First Day of school!!!

Today was the first day of school and the kids (and I) were in heaven! The girls started in the school by our new home and they love it! They have darling teachers and their principal is wonderful! We couldn't be happier -- And one the first calls I made from Flag once I knew we were moving was to my good friend Jennifer Young. She and her husband run the greatest preschool in Kaysville. Both Mikelle and Aubrey went there and it seriously is the best! They had a spot for Carter and he got to go meet them today and check out the school. He ran right in and was ready for me to leave him for the day -- Too bad it was just a quick visit -- Next week we start for real and he can't wait! It was a great first day for all 3 of them!

Happy Birthday Carter!

Today is Carter's 4th Birthday! All he has talked about doing for literally 6 months is going to Chuck E Cheezes for his big day! Well, the day finally arrived! We went tonight and he was more in heaven than we even thought he'd be! Grandma and Grandpa Smith came as well as Uncle Andy, Aunt Kelly, and Jacob and Rylee. He was in heaven! He just didn't quite know how to take it all in! He got his own little crown, medal, more tokens than the kids could handle, met and hugged "THE" Chuck E Cheeze himself, and opened presents on top of that! We were all so busy and everyone had gone, we got back and realized we never pulled out his cake and sang to him! So when we got back home we pulled it out, lit the candles and sang to him -- It was a great day and a great night. The kids went swimming at the pool for a couple hours, he got to talk on skype to G&G in Zambia, and even managed to get a 2 hour nap in before we left. We sure do love this little guy -- He keeps us in stitches on a daily basis and loves life to the max! Happy 4th little buddy! We love you!

SOLD!

Well, it's been quite a day! We officially closed on our home in Flagstaff, and then went under contract officially on a home in Farmington, UT. We will close and move in there on Sept. 22nd -- What a completely crazy few months it has been! We came back to Utah on July 3rd with a home for sale in Flag, moving into corporate housing in Clearfield, staring a new job, expecting our 4th baby, and living on lots and lots of faith that all would work out. It's been one of the hardest things that we've gone through but we have seen so many blessings from it and have felt so guided! We have great people who bought our home in Flag and we just closed on it yesterday. We went back 2 weekends ago and packed it all up. We had left it furnished and so we had to go back and get it all moved. We had movers who packed us and moved us which absolutely saved our lives. We got to see Ry's sis - Gracia and Bryn and Bria and say adios to them and then the next morning Kel woke up with 103 fever and it ended up that she got strep! We haven't seen her so sick maybe ever! Our old pediatrician got her in and on meds and by the time we were ready to head out she was doin' better. We got to see and say good bye again to friends and then after all was cleaned out, packed up, and all the last minute things done it was 10 pm and we were ready to close the door one last time. We knelt as a family and had a prayer together in the front room. We all ended up in tears -- every last one of us! It was one of those bitter sweet moments I will never forget. Although we knew it was meant to be -- it was still so hard to look back on all the memories we had there and things that we'd miss - We really loved our home there, neighbors, friends, family, and clients. It's going to be a part of us forever. We got back and continued to house hunt like crazy -- We ended up putting in about 4 offers on homes and then finally found one that is a perfect fit! We are so excited and it will be just in time for the baby to come -- We're due the first week of Oct. and just pray she stays in there at least until we're unpacked!

CARTER CREEK!

Last weekend we went to Flaming Gorge with Ry's side of the family. It's a yearly tradition that we love! We weren't able to go last year because his Grandpa was very ill and we all decided to stay close by. We were all able to go up this year and had such a great time but truly missed our Grandpa Wen. Just about 15 miles from the Gorge is a creek called Carter Creek. The summer I was pregnant with Carter we passed it and thought it would make a cute pic (since we already knew we were naming him Carter) It became a tradition and we have stopped there ever since. Here are the pics from 2005-2009!

Rest of the Gorge!

Here are a few from the rest of our Flaming Gorge vacation! It was so much fun and so great to be with such a fun family! We boated, rafted, ate dutch oven, had our traditional talent show, played games, and had such a great time being together!

Little swimmers!

We officially have three little swimmers! The kids and I went to the pool again today -- Carter has been opening his eyes under water so much that his eyes were getting so red-- So we went and got them all goggles today and they love 'em! We have probably never swam so much in one summer as we have this one - Mikelle has quite the tan to prove it and they have been loving every minute!

Seven Peaks!

Every year for a big Birthday bash -- My Dad and Rosie have all their kids and grand kids come and we go to Seven Peaks for the whole day until close-- They are so sweet to foot the tab for everyone -- Meals, tubes, tickets, etc. Then they call it good for everyone's B-day! SO SMART! And so fun! We all love it and have such a great time! And again -- the kids got more swimming in to their hearts content- Thanks again so much for the great day and Happy Birthday Smiths and Palmers!

A Hawaiian Luau!

My dear buddy Trish (Aunt Trish to the kids) threw one of her "Classic Trish-like" parties for the kids -- just for fun! A Hawaiian Luau with fresh pina coladas, water fun, crafts, music, a watermelon bash, and even cracked coconuts for the kids to taste real coconut milk and eat fresh coconut- They had so much fun and oh how we have missed Aunt Trish! What would I do without her?! Being prego and hot this Summer -- I've tried but haven't been the most fun of mommies for my kids -- so thank goodness for good friends and family to take up the slack! Love ya girl!

Bountiful Rec Center

We went to the Bountiful Rec Center with our friends the Merrills. Mikelle and Amanda wanted to go to the diving boards and do some jumping off stunts! The only problem was that Kel wanted to wear a life jacket (she knows how to swim but still dosen't know that she does!) She was so sad and came to sit down by me -- Emily and I both talked to her and pumped her up and she was on her way -- She went right off and swam right to the side! I was so proud and especially happy to see her so proud of herself! So then she said, "I wanna go off the HIGH dive!!!! " I still have vivid memories as a kid -- at the very same pool, going up the high dive, walking to the end, and coming right back down the ladder --not caring that everyone in line was watching me! I didn't know what to say --but she was determined! Up she went and sure enough -- she got that panicked look on her face, but then went right off and again swam to the side!!! Another proud moment! I get to much joy out of seeing our kids do something totally out of their comfort zone, tackle their fears, and feel such pride and satisfaction in the end! It was a great day!

Happy 24th!

SO fun to be back in UT to celebrate the Utah holiday! We were able to go with cousins to the Bountiful Handcart Days parade last night and enjoyed watching the floats, sitting in the 100 degree heat, and catching lots of candy and toys that were thrown! The kids had a 2nd Halloween. Then we went across the street and ate at El Matador and enjoyed a nice Mexican meal. We went back home and crashed! We just moved units to a much quieter setting. Our upstairs neighbors in our old place liked to stay up til 2 and 3 am which didn't enable us to get to many restful nights! We all slept in this morning and it was pure heaven! Ry had to work so the kids and I ran some errands and then came back and made our traditional spray painted flag T shirts! They always love doing it and it's so much fun to see how different they all turn out from each other. They still need quite a bit of help from Mom (spray paint + apartments is not = to very good circumstances) but they planned them and put their tape and stars on where they wanted. We went out to the Handcart days booths and then to get a bite out. We topped it off by coming back, eating pie and ice cream, and sitting on our kitchen chairs on our little apt. porch laughing and being goofy. Life is definately more simple in a small space. We know it's not forever that we'll be here and so we're just trying to "enjoy the journey" and have fun no matter what! Happy 24th everyone!

BEAR LAKE!

This past weekend we went to Bear Lake with our dear friends the Petersons! They have a family cabin up in Laketown and we've been with them there a few times now and it is always so much fun! We've been best of friends for 10 years now! Crazy how time flies! Our kids are all the same ages and have so much fun together and we just love being with them! We roasted hot dogs and s'mores, watched movies, played games (Settlers of Catan is our fav!) went to the beach on Sat. and enjoyed some famous Bear Lake raspberry shakes, did dutch oven, played more games, and just had a great time! Thank you so much Petersons! We love you!!!

baby birds

We were at Aunt Trish's dropping off the dog for our Bear Lake trip and got to see the cutest thing -- a nest of baby birds! She actually has 2 nests in her yard but this one is down low and easy to see. The kids thought it was the most amazing thing and so did I! The birds just sat with their little beaks open waiting for ANYTHING to drop! They were so cute and it's seriously so amazing to see nature up close and personal when you get the chance! I told Trish if I were a bird, I'd nest in her yard too! She has one of the most beautiful yards ever!

Bay Day II

We had another fun day at Willard Bay on Wed. Kel and her buddy Savannah loved playing together and we just love going to relax and play on the beach!

Slip n' slidin' away!

My old Kaysville gals got together at Angee's for lunch on Tues. and let the kids play in the water and (as if they haven't had enough water!) They loved it and we just enjoyed being together. It is so fun to be back together again and it's just the same as always! They are truly some of the dearest friends in the world! A funny thing is how long Angee and I have known each other -- even before Kaysville -- We were buddies in MI in grad school, in the same ward, had our baby girls at the same time, and then ended up in the same ward in Kaysville not knowing it! So much fun to see Lily and Kel together now! Thanks for a fun day ladies!

Gateway

Monday the kids and I met my good buddy Kelli (we were BYU roomies) and her kids and went to lunch and then played in the fountains. Her Jake and our Carter are a year apart and look like they could be brothers -- they even had the same suit on! They had a great time and we had so much fun chatting and laughing together!

Willard Bay!

Our cousin Kerry invited the kids and I to hang with her and her friends at Willard Bay today. We had so much fun just relaxing on the beach and the kids played the whole day in the water, swam, played in the sand, chased the seagulls, and we just enjoyed watching them expell lots of energy while we got to sit and talk and enjoy great company. Anytime I get to spend with Kerry is always a blast! She is such a great part of the fam and a dear friend as well! Love ya Kerry and thanks for the fun!!!

Settling into UT

So we arrived in our new little abode in UT very late Friday night. We drove both our van and truck and the kids did very well. I think they've gotten used to the drive now that we've been doing for 2 1/2 yrs! Sat. we unpacked a bit and then went out to Grandma O's 4th of July BBQ with family. The kids swam their little hearts out and we had a great time with family that we haven't seen in a while. Sunday we went to church and then were off to my Dad's. We went to Murray Park and met the rest of my brothers and their families. We had a fun night playing, eating, and celebrating a late Father's Day for Dad.

Monday we went to see our Aunt Trish! We had so much fun just relaxing and chatting and then on Tuesday we went to Park Day and then they came over to our clubhouse swimming pool and the kids did lots more swimming. Our complex has a great pool and the kids are in heaven! They've been good little sports going from living in a home to being in a small apartment. It's been so nice though and so much more of a simple life! :)
Then Tues. night Ry and I got to attend the temple together and it was such a great feeling to be back close to the temple! It was so much fun also running into dear friends the Poveys and also one of my old mission companions and her husband! Sis. Amy Winkfield and I were comps 3 times on our mission and got to be dear freinds. We saw each other and hugged with both of our big bellies! We're both prego! It topped off the night so perfectly and the kids loved being with Grandma Rosie! Thanks again Grandma!!!

Today my sis-in law Shelli and I took the kids to the Oquirrh Temple open house. Kel and Sofia both wanted to wear their beautiful white dresses and took the whole tour hand in hand. They loved it and so did we! It is a beautiful temple and such a neat experience to be able to take your kids in with you! I LOVE TO SEE THE TEMPLE!!!

Last day -- so much we'll miss!

Well on Friday morning we woke up and finished cleaning and packing and headed out! We will miss Flagstaff a lot and our home. Summer is our favorite time in our yard and garden and all the beautiful things that are around! It's been a great home for us with lots of great memories and it will always be a part of who we are! Farewell to our Flagstaff home, friends, and family!

Things we'll miss cont.

Thursday was a crazy day of packing, cleaning, saying goodbye to friends, packing and more cleaning. One of the hugest blessings of living in Flag has been our dear friends the Mowers. They are actually from Bountiful too and have been in Flag for over 5 years. They were a HUGE part of helping us get in to the great ward, home, neighborhood, etc. We've felt like we've had family away from home having them to share so much with -- carpools, birthdays, pedicures, girl's nights out, family camping trips, play dates, and more. Nik will kill me for putting this pic up but it's just so "who she is" -- She is a wonderMom and I just love her to death! Thursday she and kiddos brought us the cutest "farewell gifts" THey gave the kids each a cute bear to hug and snuggle for when they need a little lift or miss their buddies and then a cute snack pkg. for our family -- We just love them to death and are so grateful that their family is in Btfl. too so we'll be seeing them a lot still :)

A fun day for the whole family!

Yesterday we took the kids out to our dear friend's home in Mountainaire! The Wests have been good friends from minute one here in Flag. Rhonda and I served in YW together when I first moved in and then she was released a short time later and I got to stay in with her FOUR wonderful daughters who our family just loves to death! For camp this year we had a dinner and auction. The West gals auctioned off a four hour babysitting trip with horseback riding, swimming, quads and more. Well Ry hopped on that one and we won it! We took them up on it on Tuesday and the kids had such a fun day. Then they had all of us over in the evening for a BBQ and we had such a great night! They gave us a cute hanging quote for our wall and I just love the saying. It says, "TODAY'S TEST IS TOMORROW'S TESTIMONY!" I think that will be our new theme! So true -so true! This little journey we are embarking on is so scary and so much unknown -- But we are growing (physically as well as spiritually) and know that we're being guided! Thank you West family for the fun day and night! We love you!!!