College Ward Talent Show

We had a college ward talent show and many people showed us some great talents. It was epic. Especially hearing from the band group, Final Warning! Oooweee! They were great. Especially that drummer boy.  This is the awesome Bishopric...from left to right, Bishop Bingham, Ryan-1st counselor, Brother Steele- ward clerk, and Brett Thomas-2nd counselor.

And here are all the students that were there that night. Such a great group of kids. It's been such a fun calling for Ryan to serve in and also for us as a family, as we get to be with them all on F.H.E every Monday night, temple on Friday nights, Sunday night ward prayers and even Saturday activities like rafting, BBQ's and service projects. Our kids are welcomed and adored by the college students and it has helped them with confidence and independence. It's been awesome and such a blessing in all our lives!

Hands On

A birthday celebration for two!

Since Madisen and Emily's birthdays are only 2 days apart, we decided to do them both together this year and it made it a lot less hassle for mom too! ;) They both decided they wanted to just invite a few friends each and go to a place called, Hands On. Where they paint their own choice of a ceramic object. Either an animal or princess or superhero. After they paint it 3 times, the shop owner cures it in an oven. The owners provide little goody bags for the kids and also brownies and ice cream. Everyone had a great time! Even Dan was visiting us that weekend and he rejoiced with us in singing and in birthday cake! :)

So glad these two cute girls were born into our family! They bring us so much joy and happiness! Kids are truly the greatest blessing Heavenly Father can give and we are so grateful that we have 4 of them!!!! Happy Birthday girls! We love you!

Emily's BIG day!

This amazing, strong, little (big) girl just turned 6! She is the best little helper and such a good listener. As soon as I say something, she does it.  If I am carrying groceries in or she can tell I need help with something, she is the first to volunteer. I love these traits about her. She is such a sweetheart and a blessing in all of our lives.  

I got to go to her classroom and pass out treats for her birthday. Her teacher, Mrs. Stanger (the best teacher ever!) is so funny and always makes the kids feel so special, not just on their birthdays, but all the time! Emily just loves her! In fact, sometimes Emily's teacher comes to the soccer fields or softball fields just to watch as many of her "kids" play as she can. Every kid deserves to have a teacher like her. And we were blessed to have her twice! With Avery and Emily.

 For Emily's birthday we got her a new bike! We are still trying to teach her how to ride without training wheels, but she'll get it soon I know it.  

We love you Emily (and Ethan) and are so grateful you both were born into our family. 

Happy Birthday Twins!!

Our soccer girl

This girl loves soccer. 

And she is super good at it too!

 I am not just saying that because I am her mom. I also never realized just how fast Avery runs until I see her out there with all the other players. 

In practice the coach had them line up on the line with their soccer balls and she made them race down the field to the other goal post and score a goal. But if you started to run before she said "Go", then you had to back up 10 feet. So Avery being kind of a jumpy kid, had 2 false starts and was 20 feet behind all the other girls. When the coach said, Go, again- all the girls sprinted as fast as they could while kicking their balls in front of them to see who could score a goal first. It was so funny to watch as Avery passed up everyone and scored the first goal! She was so proud of herself, as were we. I even heard another parent a few feet away say, "Holy cow, that kid is fast!" 

That's a huge confidence booster for her and she needs all she can get. So I don't mean to be all braggy but she just amazes me and sometimes a moms got to brag! Especially here, on MY blog, where I feel safe to do so! ;)