Cass A Frass

Probably one of my favorite people in the whole world and if she were not my sister I would definitely want her as my best friend. Cassie is one of the hardest working mommies I know. She is the perfect big sister and she motivates me to be a better Mom, sister and friend. Though she would be the last to admit  it, she has killer organizational skills, a super strong will and a desire to do the right thing always. I am so glad that I can rely on her for anything I know she would be there for me-no matter what. Even though she is not my favorite person to work out with, their is no one that will push you harder than this maniac. I love you Cass!

She was even willing to have a baby 7 years later....Crazy? I think so. But she is still ga, ga over baby Henry.

Have I mentioned that she hiked to the top of Timp mountain 8 months pregnant?

She is not normal and I am reminded by this every time she talks me in to a "easy" walk or bike ride. It usually ends up with me in puddle of sweat two hours later vowing "never again!" I really do love the fire she has.

She is for sure the party planner in our family and the one we can all count on. I am pretty sure that the Philippines is going to kill our phone talk time because we talk about everything and nothing every day of our lives. I love you so much Cassie and am thankful that you are my sister.

Getting Comfy

Our house hosts (Mom, Linda & Cassie)  have been more than gracious this Summer. The kids are starting to rule the roost and I am thinking, "why leave?" My kids are entertained for hours on end playing with their cousins, sending boats down the ditch, taking lawn mower rides around the yard, having Grandmas wait on their every beck and call. I heard Sydney telling/commanding my Mom from the little pool in the backyard "I want this much ice and this much lemonade!" I am definitely past the point of embarrassed in fact I think I have hit the numb stage. Even though my kids have made them selves more than at home, I really appreciate all of the help and patience....even you Dad. I will not even be offended when you all throw a huge party the day after we leave. I can all ready hear my Mom shouting "FREE!" and doing a happy dance. Thanks for being so patient and cute with our kids!

Cousin lawn mower ride.

I am sure that it will thrill Trent to know that we had brownies/cookies and root-beer for breakfast! I always believe in feeding them the healthy stuff to start their day right.

Pirates!

Syd and Bens- If their is such thing as kissing cousins these two would qualify.

You know it is probably time to pack it up when your kids are digging into Grandmas flour bin. This is just one of the many surprises that Grandma Gaye has found. It pales in comparison to the lotion cream "experience" the day before.

The Real Reason it is Time to Leave...

My kids need their Daddy! and so do I Wow, we have missed him so much. Trent has been in and out this Summer, our kids think it is Christmas morning when he comes home. They usually start squealing and laughing then somehow it all ends in tears (I am not sure how or why it goes down hill?) We are so excited to be able to go with him next time. Get home Daddy!

The Old Watering Hole

Although she could be mistaken for a total red neck, Em took such pleasure in the draining  of my parent's pool (AKA-IFA feed trough-turned into a swimming pool). Watching my kids play in this pool for the past couple of months have brought back such great childhood memories. I swear we were the envy of the neighborhood. Thanks Mom and Dad for always making Summer time so much fun!

Sydney Sunshine

Sydney is our sunshine! I am so thankful for this little girl, she knows how to brighten up my mood. She is pretty sweet with Tate and Emmy, sure she has her moments of "loveliness" but she can usually snap out of those pretty quick. Tate and Emmy adore her and she knows how to make each of them happy, which means so much to a tired Momma. While we have been staying at my parents home Syd and Tate have been sharing a bed. Last night I heard Tate snap at Sydney, "YOUR TOUCHING MY PILLOW!" Syd just scooted to her side of the bed with out any words or fists thrown back at him (not always the case but I really appreciated it last night.)  She wins Emmy's vote by playing Ring Around the Rosies a few hundred times in a row, with Em shouting "AGAIN!" at the top of her lungs. What a cool big Sis.  

YES,

I am so thankful for my Sydney!

Summer Pool Parties!

Thanks Grandma Susan, for the great pool parties! It has been by far Sydney's favorite activity of the Summer and she has turned into a little fish. Our first visit, Tate was happy pretty much just circling the pool for the after noon in his life jacket, swim floaty and goggles. I am proud to say that the second round went much better and Tate did not want to get out. Emmy on the other hand, wanted in right away with no help from us or any other life saving device. I thought I was going to go in to heart failure a few times (nap times are great!)

Tatey

What can I say about our Tate? Sweet....not overly, hmmm.....Sass Mouth, Monster Boy, maybe the best name would be- Ticking Time Bomb. But through all of this I love that boy! He is still our most content and by far most conservative child. His favorite is for sure, Daddy but occasionally he will let me comfort him, I love these brief moments. I think he has been a bit lost with our Summer of transition. I can tell out of our three that this move has been the hardest on him. I am thankful for Sydney who really tries to be good to him. The other night, I was laying in bed with him and he said, "Hey, I don't have a bed?" I said "where is it?" He kind of looked confused and said "I don't know!" Man, I can not wait to see his face when we get to our new home. We love you Tater!

When we went to get our pictures done, I thought "how is this going to fly with Tate?" Who knew he would be the best?!

And my favorite.....

Fourth of FIRE!

Yikes! We really had a "Banging" Fourth of July. It will be a year to remember for a few reasons. First, It was our last Fourth of July before our big adventure to the Philippines. My emotions kind of caught me off guard.  It was the little things like seeing our flag, singing anything regarding our country, even small town parades have made me a little teary.  I am feeling border line wacky patriot this year. NO WORRIES...I did not brake out my applique, patched Fourth of July vest. Next, and maybe the most memorable part of our Fourth of July, was attending the Pleasant Grove fire work show. Imagine, a pleasant Summer evening, the excitement that comes with any major firework hoopla. You know families piled on blankets and lawn chairs, the buzz of conversations just before it goes from dust to dark and then.....The fireworks begin. You here the oohing and aah-hing over each bright, colorful explosion. The next thing I know the happy family next to us has a ginormous firework going off in their laps. Instead of shooting vertical their was a crazy sidewinder that shot off into the crowd. Of course, mass panic sets in and families start retreating to the back of the football field. Luckily, no one was seriously hurt and it will now go down as a favorite or at least memorable Fourth of July celebration. We may have a hard time getting Tate to another firework show but nothing a New Years Eve celebration in the Philippines can't cure (or, so I hear.) We also had a great picnic up the canyon with the Savages. All in all, it was a wonderful day spent with our families.

EM-alicious!

Do I love this little handful?.....YES!  Emmy truly gives "busy bee" a new meaning. She will be two in September and is definitely living up to our typical two year old standard around here. Em is our happy, happy girl who loves to tease poor Tate to the point of tears and follow Sydney any where and every where. She is by far our most affectionate child, Trent and I have races to get her out of bed in the morning for those sweet good morning squeezes that are so good! My Uncle recently took our family pictures, (thanks Uncle Patrick.) Here are a few peeks along with a few random
"Emmy at her best shots". 

We love you Em!

 

 This pretty much sums up our Emmy!  She makes us laugh and cry.
Em is a true joy to have in our family!