We've Become "One Of Them"

Throughout my teenage years I would often pet sit for a family in our ward whenever they went out of town. They had two dogs and five or six cats. I didn't mind because I have always loved animals. But I always thought it strange, their connection with their pets. They called them their "fur-people".It is one thing to love your pets. I had pets growing up too and loved them. But to call them people? That just always wierded me out...until now. I am here to confess today that we have become one of them. The type of person that goes overboard with their pets, that calls them people.
We all talk to Monte like he is a baby. I even call him my kid. I am actually thinking of starting a blog just for him and calling it "The Mishaps of Monte Walter". Yes, that is his full name. I think if anyone asked any of us who we loved the best in the family, we would all say "Monte"! We have Monte pride through and through. He's the best cat in the world!!

We HEART Monte!!!

Swimming Lessons 2008

For the past two weeks the kids took swimming lessons. This is something they look forward to every year. I noticed so much improvement from last year.
Emma cruised with her kickboard.
Ella practiced her back arrows.
Ben showed off his radical floating skills.
Eva got the hang of the back stroke.
Emma showed off her newly learned side stroke.
Monkey...
...Airplane...
...Squeeze! That is a fun way for them to learn the beginning back stroke.
They all did really well learning new things as well as reviewing things from last year.
They were so sad when lessons were over. Next year will not come soon enough!

Father's Day 2008

I have been so blessed to have great examples of fathers in my life. First, my Dad, who in my opinion is the greatest example of a father, who raised his children by example. He taught us (and still does) how to be the best human beings we can be.

Then, my brothers who are a product of their father in every way. They raise their children in a way in which I am so proud to be their sister.

My Father-In-Law was the most humble person I have ever met. I see him in Lee constantly and for that I am so thankful.

And then there is Lee, the Father of my children.

He makes his family feel like royalty, like we are the most special family on earth. He is such a busy guy, yet he makes sure that his kids feel like, and know, they are the most important people in his life. Every night before we go to bed, Lee asks how we can do better for our kids. I am so thankful for his example in our lives.

I asked the kids what is one thing they love about Dad and this is what they said...

Emma - "He works for us."

Eva - "He plays with me a lot."

Ben - "Everything!"

Ella - "He reads me stories."

Monte - "Meow, Meow, Meow!"

Happy Father's Day, Lee and to all Father's out there!

New Summer Looks

Emma and Eva decided they wanted a new look for Summer. And since Emma and Eva wanted a new look, Ella had to have a new look too. They were all tired of tangles, as was I, so we took a trip to Supercuts. Drum roll please...

Before.............................After!

Before............................After!

Before...........................After!

Between the three of them 25 inches of hair was cut off! That's over two feet! They missed being able to donate it to Locks of Love by only inches. 10 inches is the minimum per person to donate. Emma had 9 inches cut and Eva and Ella both had 8 inches cut. Because I have been telling them for over a month that they could get their hair cut there was no putting it off any longer, even for a good cause. So that is their new goal. To grow out their hair once again, keeping it healthy along the way, and donating it to Locks of Love.

You three look adorable!!

Dancing Queens

Well, the day finally arrived. The big Dance Recital of the year went off without a hitch. The girls did so well and had a blast at the same time. Below are pictures of the dress rehearsal and the recital. All the video clips were taken at the dress rehearsal, so don't feel sad for them because of little mistakes. When it came time to perform on the big night, they were near perfect!

These are the costumes for the opening production. The theme for the opening production was Sports. That should explain the ice skating outfit and the football.

In this clip Emma is hidden a little. See if you can find her...

These costumes may look familiar. One thing I love about their teacher is that she tries to re-use at least one costume per year to help cut down on costs. These are the two re-used from last year with a different routine and song.

The girls have been really lucky to have the same group of friends in their classes since they were three. They are all just so cute!

This was Emma's first year in Jazz. And she got to perform to Hannah Montana, one of her faves.

What a wonderful show, girls! You did a fantastic job! Can't wait till next year! Although when I think about it, I get anxiety. Emma, Eva, and Ella (Gal is starting next year) together will have 11 dances. And I thought this year was crazy!!!

Thank you, thank you, thank you to Grammie and Papa Rex for coming to support these girls. I know how hard it is to sit through two plus hours and 51 dances, and it is very appreciated and it meant a lot to the girls. Also thank you for the amazing irises!!

More Birthday Stuff

During the past little while our family have been cupcake connoisseurs. It has been decided that we like the Pillsbury rainbow cake mix (with pudding in the mix to make it extra moist) the best.

Emma gave her cupcakes (the winners) a thumbs up!

Ella picked strawberry cupcakes with strawberry frosting. Let's just say that I enjoyed them. Ella was just happy to play with hers.

I just couldn't bring myself to have the family celebrate birthdays at Wal-Mart like Ella wanted, so instead we all took the new Frontrunner train down to Salt Lake. It was going to be such a fun day. What could go wrong with a little train action, a movie and some yummy dinner? Apparently everything. The movie scared the kids to death. There were serious tantrums galore all throughout dinner by a child who shall remain nameless. We almost got squeezed to death by an apparently faulty elevator door, and the train ride home was spent shushing all four screaming kids over and over and over again! This day really brought out the worst in all of us. Emma and Ella's little birthday excursion will definately be a memorable one, but not exactly for the right reasons. For this fact, the pictures ended before we even stepped onto the train.

GOOD TIMES!!

Ella Rae

Our little Gal turns 3 today! She is such a big girl. Ella has been such a "Rae" of sunshine in our family. She is always so happy and carefree. We love her for that! She also is very independent,yet she thinks she should be able to do everything her sisters can do. One funny thing she said the other day after I asked her what she wanted to do for her birthday was, "We can go to Wal-Mart!!!" And she was so excited! She has always been so easily amused. We love you, Ella!

Happy 3rd Birthday!!

( OK, I think we are done with birthdays for a while. Phew!! Having four in the space of nine days gets a little crazy!)

Emma Lee

Emma was born NINE years ago today! I cannot believe how time flies! It seems like just yesterday that she was hooked on Barney and The Wiggles. It has been so fun to see her grow up into the fun, beautiful girl she is. I have loved every minute of being her mom and am proud of the little lady she is becoming.

Happy Birthday, Emma!!