The Big Fifty

In September, my mom celebrated her 50th birthday!!! With all the kids gone, except for Beau, they decided to take a trip to celebrate her half-century mark. Because we are so far away, Spencer and I decided to that we would create a video of pics and family memories for her to enjoy on her big day. Here are some of the pics we included:

What is so great about my mother??? The long days and nights she endured with a brand new baby as my father worked and studied. The fact that she had four children by time that she was 27. The hours and hours spent in the car as she ran us from one activity to the next. Her willingness to do things like be the PTA president and the team mom. The many many nights she sat up with a sick child. Her talent for school projects, posters, etc... The times she put her arms around you when she could tell you had had a bad day. Her love and concern for others. Her willingness to always help others. The hundreds and hundreds of swim meets, dance competitions, baseball games, football games, that she sat through rain or shine. The many nights that she stays up worrying about the decisions that her children are making. The way she still takes care of us even though we are all old and grown. The spontaneous shopping trips. The tears that we shed as we leave after a wonderful visit. The love and time she shares with her grandchildren. And the way she loves the gospel and tries to emulate the Savior in all she does.
We are so lucky to have you as a mother, mother-in-law, and grandma!!!

Thanks for being mom!!

We love you!!!

A Great Weekend with Gummy and Gumpy

We went to Gatlinburg, TN with Gummy and Gumpy and had a blast. These two sure know how to travel and their energy is unreal. They spoiled us on our short weekend with dinners, shows, a trip to the aquarium, swimming, staying up late, entertaining the kids, doughnuts, t-shirts, snow cones, ice cream, taffy, and delicious breakfasts of biscuits & gravy, waffles, omelets, etc.... (can you tell we like food???)

We are so lucky that our grandparents love to spend time with their grandchildren and their great-grandchildren. They are constantly doing everything they can to cultivate relationships, teach us about marriage, love, life, and the gospel - even if it means that for three days they have to endure 2 rowdy boys running in and out of their bedroom because we were lucky enough to have adjoining rooms. Thanks Gummy and Gumpy we sure love visitors!!!!

A trip to the Smokey's with Gummy and Gumpy

Gummy and Gumpy happened to be in Tennessee two weekends ago and we were able to meet them and spend the weekend with them. It was wonderful (more details and pics to come).

Family Pictures

So, the last week we were in Utah I had a brilliant idea to get our family pictures taken. A few phone calls, an awesome photographer, and some willing participants and this is what we got.

Thanks so much Shanna for the short notice, we love them!!!

I think they turned out pretty good considering we were trying to get ready for the pictures and our flight that left at 6:30 a.m. the next morning.

Don't let this one fool you!!


This is pretty much sums up Luke for the entire photo shoot!
Thanks for being patient!!


On the other hand, Ezra was eating it up and pretty much did everything Shanna asked.

Love this one!!!

Thanks again Shanna!!

The Gym

The other day I was at the gym, keeping to myself, and enjoying my workout when a woman got on the cardio machine next to me. I continued my workout not really thinking anything of it when.....I hear someone singing. Yes, singing!!! I know what you are thinking, she probably had her ipod on super loud and didn't realize she was singing. So, I quickly glance over to give her a hint that she is singing way to loud when I realize that her eyes are closed. This little tiny lady singing at the top of her lungs about praising Jesus, with her eyes closed, and her body swaying, all while on the treadmill. Pretty impressive huh???

Memorial Day

Thanks to the Fillerup's we had our first successful rock climbing adventure!!!!
They took us to North Carolina and we hiked to the top of a gorgeous mountain with a beautiful view. We hiked, rock climbed, enjoyed good company, and had a picnic for most of the day. Our kids love Nynke and Mel, and they are so nice and patient to have us and our two little ones tag along. They even brought a children's harness so that Ezra could give it a try. He was a little hesitant at first, but ended up thinking it was pretty fun. Spencer was awesome and I at least made it to the top (sorry folks no butt shots of me this time).
Can't wait till next time!!!

Luke loved his ride in the back pack!!!

The beautiful view!!!

Enjoying some lemonade with Nynke after the hike down.

Picking Strawberries