccer on Saturday! Then, he helped out in the kitchen diligently until the job was done. I was very touched by his kindness! Of course Dan is sensational to do it in the first place. I think those boys may have had some fun together!

Menu:

Homemade Rolls

Filet Mignon

Yummy Salad

Roast Potatoes

and Lemon Meringue Pie---luscious!

(On gold chargers no less!)

Cutest Game ever sent home from Primary! The M&M game. Mommy and Me. You play just the two of you--and one party blindly pulls out a M&M and according to the color gets to ask a questions or share a story. It was just the one on one time a kiddo needs and mommies love.


How happy can I be? Pretty darn joyful!

Sister's Weekend

Talk about your fun time!! Two weeks ago, 8 sisters (and sis in law---which are all the same in our family) got together. We also had sweet baby Savannah (Kyle and Annie's little sweetheart) who had plenty of Aunts cooing and cuddling her. So 9 fun girls total. (We missed our cute Nicole---hugs to you)

Thursday night flights came in from Missouri, Wisconsin, Colorado, Oklahoma and Southern California arriving between 9 p.m. to delayed 12:30 a.m. With 3 girls already in place in the hosting cities we were ready to party. The first night we crashed in Joyce's Basement, giggling and laughing in the joy of freedom from many cares and the delight of great company. Who knows what time we finally drifted off to sleep on a number of mattresses, couches, cushions and pillows.

Friday morning was at a luxurious and leisurely pace! We awoke and ate a sumptuous birthday breakfast of a yummy egg concoction as well as strawberries outside in the perfect weather celebrating Ms. Kayleen in all her wonderfulness!

After chatting and giggling, we got ourselves mostly together and headed out to get facials. We learned fascinating things such as the true definition of decolletage (ask your mom), how much pressure is too much pressure and when it is certainly not enough. (just ask Katie) We also learned that the 4 original sisters know how to chat all the way through a facial, and that the 4 sis in laws know how to stay quiet and enjoy those things that should be relaxing! Such as a pumpkin/cinnamon mask! Come on people! Who chats through the goodness of Thanksgiving soaking into your face? (Hee hee---we do!!)

After the pampering, we went to In n Out---which was "requested" okay let's be honest people DEMANDED by certain out of towners. Nonetheless it was yummy.

Finally we headed in the afternoon to Kim's house to relax and chat more. Dan and the kids had evacuated the premises so we could play without little darlings! We had a yummy pulled pork burrito dinner and then sat in the toasty jacuzzi. We stayed up late, ate chocolate fondue and strawberries, bananas, and etc! (Happy Birthday Kayleen! Although really---chocolate & girls---it's a must!!)

We chatted about great mom ideas and funny experiences and laughed until the early morning hours. Would you believe that Saturday morning 5 of us went for a run. 3 of us only went a couple miles, but Wendy and Kayleen who are prepping for a marathon and a 1/2 marathon went about 7! So sleep or not sleep- and junk food or not---we went a running! =0)

Don't forget yummy wheat waffles with strawberries and whip cream for a post run recovery meal! (Umm slightly tortorous to mention all the yummy food---sheesh!)

A bit later we went to the park to enjoy a few rides on the coaster cars with the 14 nieces and nephews in town. This is a personal favorite. I just need an excuse to play. Riding the coaster cars is like sledding, except without frostbite! I love it. I was trying to convert my sisters. I think they liked it! With the triplets at age 3 there were enough little people wanting to ride down the hill to keep us hopping and loving it! I don't know who won the race. Kayleen and Kristy had a fair shake on the coaster cars, but by the end I think that Cooper, Kate and Crandall had the most turns, followed by K.J., McKendra and Jordan coming in a close second.

Then over the next few hours, there was shopping (Kandee wanted a whole new wardrobe to swaddle her new svelte frame), lots of people bought new swimsuits, lots of sisters bought new artwork and had it signed by Greg Olson for Easter gifts. Really fun! We also ate a yummy chicken salad lunch!

Then we set off for a bit of mischief. Really we had a plan to go see a new Jane Austen movie, but truly arrived too late,(Really people---there are 4 bathrooms in this house =0)!) so we had a bit of a hasty jog across a Scottsdale Mall in pursuit of the movie. Only to end up wandering around the high brow mall rather aimlessly for a bit. Although Joyce did buy a Estee Lauder lip dealey, so she could get the bonus fun stuff AND Kayleen, Katie and Wendy got lost in a high falootin shop buying under tanks or whatnot. Wow.

By the way, Katie does have a cute yellow shirt that I feel deserves mention here. (Wink wink!)

Okay, so on to the Saturday night festivities--we went to eat at the Cheesecake Factory, where we laughed and ate until satiated! Then we went to Jesters, a really fun improv club in town that put on a delightfully clean and uproarious show! Such fun!

So then we talked and dare I say--ate more chocolate until late! All but one of us, who had her own chips and ranch dip!! (yes-it was Katie Lou Who)

Cute Annie and Savvy had to leave first thing in the morning and Joyce happily took them, returning to her family so her hubby could get to his Bishopric duties.

The rest of us (now down to 6 peeps) amazingly got ready for 8 a.m. church (yes you did read that right) All of my sisters caused quite a stir in Sunday School and Relief Society---all that beauty, class and wonderful comments of course! Stunning and noteworthy!

After church, we packed up (choir was going on in our house at the same time), had a little lunch and began the trips to the airport. Sigh. It really goes so fast doesn't it?

Just today in church a lady leaned over during relief society and asked me "Now HOW MANY sisters do you have?" To which I explained that we are a combo of sisters and in laws but enjoy each other just the same and she looked at me and said "You are Lucky!" I smiled knowing that was sure true!

Thanks for the fun my darling sisters! Thanks for the arrangements that you made to get here and for the happy laughter. Thanks for everyone's generosity and fun attitudes! Thanks for the little jewelry and bow gifts for Tali's birthday which she still talks about everyday. =0) Here's looking forward to a fun new plan for 2013!! Love you all!

Spring Break 2011

Saturday Smores! So fun and yummilicious!

Big Full Moon out to watch over the good times!

St. Patty's Day found 6 of us at Amazing Jakes! Rock Wall, Carousel, Go Carts, Lazer Tag, Buffet and Bowling!

It was a blast!
Have you ever noticed that if you don't take pictures of events- sadly within a few short weeks memories start to fade! (Especially kiddos) So we take pictures for special evidence of frolicsome days!

Happy Spring!

More Spring Break Fun...

Monday: Clean room Contest (very stirring)

Library Fun

Golden Spoon Yogurt Yumminess

Bike Ride & Roller Blade

Tuesday: Went To Amazing Jakes

(observed gigantic line wrapped around building and departed premises)

Subway Sandwiches with Lissa, Ky and Tali

Movie Day at Home

Played in Park

Wednesday: Temple Visitor's Center with Cousins

Prizes for Clean Room Rewarded

Perused New books at Deseret Book

More Park Play

Thursday: Dad and McKendra home hurray!

Trip to Amazing Jakes---ALL DAY!

PHEW fun!

Friday: A little of this and that

Plus swimming in our freezing pool

Then went to indoor pool!

Dallin arrived home from NYLT hurray!

Saturday: Overhaul Backyard--PHEW!

Looks Good!

Mom and Dad sneak away for a date

Mc does photo shoot with best buddies

Come back for Big Moon S'more's Night in Backyard!